sicily gourmet grand tour september 14-23, 2020

Join the Center for Life Enrichment as they tavel to , the “Eteral Crossroads of the Mediteranean”

828-526-8811 [email protected] Dear Traveler,

It has been said that “To have seen without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.” Far be it for us to argue with Goethe. Thus, it is with great pleasure and anticipation that we invite the members and friends of The Center for Life Enrich- ment to join us in September of 2020 on an incredible ten day journey through Sicily.

CLE hosted a wonderful trip to Tuscany in 2018. Our Tour Leader Sara Sguerri and her team have been a joy to work with and along with CLE Board Member Donna Woods, we know this will be an out- Tour Leaders in Sicily standing adventure. Sara Sguerri and Lacy Pope With additional focuses on food, culture, histo- ry and the natural beauty that this layered and stunning Two women who share a deep passion for traveling region has to offer, we hope that you will fi nd the expe- dition to be above and beyond expectation. and people put their heads together and formed Trav- elAnthropy, an Italian Tour Company. Sara and Lacy met You might plan to arrive a day or two early to during one of Sara’s wine tours in Tuscany and Lacy was experience the vitality of , the second larg- the person who had organized the whole trip for her est metropolis of Sicily. Spend these days exploring family celebrating her grandfather’s 80th birthday. The the noble palaces, the lively fi sh market where exotic two women literally “clicked” and decided to start an sights, sounds and tastes have been repeated daily since adventure together. ancient times, the historical Monastery of San Bened- etto, as well as the abbey which houses the Museum of Contemporary Art. “U chioscu” (at the kiosk) you will Sara Sguerri (Co-Founder/E.U. Partners) is a Tuscan na- mingle with locals and indulge in the refreshment of tive. She exudes all that is family, tradition and heritage generations that came before. Although the subterra- of Italy. She welcomes and leads travelers through her nean rivers of lava have buried some signs of the past motherland as friends. on the surface, take a journey below the city where ancient baths and amphitheaters still remain. Lareesa “Lacy” Pope (Co-Founder/U.S. Sales) believes that travel affords us access to 1000 lifetimes in one. There is so much to see. Catania offers a fabu- Her greatest joy is helping people achieve their life- lous introduction to all that is Sicily! time’s pilgrimage. We look forward to having you on this excep- tional tour of Sicily. To hold your space on this program, please phone (828) 526-8811 and send your registra- tion form and deposit check today.

