December 2013 Tours and Travel

Tours & Travel December 2013

CHRISTMAS IN ROME December 23 -26

INSIDE

Winterwonderland Cooking Class Christmas Menu Polar Express with Circumetnea!

Catania History and “Ciao” to 2013!

Information Tours & Travel

December 2013 •

Tours & Travel

ITT Gear & Go

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PICK UP & DROP OFF NAS I: CDC Parking lot. MARINAI: In front of Youth Complex.

NAS II: Flight Line Clinic.

All children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on ALL trips both ITT and ODR

1 Chiaramonte Gulfi & Olive Oil Tasting

7 Day Spa at Taormina’s Hotel Olimpo

Sat Depart: NAS II 7:30 am, Marinai 7:45 am, NAS I 8:00 am Return: 3:30 pm Cost: $180 (Includes lunch, massage and manicure/pedicure) Maximum 5 people Come with ITT to relax at Hotel Olimpo for a spa day! The hotel is located in Taormina, offering beautiful views of the Ionian Coast. Lunch will be included on this trip. Choose from either a mud or salt scrub with your one-hour massage along and an included manicure and pedicure. Lounge at the indoor pool or spend some time in the dry or steam saunas in your free time. Note: The indoor pool requires the use of a swimming cap. If you don’t have one, the spa offers them for 3 Euros each. Flip-flops are required when walking around the spa areas. Please indicate at the time of sign up if you prefer the mud or salt scrub. Feel free to check out the hotel’s website at: www.centronettuno.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Depart: NAS II 8:30 am, Marinai 8:45 am, NAS I 9:00 am Return: 6:00 pm Classic Ballet: Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Theatre Cost: $65 (Includes lunch and olive oil tasting) Visit this small and charming Sicilian town that has both medieval Sun Depart: NAS II 7:30 pm, Marinai 7:45 pm, NAS I 8:00 pm Return: 11:00 pm Cost: $60 (Includes ticket and transportation) and Baroque architectural styles and is known for its local handicrafts Sign-up by: Wednesday, December 4th (this trip is limited to 12 people; so sign up quickly!) and museums, including a World War I museum and an Olive Oil Enjoy the famous classic ballet, Swan Lake, as performed in the Metropolitan Theatre, which is located in the historic museum. Lunch will be at a local Sicilian restaurant. There will be olive oil and Sicilian salami tasting too. If you would like to purchase center of Catania. It starts at 9:00 pm. What a wonderful way to welcome the Christmas Holidays with your family! homemade olive oil, be sure to bring Euro with you because credit cards are not accepted here.

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6 Caleca Pottery in Patti

Fri Depart: NAS II 7:00 am, Marinai 7:15 am, NAS I 7:30 am Return: 3:00 pm Cost: $18 or 2 for $30 (Bring Euro for Lunch and Shopping) Need some ideas for Christmas gifts to send back home? Let ITT show you one of the most popular gifts, Sicilian pottery! Sicily is famous for its beautiful array of pottery and the town of Patti hosts Caleca, one of the more famous manufacturers. You will have the opportunity to purchase hand-painted pottery at wholesale prices! Caleca does accept credit cards.

12

Swan Lake

Cooking Class Christmas Menu (Typical Sicilian Christmas Menu)

Depart: NAS II 3:30 pm, Marinai 3:45 pm, NAS I 4:00 pm Return: 10:00 pm Cost: $65 Cooking doesn't have to difficult! Learn some new cooking tips and tricks from a great Italian teacher. Join ITT as we take you to a wonderful cooking class at the Myda School in Catania. Impress your family with an excellent Italian dinner that you will learn to cook yourself! The school provides all the needed equipment and supplies, including an apron, and a certificate of participation at the end of the course. We'll prepare a real Sicilian Christmas Menu which includes: Baccalà (cod) on a fennel and orange base, orecchiette with broccoli and ricotta cheese in a basket made of bread, Sicilian meatloaf with peas, and an orange jam crostata (tart). At the end of the lesson you will be offered a tasty dinner! *Minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 people.

