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Sicilian Experience
Trip Valid:
01/01/2007 to 31/12/2007
Duration:
9 days (ex Catania)
Highlights:
Soak up ancient Greek history in Syracuse, Experience the faded grandeur of Palermo, Visit the Valley of the Temples, Laze by the sea in Taormina, See majestic Mt Etna
Trip Code:
ZSM
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
USD $1300
*(plus local payment EUR €100)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean while exploring the rich history and fascinating culture of Sicily. Whether it's lying on sandy beaches, wandering through villages, tasting local specialties or enjoying vistas of Europe's highest volcano, this trip has Sicily well and truly covered.
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passenger feedback rating: 4.54 out of 5 how does this work?
meals included: 6 Breakfasts
transport: Train, local bus, walking
accommodation:
Simple hotels (8 nts)
Please note some accommodation is on a multishare basis and has shared facilities.
budget: Allow EUR €315 for meals not included.
departs: Departs selected Sun
Day 1 Catania
Soak up the sounds and scents of multicultural Catania with a walk through the lively market at Piazza Carlo Alberto, with its noticeable African and Middle Eastern influences.
Days 2-3 Syracuse
One of the most important cities in Ancient Greece and home to the great scholar Archimedes, Syracuse is a mecca for lovers of Greek history. Wander the ancient alleys of intriguing Ortigia, discovering the many fine examples of classical architecture. We also enjoy a performance by the 'opera dei pupi siciliani', the traditional Sicilian puppet theatre.
Day 4 Agrigento
Perched on a plateau overlooking the sea, modern Agrigento is surrounded by reminders of its ancient past. This afternoon visit the 11th century Chiesa di Santa Maria, built on the former site of a Greek temple.
Days 5-6 Palermo
Our day begins with a visit to the Valley of the Temples, an ancient city with buildings dating back to the 6th century BC. Later, we travel by train to Palermo, Sicily's energetic capital. Featuring a vibrant mix of African, Arabic and Mediterranean cultures, Palermo is home to some of Italy's best cuisine.
Days 7-8 Taormina
Touted as Sicily's ultimate holiday paradise, Taormina is best experienced on foot. Admire views of Mount Etna from Sicily's second largest Greek Theatre, ascend to the hillside town of Castelmola and amble down to Lido Mazzaro to experience a bit of beach culture, Sicilian-style.
Day 9 Catania
The ancient Greeks believed the smouldering volcano Mount Etna, standing at 3323 metres, to be the realm of gods and the cyclops. Enjoy fine views of the mountain on the return drive to Catania.
We're sorry, there are no scheduled departures for this trip at this time.
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On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
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Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
Our group, with three members, was virtually a private tour; fabulous! When Diane discovered we all enjoyed food and wine, we added the gourmet experience and learned more about Sicilian food and wine than we would have dared to dream. With her encouragement,we all spoke more Italian, became aware of the culture and exercised our 'grey cells' as well as our bodies. Diane was/is an excellent leader, well-informed and wiht a passion for her work and Sicily. We laughed often, were well cared for and had a truly memorable visit. I plan to visit Indo-china in 2008 and dream of having a leader of her calibre!
Sheridan Coooper
wonderful trip great tour leader would recommend
Carlos D'abrera
Never again!
Barbara Prevel
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