Archaeology and Wine of Sicily

Catania

Arrivo a Catania, la seconda città più grande della Sicilia, per godere di un piccolo giro della città. Nel pomeriggio, si parte alla volta del sud, direzione Siracusa, la città greca più importante dopo Atene e patrimonio mondiale dell'UNESCO. Siracusa, colonizzata dai Corinzi nell'800 aC, sarà la nostra base per i prossimi tre giorni. La zona più antica della città è adagiata sull'isola di Ortigia, collegato alla moderna Siracusa da uno stretto ponte. L'antica storia della città è ancora visibile in molti edifici fino ad arrivare al Tempio di Apollo del VI secolo aC. In serata, cena di benvenuto in un ristorante tradizionale che serve cibo prettamente regionale. Pernottamento per due notti nella zona storica di Siracusa.

Siracusa: passato e presente

Le nostre esplorazioni di Siracusa iniziano con l'antica zona greca di Neapolis. Qui vedremo il teatro di Siracusa, uno dei più grandi del mondo greco e ancora in uso oggi; Il grande Altare di Hieron situato in cima allo stadio e costruito per la celebrazione pubblica di sacrifici animali, ed un incredibile anfiteatro romano del II secolo. Passeggiate attraverso le latomie, grosse cave di pietra che fornivano i materiali da costruzione per la città greca e poi venivano utilizzate come prigioni per gli ateniesi sconfitti e schiavi. Da un'estremità si trova l'Orecchio di Dionisio, l'orecchio di Dionigi, una grotta con un ingresso a forma di orecchio e un'acustica inusuale. La leggenda dice che Dionisio ascoltò in cima alla cava per ascoltare ciò che gli schiavi stavano tracciando sotto. Proseguire fino al Museo Archeologico di Paolo Orsi dove la lunga storia della Sicilia si può ammirare negli artefatti scavati sotto la città e nelle vicine Catacombe di San Giovanni Evangelista del IV secolo per vedere gli affreschi precoci che decorano le pareti delle caverne sopra le antiche cripte. Passeggiate attraverso il Castello di Euryalus, creato nel 402 aC da Dionigi con l'aiuto di Archimede come protezione contro i Cartaginesi. Oggi è il miglior esempio sopravvissuto all'architettura militare greca. Cena presso un ristorante. Pernottamento in Hotel a Siracusa.

Siracusa - Noto - Ragusa

Today's tour takes us into the heart of Sicily's baroque. Devastated by the 1693 earthquake, the towns of Val di Noto rose from the ashes and were rebuilt in the 18th century with splendid monuments, churches and distinguished palaces in the Baroque style; true works of art. This southeastern region of Sicily is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin with a tour of the Palazzolo Acrèide where Baroque palaces are built on top of 7th century BC Greek structures. In the Medieval sector of the town, visit the Museum-House of Antonio Uccello dedicated to peasant life, and continue to Noto, a town famous for its beautiful architecture. Called the “Garden of Stone” for its beautiful carving, the old center is a monument to the Sicilian Baroque style. Transfer to Ragusa and overnight for one night. (B/L/D)

Ragusa, Caltagirone

The ancient city of Ragusa has two distinct sections, the lower and older town of Ragusa Ibla, and the higher and newer Ragusa Superior, and this morning we will have a walking tour of the city. Continue to Caltagirone, which has been renowned for the production of lively ceramics for more than 1,000 years. Prehistoric earthenware has been found in the surrounding hills, local potters were world famous during the Middle Ages, and today the tradition is still maintained. Here, walk up the dazzling Santa Maria del Monte Stairway, built in 1608, where each of the 142 steps is decorated with majolica tiles, and see the former Cathedral of Caltagirone at the top. Enjoy some free time to explore the many shops specializing in ceramics. Tonight will be spent at a traditional farmhouse just outside of Caltagirone where we will experience a tour of a winery before dinner.(B/L/D)

Colorful Maiolica and Mosaics and Ancient Temples

Todays' destination is Piazza Armerina to visit the baroque cathedral, crowning the terraced hills. Then it's on to the Roman Villa of Casale. After nearly 1,000 years of use, this country house was destroyed by flood in the 12th century. The mud preserved the magnificent mosaic floors throughout the villa, showing mythical figures, hunting scenes, and scantily clad maidens. Transfer to Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll between floodlit temples for a close-up view of the magnificent Valley of Temples. Overnight for two nights in Agrigento. (B/L/D)

Agrigento - Selinunte - Segesta

Today we travel to two magnificent ancient Greek cities. According to the historian Thucydides, Selinunte was built by colonists from Megàra Hyblaea in 628 BC. Named for the wild celery that still grows on the surrounding fertile plain, this was the wealthiest of Sicily’sGreek colonies. The fortified site reflects the long history of conflict between the Greek cities of the era. The city was sacked by Carthaginians led by Hannibal in 409 BC in retaliation for an attack on neighboring Segesta. We will also visit the temple at Segesta, one of the finest and best preserved in the Greek world. Continue to Erice and overnight for two nights in a charming small hotel within the walls of the medieval city. Gather this evening in a local restaurant for a delightful dinner of regional specialties. (B/L/D)

Erice

The origins of the beautiful town of Erice are steeped in myth. Perched on an enormous rock that rises steeply from the sea, it is one of the last vestiges of medieval Sicily. Surrounded by a pine forest, protected from the world by imposing ramparts and city walls, and shadowed by an impressive castle, it is surely the island’s most picturesque town. We will walk the narrow, cobbled streets to view the Museo di Erice, the 15th century Chiesa Matrice with its outstanding rose window, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its 12th century portal. In the afternoon, there will be leisure time for exploration or shopping with lunch and dinner on our own. (B)

Erice - Palermo

A short drive this morning takes us to Monreale to see the cathedral built in 1172 by order of King William II. The church’s interior is spectacularly decorated floor to ceiling with shimmering Byzantine mosaics depicting scenes from the old and new testaments. Continue to Palermo, the island’s capital, to visit the city’s archaeological museum. Popular in Sicily since the Middle Ages, marionettes are still an important part of Sicilian culture, and this evening, you will enjoy a delightful puppet show at the International Museum of the Marionettes. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight for two nights at the Centrale Palace Hotel in Palermo. (B/L/D)

Palermo

Palermo was once the Norman capital of Sicily. This morning’s walk takes us into the historic center to view the ornate Palazzo dei Normani, the royal palace built in the 11th century for the Norman King Roger II, and the royal chapel, Capella Palatina. Adorned with extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, the chapel is the finest example of Arab-Norman art in Palermo. We will see the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti, also built for King Roger II, and the cathedral where the rebuilding over the centuries depicts a carved history of the city. After lunch, the afternoon and dinner are free to explore the town. (B/L)

Transfer to Catania’s airport for your flight

Transfer to Catania’s airport for your flight.