JULY 17, 2021 ATLAS ASHORE – LAND EXCURSIONS 11-NIGHTTO BOOK YOUR ATLAS ASHORENAVIGATING LAND EXCURSIONS, CALL OUR GREEK VOYAGE SPECIALISTS WONDERS AT 1.844.44.ATLAS (28527) ACTIVITY LEVEL: MILD ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVITY LEVEL: VIGOROUS ADVENTURES FOR EVERY KIND OF TRAVELER Every luxe-adventure voyage offers you the chance to find your adventure, whether it’s a vigorous challenge that makes you feel triumphant or a cultural immersion that stokes your imagination. Prep for your 2021 vacation and start making plans to explore your destinations in depth. NOTO (SYRACUSE), SICILY, ITALY NTO501: WWII BATTLE SITES AND TREKKING IN PLEMMIRIO NATURAL RESERVE - JULY 18, 2021 | $399PP 10 HOURS | MEALS: LUNCH Delve into the history of the Anglo-American disembarkation in Sicily in July 1943 that began the defeat of the Nazi-fascist occupation in Italy and in Europe. Return to the poignant sites where Operation Husky took place, follow the military routes used by the Allied forces and visit some of the towns directly impacted during the operation. Begin your day with an invigorating trek in the Nature Reserve of Plemmirio. Established in 2005, it is a breathtaking promontory that plunges into the deep blue of the Ionian Sea and was captured in prose by the poet Virgilio in his Aeneid. Breathe in the refreshing sea air as you walk amongst a variety of plants growing in the rocks and then find yourself in a vast stretch of Mediterranean scrubland populated with a wealth of dwarf palms. It is in this area that you will also come upon an area that was used as a bunker and military outpost during WWII. Later, in Ortigia, you’ll visit an area used as a bomb shelter by the local residents before pausing to enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the Syracuse War Cemetery where the majority of those buried here died during the beach landings or in the early stages of the campaign. Numerous graves belong to the men of the airborne division that attempted glider landings west of the town but were met with gale force winds that blew them into the sea or off-course from their planned landing sites. The campaign in Sicily finally came to an end in August, when the two Allied forces came together at Messina. Your day of exploration comes to a close with a panoramic coastal drive back to the port that includes photo stops at some of the Allied forces landing areas. Special Note: This tour includes a considerable amount of moderate walking that includes natural and uneven surfaces. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and not considered suitable for those with walking difficulties. Participants should be in good physical condition. We recommend wearing weather appropriate comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. NTO302: NOTO: THE BAROQUE JEWEL OF SICILY AND UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE - JULY 18, 2021 | $99PP 3.5 HOURS | MEALS: NONE This tour makes for a perfect introduction to the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Noto that showcases some of the best examples Sicilian Baroque architecture on the island. Drive approximately 45 minutes from the pier to Noto, passing through charming villages and almond groves. The second largest town in the Syracuse province, its origins date back the fifth century B.C. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, it was rebuilt according to the architectural theories of the 18th century and is built on terraces which are connected by numerous flights of steps. Leaving your coach behind, walk to the Public Gardens where you can admire the busts of the artists who contributed to the city’s urban culture and style. Continuing your walking tour of the town, see the 18th century Cathedral that was lovingly restored after having experienced damage during a 1990 earthquake, the churches of St. Domenico and St. Charles, the Ducezio Palace and the Villadorata Palace. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the organization has provided financial support for the reconstruction of several monuments in Noto. Following your guided walking tour, have some free time to do a little exploring on your own before rejoining your coach and transferring back to the pier. Special Note: This tour includes approximately 90 minutes of moderate walking/standing that may include steps and uneven surfaces, plus any additional discretionary walking during free time. The tour is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests or those with walking difficulties. Participants should be in reasonably good physical condition. We recommend wearing weather appropriate comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Shoulders and legs must be covered when entering religious sites. TO BOOK YOUR ATLAS ASHORE LAND EXCURSIONS, CALL OUR VOYAGE SPECIALISTS AT 1.844.44.ATLAS (28527) ACTIVITY LEVEL: MILD ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVITY LEVEL: VIGOROUS NTO303: SICILY’S ANCIENT TREASURES: LANDMARK ANCIENT RUINS AND HISTORIC ORTIGIA - JULY 18, 2021 | $89PP 4 HOURS | MEALS: NONE