ITINERARY SICILY Island of Light Crossroads of Cultures

 I T I N E R A R Y SICILY Island of Light Crossroads of Cultures May 26 – June 4, 2013 w i t h a n o p t i o n a l e x t e n s i o n t h r o u g h J u n e 8 , 2 0 1 3 OVERVIEW (a 9-­‐day tour in Sicily + an optional 4-­‐night extension) MAIN ITINERARY Overnight in (hotel) May 26 Sun Depart USA May 27 Mon Arrive Palermo, Italy Palermo Grand Hotel Villa Igiea May 28 Tue PALERMO | MONREALE Palermo Grand Hotel Villa Igiea May 29 Wed Palermo: ERICE | MARSALA | SEGESTA Palermo Grand Hotel Villa Igiea May 30 Thu Palermo | CEFALU | Taormina Taormina Metropole Maison D’Hotes May 31 Fri TAORMINA Taormina Metropole Maison D’Hotes June 1 Sat Taormina | MOUNT ETNA | Siracusa Siracusa Algila Charme Hotel June 2 Sun SIRACUSA sightseeing Siracusa Algila Charme Hotel June 3 Mon SIRACUSA cooking class & at leisure Siracusa Algila Charme Hotel June 4 Tue Transfer to Catania for outbound flights OPTIONAL EXTENSION June 4 Tue Siracusa | NOTO | MODICA | RAGUSA near Ragusa Eremo della Giubiliana June 5 Wed Ragusa | CALTAGIRONE | PIAZZA ARMERINA near Ragusa Eremo della Giubiliana June 6 Thu Ragusa | AGRIGENTO Agrigento Hotel Villa Athena June 7 Fri Agrigento | SELINUNTE | Mazara del Vallo M. del Valllo Kempinksi Giardino di Constanza Hotel June 8 Sat Transfer to the Palermo airport to fly home MAP Main Itinerary in Blue | Optional Extension in Brown HIGHLIGHTS: • The finest hotels. •
Top guides, carefully vetted and extraordinarily knowledgeable. •
Fantastic Sicilian food with menus showcasing the island’s varied cuisine. •
Wine tastings at wineries in Marsala & Mount Etna. •
Enchanting Taormina —which Goethe called “a corner of paradise”— with its spectacular views of Mt Etna. •
Historic Syracuse, one of the most powerful cities of antiquity, with its archeological treasures and lovely old town. •
The picturesque towns of medieval Erice on a hilltop & beautiful Cefalu on the coast. •
Amazing mosaics at Palermo & Monreale. •
Excellently preserved Greek ruins at Segesta and Syracuse. •
Private cooking class in Syracuse. •
Special tastings of almond cookies & marzipan at a world-­‐famous pastry shop in Erice, and of honey on Mount Etna. •
A thoughtfully planned itinerary including time at leisure for “dolce farniente” (“the sweetness of doing nothing”). ON THE EXTENSION: •
Beautiful baroque architecture in the southeastern towns of Noto, Modica, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Ragusa. •
Meet artisans who make the world famous majolica ceramics in Caltagirone. •
Taste world-­‐famous chocolate in Modica. •
See the amazing mosaics of the Villa Romana de Casale by Piazza Armerina. •
Marvel at stunning seaside Greek ruins in Agrigento and Selinunte. Clockwise from top left: Mount Etna as seen from Taormina, ceiling at La Martorana in Palermo, a stroll on the island of Ortygia (Siracusa’s old town), mosaics in Monreale’s cathedral, Greek ruins at Segesta. (Also, front cover: building façade in Ortygia, the theater at Segesta) MAIN ITINERARY: May 26 Sun Depart Home Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Italy. May 27 Mon Arrive Palermo, Italy (D) Arrive Palermo and transfer to your 5-­‐star hotel on arrival. Rest and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure after the overnight flight. Gather tonight for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Palermo (Grand Hotel Villa Igiea). May 28 Tue PALERMO | MONREALE (B, L) Tour Palermo in the morning including the beautiful Norman cathedral, historic market, fountains, and public squares. Enjoy a classic Palermitano lunch at a local popular eatery (an insider’s pick). In the afternoon travel to nearby Monreale, with its beautiful panoramic views above Palermo, to see the spectacular mosaics in its cathedral, visit the Benedictine Cloister, and enjoy some independent time to explore. Remainder of the day at leisure (with recommended restaurants for dinner). Overnight in Palermo (Grand Hotel Villa Igiea). May 29 Wed From Palermo: ERICE | MARSALA | SEGESTA (B, L) Full-­‐day excursion to Erice, Marsala, and Segesta (west of Palermo), includes: Morning visit to charming Erice, a small medieval village with breathtaking views located at 2,500 ft altitude – with a visit to Maria Grammatico’s famous pastry shop for a tasting of her legendary almond cookies and marzipan (centuries-­‐old secret recipes) with local dessert wines and liqueurs. Time at leisure to shop and explore independently. Tour, wine tasting, and lunch at the acclaimed Cantine Florio winery in Marsala. th
