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| TOUR & EXCURSIONS |
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Sicily is more than just an island. Discover Sicily and discover the world. Sicily is Italy’s and Europe’s most historically cosmopolitan region having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. There is no other place on earth like Sicily, the island is a unique place full of art, archeology, history, folklore and breathtaking scenery and of course great food. Sicily is almost an nation unto itself.
Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island and with its geographical position halfway between Europe and Africa, the result is a rather unique blend of cultures that promises to entice the discerning traveler. Food is noticeably different tot he rest of Italy; spicier and with more emphasis on fruit, vegetables and fish. Greek temples and Roman amphitheatres reflect days gone by of numerous invasions which have helped to create the culturally rich island of Sicily.
Here a description of the excursions that you can enjoy during your stay in Sicily.
Wednesday, May 12 2010 (morning) - € 28,00
Saturday, May 15 2010 (afternoon) - € 28,00 |
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ALCANTARA and CASTIGLIONE DI SICILIA (half day) |
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The river Alcantara, 15 kms far from Giardini-Naxos, which received its name from the Arabs because there was a stone bridge over it, originates on the Nebrodi Mountains and is fed by a spring on the slopes of Mount Etna, just over Randazzo, and by the rivers of Castiglione and Francavilla. In times prior to the Greek colonization, the eruption of the Moio Crater, situated on the northern slope of Mount Etna, formed cape or Capo Schisò, where Naxos was later founded; in time, the river dug into the basalt flow a deep and lovely canyon. This canyon or “gola”(gorge) can be reached on foot or by elevator, and it is possible to walk along the river bed, wearing rubber boots that can be rented on the site, for a distance of roughly 150 mt.
Then you will continue towards Castiglione di Sicilia. Perched high on a hilltop in the valley of the Alcantara, this little town still preserves the charm of the medieval urban setting extending around the castle, founded by the Normans and Swabians; the fortification presents on its façades classic pointed-arch mullioned windows were taken as models for the religious and civil architecture of the surrounding area. From Piazza Ruggero di Lauria, you can observe the Neoclassical church of the Benedettine and the Norman/Moorish apse (1105) of the Chiesa Matrice (cathedral) of St. Peter. |
Wednesday, May 12 2010 (morning) - € 40,00
Saturday, May 15 2010 (afternoon) - € 40,00 |
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MESSINA ( Half day )
Discovering the Sicily’s Gate |
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You will be welcomed at your hotel by your English speaking driver/guide and boarding Deluxe minivan. We propose you a panoramic tour of Messina, the Sicily’s Gate. Its origin is very ancient and was founded by Greeks during their colonization. Unfortunately the town presents a modern aspect, because was completely destroyed in 1908 by a terrific earthquake: the plan for reconstruction designed a city with broad boulevards and strong earthquake-proof buildings. Messina has always played a critical role as a point of passage of the chief maritime traffic, between east and west and between north and south.
You will continue the panoramic tour passing through Cristo Re, from which it is possible to enjoy lovely views of the town and of the strait that separates Sicily from Calabrian coast.
Then we stop at the Cathedral square, dominated by a splendid Orion’s fountain sculptured by Montorsoli and the Cathedral’s façade with its bell tower, that is rich of animated figures moving at midday as a big musical box…We will proceed on foot towards another church, SS. Annunziata dei Catalani, that presents Moorish influence, whose construction dates back during Normans period.
Then by car you will be driven along the northern coast passing through typical fishing villages as Ganzirri, to reach one of most charming places, the mythical site of Scylla and Charybdis, the nord-east tip of Sicily, Peloro Cape, and its beautiful lakes. In front of you the Strait of Messina with its currents and undercurrents that sometimes forme some vortex. |
| Thursday, May 13 2010 |
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TAORMINA (included in the registration fee) |
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The most fashionable, picturesque and well established resort in Sicily and divided into two areas, Taormina Town and Taormina Mazzaro. The town sites majestically on the side of Mount Tauro and is fill of fascinating side streets and colorful alleyways. A bustling town filled with restaurants, bars, shops ad clubs. However Taormina still retains that Old World charm, a medieval town with its Greek theatre and beautiful architecture. The main shopping area, Corso Umberto, is full of designer shops with wonderful views and pavement cafes. A very sophisticated experience. |
| Sunday, 16 May 2010 (full day) - € 110,00 |
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Mount Etna & Winery (full day) |
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The tour will commence with a brief drive to Catania, you will reach Giarre, exit the freeway and start driving along the scenic road which winds around the slopes of the mountain passing the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana and among the fertile fields on the side of the mountain: vineyards, orchards, chestnuts, hazelnuts. The road cutting streams of solidified lava, a black wild petrified river coming from the top of the mountain, you will see the remnants of the past eruptions, last of which in October 2002. You will arrive at Mt. Etna-Crater Silvestri at about 6400 feet above sea level. Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 10,811 feet above sea level and there you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and to view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. From here you will begin your exciting ascension to the upper part of the volcano by cable car and by four wheel drive minivans. You will reach about 2900 metres (8800 feet) altitude, close to where the last crater opened up, from there you will proceed on foot for a short panoramic walk in the area of the craters. At the end of the walk board again the four wheel drive minivans for the descent to 1900 metres.
Time at leisure. Lunch in a local winery. In the early afternoon you will be driven back to the hotel. |
| Sunday, 16 May 2010 (full day) - € 85,00 |
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SYRACUSE (full day) |
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Leaving the hotel at 09.00 by coach we enter the freeway to the south, motoring between the impressive shape of Mount Etna and the blue-green Ionic sea, passing among orchards of orange and lemon trees. After about two hour you reach Syracuse
This magnificent town, one of the most important archaeological sites in Sicily, was founded by Greeks in 734 BC. Its growth was rapid and Syracuse soon became one of the most important towns in Sicily. The town fought many enemies and at last was conquered by the Romans in 212 BC. After the Romans the Arabs, the Normans and the Aragonese occupied the city. Arriving in Syracuse (11.00) you shall first visit the archaeological park: the roman amphitheatre, the Greek theatre, the rope makers’ grotto, the Dionisyus’ ear.
After this you motor (12.30) to the old city located on the small island of Ortigia
Since busses are not allowed in this area you shall leave the bus at the parking lot and will continue your visit on foot: Pancali Square, the ruins of the Apollo’s temple dating to the first quarter of the 6th century BC, Corso Matteotti, the main and most elegant shopping area, Archimede Square with the fountain of Artemide. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch continue the walking tour of the area : the Cathedral from the exterior, Fountain Aretusa, overlooking the bay, on a large terrace , is a freshwater spring where the papyri grow. After some free time for wandering around flavouring the atmosphere, shopping or enjoying a cappuccino or an icecream gathering of participants and departure from Syracuse. |
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