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Glorious art, classic Greek and Roman antiquities and
ruins, centuries-old hilltop villages, fine wine, and
great Italian food are all part of this 12-day journey
exploring both the well-known and hidden treasures of
Southern Italy and Sicily. Following a two-night stay in
Rome, see the 2,000-year-old city of Pompeii that was
frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. Your vacation
highlights include southern Italy's breathtaking Amalfi
Coast, Naples, Sorrento, the Calabria region, the
gardens of Taormina, Mt. Etna Volcano National Park,
Agrigento, and the Valley of the Temples. Your journey
ends in Palermo, with its lovely squares and an eclectic
mix of architectural styles. Sip Sicily's famous sweet,
dark wine during a wine-tasting and tour of a local
Marsala winery. Amid soft, cooling ocean breezes and
almond trees, explore the ruins of ancient temples
dedicated to Zeus and other mythological Greek gods and
goddesses in the Valley of the Temples in the coastal
city of Agrigento - one of the most important
archeological sites in the world. Stories of ancient
Roman life are told in the impressive collection of
Roman mosaics at the Villa Casale while a local expert
interprets Palermo's mix of Moorish, Norman and Spanish
architecture. You'll enjoy six nights on the island of
Sicily - known as the crossroads of civilization.
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Enjoy
exploring the beautiful island of Sicily, the
crossroads of civilization.
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Spend
a day exploring the jewel of Sicily, the historic
hill top town of Taormina.
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Watch
local artisans demonstrate the art of inlaid wood
making in Sorrento.
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History comes alive during a guided visit to the
ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
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Rome
sightseeing includes the Roman Forum, the Vatican
and the famous Colosseum.
Day 1: Overnight
Flight
Join Collette Vacations in exploring the hidden
treasures of southern Italy and Sicily. Enjoy
breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries old
hilltop villages, and wonderful cuisine. Your journey
begins with an overnight flight to Palermo.
Day 2: Arrive Palermo, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This
evening, join your fellow travelers for a special
welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring
traditional Sicilian cuisine. Today dinner is included.
Day 3: Palermo - Monreale - Agrigento
A Palermo cultural tour features the lovely squares of
Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Note
the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman and Spanish
Baroque styles that make this city special. You also see
the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the
Cathedral, which houses the Imperial Crown of Constance
of Aragon in its treasury. In the nearby town of
Monreale, visit the 12th century Cathedral with its
dazzling interior of multicolored marbles, paintings,
mosaics and cloisters. Depart Palermo for Agrigento
later this afternoon.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 4: Agrigento
Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit the
Archeological Museum, known for its extensive collection
of Greek vases and mosaics. Then, proceed to the
stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the most
important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. From ancient times to the present
day, the Valley of the Temples’ ruins, landscape flora
and colors have inspired poets, writers and painters.
Here, get an up-close view of the temples of Hercules,
June, Dioscuris, Vulcan and Olympian Zeus. Today
breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 5: Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Giardini-Naxos
Depart Agrigento today and travel to the central part of
Sicily, arriving in the town of Piazza Armerina. Here
you pay homage to the Roman past at Villa Casale, which
houses one of the most incredible collections of ancient
mosaics in the world. Later, visit Mt. Etna Volcano
National Park to see the spectacular landscapes sculpted
by nature. Arrive in Giardini Naxos, the “garden of
Sicily” and your home for the next two nights. Today
breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 6: Giardini-Naxos - Taormina - Giardini-Naxos
This morning you tour beautiful Taormina, known for its
charming atmosphere, significant monuments and flowering
gardens. Enjoy viewing the Greek Amphitheater, Corso
Umberto and the bountiful Public Gardens. Enjoy the rest
of the day at leisure to further explore this delightful
town. Today breakfast is included.
Day 7: Giardini Naxos - Amalfi Coast
Today, travel to Messina where you will take a short
ferry to Villa San Giovanni on the mainland of Italy.
Travel northward through the beautiful and unspoiled
region of Calabria and into Campania, arriving later
this afternoon on the Amalfi Coast.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 8: Amalfi Coast - Sorrento - Amalfi Coast
Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town
of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch them
demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Travel the
Amalfi Drive where stunning views exist around every
bend in the road. En route, view picturesque Positano
before arrival in Amalfi, where you have free time to
explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes. Today
breakfast is included.
Day 9: Amalfi Coast - Pompeii - Rome
Travel towards the Bay of Naples and experience the
excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount
Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original
buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. The
forms of people who died in Pompeii are evident and cast
an insight into how they lived. Later, travel to Rome,
the magnificent capital of Italy. Today breakfast is
included.
Day 10: Rome
Begin your day with an optional tour to the “Magnificent
Treasures of the Vatican Museums.” Later, enjoy a tour
of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the
Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the
Arch of Constantine. Contemporary Rome is highlighted
through the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
Tonight you will celebrate the end of your journey with
a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant. Today
breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 11: Rome - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant
memories of a wonderful vacation. Today breakfast is
included.
Stay Another Night - Add a
post night stay in Rome. Prices start at $189 per person
double.
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EXPERIENCE IT!
The Valley of the Temples |
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Travel to
the Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento,
Sicily, where you'll see some of the best
preserved ruins of ancient Greece. Among the
countryside full of blooming almond trees
are wonderful ruins of the temples that, in
the course of time, kept intact their
architectural magnificence. Ten major
temples are found in this valley. The
temples have a Doric style, with 6 majestic
columns of the front side, except for the
Temple of Olympian Zeus. The most impressive
is the Temple of Concord, built in 440 B.C.
It is nearly perfectly preserved and has
continued to be used over time. At night the
illuminated temple is a sight to behold.
Come see why the Greeks chose this site on a
cliff a few miles from the ocean. Experience
the beautiful ocean view, and the soft,
constant cool breezes. All of the temples
offer amazing views at dawn and sunset when
they display a warm golden color.
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Land Rates Per Person
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Double |
Single |
Triple |
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March
2008 - April 2009 |
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| March
1 - 6, 2008 |
$1649 |
$2049 |
$1619 |
| March
7 - April 2008 |
$1749 |
$2249 |
$1719 |
| May -
June 2008 |
$2099 |
$2649 |
$2069 |
| July -
August 2008 |
$1899 |
$2399 |
$1869 |
| Sept -
Oct 2008 |
$2149 |
$2699 |
$2119 |
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November 2008 |
$2099 |
$2649 |
$2069 |
| March
2009 |
$1999 |
$2549 |
$1969 |
| April
2009 |
$2049 |
$2549 |
$2019 |
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DEPARTURE DATES |
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March 2008 - April 2009 |
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2008: |
March
6, 13, 27; April 10, 17; May 8, 22, 29; June 12, 19,
26; July 10; August 7, 21; September 4, 11, 18;
October 4, 16, 23, 30; November 8, 15, 29 |
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2009: |
March
5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 16, 18, 23 |
11 days, 15 meals
NOTES:
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Vatican
Museums are not available Saturday afternoon and Sundays.
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Single
accommodations are limited and are available on a first
come, first served basis.
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If you have
not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to
purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled
times.
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