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GLOBUS: HIGHLIGHTS OF SICILY & SOUTHERN ITALY (LM)
13 days from Rome to Palermo, or 14 days incl. travel
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 Spectacular scenery combined with fascinating architectural remains and ancient history-all of this await you on this fabulous vacation through Sicily and Southern Italy. If you're interested in Roman history, this tour is certainly for you. You'll visit Matera, where you'll see one of the Sassi Houses-prehistoric cave dwellings built into the rock-thought to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. You'll also visit Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, known for its blue skies and rich heritage. Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheater in Taormina, built in the 3rd century BC; the ancient Greek structures that have survived for 2,400 years in Agrigento; and the 12th-century Norman Cathedral in Monreale, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious byzantine mosaics. Photos and words cannot adequately capture these sights. History buffs will also enjoy Pompeii, which was completely buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Imagine what life was like 2,000 years ago! This preserved town gives you an amazingly detailed look into life at the peak of the Roman Empire. Of course, you'll also see the ancient structures in Rome, such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum.For those desiring amazing scenery, this tour is sure to delight. You'll visit Sorrento and Capri-both offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear, blue sea. Spend time gazing at the mesmerizing water, shop at the boutiques, and dine at the fabulous restaurants visited by celebrities. History, shopping, amazing scenery, tasty cuisine, and so much more are waiting for you on this Italy vacation. So pack your bag and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
HOTELS
ROME Cicerone (SF), SORRENTO Michelangelo (F), MATERA Hilton Garden Inn (F), REGGIO CALABRIA Grand Hotel Excelsior (SF), TAORMINA AREA Hilton Giardini Naxos (SF) at Giardini Naxos, PALERMO NH Palermo (F)
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| Details | | Globus | | Offer valid through 3/31/2012 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Rome | Time to rest or start exploring the 'Eternal City.' At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome's lively restaurants. (D) | | Day 2 | Rome | Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo's ceiling paintings. Continue to monumental ST. PETER'S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Then, time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (B) | | Day 3 | Sorrento | This morning, arrive in Naples and speed across the bay by JETFOIL to the Isle of Capri. Ride the FUNICULAR to Capri village for a guided visit of this pretty town. Free time to explore the little shops on the Piazzetta before arriving in the charming resort of Sorrento. (B) | | Day 4 | Sorrento | Visit splendid REGGIA OF CASERTA, an impressive residence of 1,200 rooms with elegant GARDENS stretching two miles, reminiscent of the French Palace of Versailles. Next, enter lively and colorful Naples. A Local Guide takes you first to the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, housing some of the world's greatest Greco-Roman treasures; focus on the well-preserved objects found in Pompeii. Then, on to the city center to admire the remarkable Triumphal Arch of the New Castle, St. Charles Theater, the Royal Palace, Galleria Umberto, and the semicircular Piazza Plebiscito. Drive up to Posillipo Hill for a sweeping view of the Bay of Naples. Return to Sorrento. (B) | | Day 5 | Matera | A short drive brings you to POMPEII, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Guide will walk you past patrician homes, public baths, and commercial districts strikingly recalling day-to-day life when Rome was at the apex of her power. Next, drive to Matera for a guided walking tour featuring a visit to one of the picturesque SASSI HOUSES. (B,D) | | Day 6 | Matera | Enjoy a full day at leisure. You may want to visit the picturesque town of Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli, whitewashed dry stone circular houses with pinnacled, conical roofs. (B) | | Day 7 | Reggio Calabria | A spectacular drive south along the Gulf of Taranto before heading inland to Reggio Calabria. Visit the MUSEUM that houses the world-famous bronze warrior sculptures, Bronzi di Riace, with a Local Guide. (B,D) | | Day 8 | Taormina Area | This morning, cross the Strait of Messina by FERRY and arrive in Sicily, the great melting pot of the Mediterranean world: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Saracens, Normans, French, and Spanish have left their marks and contributed to its rich heritage. Before arriving at your hotel in the Taormina area, enjoy lunch and visit the GREEK AMPHITHEATER. You may want to sign up for an exciting optional excursion. (B,L) | | Day 9 | Taormina Area | Today you may wish to just relax or join an optional excursion to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. (B) | | Day 10 | Taormina Area | Why not sign up for a fascinating excursion to the archaeological site of Syracuse, birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes and once a powerful Greek port whose fleet was feared throughout the Mediterranean. It attracted visitors such as the philosopher Plato and, later, the Apostle Paul, who converted its citizens to Christianity. (B,D) | | Day 11 | Palermo | A day devoted to the scenic beauty and ancient Greek treasures of southwest Sicily. Head south to Agrigento and enjoy a walk with your Local Guide through the breathtaking VALLEY OF TEMPLES. Even travelers who have visited Athens and Delphi are awed by the gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that miraculously survived 24 centuries of tormented history. Arrive at your hotel in Palermo. (B) | | Day 12 | Palermo | Start sightseeing with a Local Guide. Visit the ornate Piazza Bellini, the CATHEDRAL, and the Arab-Norman PALATINE CHAPEL in the Royal Palace. Later, drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the 12th-century NORMAN CATHEDRAL, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious byzantine mosaics. End with a visit to the typical and picturesque village of Mondello. Back to Palermo. Tonight, you may wish to enjoy local specialties on an optional dinner outing. (B) | | Day 13 | Palermo | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
| | US$ Price Details
Dates and prices do not include international air travel. When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Europe.Prices based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement: $529Triple room reduction per person: $72Extra nights per person in Rome:in single room $226, in twin room $165, in triple room $138Extra nights per person in Palermo:in single room $105, in twin room $78, in triple room $72
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-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature. |
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