Afternoon visit to the impressive Greek ruins at Segesta, including its majestic 5 century BC Doric-­‐style temple and the theater, with its striking view of the island. Return to Palermo for the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Palermo (Grand Hotel Villa Igiea). May 30 Thu Palermo | CEFALU | Taormina (B, L) Depart Palermo after breakfast and drive to the charming seaside town of Cefalu. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour around town followed by free time to enjoy this delightful place. After a late lunch at local restaurant in Cefalu, drive along the rugged northeastern coast of the island to lovely Taormina and check in at our beautiful boutique hotel for two nights. Overnight in Taormina (Metropole Maison D’Hotes). May 31 Fri TAORMINA (B, D) Built on a hillside with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea below, it’s no surprise that Goethe th described Taormina as a “a corner of paradise.” A popular travel destination since the 19 century, Taormina is as rich in history (the first Greek settlement in Italy) as it is in spectacular views and beauty. Take a morning tour of Toarmina with a visit highlighting the Greco-­‐Roman Theater, where the backdrop is none other than Mount Etna. The tour today is intentionally short to leave sufficient time to independently stroll the picturesque lanes and enjoy the “dolce farniente” (the sweetness of doing nothing”) in Taormina. Have the remainder of the day to rest or explore on your own. In the evening, gather for dinner at a specially chosen restaurant in town. Overnight in Taormina (Metropole Maison D’Hotes). June 1 Sat Taormina | MOUNT ETNA | Siracusa (B, L) Drive this morning to the largest active volcano in Europe, the imposing Mount Etna, which dominates the landscape on the northeastern side of the island. Take a relaxing walk on the slopes of the volcano, enjoying fantastic views and a taste of the locally-­‐produced honey. Continue to a local winery for a tour and a talk on wine production in the rich volcanic soils. The tour ends with a wine tasting followed by a delightful lunch. Continue in the afternoon to our hotel in beautiful Syracuse, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight in Syracuse (Algila Charme Hotel). June 2 Sun SIRACUSA (B, L) th
Founded in the 8 century BC by colonizing Greeks, Siracusa (Syracuse) was one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean, rivaling the dominance of Athens. Cicero once described it as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” In the morning, tour Siracusa’s archeological highlights, including its Roman amphitheater, the Paradise rock quarry/garden and the largest Greek theater in Sicily. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a walking tour around Syracuse’s delightful old town —situated on the Island of Ortygia— with its attractive lanes, the remains of the Temple of Apollo, Fountain of Aretusa, cathedral, etc. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Syracuse (Algila Charme Hotel). June 3 Mon SIRACUSA (cooking class & at leisure) (B, L, D) Get your hands dirty in a private cooking class this morning hosted by a noble lady in her private palace. Learn to cook some of the region’s delicious specialties and then enjoy them for lunch. Afterwards, enjoy a delightful final afternoon to explore beautiful Ortygia independently. Overnight in Syracuse (Algila Charme Hotel). June 4 Tue Siracusa | Catania – Fly out (B) Transfer in the morning to the Catania airport for outbound flights. Cefalu, on the northern coast of the island. TOUR COST: $5,985 per person, double occupancy Single Supplement: $1,195 Tour limited to 14 travelers. Note: PROGRAM INCLUSIONS: §
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Complete program of tours and excursions as described in the itinerary. Top hotels: 3 nights at the Grand Hotel Villa Igiea in Palermo, 2 nights at the Metropole Maison D’Hotes in Taormina, and 3 nights at the Algila Charme Hotel in Siracusa. All meals as noted in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). House wines, beer, bottled water, and soft drinks included at all lunches and dinners, plus bottled water on all excursions. Baggage handling and airport transfers in Sicily on arrival and departure. Gratuities to all guides, drivers, porters, and wait staff for group meals. Open Sky Expeditions owner Alex Ros as your personal host and Tour Leader. Excellent English-­‐speaking guides throughout. A detailed and useful Destination and Travel Information Packet –including a recommended reading list– to assist with pre-­‐
departure planning. A complimentary travel wallet and personalized travel notebook with your final documents. th
Top row: the 5 century B.C. Doric-­‐style Temple at Segesta, irresistible Sicilian cannoli sweets, a tasty pasta lunch. Bottom row: taking in the vista in Cefalu, spring flowers on the coast, behind the scenes at a family-­‐owned restaurant. NOT INCLUDED: §
