Luther College Alumni

Sicily and : Gems of the Mediterranean

October 7-20, 2018 14 Days Hosted by Ruth Caldwell and Uwe Rudolf DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY ou are invited to join us in an exploration of sions we will discover the importance of these SUN 07 OCT Depart U.S. Ytwo sister islands: islands and reflect on their similarities and Depart Minneapolis/St. Paul and connect with the differences. transatlantic, overnight flight to Europe. (Meals Sicily, or “Persephone’s Island” to the Greeks, in-flight) and Malta, thought to be the “navel of the sea” Luther has a strong connection with Malta, due in Homer’s Odyssey. Their position in the center to Dr. Warren Berg, who as a Luther professor MON 08 OCT Arrive Palermo of the Mediterranean brought invasions by the of Economics, Accounting and Management, Connect in Europe with the continuing flight to Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, taught at the Royal University of Malta as a Palermo, Sicily. Welcome to Italy’s southernmost Germans and Spanish (Sicily) and English Fullbright scholar, which resulted in a flow of region, an island unto itself, yet only about two (Malta), who affected architecture, cuisine and Maltese students to Luther. A reception with miles from Italy’s “toe.” Seductively beautiful and languages in different ways. Maltese Luther alumni is being planned during perfectly placed in the heart of the Mediterra- our stay in . nean, Sicily has been luring passersby since the We will cross Sicily from Palermo to Catania, time of legends. Discover a dazzling diversity of observing Norman and Arabic influences, Your Tour Hosts landscape and cultural treasures. Transfer to the Roman mosaics and Greek temples, situated Ruth Caldwell and Uwe Rudolf are emeriti hotel for check-in followed by time to refresh be- in a stunning landscape skirted by the sea. In Luther professors who have traveled extensive- fore a welcome dinner. Hotel Mercure Palermo Malta, smaller but equally powerful, we will ly throughout Sicily and Malta. Ruth, Professor Excelsior City (Meals in-flight, D) www.excelsior- discover an amazing sweep of history, from Emerita of French and Italian, directed Luther’s palermo.com Neolithic temples (older than Stonehenge and Malta program in 2003, and has led students the Pyramids) to the extensive fortifications and others on trips to Sicily. Uwe taught ac- TUE 09 OCT Palermo/Enna and buildings of the Knights of Malta and later counting and international management and After breakfast and hotel check-out, embark on a the British. During World War II, Malta was the is currently updating the Historical Dictionary of panoramic tour of the Capital of Sicily. As a cross- most heavily bombed place on earth, narrowly Malta, which he co-authored with Warren Berg, roads of civilizations, Palermo has come to display escaping occupation by the Axis. It was from the founder of Luther’s special connection to a vibrant mix of Byzantine mosaics, Norman archi- Malta, that Eisenhower launched the American Malta. tecture, Arabesque domes and baroque churches invasion of Sicily. Through visits and discus- all framed by souk-like markets and date palms. View the eclectic Cathedral, the Quattro Canti in its acoustics. There will be time on the island of terior reveal the sophistication, power and wealth Old Town, the Norman Palace and government Ortigia, the small baroque old city centre built by of the Order. Grand Hotel Excelsior (B) buildings, and the largest opera house in Italy. the Aragonians. Travel back to Catania stopping Depart to Monreale to tour the Cathedral with its for dinner en route. Board a late evening flight TUE 16 OCT Valletta splendid 12th century mosaics – this is the finest south to Malta. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel The temple of Ħaġar Qim stands on a hilltop over- example of Norman architecture in Sicily. See the for an eight-night stay. Grand Hotel Excelsior (B, looking the sea and the islet of Filfla, south-west adjacent cloisters of the Benedictine monastery D) www.excelsior.com.mt of Valletta. At the bottom of the hill, lies another with Moorish architecture. Later today arrive in remarkable temple site, Mnajdra, found above Enna, a busy agricultural and mining town in the SAT 13 OCT Valletta the Southern cliffs. Both sites display megalithic center of the country. It is the legendary home of Sleep in this morning and make a late departure creations from the Neolithic era and several struc- Persephone, and has one of the most splendid for the day’s activities. With 7000 years of history, tures are designed for alignment with the vernal views of the interior of the island. Hotel Sicilia (B, Malta is steeped in culture and heritage – richly so and autumnal equinoxes. Weather permitting we D) www.hotelsiciliaenna.it/en considering it is only one-tenth the size of Rhode will take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto where this Island! Learn about this history during a multi- fascinating natural grotto combines with sunlight WED 10 OCT Enna media presentation at Malta Experience and get and the surrounding chain of caves to reflect the Travel to Agrigento above the southern coast of an overview of the archaeological remains at the phosphorescent colors of the submerged flora Sicily to visit the Valley of the Temples. These re- National Archaeological Museum. This evening and the deep dark shade of blue of the sea.