CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SICILY
September 22 – October 4, 2019 | 13 Days | Aboard the Serenissima
DEAR MIT ALUMNI & FRIENDS,
Sicily has long been a stopover for traders and conquerors and an island rich in geologic activity and natural wonders. From the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to Arab Saracens, Normans, and the Spaniards of Aragon, each wave left its mark and contributed to Sicily’s rich cultural heritage, including magnificent ancient ruins, architectural styles that span the centuries, and unique culinary traditions. Sicily is also volcanic, demonstrated by the activity of Mount Etna and Stromboli. During the trip, we’ll explore the compelling geology of Sicily, in part created by the slow contraction between Africa and Eurasia. September is a glorious time to visit this region and the 95-guest Serenissima allows for an intimate exploration of charming villages and historic ports of call.
We are sharing the departure with travelers from Zegrahm Expeditions. If you have any questions, or to make a reservation, please call the MIT Alumni Travel Program Expedition Highlights CIRCUMNAVIGATION at 800-992-6749, or email us at [email protected]. The trip reservation form can be found on our website at alum.mit.edu/travel. • Participate in daily lectures and informal discussions about the region. OF SICILY • Tour Monreale’s impressive 12th-century Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel Sincerely, in Palermo, hailed as two of Italy’s most beautiful Norman churches. • Explore the exquisite Greek and Roman ruins of Agrigento and Syracuse— September 22 – October 4, 2019 | 13 Days | Aboard the Serenissima both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. • Cruise among the scenic Aeolian Islands and enjoy up-close views of still- Melissa Chapman Gresh Director, MIT Alumni Travel Program active Stromboli Volcano. • Attend cooking demonstrations on how to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes, P.S. Visit our website at alum.mit.edu/travel for details and updates on all our programs. Find us on Facebook at MIT Alumni Travel Program. and enjoy wine and olive oil tastings. • Enjoy free time to stroll through picturesque coastal towns with opportunities to explore on your own. Enrichment Staff A team of experts will join you on this expedition. They will offer a comprehensive educational component to your adventure through lectures, guided tours, and informal discussions on the history, culture, and current events of the region. In addition to MIT Alumni Travel Program long-time Expedition Leader John Yersin and Cruise Director Kelsey Simmons, you 600 Memorial Dr. 2nd Floor will travel on this voyage with a maritime archaeologist, geologist, ornithologist, Cambridge, MA 02139 historian, and art historian. CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SICILY
September 22 – October 4, 2019 | 13 Days | Aboard the Serenissima
DEAR MIT ALUMNI & FRIENDS,
Sicily has long been a stopover for traders and conquerors and an island rich in geologic activity and natural wonders. From the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to Arab Saracens, Normans, and the Spaniards of Aragon, each wave left its mark and contributed to Sicily’s rich cultural heritage, including magnificent ancient ruins, architectural styles that span the centuries, and unique culinary traditions. Sicily is also volcanic, demonstrated by the activity of Mount Etna and Stromboli. During the trip, we’ll explore the compelling geology of Sicily, in part created by the slow contraction between Africa and Eurasia. September is a glorious time to visit this region and the 95-guest Serenissima allows for an intimate exploration of charming villages and historic ports of call.
