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Thomson Destinations
Sicily
Just a couple of miles separate Sicily from mainland Italy. But this melting pot of history and heritage might as well be half way around the world. Yes, it's quintessentially Italian. But over the years the whole island, or parts of it, have been ruled by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Goths, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. And something of each has rubbed off on the architecture, attitudes and lifestyle of the Sicilians to create a wonderful patchwork of culture and customs. What's more, these independent minded people continue to borrow the best bits of the world around them, without eroding their own time-honoured traditions. So, you get lively cosmopolitan beach life in the east coast resorts, while just a few miles inland you're in a timeless rural idyll of orange groves, pine clad mountains, one-horse villages and siestas that seem to last most of the day. Travel a bit further and you'll be surprised again, coming across a magnificent Greek temple, an imposing Norman church or a Baroque town with elegant honey-coloured palazzi. To add to the diversity, Sicily also has three clusters of offshore outposts relatively close to its coastline - the Aeolian, Egadi and Pelagie islands, all of which have their own special scenic and cultural claims to fame. Last but by no means least, there's the island's biggest attraction - in more ways than one! Volcanic Mount Etna towers over Catania and Taormina, its caldera gurgling away like a giant saucepan of minestrone. Serene on the outside, bubbling under with life, it's a potent symbol of the unique Sicilian way of life.
Italy
Sardinia
You might think it's Italy's knee-high boot that's got it all - the culture, the cuisine, the countryside. And of course, you'd be right. But for a real slice of la dolce vita, you need to head to Sardinia. Marooned off Italy's west coast, it sits demurely in the Med, smug in the knowledge it doesn't even need to try to win anyone over. A long-time favourite with the international jet-set, it's always been at the cutting-edge of rustic-chic getaways. The beautiful people come here to bask on the beaches. Millionaires moor up their yachts in the marinas. And the posing crowd zip past hay-toting tractors in their Maseratis. Not only is Sardinia stylish, but it's every inch the good looking Italian, too. It's a scenic patchwork of mountains, forests and hilltop villages. And on the to-do list? Wanderlust your way through age-old ruins. Give your wardrobe the Italian job. Indulge in good food and fine wine. In terms of where to stay, the Costa Smeralda region's the VIP of the bunch. Try the upmarket seaside town of Porto Cervo where you'll be hanging out with the designer-clad crowd. If history and culture have brought you here, then Medieval Alghero's just the ticket - cue cobbled streets, trattorias and flower-festooned balconies. And if you just can't resist the pull of the angel-white sands, it's a tough toss up. In the north, Bahia Sardinia offers up turquoise seas and soft sands. And down south, in Santa Margherita di Pula, it's more of the same.
Highlights
Capri and Anacapri (from Sorrento) An extensive day on the millionaires' island, including a visit to Anacapri and the beautiful Villa San Michele and its Roman artefacts. Enjoy free time to yourself in the main piazza of Anacapri with the option to take the chairlift (extra charge & weather permitting) to the highest point of the island - Monte Solaro. Following the visit to Anacapri, head down to Capri Town for a fully-guided tour of its picturesque streets followed by time to yourself to relax, soak up the atmosphere and maybe browse around the shops and boutiques. Venice Day and Night Enjoy the best of both worlds, by visiting Venice by day and staying to see the sun go down. With canals, Gondolas, beautiful architecture, cobbled streets and ornate bridges Venice is like nowhere else. Visit St. Marks Square, the bridge of Sighs and the exquisite Rialto Bridge. Enjoy a Gondola Ride then relax with a coffee in a pavement cafe, two features of Venetian life. Relish this evening in a city so picturesque that you can't walk far without seeing something worth stopping to admire.
Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent up to Call 0871 230 2555 Calls costMobile 10p/min plus 6p set up fee from a BT landline. and other providers' charges may vary.
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