´ Be- nowned archaeological treasures date from the gather for a Welcome to Malta dinner at a local fore returning to Valletta enjoy a gorgeous view of 5th century B.C. and include the Temple of Juno, restaurant. Grand Hotel Excelsior (B, D) the sea at the high point of the islands plus seeing Concord, Heracles, Zeus, Castor and Pollux. De- some Punic caves there. Grand Hotel Excelsior (B) part to Piazza Armerina and visit the Villa Romana SUN 14 OCT Valletta del Casale, which dates to the late 3rd-early 4th Ferry five miles to the nearby island of Gozo this WED 17 OCT Valletta century A.D. The ruins feature the richest, largest morning. The legendary Calypso’s Isle described in Today’s excursion outside of Valletta takes us first and most complex collection of late Roman mosa- Homer’s Odyssey is an idyllic place of quaint fish- to Mosta to see the 19th century parish church of ics in the world. Return to the hotel for dinner and ing villages and peaceful bays. After visiting the Santa Maria, better known as the Mosta Dome. overnight. Hotel Sicilia (B, D) Archaeological Museum, discover a wide range of It has a stunning blue, gold and white interior, historical sites from the Gigantija Temples (3300 where you can also see the bomb that fell through THU 11 OCT Enna/Catania BCE) to the citadel which encompasses the old it in 1942 as around 300 parishioners waited to Depart Enna and drive eastward. If weather per- city center (reconstructed by the Knights of Saint hear Mass. Drive to Mdina and Rabat where Phoe- mits, ascend Mount Etna, the highest active John after the medieval walls were destroyed by nicians arrived in the 9th-8th centuries BCE and volcano in Europe. Continue to Taormina called the Turks in 1551.) Enjoy a typical Gozitan lunch, were followed by waves of others. Enjoy walking “the pearl of the Ionic Sea,” founded in 400 BC then visit the locally sacred Ta’ Pinu Chapel and tours of the old city centers – Mdina’s walls date to and beautifully located overlooking the sea and see the rock-cut salt pans from which the locals about 400 CE. and Rabat’ narrow streets and alleys the peak of Mount Etna. Visit the well-preserved harvest salt. Ferry back to the main island for an are lined with churches. Tour the Malta Aviation amphitheater and enjoy time at leisure to shop evening at leisure. Grand Hotel Excelsior (B, L) Museum situated on the site of the former Royal for handmade lace, coral jewels, ceramics, home- Air Force airfield in the village of Ta’Qali. Enjoy a made sweets and preserves along “Corso Umber- MON 15 OCT Valletta stop at a local winery to sample the Maltese vin- to.” Continue to Catania, on the central east coast Begin the day at , the 16th tages. Grand Hotel Excelsior (B) of the island. This is a splendid baroque city as a century palazzo of the 9th Marquis of Piro. This result of being rebuilt after a late 17th century exquisitely furnished and maintained palace is THU 18 OCT Valletta earthquake. Mercure Grand Hotel Excelsior (B, D) still a privately-owned and much-loved family Explore the Birgu district of Valetta. Dominating www.excelsiorcatania.com home. Next is St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Apart from the tip of Vittoriosa, Fort St Angelo has always its place among the most magnificent Baroque been of great importance because of its strate- FRI 12 OCT Sicily/Malta (Valletta) churches in the world, St John’s Co-Cathedral is gic position. Because of the role it has played Enjoy a relaxed start to the day. After hotel check- also an architectural metaphor for the Order of throughout Maltese history, particularly during out, travel to Siracusa, south along the coast from the Knights of St John, who built it between 1573 the Great Siege of 1565, the fort has great emo- Catania. Visit the most important archaeologi- and 1578. The simple post-siege façade reflects tional significance for the Maltese people. After cal center in Magna Graecia including the Greek the Knights’ military pragmatism, while the gilded touring the fort explore the Malta at War Muse- theatre, the Roman amphitheater, the necropolis vaults, painted ceilings, polychrome marble floors um, which documents the great ordeal suffered