Sicily: Culture through the Ages

•   TAUCK EXCLUSIVE! – Dine with a Principessa at her palazzo in Palermo, built in the 14th century

Day 1: Arrive Palermo
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.
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Day 2: A rich mosaic of Norman history
Perched high above the Sicilian coast, Monreale is home to one of the most 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.
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Day 3: Temples, pastry and 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 past aristocratic homes built centuries ago and take you to a pastry workshop for a demonstration and tasting of sweets that have delighted residents for hundreds of years. Tonight, get a real feel for the good life when you are welcomed as a guest of La Principessa di Raffadali for a reception, dinner and tour of her palazzo!
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Day 4: "The Godfather" and family wines
Drive along the Yellow Roads of Sicily past olive, grape and prickly pear groves to Corleone, a name synonymous with the Mafia movie, The Godfather. Your guided visit to CIDMA, the documentation center dedicated to studying the Mafia, sheds light on the Anti-Mafia movement currently underway. Outside of town, a winery tempts with a wine tasting and a Sicilian lunch. Arrive at your Rocco Forte Hotel in Sciacca late afternoon.
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Day 5: Treasured temples and colorful ceramics
Experience a close-up look at the Tomb of Theron, Polluz and the temples of Zeus, Concord, Hercules and Castor in the Valley of Temples on a guided excursion to Agrigento. Have lunch on the “Terrace of the Gods” at the Hotel Villa Athena, where gardens blend with almond and olive trees amidst views of the surrounding temples. Then make your way up to the hill town of Caltagirone to see how beautiful Majolica pottery is handcrafted by local artisans. Dine tonight at your hotel in Ragusa.
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Day 6: Baroque gems and chocolate diversions
A World Heritage Site, the town of Modica is renowned for its Sicilian Baroque architecture – and for its chocolate sweets. Stroll through town and stop in a small pastry shop that creates this confection from a recipe handed down from the Aztecs for a tasting. Explore the UNESCO Baroque town of Noto this afternoon on a guided tour, entirely rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Journey to Siracusa this afternoon for a two-night stay.
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Day 7: Life in ancient Siracusa, then and now
Visit the morning markets in Siracusa before driving to Neapolis Archaeological Park. A guided tour includes the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman Theatre, as well as the Temple of Apollo, the Duomo and the Temple of Minerva. Lunch at a family-owned palace in Siracusa is followed by a very special tasting of the family’s wines.
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Day 8: The height of discovery at Mt. Etna
Hot-headed Mt. Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, made its debut thousands of years ago in the days of Greek mythology. You’ll have a chance to see it this morning, hopefully before the clouds roll in! Wine tasting is on the menu during lunch at the Tenutu (Murgo) winery, after which we’ll head to Taormina where your balconied hotel offers wonderful scenic views.
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Day 9: Timeless tales of Taormina
The glories of Taormina’s storied past are reflected in relics left by the Greeks and the Romans; explore the Teatro Greco on a guided excursion. Join us this evening for a cocktail reception and farewell dinner that celebrates the splendors of Sicily, Tauck Style.
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Day 10: Journey Home
Tour ends: Taormina. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the San Domenico Palace Hotel to Catania Airport for your flight home; allow three hours for flight check-in.
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Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/27/2012 - 6/6/2012	$4,990
6/7/2012 - 6/17/2012	$4,990
6/17/2012 - 6/27/2012	$4,990
9/6/2012 - 9/16/2012	$4,990
9/13/2012 - 9/23/2012	$4,990
9/16/2012 - 9/26/2012	$4,990
9/27/2012 - 10/7/2012	$4,990
10/4/2012 - 10/14/2012	$4,990
10/7/2012 - 10/17/2012	$4,990
10/18/2012 - 10/28/2012	$4,990
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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