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SICILY: ISLAND IN A SEA OF LIGHT
Overview | Itinerary: West | Itinerary: East
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"Without seeing Sicily it is impossible to understand Italy. Sicily is the key to everything."—Johann Wolfgang Goethe, from "A Journey to Italy" (1787)
PROGRAM 2007
There are two separate trips scheduled for 2007. The Sicily: Island in a Sea of Light West tour in the spring will feature the western half of the island, while the Sicily: Island in a Sea of Light East tour in the autumn will cover the eastern side of Sicily.
OVERVIEW
At the center of the Mediterranean, but on the edge of Europe, Sicily is a unique and distinct entity from the rest of Italy. Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Aragonese conquerors have transformed the landscape, and Sicily's diverse history has left it with an abundance of archaeological remains.
Known in antiquity as Trinakria, which literally means "three-pointed" (from the Greek tréis àkral), the island of Sicily held a deep fascination for ancient civilizations. Exploring Sicily, modern visitors will quickly understand why the island was held in such awe in ancient times. Sicily formed a significant portion of the Greek empire, was strategically vital to Rome, and was invaded in succession by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French Spanish, and Bourbons, before unifying with Italy. Each conquest left its mark, to create a palimpsest of cultures on the island.
The warm, sunny climate makes its fertile lowlands areas ideal for growing wheat and fruit, while the blue waters that lie around the coast are crystal-clear. The inland hills, green in spring and burnt brown in summer, the heat, the scents and colors of the local produce, the active volcanoes, and the beauty of its impressive monuments all contribute to the charm of this delightful Mediterranean island.
Guests on the Sicily: Island in a Sea of Light tours will be introduced to many of the island's spectacular Greek ruins as well as its rugged coastline. Day trips include a visit to see the splendid medieval town of Cefalù as well as the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento, an excursion to see the evocative Mt. Etna volcano, a guided tour to view the beautiful mosaics at the famous Villa Romana del Casale, and an outing to several of the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto region in southeastern Sicily. Sicilian cuisine, one of Italy's most varied, will form an integral part of each day's activities, and guests will have the opportunity to savor both traditional fare as well as recipes updated for the 21st-century.
During the tour many facets of Sicily's rich cultural heritage will be revealed in the style and design of ancient amphitheaters, breathtaking cathedrals, intricate mosaics, baroque palaces, and dramatic churches. And there will be ample leisure time during the 10-day sojourn for ambling through the streets of charming villages; for capturing moments on camera; and for taking an aperitivo with the locals.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS—Sicily: Island in a Sea of Light West
Tour the charming medieval town of Erice and see the Norman castle impressively sited on a sheer cliff face
Travel to the Via del Sale to tour the historic saltworks, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced
Marvel at the temple at Segesta, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved examples of Doric architecture
Tour the ruins of ancient Selinunte, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe and one of the largest Greek temples in the world
Explore Agrigento's Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples), a UNESCO World Heritage site
Sample the region's wines at top local wineries
Enjoy guided tours of Palermo, Sicily's bustling capital, and the magnificent mosaics of Monreale
Take an excursion to the splendid medieval town of Cefalù , built on the site of an ancient Sicanian and Greek settlement.
Visit a traditional puppet theater where four generations of artisans have worked to produce shows based on the popular picaresque stories of chivalry
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS—Sicily: Island in a Sea of Light East
Visit the archeological park in Siracusa, site of the amazing Greek Theater and other classical monuments
Savor a delicious tasting menu dinner in the historic center of Ortigia
Travel to Buscemi, a living history museum depicting life in the early 1800's
Travel to several of the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto region (southeastern Sicily), which collectively are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Marvel at the well-preserved Roman mosaics at the Villa del Casale
Experience the incredible views and the lava fields of Mt. Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano
Sample the DOC wines and food delicacies at a winery located at the base of Mt. Etna
Spend three nights in the spectacular resort town of Taormina
Take a boat ride in the bay of Mazzaro, which is riddled with caves and rocky grottoes, and see the idyllic island of Isola Bella
TOUR MANAGER
Michael San Filippo, the founder and director of Cantalupo Tours To Italy, will also accompany guests on the Sicily: Island in a Sea of Light tours. He is the author of Everything Learning Italian as well as co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Italian History and Culture, Michael is also founder and editor of About Italian Language, the leading online destination for Italian language.
Michael, a New Yorker of Sicilian heritage, studied in Italy as a graduate student and currently conducts private tutoring in Italian for students of all levels and abilities. With a Master of Arts degree in Italian Studies from the Middlebury College Italian School Abroad program, he has a thorough knowledge of all things Italian including Italian culture, history, and Italian wine and cooking. Having traveled throughout il bel paese, Michael is dedicated to sharing his passion and enthusiasm for Italy with fellow travelers and providing an unparalleled travel experience in Italy.
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