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 9 Day Splendid Sicily (APR THRU OCT 2012)
There's no place on earth like Sicily. A true melting pot of cultures, you'll see Greek and Asian influences in the exotic architecture, unique cuisine and faces of her people. If you happen to be of Sicilian heritage, you'll be surprised by how the "old country" has very much joined the 21st century while retaining its special charm. Great Hotels. Centrally-located, First-Class hotels. Smaller Groups. 20-to-40 guests per tour. More Legroom. Deluxe, state-of-the-art motorcoaches with EXTRA legroom. Airport Transfers. Arrival and departure transfers in Italy. Buffet Breakfast Daily. A very hearty start to each day! 5 Dinners & 1 Lunch. Including pasta or soup, choice of entrees, vegetable, salad, dessert, coffee, wine, mineral water, beer or soft drink. 2 Wine Tastings. Vineyard tours and wine tastings. Wireless Headsets to hear your guide clearly and distinctly in public places. 1 Tote Bag Per Person, baggage tags and travel documents included. Baggage Handling. Never touch your bag! (except at airports). Hotel Taxes, Hotel Service Charges and All Tips for hotel and restaurant personnel. Professional Tour Directors and licensed local guides. |
| Details | | Perillo Tours | | Offer valid through 10/1/2012 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Depart USA | Boarding our overnight flight, we're off on our Sicilian adventure. Buon viaggio! | | Day 2 | Palermo | Benvenuti a Palermo! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Palermo airport to your hotel at scheduled times. A Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you. Relax this afternoon, or take a stroll around the neighborhood. This evening we enjoy dinner and the first of many local wines to be sampled in the days ahead. D | | Day 3 | Palermo | This morning we explore Palermo, the fascinating capital city. We'll visit the Royal Palace which General George Patton turned into his headquarters in 1943. We'll also take in the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel, the Palermo Cathedral, the great Norman Cathedral of Monreale and other highlights of the city. This afternoon and evening are on your own for free time, shopping or explorations. Ask your guide for dining suggestions this evening. BB | | Day 4 | Palermo | This morning's drive passes the salt pans of Trapani and the beautiful Island of Mozia. We soon arrive in Marsala, where Englishman John Woodhouse introduced the famous fortified wine in 1796. We'll have a chance to visit a wine cellar and enjoy a taste of the thick, dark wine. This afternoon we visit the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Selinus - an acropolis of majestic temples overlooking the sea. Tonight we'll enjoy dinner out with local wines and our new friends. BB, D | | Day 5 | Taormina | We bid farewell to Palermo this morning, with stunning Taormina in our sights. On the way, we'll stop off for a fascinating visit to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. The elaborate villa, owned by a Roman aristocrat from the 4th Century, is famous for its intricate mosaics. And who said the Bikini was invented in St. Tropez in the 1950s? You'll see positive proof that the Romans invented it centuries ago! Many have proclaimed Taormina to be the most beautiful place on earth. Now you can decide for yourself. After an exciting and educational day, a delicious, relaxing dinner is served in our hotel with fine local wines. BB, D | | Day 6 | Taormina | After this morning's leisurely tour, you'll know why Taormina is known as the "Jewel of Italy." Its winding streets and secluded gardens are truly enchanting. The snow covered volcano, Mt. Etna, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the well-preserved Greek and Roman outdoor theater. This afternoon is all yours! Why not stroll the medieval streets lined with interesting little shops, take a dip in the water, or just relax. Tonight, we enjoy dinner and great Sicilian wines at a charming local restaurant. BB, D | | Day 7 | Taormina | This morning we meet one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mt. Etna is in an almost constant state of eruption. Don't worry, we'll keep a safe distance! The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, orchards and vineyards. So let's visit a local winery for a tour, a tasting and a light lunch! Tonight you can enjoy dinner on your own. Have you tried "pesce spada" yet? Swordfish is Sicily's favorite seafood. BB, L | | Day 8 | Taormina | This morning we motor south to Noto, a "World Heritage Site." Noto is also known as Sicily's "Baroque City" because it consists entirely of palaces, churches and houses in the Baroque style. This afternoon we'll visit Sicily's most important Greek city of antiquity - Siracusa. Archimedes, the Greek mathematician, was slain here by the Romans. Plato taught here! The archaeological garden is peppered with attractions: the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the "Ear of Dionysus." But what an ear! Nearly 200 feet long, you can enter the inner chamber of the "ear" where tearing a piece of paper sounds like a gun shot. A forerunner to modern day "bugging" - the tyrant Dionysus eavesdropped on prisoners in the "ear." Tonight is our last dinner out together. No tears. You'll exchange e-mails with your new friends and make plans for the future. How about we all meet again on a Perillo Tour to Hawaii! BB, D | | Day 9 | Depart from Catania to USA | This morning we board our flight home, but we realize we're taking a little piece of Italy back with us. Thanks for traveling with the Perillo family, and please return soon. BB |
| | Note: Please be advised that circumstances may change the day and/or sequence of scheduled activities, as well as the substitution of hotels, events, shows, sightseeing, itinerary, restaurants, hosts, etc. B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner |
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