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Home , Erice, Marsala, San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani

SECRET ITALIA TOURS Unique Small group tours since 2008

THE PLEASURES OF WESTERN TOUR

We are delighted to feature a unique small group tours to discover the spicy Western Sicily : The Pleasures of Western Sicily. Sicily may be Italian, but the islanders are only by adoption. The greatest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily was for centuries the centre of the known world. Its geographic position made it vulnerable to attacks by foreigners, but also a meeting place of civilisations, a bridge between East and West. Sicily is an island with a unique identity and rich historical past. A melting pot of different cultures, traditions and architectural styles as well as beautiful landscapes and a coastline, which is home to some of ’s most stunning beaches. The most African of the island’s landscapes, the North West saw a cultural melting pot of Phoenicians, Greeks and Arabs settling in Sicily. Their stamp remains. Incontestably some of the island’s most charismatic ancient sites are also to be found in the West, the Greek temple and theater in , surrounded by rolling meadowland and the Phoenecian site on the island of Mozia, just off . ’s Doric columns are special too, as is the Phoenician ruin of Solunto, perched on the slopes of Montecatalfano. But be prepared for contrast. From the vibrant port town of you can take a boat across to Sicily’s captivating Egadi islands or a cable car which whisks you up into the medieval walled town of where you can almost feel that you have been transported to Tuscany. We have a real passion for western Sicily and look forward to sharing it with you!

Secret Italia, Portugal & Tours Triq Tal-Hiereb Flat 12 • L-Imsida, Malta | Via Oliveto, 32 • Gaggi (Me), Sicily 98030 TEL (0039)3389617042 • SecretItaliaTours.com

SECRET ITALIA TOURS Unique Small group tours since 2008

BEST OF WESTERN SICILY TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 : WELCOME TO Arrive in Palermo International airport and travel to the city centre for a two nights stay at our exclusive boutique which enjoys an excellent central location close to the city’s architecturally treasures. Welcome dinner is included tonight in a local restaurant.

Day 2 : PALERMO’S HIGHLIGHTS & MONREALE CATHEDRAL Breakfast in hotel. An included guided tour will help you to discover the highlights of PALERMO, the Sicilian capital. A crossroads of history, Palermo holds the distinction of being the most world’s conquered city, following conquests by the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and . We have included today a visit to the Byzantine MARTORANA CHURCH, which has some of the most impressive Norman mosaics in Palermo, the bustling open market IL CAPO located in the ancient quarter of the city, the striking PALATINE CHAPEL, an evocative chapel dating back to the 12th century with amazing mosaics and some of the rooms of the ROYAL PALACE. After an included street food experience we’ll visit the famous MASSIMO THEATER, the biggest Opera House in Italy and one of the largest of Europe. In the afternoon we head towards MONREALE, renowned for its striking Cathedral, the greatest monument of Norman Sicily. Here we’ll also experience a unique mosaic demonstration. Evening on your own in Palermo.

Day 3 : SEGESTA, ERICE, TRAPANI SALT PANS EXPERIENCE, MARSALA A wonderful journey takes you today first to visit SEGESTA, a famous Greek temple followed by a visit to the beautiful hill top town of ERICE and the salt sands capital town Trapani. The 5Th century Doric temple of Segesta is truly magnificent as it rises out of the landscape. Though never completed it is one of the best preserved examples of a Greek temple. Step back in time in Erice, with its breathtaking setting high above the , a perfectly preserved medieval town. Their root dates as far back as the Carthaginian Empire. It also boasts an impressive Castle from where to enjoy views over the Egadi Islands. Lunch is included today in a typical Sicilian restaurant near the main square in Erice. TRAPANI lies below the headland of Mount Erice and covers a land of gear natural beauty, including a coastline that has many long beaches of white sand such as the one at . In the afternoon we’ll descend to sea level to the west town of MARSALA where we’ll be staying for two nights at the unique “Hotel Carmine” or similar. Evening on your own in Marsala.