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International airfare. Tourist entry visas, reciprocity fees, passport fees, and photos if required. Medical, accident, baggage, or cancellation insurance. Personal items and other expenses not specifically mentioned in the program inclusions. OPTIONAL EXTENSION IN SOUTHERN SICILY: June 4 Tue Siracusa | NOTO | MODICA | RAGUSA (B, L) Travel through the beautiful baroque towns of southeastern Sicily today. Take a morning stroll in Noto, admiring its lovely Baroque architecture. Visit beautiful Modica and enjoy a special chocolate-­‐making demonstration & tasting at a local chocolate factory. After lunch at a local restaurant, head for an afternoon visit to lovely Ragusa —a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on a wide limestone hill between two deep valleys. Check in this evening at our intimate hotel in the countryside near Ragusa, Eremo della Giubiliana. June 5 Wed Ragusa | CALTAGIRONE | PIAZZA ARMERINA | Ragusa (B, L) In morning, travel to the hilltop town of Caltagirone, world-­‐famous for its pottery, where a local artisan will show us how the region’s colorful Majolica ceramics are made. Spend some time on your own and shopping in the tiny artisan stores. After lunch, proceed to Piazza Armerina to see the stunning floor mosaics at the Roman Villa del Casale. Return to Ragusa. Overnight near Ragusa (Eremo della Giubiliana). June 6 Tue Ragusa | AGRIGENTO (B, L) Drive to Agrigento this morning, home to one of the island’s most captivating Greek ruins. th
After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the famous Valley of the Temples including the exceptionally well-­‐preserved 5 century BC Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Hera, with superb views of the Mediterranean below. Continue to the Archeological Museum, arguably the best on the island, with its impressive collection of Bronze Age & Greek artifacts. Overnight in Agrigento (Hotel Villa Athina) June 7 Wed Agrigento | SELINUNTE | Mazara del Vallo (B, L) After breakfast, depart Agrigento for the archeological site of Selinunte. Tour the site featuring Doric-­‐style Greek th
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temples and ruins dating back to the 6 and 5 centuries B.C. Enjoy lunch near Selinunte overlooking the Mediterranean. Continue to seaside Mazara del Vallo for the night. Overnight in Mazara del Vallo (Kempinsky Hotel). The cost of this extension will depend on the number of travelers interested. Please contact Open Sky Expeditions for further information: [email protected] | 800.978.8890 or +1.347.770.6736. From left to right: baroque facades in Noto, the bikinis girls mosaic in Piazza Armerina, Greek temples in Agrigento, and in Selinunte. HOTELS ON MAIN ITINERARY: GRAND HOTEL VILLA IGIEA PALERMO Palermo’s premier 5-­‐star hotel— elegant, distinguished, & brilliantly located facing the bay of Palermo. METROPOLE MAISON D’HOTES TOARMINA An amazing boutique hotel, extremely well reviewed, with spectacular views of the Strait of Messina. ALGILA ORTIGIA CHARME HOTEL SIRACUSA Siracusa’s top-­‐rated, exquisitely designed boutique hotel, on the beautiful and historic island of Ortigia. YOUR HOST AND TOUR LEADER: Alex Ros is the founder and President of Open Sky Expeditions. A Harvard graduate who speaks six languages and has traveled to over 70 countries, Alex has extensive in-­‐depth knowledge of the high-­‐end travel business. Prior to founding Open Sky, for over eight years he directed dozens of international programs for one of the world’s top operators of high-­‐caliber educational programs aboard small ships. Among Alex’s unique experiences, he has conducted reconnaissance missions to over fifteen countries in Africa alone, and has personally led hundreds of travelers on scores of international tours. Alex speaks Italian and has been leading tours to Sicily since 2003—an island that he’ll unabashedly tell you is his favorite place in the entire Mediterranean. ABOUT OPEN SKY EXPEDITIONS: Open Sky Expeditions is a boutique international tour operator specialized in expertly crafted journeys for select travelers throughout the Americas, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It is our mission to deliver unique, in-­‐depth, and meaningful travel experiences to the most discerning clients. W e have first-­‐hand and on-­‐the-­‐ground knowledge of all our travel destinations and work only with top-­‐rated providers with a proven record of outstanding performance. Excellence in tour design and implementation is our top commitment. See www.OpenSkyExpeditions.com for more information. REGISTRATION: • Please call Open Sky Expeditions at (800) 978-­‐8890 or +1 (347) 770-­‐6736 to inquire about availability. • Upon confirming availability, we will send you a one-­‐page Registration Form by email or fax that you will need to return signed along with your deposit. • A deposit of $900 per person will hold your place on the tour (payable by check or credit card). • Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure (on March 26, 2013) and is payable by check only. GENERAL INFORMATION