Kind Regards, Ed Mawyer The Center for Life Enrichment Day 1 - Monday, September 14 Day 3 - Wednesday, September 16 Arrive independently in Catania, which is situated at the Following a relaxed breakfast at the inn, we will have a short center of the Mediterranean sea. It is a natural stage where drive to Siracusa Archeological park for a guided visit. Here, the sun, the Jonio sea and the fi re of blend to as faith, luck and history would have it, two of the most reveal 2700 years of history. Dinner on your own. Over- signifi cant ancient archeological sites from both Greek and night in Catania at Hotel Pricipe (or similar), a lovely hotel in Roman history are situated adjacent to one another. The the baroque heart of the city center. Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa contains the stun- ning Greek Theatre as well as the Roman Amphitheater that Day 2 - Tuesday, September 15 combine to make this one of the greatest archeological sites Travel by comfortable motorcoach to visit a prestigious in all of Italy. winery on the slopes of Mounta Etna, where you will enjoy Then we are off to visit a local winery, where, not far from a special lunch and wine pairing. The winery has more than , one of the fi rst Greek colonies in Sicily, the a half century of experience employing Sicilian families who fi efdom of the Targia extends for over 140 hectares. With a have knowledge and tradition handed down through gen- long family tradition, the farm has recovered the lost taste erations in tending the volcanic land, which is both hard of the Moscato di Siracusa. You will enjoy a delicious lunch and generous at the same time. Mount Etna is a puzzle of paired with wine. districts divided by different lava fl ows that happened over We will transfer back to Siracusa and have some time to the milennia and the wines take on their character directly rest before taking an afternoon guided walking tour of Or- from the volcano. tigia, the Piazza Duomo, surrounded by magnifi cent Baroque We will then transfer to Taormina, where you will have palaces and the amazing Cathedral. Evening and dinner will free time to stroll through the small streets of craft shops be on your own. Overnight in Siracusa. (B,L) and antiques that lead to Via del Teatro Greco and the iconic view from the ancient Greek Theater. Finally, we will transfer to Siracusa, on the island of Ortigia, where we will enjoy our welcome dinner and overnight at the Hotel Maniace (or similar). (B,L,D) Day 4 - Thursday, Day 5 - Friday, September 18 Day 6 - Saturday, September 19 September 17 Today we will travel to , in the We will head towards the west coast This morning we will visit a local province of Ragusa, which was destroyed for a tour and lunch at a boutique boutique winery where the owner in the earthquake of 1693, but retains winery. Here, two sisters tell their story connected individually owned lands the architectural gems of of viticulture in a nature reserve by to form over 50 hectares of vine- style. It is a hotspot for food and choco- the sea where their family has grown yards, many of which have been har- late lovers. Here we will visit a chocolate excellent grapes in the idyllic setting for vested for more than thirty years. producer and have a tasting. Then we will four generations. The vines are located on different go to the Duomo di San Giogio, in the Then we transfer to the town of terrains and levels to guarantee the midst of time, beauty and the swallows’ Marsala to visit a renowned winery.The preservation of a general equilibri- fl ight. It is the fi rst cellar in the world to experience begins with a tour of the um. The grapes of these areas have age chocolate. Afterward, there is free historic 1851 cellars, passing from the a name and an election territory: time to explore the town and enjoy a underground barrique cellar to Sala del- Nero d’avola, exclusively head- lunch of your choosing in a busy, authen- le Botti where we will taste their more trained (“ad alberello”). tically Sicilian town where a dining expe- representative wines. Next, we will have a short trans- rience can easily turn into a gastronomic This afternoon we will visit the salt- fer to the picturesque fi shing village pilgrimage. pans. Along the coast shine piles of salt of Marzamemi and lunch in the love- In the afternoon we will transfer to and