We are sharing the departure with travelers from Zegrahm Expeditions. If you have any questions, or to make a reservation, please call the MIT Alumni Travel Program Expedition Highlights CIRCUMNAVIGATION at 800-992-6749, or email us at [email protected]. The trip reservation form can be found on our website at alum.mit.edu/travel. • Participate in daily lectures and informal discussions about the region. OF SICILY • Tour Monreale’s impressive 12th-century Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel Sincerely, in Palermo, hailed as two of Italy’s most beautiful Norman churches. • Explore the exquisite Greek and Roman ruins of Agrigento and Syracuse— September 22 – October 4, 2019 | 13 Days | Aboard the Serenissima both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. • Cruise among the scenic Aeolian Islands and enjoy up-close views of still- Melissa Chapman Gresh Director, MIT Alumni Travel Program active Stromboli Volcano. • Attend cooking demonstrations on how to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes, P.S. Visit our website at alum.mit.edu/travel for details and updates on all our programs. Find us on Facebook at MIT Alumni Travel Program. and enjoy wine and olive oil tastings. • Enjoy free time to stroll through picturesque coastal towns with opportunities to explore on your own. Enrichment Staff A team of experts will join you on this expedition. They will offer a comprehensive educational component to your adventure through lectures, guided tours, and informal discussions on the history, culture, and current events of the region. In addition to MIT Alumni Travel Program long-time Expedition Leader John Yersin and Cruise Director Kelsey Simmons, you 600 Memorial Dr. 2nd Floor will travel on this voyage with a maritime archaeologist, geologist, ornithologist, Cambridge, MA 02139 historian, and art historian. and glittering mirrors. This afternoon, you are Roman mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale. free to explore Palermo on your own, or join Enjoy lunch at a Sicilian restaurant near the Greek Deck Plan a guided tour of Monreale’s fabled Cathedral. site of Morgantina, then tour the ruins and visit the The Serenissima CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SICILY Built in 1174 and hailed as Italy’s most beautiful small, but excellent Aidone Museum. Or, choose D C Norman church, the interior is covered with a city tour that visits the famous morning fish 0 02 The all-suite 95-guest Serenissima D C ID 03 mosaics, gold leaf, and stone intarsia. market in Catania’s town square where a colorful 0 01 02 is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition D C ID variety of local products are on display. After lunch 03 D C 6 0 01 02 vessel. Public spaces include a single- D C Wednesday, September 25 aboard the ship, or on your own in town, drive to ID 03 02 D C 6 0 01 T M I POZZALLO / RAGUSA, SICILY Piazza Armerina for a tour Villa Romana del Casale. seating dining room, two lounges, ID 60 602 CA TD 0 02 Sunday, September 29 03 01 ATI ID Take a drive through scenic countryside to the observation deck, library, sun deck D C 6 60 602 03 60 603 601 CEFALÙ TD 01 charming town of Ragusa, recognized by UNESCO D C ATI 6 A IA with Jacuzzi, and gym. All suites have 60 602 I A D Situated on the northern coast, Cefalù is of 60 603 601 D C TD 6 C PTI for its outstanding Baroque architecture. Wander D C ATI i ari an ocean view and feature an en suite 60 602 Greek origin; its name, meaning “head,” derives Thursday, October 3 60 603 601 through the historic center, a tangle of alleys and TD C PTI D C ATI 60 602 SYRACUSE / ORTYGIA bathroom, flat-screen television, and A Tra ani ri e plazas that tumble down a dramatic gorge, to from its position below a precipitous rocky TD DI I 60 603 M 601 Palermo ATI C PTI D C M Monreale headland. A walking tour includes the splendid Founded by the Corinthians in the 8th century safe. The Serenissima carries a fleet 60 603 601 A Ce al view elegant palaces and elaborately decorated 0 DI I M AC I ege a 0 03 01 C PTI Norman-Arab Cathedral, begun in 1131 and BC, Syracuse was one of the most powerful D C M Taormina M . na churches. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to of Zodiacs, available for accessing A Mar ala 0 DI I M C PTI AC I D C 0 03 01 T AIT F famous for its glittering Byzantine mosaics; a Greek cities—defending its sovereignty against M a nearby farm to sample almonds and fresh ricotta. remote shorelines and islands. A major A SICILY M I A DI I M AC I Ca ania 0 0 1 03 01 12 10 0 06 medieval wash-house; and the Osterio Magno, such rivals as Carthage, the Etruscans, and the D C 2 1 0 M 02
