Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in for The 60th Taormina Film Festival with Deborah A. Gaudet Curator of Film and Theatre Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

June 14–22, 2014 TAORMINA FILM FEST, 2014

The 60th annual Taormina Film Festival begins on Saturday evening, June 14, 2014 with a festive open ceremony celebrating excellence in filmmaking. Some of the finest international directors, actors, producers and distributors in film will be in Taormina to showcase their work. The venue is one of the most glorious imaginable, the outdoor Teatro Antico — an ancient theatre built by the Greeks in the 3rd century B.C. will be il- luminated by the full moon for the opening ceremony. This remarkably preserved theatre from Sicily’s storied past is spectacularly positioned offering sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna, and the Calabrian hills — surely one of the finest backdrops in the history of theatre construction.

Over our week in Sicily, Wadsworth Atheneum travelers will have the opportunity of viewing the festival’s films from that august locale, while also taking advantage of the award ceremonies and receptions orga- nized for the actors and related industry professionals who have traveled to Taormina to attend the festival. Screening times are in the evening, leaving ample time during the day for exploring Taormina and its en- virons, relaxing at The Hotel Imperiale Taormina (just a short walk to the festival theatre) and enjoying the fine cuisine and viticulture that makes Sicily famous. The timing of the Festival is ideal; Sicily is at its best in June — sparkling, sunny days with average temperatures in the low 70s.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Our accommodation while in Taormina, the five- star HOTEL IMPERIALE TAORMINA, overlook- ing the Bay of Naxos and ideally situated near the Teatro Antico, was originally constructed in 1900 and recently renovated in 2009 with stylish dé- cor emphasizing the lava rocks and smoked oak floors of Sicilian tradition. Wadsworth travelers will enjoy the Imperiale’s serene and luxurious guest rooms in addition to a panoramic rooftop swimming pool, fitness studio and spa services.

TAORMINA SQUARE Its location is exquisite: from the historic center of Taormina, one strolls up charming streets lined with bougainvillea blossoms to stand above the rooftops of the town. At once, the ancient Greek Theatre, the Ionian sea and verdant landscape of Taormina come into full view.

EXPLORING TAORMINA AND ENVIRONS

The beauty and charm of Taormina’s narrow, picturesque streets are world renown. Wadsworth Atheneum travelers will live this experience for the course of the week, strolling to the nearby TEATRO ANTICO for screenings and festival-related events, enjoying private visits to sites of historical and cultural in- terest, and relaxing in classic Sicilian cafés. High- lights will include the NAUMACHIAE, the remains of impressive ancient Roman civic structures, and the small CATHEDRAL OF SAN NICOLÒ, dating from the 13th century and located in the middle of the Corso Umberto I, the town’s main thor- oughfare. All the while, the stunning profile of MT. ETNA is a constant reminder of the geological history that has shaped the history of Taormina and the villages below, including Giardini-Naxos. For those who wish, a private walking tour of Mt. Etna’s volcanic park, led by an expert naturalist.

Within easy visiting distance from Taormina, the ancient city of CATANIA, like so much of Sicily, has seen Greeks, Romans, Ostrogoths, Muslim emirs, Normans and the French rule from its coastal perch. Today, in contrast, it has earned the moniker the “European Silicon Valley” due to a steady hum of high tech activity. Wadsworth Athenaeum travelers will enjoy a guided tour of Catania’s impressive historical sites, including the Sicilian Baroque-style CATHEDRAL or Duomo, the BENEDICTINE MONASTERY, now part of the University of Catania, the ancient Teatro Romano and, finally, ACI CASTELLO, with its spectacular views of the Ionian Sea.

DAY TRIPS BEYOND TAORMINA

The historical and cultural richness of Sicily is hard to overstate, with many wonderful sites within a day’s travel of Taormina. For one of our days of exploration we shall depart Taormina by private coach for the town of AIDONE in central Sicily to view the exquisitely ren- dered and rare grouping of Hellenistic silver know as the collection, housed at the Archaeological Museum. From Aidone, we continue to to visit the famous remains of the VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE, which houses the richest, largest and most complex collection of late Roman mosaics in the world, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luncheon is at AL FOGHER, an el- egant, family-run country restaurant in Piazza Armerina. We will re- turn to Taormina with ample time for travelers to refresh before the evening’s events.

VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE MOSAIC

We will also spend a day visiting the historic city of SIRACUSA (Syracuse), with guided visits to the extraordinarily rich ARCHAEOLOGICAL MU- SEUM and the NEAPOLIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, where we marvel at the Greek theater built by Damacopos, the largest Greek monument of its kind and still in use. Lunch is at a magnificent 18th-century private palazzo in the cathedral square (Piazza del Duomo).

After lunch, we continue just south to NOTO, a

NOTO, SICILY splendid Sicilian town rebuilt in the massive earthquake of 1693, unique for “the regularity of its plan and the beauty of its stone,” golden in color. The Palazzo Ducezio, CHURCH OF SAN NICOLO, and two fine examples of civic Baroque, the PALAZZO LANDOLINA and PALAZZO NICOLACI, will be points of inquiry and admira- tion.

RESTAURANTS, VINEYARDS AND A COOKING CLASS

The opportunities for fine dining and authen- tic experiences of Sicilian cuisine and viticulture are many. Luncheons will take us to wonderful local trattorias. In the evenings we shall dine at Michelin-starred PRINCIPE in the Hotel San Domenico, LA CAPINERA and the BELLEV- UE. In addition, Wadsworth travelers will have the opportunity to partake in a wine tasting at one of the most innovative and esteemed vineyards in the vicinity of Mt Etna, TENUTA DELLE TERRE NERE, run by vintner Marc De Grazia. For those who wish, the opportunity to attend a private cooking demonstration.

MT. ETNA

On June 22nd, depatures from Taormina to the Catania and Palermo airports for return flights to the U.S.

© COPYRIGHT PATRON TRAVEL 2014. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TOUR ARRANGEMENTS The travel arrangements for this tour to Sicily is sponsored by Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and have been organized by Patron Travel.

RESERVATIONS Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art A deposit of $ 3,000 per person is required to hold a reservation. Reservations are accepted in in order of receipt. Waitlist reservations will also be processed in order of receipt. The full SICILY balance is due April 1, 2014. for CANCELLATION POLICY The 60th Taormina Film Festival For written cancellations received by Patron Travel before March 1, 2014. A the deposit shall be refunded less an administration fee of $250.00 per person. Written cancellations received June 14–22, 2014 by Patron Travel between March 1, 2014 and April 1 , 2014 will result in the loss of the deposit of $3,000 per person. Full payment is due by April 1, 2014. There will be no refund for any The land cost of $4,600 per person based on double/ cancellations received after April 1, 2014. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to twin occupancy includes: issue any refunds. Unused services during the tour cannot be refunded.

• Accommodations at the Hotel Imperiale Taormina No exceptions under any circumstances can be made to the cancellation Policy. Trip Cancel- • Full breakfast each day lation Insurance is strongly recommended and information will be sent to you upon receipt of your deposit. In the case of cancellation due to a shortage of participants, Patron Travel • Five meals including wines at restaurants or private will notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. In such case, full refund of the venues as per the itinerary cost of the tour shall constitute full settlement with the passenger. In exceptional circum- • All other visits and special private arrangements stances, Patron Travel reserves the right to postpone the tour to a later date. and events as per the itinerary are included such as the vineyard wine tasting, cooking class, and visit PARTICIPATION to Mt Etna. We ask that participants consider their health to ensure that they are able to participate in • Transportation for visits and excursions as per scheduled activities. Patron Travel bears no responsibility for medical problems, or for any itinerary medical costs of a participant. All medical evacuation costs are the participant’s responsibil- • All museum entrance fees ity. Persons who must leave the tour after it commences will receive no refund for unused • Guides for visits and excursions as per itinerary services.

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By completing and signing the Reservation Form and forwarding the deposit, tour partici- pants certify acceptance of all the above terms and conditions, which cannot be amended except by written statement signed by an authorized agent of Patron Travel. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in SICILY for The 60th Taormina Firm Festival | June 14–22, 2014

Please complete the traveller information below. A deposit of $3,000.00 per person is required to reserve a place on the tour to Sicily. Deposits should be made by check payable to Patron Travel. Reservations are limited and will be accepted in order of receipt. The deposit is fully refundable less $250.00 per person administration fee if written cancellation is received prior to March 1, 2014. Please review enclosed Terms and Conditions. Full payment is due April 1, 2014.

The Wasdworth Atheneum Museum of Art asks for a fully tax-deductible donation of $250 per person on the tour. This payment may be made with a separate check, or by credit card, which will be processed separately.

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