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Tyrrhenian Sea
Erice Ferry to Mozia Island
PALERMO
Monreale Visit cloisters
Cefalu Solunto Cathedral
Ancient Sicily Ref SCS
M o n ti
N eb ro d i
Castelbuono
Randazzo
LETOJANNI
Segesta
MARSALA
Selinute Heraclea Minoa Explore the `Valley of the Temples'
km 0 75
AGRIGENTO
Taormina 3323m Greek theatre Etna Nicosia Ionian Ski lift & 4WD Enna to lava fields Sea (optional) Catania Lake Pergusa Visit Casale & Morgantina PIAZZA excavations Museums ARMERINA Amphitheatre
SYRACUSA
Ortygia Island Ragusa Medieval town
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Noto Baroque churches
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Catania via Milan; transfer Syracusa. 2 City sightseeing; drive Ortygia Island. 3 Visit Noto and Ragusa en route to Piazza Armerina. 4 Visit Villa Imperiale at Casale, and Morgantina. 5 Drive Agrigento; visit Valley of the Temples. 6 Additional exploration of Valley of the Temples; drive Heraclea Minoa; return Agrigento. 7 To Selinunte; and continue to Marsala to visit Phoenician Ship Museum. 8 Drive/ferry to Mozia; continue Erice, Segesta and Palermo. 9 City sightseeing tour; visit Monreale; return Palermo. 10 Free morning; afternoon visit to Solunto; return Palermo. 11 Free day. 12 Drive Cefalu to visit cathedral and town; continue Letojanni. 13 Drive Taormina for walking tour; excursion to Mt. Etna (optional journey to summit via ski lift/4WD for walk on lava fields); return to Letojanni. 14 Free day. 15 Transfer to Catania; fly London via Milan. Accommodation & Meals: 14nts hotel; 14 breakfasts included. See p15. Mode of Travel: Charter bus/On foot. Comment: A comprehensive circuit exploring most of Sicily's main historical sites. As there is much exploration on foot sometimes over uneven ground you should be active and bring comfortable footwear with good grip. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus Guest Lecturer, driver and local guides. Group Size: Approx. 16 to 20.
Volcanic slopes of Etna/Lisa Burchill
SICILY
and, it is said, a city containing the island's finest architectural examples of this style. Then, from Piazza Armerina, a village that takes us back to a more ancient and even more influential civilisation the Roman Empire we have plenty of time to wander the Villa Imperiale to see the famous mosaics as well as travelling on to the remains of the 6th century BC Morgantina. Beyond the Valley of the Temples Agrigento's Valley of the Temples is a testament to one of the most prosperous centres of old and we enjoy a thorough exploration before driving to the lesser-know site of Heraclea Minoa. Next the Acropolis, fortifications and town of Selinunte prove to be yet another highlight en route to the old Phoenician island-town of Mozia and the beautiful mountain settlement of Erice, where alleyways thread through dramatic stone buildings. The island's capital, Palermo, is a melting pot of historical influences and we'll explore the city's vibrant heart as well as the nearby sites of Monreale and Solunto.
Greek theatre at Taormina
ANCIENT SICILY
15 DAYS HOTELS CLASSIC SITES OF BEAUTIFUL SICILY The vine-covered hills of this beautiful island hide some of the Mediterranean's most important and impressive classical sites lovers of Greek, Roman, Norman and Baroque culture and architecture are richly rewarded as we make a leisurely circuit of this enchanting island, allowing plenty of time to explore each site in depth. All the highlights are included, from Syracusa to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, from Palermo, Monreale and Solunto to Taormina. This tour is accompanied by Guest Lecturer Roger Sharp an expert in ancient Mediterranean civilisations his knowledge and breadth of experience only serve to enhance any trip in the region he accompanies. Syracusa & Piazza Armerina After time in Syracusa, a town that once rivalled Corinth as the most important and beautiful in the Greek world, we take the road to Noto, a Baroque gem of outstanding beauty
Ref SCS
Towards Taormina Next we head east along the spectacular coast and up into the mountains on our way to Sicily's celebrated resort, Taormina. Here we visit the Greek theatre and enjoy possibly the most famous view in Sicily the snow-capped Mount Etna acting as a backdrop (often an active one, at that!) to the columned stage. The energetic can take a trip to walk on the slopes whilst a final free day allows us revisit the site or simply reflect on the sights we have seen.
DATES AND PRICES Flight Inc 15 days Sun to Sun REF:SCS
2008 deps flight land Price in £s inc only 15 Jun-29 Jun 999 849 19 Oct-02 Nov 1049 849 2009 Price in £s 14 Jun-28 Jun 1049 879 Land Only tour: 15 days - start Syracusa day 1 (Sun), end Cantania day 15 (Sun) Plus Local Payment: 200 (approx £135) payable Syracusa Single Room Option: £165* see p14 for details. These are guide prices, see p17 for details.
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Essential information about our tours see p.13-23
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