salt marshes, strewn with windmills, ly square which, unlike others with and explore its extraordi- they turn pink. This product is the lead- Greek roots, was founded by the narily rich archeological legacy. Then we ing voice of the economy since 1300 Arabs around 1000 A.D. and to this will tour the Valley of Temples, a Unesco A.D. Today, the salt is a niche product, day evokes a Moroccan atmosphere. World Heritage site housing some of the harvested by hand. Following lunch we will transfer best preserved Ancient Greek ruins in Our fi nal visit for the day is a beau- to Noto and have free time to walk the world outside of . It compris- tiful wine resort in the countryside of the streets as a native, at a leisurely es a large, sacred area with 7 monumen- Trapani, showcasing a wonderful resto- gelato-eating pace. You can explore tal temples in the Doric style construct- ration of a 17th century old farmhouse the “limestone capital” of Sicilian ed in the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. The in a natural landscape of rare beauty. Baroque architecture. best way to experience this magical place We will share dinner and overnight at We will transfer back to Siracusa is at sunset. the resort. (B,L,D) for a free night on your own. (B,L) We will then check into the Hotel della Valle (or similar) in Agrigento and have time to relax before our early dinner - and an aperitivo.(B,D) Day 7 - Sunday, September 20 In the afternoon we will transfer to This morning’s short drive will take the Palermo area for a guided tour of us to , which aside from its pic- the amazing Monreale Cathedral, one turesque cobbled streets and Medie- of 9 Unesco World Heritage sites in- val castle, boasts a view of Africa and scribed as Arab-Norman. This stunning Tunisia on clear days. We will continue historical structure is a national mon- to Trapani and have free time for lunch ument of Italy. Our hotel for the night and to explore the town center with a will be the Hotel Pricipe di Lampedusa crescent-shaped coastline. The western (or similar) in the center of Palermo tip offers views as far as the Aegadian where you will have a free night to Islands. explore and dine on your own. (B,L) Returning to the Wine Resort we will have time to rest before experiencing Day 9 - Tuesday, September 22 a cooking class. The resident chef will We will enjoy a morning guided walking explain all the steps in the preparation tour of Palermo, the cultural, economic of a full traditional menu highlighting and capital of Sicily. Located in contributions made by the various the Tyrrhenian Sea and founded in 734 cultures that have affected Sicily over B.C. by the Phoenicians, Palermo is re- the centuries: a mix of traditions and nowned for it gastronomy, Romanesque, cultures that you can hardly fi nd in any Gothic and Baroque structures, music other place. Dinner and overnight at and lively souk-like markets with an un- the Wine Resort. (B,D) changed tradition. It offers a layered and exotic heritage to explore. There will be free time for lunch and an afternoon Day 8 - Monday, September 21 at your leisure (art lovers may want to Transfer to San Vito lo capo for a 3 explore Manifesta 12, a European bien- hour cruise to the Riserva dello Zing- nial contemporary arts festival). aro. Saved from development by local We will enjoy a farewell dinner in protests, the tranquil Riserva was es- a historical mansion and overnight in tablished in 1981 as Sicily’s fi rst nature Palermo. (B,L,D) preserve. Known for its multitude of caves and calcarenite rock formations, Day 10 - Wednesday, September 23 a boat trip around the perimeter is an Today ends our enchanting tour of Sici- ideal way to see these natural sights. ly. Transfer to the airport or stay for an Lunch will be served on board. extended trip to the , or wherever your travels take you. (B) Per Person Sicily September 14-23 Aeolian Island Extension Double Occupancy Single Supplement $4195 $695 Rising out of the cobalt-blue seas of Sicily’s northeastern coast, the Unesco protected Aeolian Island Extension Aeolian Islands are a piece of paradise lost. September 23-26, 2020 Hissing volcanoes, crystal clear waters to Double Occupancy Single Supplement swim, sail or dive, nothing to desire, except $1095 $ 495 an open ended ticket to further enjoy the beauty and wonder that is Sicily.