and the famous Latomia del Paradiso cave system and general Baroque exuberance of the lavish in- by the brave people of Malta and their defenders with a room known as the “Ear of Dyonisios” for during the dark days of the Malta Blitz (1940-43) COST SUMMARY in WW2. Continue to visit the Tarxien Temples site WHAT’S INCLUDED? - a complex of four megalithic structures built be- tween 3600 and 2500 BCE and discovered in 1913 55AIRFARE: Round-trip economy class airfare $4900 by local farmers. Continue to Marsaxlokk village from Minneapolis/St. Paul via Delta/Air France, Easy Jet, Air Malta or other ARC/IATA From Minneapolis/St. Paul located in the south-eastern part of Malta, which Tour Gratuities ($70)...... Included approved scheduled carriers. is famous for its big Sunday fish market and its Airport /Departures Taxes ($569)...... Included many decorative “eyed” painted boats called Luz- 55ACCOMMODATION: Twelve nights accom- *Costs per person based on double occupancy in USD zus. Grand Hotel Excelsior (B) modation in three, four and five star hotels (standard rooms), double occupancy, with Optional Individual Supplement FRI 19 OCT Valletta private facilities. Hotels as listed or similar. Single Room*...... $899 Guarding the entrance to both Marsamxett and 55MEALS: Breakfast daily with one lunch and *In addition to base tour cost. Limited availability. Grand Harbours is Fort St. Elmo, named after the seven dinners as outlined in the itinerary. patron saint of mariners. Although now much al- 55GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfers and trans- Costs: The tour cost is per person based on current airfare tered, this fort was built by the Knights in 1552 in from Minneapolis/St. Paul (other cities available), double oc- portation by deluxe motorcoach. cupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as of August 2017, a a mere four months, and bore the brunt of Turkish 55SIGHTSEEING: Extensive sightseeing minimum of 20 travelers, and subject to confirmation. While arms during the Great Siege of 1565. After touring throughout; entrance fees included. we will do everything possible to maintain the listed price the fort and the stunning National War Museum, 55PORTERAGE: Luggage handling of one and/or itinerary, they are subject to change due to circum- proceed to the Grandmaster’s Palace, which is stances beyond our control. Single room supplements may now the Office of the President of Malta. Tour the piece per person. have limited availability and are on a request basis only. Not 55EXPERT GUIDES: Experienced English- all bookings have been made and all space/rates are subject to impressive State Rooms and the , availability at time of booking. one of the most visible and tangible symbols of speaking assistants for meet and greet upon the past glories of the Sovereign Hospitaller Mili- arrival in Palermo and Malta, with local Items Not Included tary Order of Malta. Lastly tour a more recent ves- guides as per the itinerary. •• European tour manager. tige of war – the Lascaris War Rooms. This secret 55GRATUITIES: Gratuities to drivers and •• Fuel surcharges and/or tax increases levied since the underground complex of tunnels and chambers pricing of this tour. guides (for your convenience, $70 per per- •• Beverages other than coffee/tea at breakfast. housed the War Headquarters from where the de- son has been included). •• Any meal or sightseeing item not listed in the itinerary. fense of Malta was conducted during the Second 55TAXES: Airport/foreign departure taxes (cur- •• Items of a personal nature. World War. Tonight gather for a festive farewell rently $569 per person). •• Optional travel protection: trip cancellation/interruption, baggage delay/loss, emergency accident and sickness dinner at a typical Maltese restaurant. Grand Ho- 55ALL THE INFO YOU NEED: Comprehensive tel Excelsior (B, D) medical expense, and emergency evacuation/repatria- documentation including travel accessory, tion. Please refer to the Travel Protection section. bag tags, name badges, •• Passport fees. A passport valid six months beyond date SAT 20 OCT Return flights to U.S. flight and land of reentry to the U.S. is required. Transfer to the airport for the return flights. Arrive •• No entry visa is required for U.S. citizens; non-U.S. citizens itineraries, PRE-EXISTING may require an entry visa. home this same day enriched with your many dis- destination coveries of history and culture in the Mediterra- literature, medical conditions and other Iowa Seller of Travel 1076 nean. (B, meals in-flight) circumstances are covered customs in- when travel protection is purchased formation, within 14 days of registration. Code: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Contact Travel Insured for more Itinerary subject to change. travel tips info. 800-243-3174 and more.