Day 4: MARSALA, FLORIO WINERY AND SELINUNTE Today we begin touring in Western Sicily with an included visit of the striking town of Marsala. The town is the most popular wine producer on the entire island. Upon arrival we take you for an orientation walk followed by a visit to the popular FLORIO winery for a wine tasting with the possibility of visiting its cellars. Following the visit, we’ll drive to SELINUNTE, where some of the most impressive and captivating ruins of the world can be seen. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

Day 5: TEMPLES & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Following breakfast, we’ll drive along the panoramic south-west coast to reach AGRIGENTO where we overnight at the lovely, family-run hotel “Baglio della Luna” or similar, located a short drive from the temples. Today we’ll view the finest of all ancient Greek sites – the complete Doric Temples. This afternoon we will experience the unique “Archaeological Museum”, one of the most important and visited archaeological museums in Sicily.

Secret Italia, Portugal & Malta Tours Triq Tal-Hiereb Flat 12 • L-Imsida, Malta | Via Oliveto, 32 • Gaggi (Me), Sicily 98030 TEL (0039)3389617042 • SecretItaliaTours.com

SECRET ITALIA TOURS Unique Small group tours since 2008

The Museum displays over 5688 artefacts that illustrate the history of the town from prehistoric times to the end of the Greek period. Dinner is on your own tonight at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

Day 6: AGRIGENTO, PIAZZA ARMERINA & ROMAN VILLA MOSAICS Today we leave for Cefalu’, travelling through the interior of Sicily to reach Piazza Armerina where we will view the ruins of the ROMAN VILLA DEL CASALE, an ancient villa decorated with the finest Roman floor mosaics in existence. The Villa was built in the first quarter of the 4th century and contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. It is one of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy. Time at leisure for lunch or shopping. This afternoon we will drive to charming fishing village of CEFALU’ for our last two nights in Sicily. This evening join the typical Sicilian “passeggiata “as only can do. Your evening is free to find the perfect place where to eat or simply the perfect cafe’ where to enjoy an aperitivo.

Day 7: DOLCE FAR NIENTE IN CEFALU’ & ARRIVEDERCI DINNER Your day is free to soak up the beauties of CEFALU’: the squares, streets and churches of this medieval town are so postcard- pretty that it’s no wonder director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso here. Most of Cefalu’s sights are found in the historic town centre around Corso Ruggero and Piazza del Duomo, where you can visit the striking Cathedral, a mosaic-adorned outpost of Norman power and one of the jewels in Sicily’s Arab-Norman crown. A Farewell dinner is included tonight in a local restaurant.

Day 8: ARRIVEDERCI Morning transfer to Palermo airport for your flight home or begin your 8 days touring the amazing island of MALTA.

Tour price: Euro 1900 Prices are per person based on double room occupancy. The tour is available on a weekly basis. It is PRIVATE and TAILOR-MADE

Secret Italia, Portugal & Malta Tours Triq Tal-Hiereb Flat 12 • L-Imsida, Malta | Via Oliveto, 32 • Gaggi (Me), Sicily 98030 TEL (0039)3389617042 • SecretItaliaTours.com

SECRET ITALIA TOURS Unique Small group tours since 2008

TOURS AND INCLUSIONS

cultural experiences: Tour of Palermo with its historical treasures & popular open markets;

s Show in Palermo

-top town of Erice and its Castle;

i,

: Staying 7 nights in charming, four stars boutique hotels: 2 nights in Palermo, 2 nights in Marsala,1 night in Agrigento and 2 nights in Cefalu’.

journey

-conditioned van

meals; All breakfasts, 2 street food experiences, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, including Welcome & Arrivederci dinner; wine tasting, (main meals include wine, mineral water, coffee and tea only) – “Hotel Centrale Palace” or similar; Marsala – “Hotel Carmine”or similar; Agrigento – “Hotel Baglio della Luna” or similar, Cefalu’- “Hotel La Plumeria” or similar (To view properties click on the hotel name).

Secret Italia, Portugal & Malta Tours Triq Tal-Hiereb Flat 12 • L-Imsida, Malta | Via Oliveto, 32 • Gaggi (Me), Sicily 98030 TEL (0039)3389617042 • SecretItaliaTours.com