The ancient treasures and picturesque beauty of Sicily come to life during this memorable visit to Syracuse and Ortigia’s Old Town. Start first with a visit to the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus, once used for contests between gladiators and wild animals and then continue on to visit the Altar of Hieron, the Latomie of Paradise Caverns that were used as prisons, the Ear of Dionysius grotto, and the fifth Century B.C. Greek Theater. Following this, drive to Ortigia for a walking tour of the old town, seeing the Piazza Pancali (the ruins of the 6th Century B.C. Apollo Temple), Corso Matteotti, Archimede Square, Piazza Duomo and several 15th-and-16th-century palaces used by the nobility of the time. A visit to the Baroque Cathedral which was built over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva, showcases twelve undamaged Doric columns and a treasured painting of Antonello da Messina. Following some time at leisure to further explore on your own, you will walk back to the pier. Special Note: This tour includes approximately three hours of moderate walking/standing that may include steps and uneven surfaces. The tour is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests or those with walking difficulties. Participants should be in good physical condition. We recommend wearing weather appropriate comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a sun cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Shoulders and legs must be covered when entering religious sites. NTO304: WALKING TOUR OF RAGUSA - A TOWN WITH TWO FACES - JULY 18, 2021 | $89PP 5 HOURS | MEALS: NONE Spend a day visiting the marvelous Baroque town of Ragusa which is actually split into two towns, Ragusa Ibla – the Old Town, and Ragusa Superiore. Ragusa Ibla is the hub from which the city developed and is situated on a hill that rises approximately 1,300 feet above sea level. Your walking tour of the city includes highlights such as St. George’s Portal, the 19th-century Giardino Ibleo Garden, the 14th-century church of St. James the Apostle and the impressive Cathedral of St. George. The Cathedral’s striking Baroque façade and bell tower were built between 1706 and 1760 B.C. and stand on a wide terrace that overlooks the central Piazza San Giovanni. Following your walking tour, enjoy some free time to further explore on your own and grab a light snack before transferring back to the pier. Special Note: This tour includes approximately 90 minutes of moderate walking/standing that may include steps and uneven surfaces, plus any additional discretionary walking during free time. The tour is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests or those with walking difficulties. Participants should be in good physical condition. We recommend wearing weather appropriate comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a sun cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Shoulders and legs must be covered when entering religious sites. TO BOOK YOUR ATLAS ASHORE LAND EXCURSIONS, CALL OUR VOYAGE SPECIALISTS AT 1.844.44.ATLAS (28527) ACTIVITY LEVEL: MILD ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVITY LEVEL: VIGOROUS NTO305: NOTO’S PREMIER HIGHLIGHTS AND THE INCREDIBLE NEAPOLIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE - JULY 18, 2021 | $189PP 8 HOURS | MEAL: LUNCH Spend a full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Noto with its Baroque beauty and the fascinating archaeological site of Neapolis. Start your day with a picturesque drive from the port to Noto, passing charming small villages and almond groves along the way. The second largest town on the island, Noto exudes a truly authentic Baroque Sicilian atmosphere with its origins dating back the fifth century B.C. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, it was rebuilt according to the architectural theories of the 18th century and is built on terraces which are connected by numerous flights of steps. Once in town, your guided walking tour includes seeing the Public Gardens where you can admire the busts of the artists who contributed to the city’s urban culture and style, the 18th century Cathedral that was lovingly restored after having experienced damage during a 1990 earthquake; the churches of St. Domenico and St. Charles; the Ducezio Palace and the Villadorata Palace. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the organization has provided financial support for the reconstruction of several monuments in Noto. Following your guided walking tour, have some free time to do a little exploring on your own in Noto before rejoining your coach and driving to a local winery for a light lunch and several wine tastings. Afterwards, it’s on to the Neapolis Archaeological Site. On arrival, visit the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus which was used for gladiator contests; the Altar of Hieron constructed in the second century B.C. to celebrate the Eleutherian Feast; the Latomie of Pardise – large caverns once used as prisons; the Ear of Dionysius grotto; and the Greek Theater.