22 A
Return to Pozzallo for dinner aboard the ship. 20 refurbishment and reconfiguration is DI I M Morgan ina AC I Agrigen o 0 0 1 03 01 12 10 M the 11th-century residence of King Ruggiero II. Romans, who later overtook the city, followed by D C 2 1 0 06
21 19 0 01
1 0 02 22 planned for late 2018. 20 09 AC I 03 Lunch is a highlight today as you join a local chef the Arabs. Begin at the Saint John Catacombs 0 0 03 01 0 D C 1 12 10 0 06 2 1 0 02
21 19 0
22 01
ra u e 1 at Tasca Lanza Estate who will teach you how with their maze of underground passageways 20 09 0 03 D C 1 12 10 0 06 2 1 0 02 22
Thursday, September 26 D C 3 20 21 19 0 01 1 322 320 31 316 31 312 09310 30 03 Po allo to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes. There will then drive to the Archaeological Park, a World 1 12 10 0 306 0 0630 2 1 0 02
agu a 22 AGRIGENTO 20 336 302
21 19 33 0 01 also be time for wine sampling and a chance to Heritage Site. Highlights include the Roman D C 3 1 09 03 322 320 31 316 31 312 310 30 0 306D CT 30 301
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Agrigento, 21 19 0 01 1 09 03303 302 explore the lovely grounds of the Estate, or to Amphitheater of Augustus; the Ear of Dionysius, D C 3 336 33 0 30 322321320319 31 316 31 311312 309310 30 D CT a World Heritage Site. The exquisite architecture 31 31 313 306 30 simply relax among your scenic surroundings. a grotto with an extraordinary echo; and the 302301 D C 3 336 33 303 322 320 31 316 31 312 310 30 30630 of the Valley of the Temples dates back to the 321 319 31 31 313 311 309 30 D CT 30 massive 15,000-seat Greek Theater. Return to D C 3 336 302301 322 320 31 316 31 33 312 310 30 306 303 4th and 5th centuries BC and includes the 321 319 30 30 D CT 30 CATEGORY 1 CATEGO31 RY 31 3 313CA311TE309GORY 5 302 the ship, at port in Ortygia, for lunch, before 336 33 301 303 Temple of Zeus—the largest Doric temple from 30 D CT striking out for a walking tour of the old town. 321 319 31 31 313 311 309 30 301 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 303 Greek antiquity. Return to the ship for lunch Monday, September 30 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 30 Highlights include the ruins of the 6th-century 321 319 31 31 313 311 309 30 MALTA alle a and attend informative lectures as the ship LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS / STROMBOLI CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 BC Apollo Temple—the oldest in Sicily—and the CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 cruises toward Trapani. Take a walking tour through the center of Lipari CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 Piazza Duomo, built around the ancient Temple CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 to reach the impressive fort, built in 1556 upon CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 of Minerva (Athena). There will be time to explore CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 the ruins of an ancient Greek acropolis. Within the small food market, or enjoy free time on your CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 the fort walls you will find the superb Aeolian Rates Friday, September 27 own, before heading back to the ship for a festive Itinerary Archaeological Museum and the lovely Norman TRAPANI / ERICE / SEGESTA / MARSALA farewell dinner. St. Bartolomeo Church. Return to the ship for an CATEGORY 1 $9,980 CATEGORY 4 $11,980 CAT 1 / SOLO $9,980 Step ashore in the thriving fishing town of afternoon of cruising through the lovely Aeolian Trapani, then depart overland to visit Erice, CATEGORY 2 $10,480 CATEGORY 5 $13,280 CAT 3 / SOLO $11,280 Based on the expeditionary nature of this trip, there Islands en route to active Stromboli Volcano for a charming medieval village perched high may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary. sunset photos, with the chance to watch for the Friday, October 4 on a mountain-top with stunning views of the CATEGORY 3 $11,280 CATEGORY 6 $15,280 Stromboli “fireworks” as darkness falls. VALLETTA, MALTA / DISEMBARK / USA Tyrrhenian Sea. Alternatively, visit the ruins of Disembark in Valletta this morning and transfer to Solo Travelers: No solo supplement in select categories! (limited availability) Sunday, September 22, 2019 Segesta, once the center of the ancient Elymian the airport for your independent homeward flight. DEPART USA civilization, and home to a magnificent