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Friday, December 6

Tree Lighting & Concert 5:30 pm in Midtown Piazza

WWW.SIGMWR.COM

Saturday, December 7

Winter Wonderland

10:00 am – 1:00 pm Midtown

13 Ortigia & Saint Lucy Festival

Depart: : NAS II 10:00 am, Marinai 10:15 am, NAS I 10:30 am Return: 7:30 pm Cost: $38 (Bring additional Euro for entrance fees and lunch) Visit the historic island of Ortigia! We will see the cathedral built around a Greek structure, the Temple of Athena, and the mythological Fontana di Aretusa, a freshwater fountain that flows out of a cave towards the sea. If we time it right, we’ll get to watch the procession of Saint Lucy, the Patron Saint of Syracuse, which marks the beginning of the Christmas Festivities.

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14 Polar Express with Circumetnea!

Depart: NAS II 11:30 am, Marinai 11:45 am, NAS I 12:00 pm Return: 4:30 pm Cost: $15 (Train tickets, transportation, & hot chocolate included) Enjoy a magical Christmas adventure with your children on the Circumetnea train, which will be decorated for Christmas. If the children are good, we might even have a visit from Santa Claus himself! Hot chocolate will be served on the train. After our train-ride from Catania to Randazzo, we’ll take the bus back to Sigonella. This trip is recommended for kids of all ages; however, we’ll pay special attention to the little ones on the tour. We recommend the children wear pajamas, just like in the movie, but please bring along a pair of shoes and a jacket because we will transfer from the train onto the bus in the town of Randazzo.

Sat

ITT and ODR reserve the right to modify tour itineraries in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Sun

Model Nativity Scenes & Lunch 22 Mineo at Borgo Antico Sun

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Valley of the Temples & 28 Agrigento: Bagliesi Winery Wine Tasting

Digital Photography Class Tuesday 3rd & Thursday 5th Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Cost: $25 Ages: 8 & up Sign-up: ITT (min 6 - max 12) You live in Italy so you decided to get a new camera to capture all those amazing travels and experiences of living overseas. Wait, what are all those buttons? Join us for a basic digital photography class. Learn about manual modes, and do some hands on photography learning compositions.

Must bring your own camera.

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December 2013

Depart: NAS II 8:00 am, Marinai 8:15 am, NAS I 8:30 am Return: 3:30 pm Cost: $59 (includes lunch) Come with ITT to visit the nativity scene of Mineo, a small town located at the top of the Iblei Mountains. Mineo hosts multiple model Nativity scenes every year that are located along the narrow streets of the town. After a tour of the nativity scenes, we will stop for lunch at the Borgo Antico Agriturismo, which is an organic farm located nearby Mineo. You will have a chance to taste the new olive oil Catania Shopping by Night produced by Borgo Antico and then we’ll enjoy a big lunch. This is the Fri Depart: NAS II 4:30 pm, Marinai 4:45 pm, NAS I 5:00 pm perfect opportunity to start your holiday season the right way!

Return: 10:00 pm Cost: $8 (transportation ONLY; you must -----------------------------------------------------bring Euro for shopping and dinner) Live Nativity Scene in Grammichele Check out Catania by night, and shop during the nightly passeggiata (or stroll) when the locals are out shopping too. We’ll drop you off Thu Depart: NAS II 3:00 pm, Marinai 3:15 pm, NAS I 3:30 pm near Elephant Square where you can easily walk (and shop!) up and Return: 10:30 pm Cost: $20 or 2 for $32 (includes down Via Etnea, Catania’s main shopping street. Dine outside on one entrance fees, bring Euro for food) of the piazzas, and people watch while you enjoy a leisurely meal or a See a live nativity scene in the archeological park in the town of quick snack from a Tavola Calda. Dinner is your choice, on your own. Grammichele! After many years, this archeological park has reopened - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - and will be hosting a live nativity scene for the first time. Bring warm clothes, the night will be chilly, and we will be viewing the live Naro nativity scene outside.