RESERVATION APPLICATION • APPLY ONLINE AT: WWW.GTD.ORG G#181002 • OR CLIP AND MAIL Luther College Alumni: Sicily & Malta • October 7-20, 2018 • (G#181002) • Group Travel Directors • 2000 W 98th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55431 Name as it appears (or will appear) on passport:

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Group Travel Directors (GTD) provides customized travel planning PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Your reservation and de- Trip Cancellation...... up to Tour Cost* throughout the world for group travelers who have a variety of reasons posit of $400 per person are requested immedi- Trip Interruption...... up to 150% of Tour Cost** and goals for travel. The goals and/or opinions of these groups do not reflect or imply the position of GTD in any matter. Brochure contents ately to fulfill the group deadline requirements. Travel Delay...... $750 Note that space is limited and reservations are may not be duplicated without permission from GTD. In offering these Missed Connection...... $300 travel arrangements, Group Travel Directors, Inc. (GTD) acts solely as an taken on a first come, first served basis. A second agent for the sale of air transportation and other travel related services. payment of $1000 is due June 4, 2018. 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There is no refund for partial or unused Political Emergency Evacuation...... $100,000 product or other instrumentality which is owned, operated or otherwise land arrangements. Note: Airline tickets will be ID Theft Resolution Services...... included used by a supplier; (3) any intentional, wrongful, negligent, or unauthor- ized act or omission on the part of any other party not under the direct issued well in advance of departure and may be Assistance Service...... included control of GTD; (4) financial problems causing nonperformance by any nonrefundable. The following penalties will apply: * a maximum of $5000 per person supplier; or (5) any other cause, condition or event whatsoever beyond Up to June 3, 2018 - $100 per person administra- ** a maximum of $7500 per person the direct control of GTD. GTD cannot guarantee any rates, bookings or reservations of any supplier. 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GTD CHANGES TO GROUP FLIGHTS: The group air- fourteen days after you purchase a plan. reserves the right to withdraw from any tour any tour member whose conduct is incompatible with the interests of the group as a whole. The fare contract for this tour may not allow travelers above Conditions and Responsibility also covers the group leader(s) and to make any date or itinerary changes. If you are This document contains highlights of the plan. The Plan contains insur- their respective organizations. ance benefits underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company. considering other dates or cities, please submit Fairmont Specialty and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of your request in writing well in advance to secure United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of NOTE TO OUR TRAVELERS: the best rates and schedule, but no later than companies is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best Company 2015. 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Department Travel Warning in effect for this destination; thirty days of tour departure will be charged a $50 please refer to the following website for current informa- per person fee. Tour payment in full is required EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS tion or call Group Travel Directors. http://travel.state.gov/ Insurance benefits are not payable for any loss due to, arising or resulting content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html before we can request and confirm space. This fee from: suicide, attempted suicide or any intentionally self-inflicted injury of does not cover any additional airline or ground You, a Traveling Companion, Family Member or Business Partner booked to travel with You, while sane or insane; an act of declared or undeclared For more information, contact: service charges. war; participating in maneuvers or training exercises of an armed service, except while participating in weekend or summer training for the reserve GTD TRAVEL PROTECTION forces of the United States, including the National Guard; riding or driving Ruth Caldwell and Uwe Rudolf in races, or speed or endurance competitions or events; mountaineering Luther College (engaging in the sport of scaling mountains generally requiring the use Travel protection is optional, but we encourage all trav- of picks, ropes, or other special equipment); participating as a member of 700 College Drive elers to purchase a plan. GTD offers an extensive and a team in an organized sporting competition or participating as a profes- Decorah, IA 52101 sional in a stunt, athletic or sporting event or competition; participating in competitively priced plan from Travel Insured Inter- bodily contact sports, skydiving or parachuting, hang gliding, or bungee tel: 563-382-5804 national. Travel protection can help provide coverage cord jumping; piloting or learning to pilot or acting as a member of the email: [email protected] or for trip cancellation/interruption, baggage delay/loss, crew of any aircraft; being Intoxicated as defined herein, or under the in- [email protected] emergency accident and sickness medical expense, fluence of any controlled substance unless as administered or prescribed by a Legally Qualified Physician; the commission of or attempt to commit or and emergency evacuation/repatriation. If you decline a felony or being engaged in an illegal occupation; normal childbirth or coverage at the time of reservation, you may purchase pregnancy (except Complications of Pregnancy) or voluntarily induced Group Travel Directors it later, but the Pre-existing Conditions Waiver is avail- abortion; dental treatment (except as coverage is otherwise specifically provided herein); amounts which exceed the Maximum Benefit Amount 2000 West 98th Street able only if the plan is purchased within 14 days of the for each coverage as shown in the Schedule of Benefits; due to a Pre- Minneapolis, MN 55431-2593 initial trip deposit. You may contact Travel Insured In- Existing Condition, as defined in the Certificate. 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