Doric Board your independent flight to Valletta, Malta. temple. Both groups will sample olive oil at a Tuesday, October 1 INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: farm in Fontanasalsa, before returning to the TAORMINA / MT. ETNA • Daily activity options including cultural • Airfare from home city/Valletta ship for lunch. This afternoon, drive to Marsala This morning, disembark in Taormina and board Flight Information: You will need to purchase tours, nature walks, cooking demonstrations, and Valletta/home city for a walking tour. Make a stop at Cantine Florio, coaches for an excursion to 9,500-foot-high and wine tasting Monday, September 23 airfare from your home city/Valletta and Valletta/ • Excess baggage charges one of Sicily’s ancient wine estates, to enjoy Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take VALLETTA, MALTA home city. Please contact Zegrahm’s in-house Air • All gratuities • Airport arrival and departure taxes local snacks accompanied by Marsala wines. a cable car up Etna’s pock-marked slopes, then Arrive in Malta this afternoon and transfer to our Department at 800-628-8747 or 206-285-4000 • All accommodations continue in 4x4 vehicles to reach the main crater • Transfers for independent arrivals and hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related at 9,000 feet, with the opportunity for a short • World-class lecture and expedition team departures This evening, attend a welcome reception with questions. hike. In the afternoon, a walking tour of charming • All onboard meals and group meals ashore, • Passport and/or visa fees dinner and overnight at the hotel. Saturday, September 28 Taormina takes you to the 3rd-century Greco- including soft drinks, beer, and wine with PALERMO / MONREALE • Travel insurance Roman Theater, renowned for acoustic effects lunch and dinner Palermo is famous for its jumbled and picturesque • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, that make it a favorite concert venue to this day. Optional Pre-voyage Extension: • All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and streets punctuated with ornate Baroque churches, bar charges, and alcoholic beverages Tuesday, September 24 Then take a stroll along the lively pedestrian-only port charges domed Arab mosques, and Byzantine mosaics. (other than listed at left) VALLETTA / EMBARK SERENISSIMA Corso Umberto and explore its many narrow Malta • Arrival and departure transfers on group dates Visit the impressive 12th-century Cathedral and • Email/internet/fax/telephone charges After breakfast, explore historic Valletta, Malta’s off-shooting lanes that lead to pretty piazzas September 20 - 23, 2019 | 4 Days the Palatine Chapel in the Norman castle; today • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear enchanting capital city built by the Knights of lined with shops. the building serves as the seat of the Sicilian More details and pricing for this optional extension • Medical expense coverage and emergency St. John in the 16th century. Visit the National government. Highlights of your walking tour will be sent to confirmed guests. evacuation insurance Museum of Archaeology, the Grand Master’s through the town center include the famous Palace, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Ballaro food market, Massimo Theater, Quattro Wednesday, October 2 Temple of Hagar Qim, a complex of monolith- Canti, Town Hall, and Martorana Church. CATANIA / MORGANTINA To Register: Call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749 to reserve space, or send a completed ic edifices built between 3600 and 2500 BC. Itinerary is subject to change. All registrants must review reservation form, available at alum.mit.edu/travel. A deposit of $2,500 per person, payable by check or major Then enjoy an aperitif at the Palazzo Gangi, Today you have your choice of two tours. An inland Embark the Serenissima this evening. and sign the Terms & Conditions document, located on the credit card (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express), is required. Final payment by check or credit card is due noted for its Sicilian Baroque ballroom deco- drive takes you through a series of photogenic website for this trip, at alum.mit.edu/travel. Or, call May 24, 2019. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy (unless indicated as solo), quoted in US rated with Murano chandeliers, gold fittings, villages to Piazza Armerina, famous for its superb the Alumni Travel Program office for a printed copy. dollars, and must be paid in US dollars.
