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September 22 -October 2, 2011
Archaeology, scenic beauty and the power of nature can be experienced on the tour to Europe's most active volcanic area: Sicily and Amalfi Coast. Visit the Greek and Roman amphitheatres; walk the ancient streets of Pompeii; enjoy delicious Italian cuisine.
Photographers have a cornucopia of scenery changing each day on drives from the hotel base. Popular astronomer/photographer, Dennis Mammana, will share his expertise on the use your cameras and stargazing along the way. Local experts will offer guided walks to the volcanoes.
Sicily and Amalfi Coast tour has been expertly designed for a culture and nature experience with five nights in the exquisitely beautiful city, Taormina, and three nights on the Amalfi Coast and a private cabin on an overnight ferry to Naples.
Tour includes:
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Roundtrip airfare from Selected USA gateways
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Accommodations:
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5-nights Taormina: Continental.
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3-nights Amalfi: Santa Lucia
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1-night private cabin on overnight ferry:
Palermo - Naples
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Private cabin on overnight ferry: Palermo - Naples
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Meals: Breakfasts daily, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners with wine
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Touring by private, air conditioned motorcoach
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Professional English-speaking Tour Director throughout the tour
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Local and entrance fees
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Enrichment lectures
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All transfers
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Hotel taxes and service charges
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Hear clear audio system for guided city tours
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Professionally escorted by astronomer/photographer, Dennis Mammana
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Sightseeing as indicated including:
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Taormina: Greek/Roman Amphitheatre
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Mt. Etna
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Alcantara Gorge
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Aeolian Islands
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Straits of Messina & Stromboli
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Phlegreian Fields & Solfatara caldera
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Palermo
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Naples
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National Archaeological Museum
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Mt. Vesuvius & Ruins of Pompeii
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Amalfi Coast
ITINERARY
Thursday/Friday, September 22/September 23, 2011 —USA – Taormina, Sicily
Overnight flights across the Atlantic Ocean arrive in Sicily the following day. Upon arrival at Catania Fontana Rossa airport. Meet you tour director and transfer to the coastal city of Taormina.
Enjoy welcome refreshments; meet the group leaders and your fellow travelers in an informal gathering in the hotel dining room. Welcome Dinner at hotel. (D)
Saturday, September 24, 2011 —Taormina, Sicily
Today enjoy a guided tour of beautiful Taormina including the Greek/Roman amphitheatre. The charm of Taormina lies in wandering down the narrow medieval streets offering boutique shops and art galleries. (B)
Sunday, September 25, 2011 —Mount Etna Taormina, Sicily
Morning drive through the Sicilian countryside to explore the slopes of Mt Etna. Weather and conditions permitting, expert led walk to the edge of a side crater. Etna is typically snow capped 10 months of the year. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria. In the afternoon we explore the beautiful gorge of Alcantara created by the lava flow and take a dip in the cool water. Tonight enjoy dinner on your own in Taormina. (B,L)
Monday, September 26, 2011 —Ortigia Island Taormina, Sicily
An optional field trip to the city of Archimedes, Syracuse, is offered today. Upon arrival visit the archeological park including the Greek Theatre. Later on today visit the famous Ortigia Island. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 —Aeolian Islands Taormina, Sicily
Departure for the famous Aeolian Islands. On the way to Milazzo, drive along the Straits of Messina famous for mythological Scylla & Charybdis monsters. Visit Lipari the Capital of the Islands. Cruise from Lipari to Stromboli, the only volcano in the world that is known to have been continuously active throughout recorded history. (B,D)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 —Palermo Taormina – Amalfi Coast
Check out of the hotel and proceed to Palermo. Enjoy a guided tour of Palermo's highlights: quattrocanti where the "Four Corners" of Palermo converge at a quartet of baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule. Continuing to the Cathedral, Massimo Theatre opera house, and Piazza Politeama before a late afternoon arrival at the port to board the overnight ferry to Naples. (B)
Thursday, September 29, 2011 —Amalfi Coast
Welcome to Naples. Explore the Naples National Archaeological Museum. At the Phlegreian Fields, visit the calderas of Solfatara, site of a collapsed volcano where pools of bubbling mud indicate fissures and steam vents. Following the visit, proceed along the scenic Amalfi Coast to your Hotel Santa Lucia, 50 meters from the Sea of Minori, for three nights. (B,D)
Friday, September 30, 2011 —Amalfi Coast
This morning we start our tour at the ancient Maritime Republic of Amalfi. Here you will visit the beautiful Cathedral of St. Andrew and the old Arsenals where the galleys used to ship goods and spices to and from the Orient. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)
Saturday, October 1, 2011 —Amalfi Coast
Today explore the slope of Mount Vesuvius. At the observatory, the local expert illustrates the seismic instruments. After the ride up to the crest, it is possible to walk around the crater for those wishing to do so (weather permitting).
In the afternoon visit the archeological site of Pompeii destroyed during the 79 AD eruption. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Sunday, October 2, 2011 —Amalfi Coast - USA
Morning transfer to Naples Capodichino airport for your connecting flight home. Arrivederci Italia…or extend your stay. (B)
For
a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates
at tours@melitatrips.com
or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com
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