Sat Depart: NAS II 7:15 am, Marinai 7:30 am, NAS I 7:45 am Return: 6:30 pm Cost: $55 (Includes entrance fees and lunch) Located in the Valley of Paradise, Naro is a town remarkable for its history and rich artistic heritage. The name, Naro, derives from the Greek word "Naron,” which means “river”. The oldest part of the city is still located on the highest part of the hill, between the Castle and the Old Cathedral. Naro was a royal city with Frederick II of Swabia, who in 1233 gave it the title of "brilliantly radiant".

We will visit several churches and a castle that hosts old collections of historical costumes. After visiting the town, we will relax in a typical Sicilian restaurant for a leisurely lunch.

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Depart: NAS II 9:00 am, Marinai 9:15 am, NAS I 9:30 am Return: 4:00 pm Cost: $18 or 2 for $30 (Bring Euro for fees and lunch) Known worldwide for its ceramics, Caltagirone is also home to some of the largest model nativity scenes in Italy. View these popular artistic model nativity scenes, and then hit the ceramic stores for some holiday shopping!

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Community Events

Tours & Travel

Nativity Scene and 15 Caltagirone Ceramics Shopping

Advanced Knitting Class Monday 9th & Wednesday11th Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Ages: 10 & up Cost: $35 (includes yarn, knitting needles, and buttons) Sign-up by: Dec. 1st - ITT (min 6 - max 10) 'Tis the season for knitting! Do you want to brush up on rusty skills or advance from the basic knit stitch? This is the class for you.

While learning advanced techniques, you'll knit a pair of darling baby slippers.

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Cooking 11 Sicilian Class- Homemade Wed

Lasagna

Time: 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm Sign-up: ITT Ages: 8 & up Cost: $35 Learn how to make homemade lasagna with bechamel sauce and Bolognese ragu!

Students will watch and then make their own. Bring your aprons!

Sat

Depart: NAS II 8:00 am, Marinai 8:15 am, NAS I 8:30 am Return: 6:00 pm Cost: $85 (Includes entrance fees, lunch & wine tasting) Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., Agrigento became one of the leading cities of the Mediterranean world. Situated on the island of Sicily, Agrigento is universally known for the spectacular Valley of Temples and the sacred area of ancient Akragas, one of the most important colonies of the Greek Empire. After the tour, we will visit the Bagliesi Winery for a wine tasting and a light meal.

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31Catania History and “Ciao” to 2013!

13 December 2013

6:30 pm doors open; 7:30 pm game time 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm autographs

High School Gym Tickets available 3 Dec at Take 5 & ITT at 11:30 am.

Limit 5 per person.

Children ages 4 and under do not need a ticket

6:30 pm doors open for ticket holders 7:00 pm doors open to public

WWW.SIGMWR.COM

Depart: NAS II 8:00 am, Marinai 8:15 am, NAS I 8:30 am Return: 4:00 pm Sign-up by: December 24th Cost: $16 (Bring Euro for food) Learn the fascinating history of this resilient town and its ability to overcome multiple disasters. Visit the cathedral, Elephant Square, the fish market and the Roman Amphitheatre. Then you’ll have enough time for a snack or the typical Sicilian fast food at a Catanian Tavola Calda. Afterwards, our tour continues along the coast of the towns: San Giovanni Li Cuti, Acicastello and Acitrezza. Weather permitting; we’ll watch the “San Silvestro a Mare”, a swimming competition in the chilly seawater that is a symbol for the inauguration of the New Year!

Tue

Holiday in the Eternal City: Dec. 23-26

Christmas in Rome

Essay and Drawing Competition!

Depart: Monday Dec 23rd Return: Thursday Dec 26th

Visit the Eternal City during the magical season of Christmas. See the highlights of Rome, including the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Coliseum, and Roman Forum. There will also be plenty of time for last minute Christmas shopping and exploring the city on your own.