To reserve, call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749 or email [email protected] today. and glittering mirrors. This afternoon, you are Roman mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale. free to explore Palermo on your own, or join Enjoy lunch at a Sicilian restaurant near the Greek Deck Plan a guided tour of Monreale’s fabled Cathedral. site of Morgantina, then tour the ruins and visit the The Serenissima CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SICILY Built in 1174 and hailed as Italy’s most beautiful small, but excellent Aidone Museum. Or, choose D C Norman church, the interior is covered with a city tour that visits the famous morning fish 0 02 The all-suite 95-guest Serenissima D C ID 03 mosaics, gold leaf, and stone intarsia. market in Catania’s town square where a colorful 0 01 02 is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition D C ID variety of local products are on display. After lunch 03 D C 6 0 01 02 vessel. Public spaces include a single- D C Wednesday, September 25 aboard the ship, or on your own in town, drive to ID 03 02 D C 6 0 01 T M I POZZALLO / RAGUSA, SICILY Piazza Armerina for a tour Villa Romana del Casale. seating dining room, two lounges, ID 60 602 CA TD 0 02 Sunday, September 29 03 01 ATI ID Take a drive through scenic countryside to the observation deck, library, sun deck D C 6 60 602 03 60 603 601 CEFALÙ TD 01 charming town of Ragusa, recognized by UNESCO D C ATI 6 A IA with Jacuzzi, and gym. All suites have 60 602 I A D Situated on the northern coast, Cefalù is of 60 603 601 D C TD 6 C PTI for its outstanding Baroque architecture. Wander D C ATI i ari an ocean view and feature an en suite 60 602 Greek origin; its name, meaning “head,” derives Thursday, October 3 60 603 601 through the historic center, a tangle of alleys and TD C PTI D C ATI 60 602 SYRACUSE / ORTYGIA bathroom, flat-screen television, and A Tra ani ri e plazas that tumble down a dramatic gorge, to from its position below a precipitous rocky TD DI I 60 603 M 601 Palermo ATI C PTI D C M Monreale headland. A walking tour includes the splendid Founded by the Corinthians in the 8th century safe. The Serenissima carries a fleet 60 603 601 A Ce al view elegant palaces and elaborately decorated 0 DI I M AC I ege a 0 03 01 C PTI Norman-Arab Cathedral, begun in 1131 and BC, Syracuse was one of the most powerful D C M Taormina M . na churches. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to of Zodiacs, available for accessing A Mar ala 0 DI I M C PTI AC I D C 0 03 01 T AIT F famous for its glittering Byzantine mosaics; a Greek cities—defending its sovereignty against M a nearby farm to sample almonds and fresh ricotta. remote shorelines and islands. A major A SICILY M I A DI I M AC I Ca ania 0 0 1 03 01 12 10 0 06 medieval wash-house; and the Osterio Magno, such rivals as Carthage, the Etruscans, and the D C 2 1 0 M 02
22 A
Return to Pozzallo for dinner aboard the ship. 20 refurbishment and reconfiguration is DI I M Morgan ina AC I Agrigen o 0 0 1 03 01 12 10 M the 11th-century residence of King Ruggiero II. Romans, who later overtook the city, followed by D C 2 1 0 06
21 19 0 01
1 0 02 22 planned for late 2018. 20 09 AC I 03 Lunch is a highlight today as you join a local chef the Arabs. Begin at the Saint John Catacombs 0 0 03 01 0 D C 1 12 10 0 06 2 1 0 02
21 19 0
22 01
ra u e 1 at Tasca Lanza Estate who will teach you how with their maze of underground passageways 20 09 0 03 D C 1 12 10 0 06 2 1 0 02 22
Thursday, September 26 D C 3 20 21 19 0 01 1 322 320 31 316 31 312 09310 30 03 Po allo to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes. There will then drive to the Archaeological Park, a World 1 12 10 0 306 0 0630 2 1 0 02
agu a 22 AGRIGENTO 20 336 302
21 19 33 0 01 also be time for wine sampling and a chance to Heritage Site. Highlights include the Roman D C 3 1 09 03 322 320 31 316 31 312 310 30 0 306D CT 30 301
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Agrigento, 21 19 0 01 1 09 03303 302 explore the lovely grounds of the Estate, or to Amphitheater of Augustus; the Ear of Dionysius, D C 3 336 33 0 30 322321320319 31 316 31 311312 309310 30 D CT a World Heritage Site. The exquisite architecture 31 31 313 306 30 simply relax among your scenic surroundings. a grotto with an extraordinary echo; and the 302301 D C 3 336 33 303 322 320 31 316 31 312 310 30 30630 of the Valley of the Temples dates back to the 321 319 31 31 313 311 309 30 D CT 30 massive 15,000-seat Greek Theater. Return to D C 3 336 302301 322 320 31 316 31 33 312 310 30 306 303 4th and 5th centuries BC and includes the 321 319 30 30 D CT 30 CATEGORY 1 CATEGO31 RY 31 3 313CA311TE309GORY 5 302 the ship, at port in Ortygia, for lunch, before 336 33 301 303 Temple of Zeus—the largest Doric temple from 30 D CT striking out for a walking tour of the old town. 321 319 31 31 313 311 309 30 301 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 