EUROPE / SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS Cefalù
Palermo and Taormina A Stay in Sicily
10 days from $5,590 Includes $250 special savings Special air rates available Sept. 28–Oct. 7, Oct. 26–Nov. 4, 2022 & Apr. 19–28, May 10–19, Sept. 6–15, Oct. 25–Nov. 3, 2023
Monreale Cathedral
At the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily reflects a fascinating blend of cultural influences—from the Greeks, Romans, Moors, and Normans to later civilizations. Explore this fascinating island during our popular two-center Cultural Stay, making excursions from the upscale Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa in Palermo and Eurostars Monte Tauro in Taormina. Highlights Include Palermo and Environs: Gaze in awe before stunning mosaics in Monreale’s cathedral and Palermo’s Palatine Chapel, which reflect a blend of Byzantine, Moorish, and Norman styles. Witness immense monuments from Greek culture at Segesta, featuring a spectacular Doric temple amid a lush landscape and a well-preserved Greek theater. In nearby Erice, explore a medieval hill town perched high above the harbor, see two medieval castles and walls that date from the Phoenicians, and marvel at the Romanesque architecture of the cathedral. Later, in the picturesque fishing village of Cefalù, visit one of Italy’s most important Romanesque cathedrals and enjoy free time.
Erice Segesta
ITALY
Palermo
Monreale
Cefalù
Sicily Agrigento
Taormina Catania
Piazza Armerina S racus
Mediterranean Sea
Overnight Featured Site
22
Taormina and Environs: Explore the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento with its exceptional collection of Greek temples, and stop at Piazza Armerina to gaze upon some of the best-preserved Roman floor mosaics at the Roman Villa of Casale. During your stay in Taormina, visit the famed Greek theater, with its commanding views of the sea and Mt. Etna, and stroll along the Corso Umberto, located just a short walk from your hotel. In the ancient Greek town of Syracuse, once a strong rival of Athens, tour the Old Town of Ortygia, including the baroque cathedral which features the columns of a previous Greek temple. You’ll also tour the extensive archaeological park, featuring a Greek theater with perfect acoustics. History and Culture: Gain insight into Sicily as a crossroads of cultures and learn about prize-winning virgin olive oil during lunch at a family farm. Enjoy traditional Sicilian cuisine, experience lively markets, and join the passeggiata (evening stroll) as you reside in Palermo and Taormina. Enjoy a day to explore Taormina at leisure. Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests. Smithsonian Journeys Experts Trudy Harrington Becker and Andrew Becker (Oct. 26)–experts in Roman history and Roman literature and culture, respectively. Gary Radke (Apr.), Rafael Chacón (Sept.), and Valerie Hedquist (Oct. 25)–art historians. Joanne Ferraro (May)–historian.
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