The Sicilian

Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Sicilian Sights Your introduction to Palermo starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo’s highlights, including a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.

Sweet & Salty Sicily Stop at the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Enjoy some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Drive to the coastal town of Marsala, learn about one of its oldest industries with a guided visit of a Salt Mill. Later, try the famous Marsala wine during a tasting experience. (B) 99 mi / 160 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.

Timeless Temples This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Mazara del Vallo which includes a visit to the cathedral and old town. Appreciate the Arabic influence on the town when you follow a Local Guide through the alleyways of the Kasbah. Later, continue to Agrigento, location of a real cultural treasure, the UNESCO nominated Valley of the Temples. Join your Local Guide for a walk through this remarkable archaeological site to see the beautiful Greek temples. (B,D) 93 mi / 150 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in a spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.

Ancient Artistry in Sicily Travel through Central Sicily and stop in Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale, housing one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics, including the famous “Ancient Bikini Girls.” Later, continue your journey to Ragusa. (B,D) 118 mi / 190 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.

Spend your day your way in Ragusa This morning, join a Local Guide for a walking tour of Ibla, Ragusa’s historic center and admire the Baroque buildings. Visit the 19th century Giardini Iblei, and St. George’s Cathedral. Explore more of Ragusa with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Echoes of Aristocracy Feel the nostalgic allure of a historic noble residence with a visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti. The owner takes you on a personal tour, featuring the palace's elegant furnishings, frescoed ceilings, and marble floors, while sharing fascinating stories of family ancestors and traditions. Cart Art Discover one of Sicily's beloved symbols¿the Sicilian carretti (carts)¿an artistic tradition passed down through generations. Visit a workshop in Ragusa Ibla to learn how these donkey-drawn carts developed from work vehicles into vibrant works of art. Hear how this proud Sicilian tradition rolls on! Enjoy leisure time this evening. (B)

World Stages Enjoy free time in Noto, a town famed for its Baroque architecture. Walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire San Nicolò Cathedral. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers’ Cave. (B) 56 mi / 90 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.

Coastal Treasures Drive to the bustling city of Catania. After an orientation walk, enjoy free time in the main square, Piazza del Duomo, and to browse the stores along Via Etnea. Try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 75 mi / 120 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Frozen in Time This morning visit Savoca, one of the film locations for “The Godfather.” After an orientation walk enjoy a [LOCAL FAVORITE] Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli. Later, join an orientation walk in Taormina with a visit to the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore the town, stroll along stylish Corso Umberto and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 56 mi / 90 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily’s take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Catania. (B)