Catanina to Giardini Naxos (Taormina)

9 days,  8 Night Tour

April 28 - May 6, September 29 - October 9, 2008

Available year-round for groups.

Day 1: Depart USA for Sicily 
We depart the USA this afternoon for an overnight flight to Catania. Various meals and movies will be available in flight.

Day 2: Catania
Upon arrival you will be met by a Pilgrim Tours representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. We will enjoy a special welcome dinner as a group this evening. (D)

Day 3: Catania, Siracusa, Ragusa
After buffet breakfast, depart for Syracuse and visit the archaeological area including the famous Latomie of the Paradise and the Dyionisios "Ear". Continue to the island of Ortigia, the historical center of the city. Lunch on your own. Visit of the Cathedral and Arethuse fountain. Depart for Ragusa, where this evening will be dedicated to a fascinating visit of the historical center of Ibla and a dinner in a famous restaurant with a typical Sicilian menu. Your accommodation for the evening will be at the Hotel Mediterraneo. (B,D)

Day 4: Ragusa, Piazza, Armerina, Agrigento
After buffet breakfast, depart for Caltagirone famous center of the Sicilian ceramics production. Continue to Piazza Armerina and visit the worldwide known Villa Romano del Casale known for its well preserved mosaics. Lunch will be in a local restaurant with a special menu chosen to give you the opportunity to taste the local specialties. Depart for Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples. After dinner, we will take an unforgettable tour of the Valley of the Temples by night. Overnight in Agrigento. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Agrigento, Monreale, Palermo
After a buffet breakfast this morning we will depart for Palermo. Our first stop will be in Monreale, where we will visit the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments of the world, and the Benedictine Cloister in arab-norman style. Lunch will be on your own in Monreale. We will then continue on to visit the historical center of Palermo, one of the largest of Europe (including the Cathedral, the Palatine Chapel, the Royal Palace). Dinner will be at your hotel this evening. (B,D)

Day 6: Palermo, Segesta, Erice, Trapani, Marsala, Palermo
After buffet breakfast, depart for Segesta to admire the Temple and the Theater surrounded by a suggestive landscape. Continue to the medieval village of Erice placed on the top of a hill, and walk in its tiny and characteristic streets. Lunch on your own. We will then proceed down to Trapani to view the salt windmills still working to this date. We will return to Palermo for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 7: Palermo, Cefalu', Parco Dei Nebrodi, Giardini Naxos
After a buffet breakfast this morning we will depart for Cefalù and visit the arab-norman Cathedral. Enjoy a walk in the streets of the small village and continue to the Park of "Nebrodi". Stop at the Miraglia Forest for lunch with a typical menu including home made pasta. Continue to Cesarò, Randazzo and visit the North part of Etna park from an unusual view. Indescribable landscapes will appear under your eyes. Arrival in Giardini Naxos, dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Taormina, Giardini Naxos
After breakfast, full day at leisure in one of the most famous Mediterranean resorts. Enjoy this free day by walking in the streets of Taormina placed on a position which has inspired a lot of artists. For those who will be interested there will be a possibility of an optional excursion to the Mount Etna (till 1800 meters or ascent to 3000 meters). In the evening be ready for a farewell dinner in a famed restaurant in the center of Taormina. (B,D)

Day 9: Return to the USA 
After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our return flight to the USA.


Price:
$2429.00 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $450.00
Friday Departures: New York/Boston Chicago LAX/San Francisco

Price includes:

• Roundtrip air from JFK or Newark (many other cities available)
• 7 nights lodging at 4 star first class hotels
• Breakfast and dinner daily + 2 lunches
• Roundtrip private airport transfers
• All touring as described in itinerary
• Baggage handling at airports and hotel (one piece)

Price does not include:

• Air taxes- $150.00 currently
• Tips to driver, guides, and hotel staff
• 5 lunches
• Optional travel insurance