Responsibility: Open Sky Expeditions acts only as an agent for the independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, and other services connected with this tour. Said services are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective provider. Open Sky Expeditions and its employees, agents, representatives, and assignees accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other occurrence that might result from the negligence, defect, error or default of any company or person in the performance of said services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, cancellations, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws, or other situations of force majeure. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Open Sky Expeditions is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in any of the tours and activities arranged by Open Sky Expeditions. All travelers are responsible for purchasing their respective insurance policy(ies) to cover expenses and handle emergencies associated with the loss of luggage, personal effects and any other insurable losses associated with their trip. Payment Schedule: A deposit of $900 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour and may be paid by check or credit card and sent to the address or fax number listed on the registration form. Final payment is due 60 days before departure and is payable by check only (credit cards are not accepted for final payment). Cancellation Policy: All requests for cancellations must be made in writing. All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, travelers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines and hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received 61-­‐90 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 25% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 46-­‐60 days will be penalized 50% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 31-­‐45 days will be penalized 75% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 30 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 100% of the total program cost. These cancellation policies apply in every instance and no exceptions will be made. Refunds: Leaving a trip in progress for any reason whatsoever will not result in a refund. No refunds will be made for any part of the program in which a traveler may choose to not participate, including but not limited to hotels stays, air or land transportation, meals, tours or other sightseeing arrangements. Insurance: Travelers with Open Sky Expeditions must carry overseas medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. We strongly recommend purchase of a comprehensive policy that also includes trip cancellation insurance covering illness or accident both prior and during the program as well as coverage for baggage loss or delay. Details on all of these insurance options will be sent to you with your pre-­‐departure information materials. Please take extra care reading the section on insurance and as well as all third party insurance materials. Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change or modification at the discretion of Open Sky Expeditions. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned, but changes may still occur after the final itinerary is sent to you. By booking a reservation with Open Sky Expeditions, travelers understand that amenities, types of transport, routes, schedules, and itineraries may change without prior notice due to circumstances or events in the location due to, but not limited to, mechanical breakdowns, flight cancellations, illness, strikes, weather, political disputes, border crossing problems and other unforeseen factors. Rates: Open Sky Expeditions will do everything possible to preserve the prices listed in the original marketing materials you receive. However, between the dates these prices are published and the trip’s actual departure date, unforeseen and exceptional cost increases may occur due to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfare and transport cost increases, or others that may force Open Sky Expeditions to assess a surcharge. If that unusual occurrence were to take place, the assessed surcharge will reflect only the specific cost increase. If the increase were to exceed 10% of the original cost of the tour, you may cancel within 10 days of receiving said notification and obtain a full refund. Open Sky Expeditions 35 Journal Square, Suite 472 Jersey City, NJ 07306 www.OpenSkyExpeditions.com SICILY: Island of Light | Crossroads of Cultures Tour code: ITA1305 Open Sky Expeditions © 2013 1.800.978.8890 | +1.347.770.6736