Price per person: Single: $899 Double: $775 Triple/Quad: $765 Child 2-9 years sharing with 2 adults: $570 Child under 2 years of age: $50 (For families with more than 2 children please check with ITT for price and availability of rooms) Price includes: Round-trip airfare and transportation from NAS I, 3 Nights in a 3-star hotel, 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches, 2 guided tours, entrance fees to the Vatican and Coliseum, & an ITT escort for the entire trip.

Price does not include: drinks with meals, gratuities for tour guides and drivers, expenses incurred during free time, and anything else not expressly stated above. Contact ITT for full itinerary.

Outdoor Rec

Essay Topic: What is your favorite family holiday tradition and why?

Categories as follow: • Kindergarten - Grade 2: Drawing Contest (Not to exceed

11x17inch on any flat art medium) • Grades 3-5 (essay, one 1/2 sheet page) • Grades 6-8 (essay, one 1/2 sheet page) • Grades 9-12 (essay, one 1/2 sheet page)

Deadline: Dec 4th by 5 pm at Marinai Youth Complex, NAS I Library or NAS II Take 5.

The winner of each group will get a $25 gift card to the NEX and will have the opportunity to read their winning entry at the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec 6th. Winners of the drawing and essay competition will also get to assist with turning on the Holiday tree to kick off Sig's the Season! All submissions will be on display in the NEX!

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PICK UP & DROP OFF NAS I: ITT Parking Lot. All children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

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Thu

Taormina Stairs to Maddona della Rocca by Night

Depart: 4:00 pm Return: 11:00 pm Cost: $25 (Bring Euro for food and shopping) We’re off to Taormina, known for its spectacular views of Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea. Earn your dinner as we start the trip by ascending more then 600 stairs to Madonna della Rocca, perched well above Taormina proper. Then we will head to Castelmola to enjoy a well deserved dinner in a quaint mountaintop town.

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21 Bike on Mt. Etna Park

Depart: 7:00 am Return: 1:30 pm Cost: $35 with gear (bike and helmet); $25 with your own gear Burn calories to make room for Christmas Dinner by joining us for a mountain bike ride on one of our many local trails in the foothills of Mt. Etna. We provide the gear and transportation. If you wish to bring your own bike, we will transport it for you on our bike trailer. Bring plenty of water and snacks.

Sat

Riding in Motta Santa 15 Horseback Anastasia and BBQ

BELLINI OPERA

Tickets for the Bellini Theatre “Lucia di Lammermoor” by Gaetano Donizzetti Wednesday, December 4th Floor Seats: $65 per person Gallery Seats: $35 per person Depart: NAS I 4:00 pm Transportation is included.

Tickets are not refundable ---------------------------------------------------

Calcio Catania DISCOUNT SOCCER TICKETS

1 DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER

CATANIA-MILAN CATANIA-VERONA

Catania Soccer Games - Prices are variable depending on the opponent. Please check with ITT for prices. ITT offers transportation for an additional $5 per ticket. US ID card holders only . Seats are limited and tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE.

Sun

Depart: 8:30 am Return: 1:00 pm Cost: $40 (Includes: transportation, up to 2-hour Horseback riding and BBQ lunch) Let’s enjoy the beautiful views around the Motta Santa Anastasia area from horseback! Join us for an up to 2 hour trail ride led by a professional guide. Beginner to moderate riding experience is necessary for trail riding. ODR recommends: jeans, boots with up to 1/2 inch heel, and leather gloves. Maximum 4 people so sign up quickly as this trip will fill up fast! *Minimum age to participate is 8 years.

COMING SOON Snow Board Day Trips on Mt. Etna

Difficulty levels

will begin at the end of January (weather permitting). Contact ITT for more information.

Adrenaline scales

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ITT and ODR reserve the right to modify tour itineraries in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

visit our website

www.sigmwr.com

Difficulty levels A Adrenaline scales y