Via Italia
Bring Someone You Love to Italy with Us
 
Jim Rua, Cafe Capriccio, Albany, NY -- Giorgio Orofino, Naples, Italy
 
Contact Jeanette Stanziano, Dir. of Events: JCapriccio@aol.com

We visit Taormina, Palermo, Cefalu, Selinunte and the Egadi Islands!

Join us for a fantastic Sicilian adventure this fall.  We will enjoy together the extraordinary multi-ethnic culture, cuisine and hospitality of Sicily’s capital Palermo along with one of Italy’s most romantic cities, Taormina, and the fabulous Egadi  islands, near Trapani, where Ulysses sailed in ancient times.   

Cost: $4,500 per person, double occupancy.   Includes Airfare, Four Star Hotels, Fabulous Food, Wine with Meals, all Excursions, Guides Throughout--Everything

Itinerary

Oct. 4

Depart from U.S. to Palermo, Sicily.

Oct. 5

Our guides will greet us at the airport in Palermo, from where we will be escorted to our hotel in the center of town.  We settle into our Sicilian lifestyle and begin to enjoy the pleasures of this great city.

Oct. 6

In the morning explore the fantastical city of Palermo, filled with jewels from the rich Arab, Norman, and Byzantine  cultures.  We visit the majestic Duomo, the Palatine Chapel,  glittered with spectacular mosaics, the richly decorated Church of San Giovanni, and the Piazza Pretoria with its ornate 16th century fountain.  In the afternoon we go to the hill- town of Monreale, with spectacular views over the city and the sea. The duomo is world famous for its breathtaking mosaic art and its peaceful cloister enclosed by 228 decorated columns. Lunch and dinner in characteristic local restaurants. 

Oct. 7

After breakfast we depart for the charming city of Cefalu, a medieval town featuring elaborate architectural highlights and one of the most beautiful seafronts on the northern coast.  The imposing cathedral was built by the Norman ruler Roger II in the 12th century.    Rich in cultural history and natural beauty, Cefalu is a marvelous holiday destination that retains old world ambiance without excessive tourist populations. 

Oct. 8

After breakfast we drive a short distance to Trapani, on the north western coast.  From Trapani we board a small boat for the island of Favignana, part of the Egadi Archipelago, for an overnight visit.   The Egadi islands were occupied by the Greeks, Carthaginians  and later the Romans.   Legend says that these waters are still filled with the residue of ancient life and adventure, including the adventure of Ulysses who sailed there and whose presence still permeates the surroundings.   

Our home in Favignana is the Orofino family’s fabulous resort named Approdo Ulisse, (Ulysse’s landing place).  The resort (pictured left) consists of small Moroccan style bungalows, painted brilliant white stucco, facing the sea.   Favignana is a place for rest and relaxation in an environment unspoiled by time and commercialization.  While on the island we can explore the natural setting, travel the short distance into its principal town, swim in the cool Mediterranean, bicycle around the island or simply lounge about.   Bountiful food and wine is served family style at the resort. 

Oct. 9

We  explore Favignana and will enjoy a short cruise around its sister islands, Levanzo and Marettimo. We’ll have a fisherman’s lunch and later return to our resort for dinner. 

Oct. 10

Today we cruise to Trapani from where we will drive to Agrigento, founded by the Greeks and later occupied by the Romans and the Normans.  The magnificent remains of the Greek Colony in the Valle dei Templi includes several of the finest Greek temples that exist in the modern world.  On our way to Agrigento we will visit the ruins of Selinunte, overlooking the sea, which are also among the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, consisting of eight temples with colossal Doric columns.   

Oct. 11

Following breakfast we will tour the magnificent temples in Agrigento.  In the afternoon we drive to Taormina, Sicily's most famous and beautiful resort.  Located high above the Ionian sea, at the foot of Mt. Etna's smoldering volcano, Taormino is famous for its stupendous panoramic views, smart shops, fabulous restaurants and intimate setting.

Oct. 12

Free morning in Taormina for relaxation and leisurely sight seeing. After lunch in a typical local trattoria, we enjoy a guided walking tour in search of the hidden beauties of Taormina. We visit the Roman Thermal baths, ancient churches and the imposing Greco-Roman theater.

Oct. 13

Today we visit the “Antica Casa Siciliana” of Eleonora Consoli, noted authority on Sicilian gastronomy. Our tour will include the scenic orange groves and the vineyards.  We enjoy  a delicious  luncheon of Sicilian specialties and wines.  In the evening we return to Taormina for dinner and relaxation.

Oct. 14  

Today we depart Taormina and drive across the island to Palermo for our final night in Sicily.   During our excursion we will be able to see more of the great diversity of this remarkable island with its many cultural influences.  In the evening we enjoy a final night on the town in Sicily.

Oct. 15

Arrivederci Sicilia.  We depart for the US from Palermo.    

What God said about Sicily:  Legend says that God was pleased with his creation and on the 7th day he picked up the earth and kissed it--There, where he touched his lips, that's Sicily.  Let's go together, Jim Rua

Contact Jeanette Stanziano, Director of Events,  for Information and Reservations

E-mail Jeanette: JCapriccio@aol.com
Telephone: 518-465-6822

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