Wednesday, September 23 Sailing towards Stromboli, we pass the Ferry from Palermo to the islets of Lisca Bianca, Dattilo and Spinaz- Island of and check zola. In Spinazzola you can wanter in the into the Odysseus Hotel (or small streets of the village or relax on the similar). long black sand beach. There will be time In the afternoon we will expe- for diner on your own. At sunset we wail rience a private bus tour of towards Strombolicchio, a majestic volcanic the Island of Lipari with stops neck with the shape of a medieval castle. in panoramic view points and Our last stop is in front of the Sciara del aperitif at the winery Casa fuoco, a steep slope dug out by lava fl ows: Vinicola Castellaro. Dinner from here we admire the amazing show of on your own. the volcanic eruptions. Overnight in Lipari.

Thursday, September 24 Friday, September 25 Boat tour of the Islands of Another boat tour takes us to Salina, the Vulcano, Panarea and Strom- greenest island of the archipelage. We will boli. We will have time for visit White Beach then disembark in Santa a swim at Cave of the Horse Marina for a walk in the village. We contin- and Pool of Venus, then pro- ue sailing around the island and stop for a ceed to the beaches of black swim at Pollara Bay. On to Lingua, a little sand, the beach of the donkey fi shing village with a small lake from where and Vulcanello, which is the they used to extract salt. We stop for lunch youngest volcano of the is- at Da Alfredo to taste the delicious pani land (emerged from the sea in cunzatu and the yummy sweet granite. One 183 B.C.). Then we arrive in the way back to Lipari we will admire the the village of Levante and we imposing cliff s and enjoy the last chance for get off the boat for a visit: it is a swim in the crystal clear waters. possible to relax in an open- After a rest in the hotel we will gather for air spa while bathing in the a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and sulphurous waters. Free time overnight in Lipari before leaving tomorrow for lunch. In the afternoon for home. we sail towards the Island of Panarea and stop at Calajunco Saturday, September 26 Bay, one of the most beautiful Ferry from Lipari to Milazzo. of the archipelage. Private bus transfer to Palermo airport with Then we get to the harbor a stop in Cefalu. and we have time to walk in the little village dotted with small and lovely shops. COSTS AND CONDITIONS AIRFARE: International airfare to Catania and return home from Palermo is not in- Sicily Per Person cluded. As a general rule, it is wise to refrain from purchasing non-refundable airfare Double Occupancy Single Supplement until the minimum number of participants has been met. Upon registration a recom- mended fl ight itinerary will be made available. $4195 $695 $1000 non-refundable deposit per person required TOUR SIZE: This tour is limited to 18 participants on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. The minimum group size is 12. Should the minimum not be met, we reserve the right Aeolian Island Extension to levy a small group surcharge. Double Occupancy Single Supplement $1095 $495 TOUR INCLUDES: Accommodations and meals as specifi ed in the itinerary *Pro- fessional Tour Director throughout the trip * Professional English-speaking guides at all locations * 6 guided visits * Entrance Tickets per itinerary * Transportation by RESERVATION FORM private motor coach * Tips for drivers and city guides * Restaurant service charges Enclosed is my check or credit card authorization for $______and taxes * Coordination and administration ($1000 non-refundable deposit per person) payable to “Center for Life Enrichment” to hold place(s) on the Sicily Trip, September 14- TOUR EXCLUDES: U.S. domestic and International airfare * Excess baggage 23, 2020. charges * Meals not specifi ed in the itinerary * Personal items such as laundry, email, _____ I/We plan to take the Aeolian Island Extension fax or telephone calls * Alcoholic beverages except those mentioned in the itinerary* Final payment by check is due June 15, 2020. (credit card payments Room service * Passport or visa fees * Private transfers * Medical expenses * Travel insurance * Optional extensions or deviations from the scheduled tour * Tips for will incur a 3% surcharge) Tour leaders RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS and FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this Guest #1: (as written on passport) tour, please mail a non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person payable to “Center ______for Life Enrichment,” along with the completed reservation to: Center for Life En- richment, P.O. Box 2046, Highlands, NC 28741 or call 828-526-8811. Reservations Guest #2: (as written on passport) are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment of 18 has been reached. Final payment is due June 15, 2020 (credit card payments will incur a 3% ______surcharge). Once fi nal payment is made there is no refund. Address ______CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: All cancellations must be made in writing to the Center for Life Enrichment. Deposits are non-refundable. Once fi nal payments City______Phone______are made there are no refunds. Please be sure to purchase travel insurance in the Email ______event of accident or medical emergencies. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations or other trip features or for any part of the program on which you Deposit Payment choose not to participate. _____ Check Enclosed for $1000 per person (non-refundable TRAVEL INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancella- deposit) tion insurance. Many credit cards off travel insurance benefi ts, and there are _____ Credit Card # ______many companies available. The Center for Life Enrichment accepts no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refund- Expiration Date: ______Security Code: ______able airline ticket or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing Name (as printed on card): ______for the tour. Billing Address (if diff erent from above:) PHYSICAL HEALTH: Participation on this program requires that passengers be in generally good health.Standing and walking are required. It is essential that persons ______with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions make them known to us ______well before the departure. Accommodations RESPONSIBILITY: CLE, its owners and employees act only as agents for the var- ious independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accom- ___ I require single accommodations modations, restaurant and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and ___ I am traveling as a single person, but will share services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services and transportation are off ered or provided, and CLE and its respective em- accommodations with ______ployees, agents, representatives and assigns, accept no liability therefor. CLE as- Dietary Restrictions sumes no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or other irregularity ______which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the I/We have carefully read the Costs and Conditions sections of services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, dam- this brochure and agree to the terms on behalf of myself and the ages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes. CLE reserves the right to members of my party named above. make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant or they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the tour ______participants. They reserve the right to withdraw this tour without penalty. The right is Signature Date also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, or to substitute another qualifi ed leader or special guest. Baggage and personal eff ects are ______the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given Signature Date in good faith based on current tariff s and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff , exchange rate or fuel increases will be passed onto participants. The Center for Life Enrichment accepts no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the Mail to: Center for Life Enrichment purchase of a non-refundable ticket. The air ticket, when issued, shall constitute the P.O. Box 2046, Highlands, NC 28741 sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. Center for Life Enrichment P.O. Box 2046 Highlands, NC 28741

Highlights of the Trip * Visit a winery on the slopes of Mt. Etna * Explore the ancient architecture of Siracusa, Marzamemi, Agrigento and Palermo * Discover the saltpans * Discover amazing wines at Sicily’s boutique wineries

sicily gourmet grand tour september 14-23, 2020