303 Greek antiquity. Return to the ship for lunch Monday, September 30 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 30 Highlights include the ruins of the 6th-century 321 319 31 31 313 311 309 30 MALTA alle a and attend informative lectures as the ship LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS / STROMBOLI CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 BC Apollo Temple—the oldest in Sicily—and the CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 cruises toward Trapani. Take a walking tour through the center of Lipari CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 Piazza Duomo, built around the ancient Temple CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 to reach the impressive fort, built in 1556 upon CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 of Minerva (Athena). There will be time to explore CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 the ruins of an ancient Greek acropolis. Within the small food market, or enjoy free time on your CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 the fort walls you will find the superb Aeolian Rates Friday, September 27 own, before heading back to the ship for a festive Itinerary Archaeological Museum and the lovely Norman TRAPANI / ERICE / SEGESTA / MARSALA farewell dinner. St. Bartolomeo Church. Return to the ship for an CATEGORY 1 $9,980 CATEGORY 4 $11,980 CAT 1 / SOLO $9,980 Step ashore in the thriving fishing town of afternoon of cruising through the lovely Aeolian Trapani, then depart overland to visit Erice, CATEGORY 2 $10,480 CATEGORY 5 $13,280 CAT 3 / SOLO $11,280 Based on the expeditionary nature of this trip, there Islands en route to active Stromboli Volcano for a charming medieval village perched high may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary. sunset photos, with the chance to watch for the Friday, October 4 on a mountain-top with stunning views of the CATEGORY 3 $11,280 CATEGORY 6 $15,280 Stromboli “fireworks” as darkness falls. VALLETTA, MALTA / DISEMBARK / USA Tyrrhenian Sea. Alternatively, visit the ruins of Disembark in Valletta this morning and transfer to Solo Travelers: No solo supplement in select categories! (limited availability) Sunday, September 22, 2019 Segesta, once the center of the ancient Elymian the airport for your independent homeward flight. DEPART USA civilization, and home to a magnificent Doric Board your independent flight to Valletta, Malta. temple. Both groups will sample olive oil at a Tuesday, October 1 INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: farm in Fontanasalsa, before returning to the TAORMINA / MT. ETNA • Daily activity options including cultural • Airfare from home city/Valletta ship for lunch. This afternoon, drive to Marsala This morning, disembark in Taormina and board Flight Information: You will need to purchase tours, nature walks, cooking demonstrations, and Valletta/home city for a walking tour. Make a stop at Cantine Florio, coaches for an excursion to 9,500-foot-high and wine tasting Monday, September 23 airfare from your home city/Valletta and Valletta/ • Excess baggage charges one of Sicily’s ancient wine estates, to enjoy Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Take VALLETTA, MALTA home city. Please contact Zegrahm’s in-house Air • All gratuities • Airport arrival and departure taxes local snacks accompanied by Marsala wines. a cable car up Etna’s pock-marked slopes, then Arrive in Malta this afternoon and transfer to our Department at 800-628-8747 or 206-285-4000 • All accommodations continue in 4x4 vehicles to reach the main crater • Transfers for independent arrivals and hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related at 9,000 feet, with the opportunity for a short • World-class lecture and expedition team departures This evening, attend a welcome reception with questions. hike. In the afternoon, a walking tour of charming • All onboard meals and group meals ashore, • Passport and/or visa fees dinner and overnight at the hotel. Saturday, September 28 Taormina takes you to the 3rd-century Greco- including soft drinks, beer, and wine with PALERMO / MONREALE • Travel insurance Roman Theater, renowned for acoustic effects lunch and dinner Palermo is famous for its jumbled and picturesque • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, that make it a favorite concert venue to this day. Optional Pre-voyage Extension: • All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and streets punctuated with ornate Baroque churches, bar charges, and alcoholic beverages Tuesday, September 24 Then take a stroll along the lively pedestrian-only port charges domed Arab mosques, and Byzantine mosaics. (other than listed at left) VALLETTA / EMBARK SERENISSIMA Corso Umberto and explore its many narrow Malta • Arrival and departure transfers on group dates Visit the impressive 12th-century Cathedral and • Email/internet/fax/telephone