tiles while shopping for Sicilian ceramics. Free time. Return to our hotel for dinner. *(From November 1, 2008 the Roman Villa of Casale in Piazza Armerina will be closed for renovation, we will advise our clients of the estimated new opening date as soon as we have it). (BB D)
Day 6 (Thursday): Leonforte, Agira, Mount Etna Winery and Taormina.
A brief journey takes us to the picturesque city of Agira to visit the Synagogue whose magnificent stone portal of the Aron Hakodesh has a Hebrew inscription. A unique example of Jewish architecture, the portal opens a view into a thriving Jewish community of medieval Sicily. Driving north soon takes us from the base of Volcano Etna to her often snow-covered summit. We will visit the upper craters, by cable car (weather and volcanic conditions permitting) to experience the lava fields and incredible landscape view from Europe's highest active volcano. Next on to a winery and a farmhouse. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine, and traditionally produced local food. We will take pleasure in a typical Sicilian light lunch at the farmhouse. This afternoon, back to Taormina and free time. (BB L)
Day 7 (Friday): Taormina, Syracuse and Taormina.
Syracuse is today's feature, founded by colonists from Corinth in 735 B.C. it once competed with Athens as the greatest city of Magna Grecia. Our tour starts in what is thought to be the earliest Jewish settlement, Acradina. Next a visit the Catacombs of S. Giovanni and the Crypt of S. Marciano, who, according to legend, was killed by the Jews of the city. We will later walk through the island of Ortigia, the picturesque and fascinating original center of Syracuse and discover the narrow streets of the Giudecca (the ancient Jewish quarter). Our next destination is the site of the Synagogue and the Miqwč - a Jewish ritual bath, located 11 metres below ground level it is the most ancient ever found in Europe. Our afternoon will be spent on a guided tour of the exceptional Archaeological Park where we will explore the 5th-century BC Greek Theatre, the stone quarries, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry. Then back to Taormina. (BB)
Day 8 (Saturday): Taormina, Messina and Taormina.
A short drive north finds us in the center of Messina where we will visit its ancient Jewish quarter. First we will visit the Norman Cathedral, with its Latin inscription concerning the Jews. We will continue our discovery of the community and see the beautiful Palazzo Penso, which belonged to a Jewish family. Our final destination in Messina is the Regional Archaeological Museum; among its artistic treasures is a remnant of a Synagogue with a Hebraic inscription of inestimable linguistic value. We return to Taormina for an afternoon to visit to the Greek Theatre and its antiquarium, where Greek inscriptions reveal the Jewish presence in the city since the classic age. Lastly, we will take a walk to the site of the Jewish quarter and the mediaeval convent of S. Domenico. (BB)
Day 9 (Sunday): Taormina.
A free day to explore the town on your own or take a swim in our clear azure waters. Tonight we gather for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (BB D)
Day 10 (Monday): Taormina and Catania.
Pack up your souvenirs and your memories, time to say goodbye to Sicily as you are transferred to Catania Airport (CTA) for your return flight. (BB)
MEAL LEGEND: BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner.
Tour rates
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PRICES ARE EUR PER PERSON, IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.
Euros 5100,00 per person (based on 2 participants).
Euros 4100,00 per person (based on 3 participants).
Euros 3700,00 per person (based on 4 participants).
Euros 3500,00 per person (based on 5 participants).
Euros 3350,00 per person (based on 6 participants).
SPECIAL DEAL FOR GROUPS.
First class hotels during the tour
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Palermo: Hotel Plaza Opera.
Leonforte: Villa Gussio Nicoletti.
Taormina: Hotel Villa Angela.
Hotels may be substituted with others of similar category.
List of Hotels will be provided 20 days before departure.
