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SICILY: CULTURE THROUGH THE AGES


Iconic sites fit for the gods... and mankind... await in Agrigento and the pottery town of Caltagirone Irresistible charms of Sicily


Discover why Sicily has been fought over since the Middle Ages. The island’s early conquerors, Normans, Greeks and Romans among them, built cliff-top fortresses, palazzos and cathedrals glittering inside and out with riches; see the views and treasured interiors today and you’ll know why no one was eager to relinquish their post. The land’s temperate climate proved ripe for growing grape-lush vineyards, still a favorite island bounty as you are apt to agree at Tauck’s private tastings. The Spanish and Italians brought with them recipes for the sweet life in chocolates, pastries, porcelain and more, all waiting to delight you when you experience them with Tauck.


1. ARRIVE PALERMO Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Grand Hotel Wagner. A transfer is included from Palermo’s Airport to the Grand Hotel Wagner; a jewel in the crown of luxurious Sicilian hotels, it is ideally located in the heart of the city. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner in a local restaurant. Meals D


2. MOSAIC OF NORMAN HISTORY Perched high above the Sicilian coast, Monreale is home to one of the most


12 Erice Segesta Sciacca Agrigento Siracusa Ragusa Modica Maximum Elevation: 6,233 ft. Noto MEDITERRANEAN SEA Palermo Monreale Corleone SICILY Caltagirone ITALY Mt. Etna Taormina Catania


celebrated medieval wonders of the world, the Norman Cathedral, boasting treasures inside and out. Guided visits view golden story-telling mosaics that chronicle Sicily’s Norman history and sculpted bronze doors depicting Biblical lore, including the Benedictine cloister courtyard with hundreds of ornately carved columns. Sightseeing continues to impress back in Palermo where you’ll see the triumphal Porto Nuova, the Norman Palazzo Real and the 16th-century Fontana Pretoria.


Your day ends with a guided visit to the Capella Palatina at the Royal Palace where more riches astound. Meals BL


3. SEGESTA & A PALACE DINNER Once you see it, you won’t wonder why the Greeks chose Segesta as the site of their Doric temple, which still today is one of the most majestic sights in all of Italy. The views are truly astounding! After your morning visit, head down to the coast to medieval Erice; winding streets meander


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