charges After breakfast, explore historic Valletta, Malta’s off-shooting lanes that lead to pretty piazzas September 20 - 23, 2019 | 4 Days the Palatine Chapel in the Norman castle; today • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear enchanting capital city built by the Knights of lined with shops. the building serves as the seat of the Sicilian More details and pricing for this optional extension • Medical expense coverage and emergency St. John in the 16th century. Visit the National government. Highlights of your walking tour will be sent to confirmed guests. evacuation insurance Museum of Archaeology, the Grand Master’s through the town center include the famous Palace, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Ballaro food market, Massimo Theater, Quattro Wednesday, October 2 Temple of Hagar Qim, a complex of monolith- Canti, Town Hall, and Martorana Church. CATANIA / MORGANTINA To Register: Call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749 to reserve space, or send a completed ic edifices built between 3600 and 2500 BC. Itinerary is subject to change. All registrants must review reservation form, available at alum.mit.edu/travel. A deposit of $2,500 per person, payable by check or major Then enjoy an aperitif at the Palazzo Gangi, Today you have your choice of two tours. An inland Embark the Serenissima this evening. and sign the Terms & Conditions document, located on the credit card (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express), is required. Final payment by check or credit card is due noted for its Sicilian Baroque ballroom deco- drive takes you through a series of photogenic website for this trip, at alum.mit.edu/travel. Or, call May 24, 2019. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy (unless indicated as solo), quoted in US rated with Murano chandeliers, gold fittings, villages to Piazza Armerina, famous for its superb the Alumni Travel Program office for a printed copy. dollars, and must be paid in US dollars.
To reserve, call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749 or email [email protected] today. CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SICILY
September 22 – October 4, 2019 | 13 Days | Aboard the Serenissima
DEAR MIT ALUMNI & FRIENDS,
Sicily has long been a stopover for traders and conquerors and an island rich in geologic activity and natural wonders. From the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to Arab Saracens, Normans, and the Spaniards of Aragon, each wave left its mark and contributed to Sicily’s rich cultural heritage, including magnificent ancient ruins, architectural styles that span the centuries, and unique culinary traditions. Sicily is also volcanic, demonstrated by the activity of Mount Etna and Stromboli. During the trip, we’ll explore the compelling geology of Sicily, in part created by the slow contraction between Africa and Eurasia. September is a glorious time to visit this region and the 95-guest Serenissima allows for an intimate exploration of charming villages and historic ports of call.
We are sharing the departure with travelers from Zegrahm Expeditions. If you have any questions, or to make a reservation, please call the MIT Alumni Travel Program Expedition Highlights CIRCUMNAVIGATION at 800-992-6749, or email us at [email protected]. The trip reservation form can be found on our website at alum.mit.edu/travel. • Participate in daily lectures and informal discussions about the region. OF SICILY • Tour Monreale’s impressive 12th-century Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel Sincerely, in Palermo, hailed as two of Italy’s most beautiful Norman churches. • Explore the exquisite Greek and Roman ruins of Agrigento and Syracuse— September 22 – October 4, 2019 | 13 Days | Aboard the Serenissima both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. • Cruise among the scenic Aeolian Islands and enjoy up-close views of still- Melissa Chapman Gresh Director, MIT Alumni Travel Program active Stromboli Volcano. • Attend cooking demonstrations on how to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes, P.S. Visit our website at alum.mit.edu/travel for details and updates on all our programs. Find us on Facebook at MIT Alumni Travel Program. and enjoy wine and olive oil tastings. • Enjoy free time to stroll through picturesque coastal towns with opportunities to explore on your own. Enrichment Staff A team of experts will join you on this expedition. They will offer a comprehensive educational component to your adventure through lectures, guided tours, and informal discussions on the history, culture, and current events of the region. In addition to MIT Alumni Travel Program long-time Expedition Leader John Yersin and Cruise Director Kelsey Simmons, you 600 Memorial Dr. 2nd Floor will travel on this voyage with a maritime archaeologist, geologist, ornithologist, Cambridge, MA 02139 historian, and art historian.