Southern Italy<strong>and</strong> sicilyTour Pace - This is a well paced itinerary withtwo night stops in every centre. This means onceyour morning sightseeing is completed, there is freetime in the afternoon to rest, shop or explore atyour own pace.Hotels - Hotels range from Rome’s modernCrowne Plaza St Peters to the family run Sant AlphioGarden in Giardini Naxos, near Taormina, <strong>and</strong> theMichelangelo in Sorrento, just a short walk from themain Piazza Tasso.Fellow Passengers - This tour is ideal forsecond time visitors to Italy <strong>and</strong> Europe. Also, mostof Sicily is mild <strong>and</strong> sunny all winter long, making itattractive to those wanting to avoid the extremes ofthe <strong>European</strong> weather.Highlights - Highlights include the Isle ofCapri, <strong>and</strong> the Greek & Norman heritage of Sicily.Also, in the absence of the summer tourists, you'relikely to encounter local residents who have plentyof time <strong>and</strong> inclination to chat.Explore the Isle of Caprifffff16-17DAY 1 – DEPART CANADA. Overnight flight to Rome.DAY 2 – ARRIVE ROME. Welcome to Rome - one of the greatest centres of WesternCivilisation, bejeweled with ancient monuments. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da VinciAirport there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel at 09.30, 12.30 <strong>and</strong> 15.30. Then time torelax <strong>and</strong> enjoy the hotel’s wide range of services! Later, join your Tour Director <strong>and</strong> fellow travelersfor a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Crowne Plaza St Peters.DAY 3 – ROME SIGHTSEEING. After breakfast, meet your local guide, who will reveal thegr<strong>and</strong>eur of Rome on your city sightseeing tour. Begin with a visit to the Vatican City, complete withits own flag, anthem, stamps <strong>and</strong> coins. Once you have a photo of the colourful Swiss guards, ventureinside St Peter’s Basilica to marvel at the Popes’ Altar by Bernini <strong>and</strong> Michelangelo’s powerful Pieta.Now cross the river Tiber where another highlight takes you inside the massive Colosseum, scene ofgreat entertainment <strong>and</strong> occasional martyrdoms in imperial times. Your tour concludes with a viewover the ruins of the Roman Forum.There is time at leisure this afternoon. This evening, drive to alocal restaurant for a Highlight Dinner, complete with vino <strong>and</strong> entertainment. (BB,HD)DAY 4 – ROME – SORRENTO. Heading south, stop briefly at the Commonwealth WarCemetery at Cassino, before continuing to Pompeii. With your local guide, stroll through the streetsof this Roman town engulfed in AD79 by an eruption of Mt Vesuvius. This is a unique opportunity toglimpse a moment of every day Roman life, frozen for over 2,000 years. Now on to your hotel in thescenic cliff top resort of Sorrento. Hotel: Michelangelo. (BB,D)DAY 5 – SORRENTO. Today’s excursion is to Capri, the isl<strong>and</strong> of dreams! Arriving at the MarinaGr<strong>and</strong>e by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. Here, there is time to explore thealleyways, small squares <strong>and</strong> enjoy the fabulous views. Perhaps join an optional excursion to Anacapribefore returning to Sorrento? As evening falls, don’t miss the opportunity of a delicious dinner of localspecialities at one of Sorrento’s top restaurants. (BB)DAY 6 – SORRENTO – TAORMINA. Take the smooth Autostrada south along the edge ofthe mountainous Calabria region, so often compared to Switzerl<strong>and</strong>. Continue along the Purple Coast tothe very toe of Italy where you board your ferry for the short crossing to Sicily. According to ancientlegend it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla <strong>and</strong> Charybdis carriedaway unwary seafarers to their doom! Continue now to your hotel in the resort of Giardini Naxos, withinclose proximity to Taormina, Mount Etna <strong>and</strong> the Mediterranean Sea. Hotel: Sant Alphio Garden. (BB,D)DAY 7 – TAORMINA. Taormina, founded in 400BC, is beautifully located overlooking the sea<strong>and</strong> facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Enjoy a guided visit to the Greek Theatre (3rd CenturyB.C.), then continue to the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens. Stroll with your Tour Directoralong the elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay tothe Ionian Sea. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps ask your Tour Director about the possibilityof an optional excursion to the active volcano of Mt Etna to witness the lava flow? (BB,D)DAY 8 – TAORMINA – PALERMO. Cross the isl<strong>and</strong> to the small fishing town of Cefalu,hemmed between the sea <strong>and</strong> a rocky promontory. Visit the impressive cathedral, which was erectedto fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Later, follow the coast to the historical Siciliancapital of Palermo. This evening, maybe take the option of a fabulous dinner at a rustic farmhousewhere Giuseppe Garibaldi was once a guest? Hotel: Astoria Palace. (BB)DAY 9 – PALERMO SIGHTSEEING. Palermo was the setting of some of the film locationsfor the 'Godfather' <strong>and</strong> you will surely recognise some of the scenes! Your guided tour shows you thePiazza Bellini, Cathedral <strong>and</strong> Palace of the Normans with its Palatine Chapel <strong>and</strong> dazzling mosaics.Then drive out to Monreale to admire the multi-coloured marble, paintings <strong>and</strong> mosaics inside theCathedral <strong>and</strong> enjoy views over the fertile plain known as the Conca d’Oro (Golden Conch Shell).Return to Palermo this afternoon for time at leisure. (BB)DAY 10 – RETURN TO CANADA. Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast thismorning. Transfers from the hotel arrive at Palermo Airport at 05.00 <strong>and</strong> 07.30 hrs. (BB)
10 Days ~ Italy & Sicilyf PompeiiA guided tour through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated townf Ancient RomeVisit the Colosseum &overlook the ForumROME(Day 2 <strong>and</strong> 3)ItalyApennine MountainsCassinoRoman Highlight DinnerEnjoy dinner including vino <strong>and</strong>entertainment at a local restaurantSORRENTO(Day 4 <strong>and</strong> 5)Pompeiif Excursion to the Isle of CapriFrom the beautiful resort of Sorrento, with its stunningviews down to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Naples,cruise over to the magical isl<strong>and</strong> of CapriIsle of Caprif Visit the Greek TheatreEnjoy beautiful views of the coast <strong>and</strong> Mount Etnafrom Taormina's Greek Theatref Visit to CefaluVisit the impressive Cathedral in this small fishingtown, set between the sea <strong>and</strong> a rocky promontoryPALERMO(Day 8, 9 <strong>and</strong> 10)CefaluCalabria MountainsMonrealeTAORMINA(Day 6 <strong>and</strong> 7)KeyCENTRAL HOTELS & NIGHTSSCENIC HOTELS & NIGHTSLOCALLY GUIDED TOURfPREMIUM HIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHT DINNERSEnjoy our f Premium Highlightsplus these extra tour featuresExcursions & SightsVisit the vast St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, adorned with priceless works of artVisit the Commonwealth War Cemetery at CassinoVisit Taormina’s Public Gardens <strong>and</strong> enjoy views of the gulf from Piazza 9 AprileSee Bellini Square, the Cathedral & Palatine Chapel in Palermo’s Palace of the NormansSee the paintings, multi-coloured marble <strong>and</strong> mosaics in the Cathedral at MonrealeGuided City ToursIndepth sightseeing tours, with audio headsets where appropriate, in Rome,Pompeii, Taormina & Palermo. Orientation tour in Sorrento<strong>Insight</strong>'s First Class ServicesEscorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toiletFirst Class hotels with all service charges, taxes <strong>and</strong> porterage<strong>Insight</strong> Traveler document wallet, map book journal <strong>and</strong> information packComplimentary transfers on Day 2 & Day 10 between the airport <strong>and</strong> your tour hotelQuality DiningHighlight Dinner of Italian cuisine in Rome (HD)8 Buffet breakfasts (BB), 3 three course table d’hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)Starts - Ends L<strong>and</strong> Air+L<strong>and</strong>Canada Canada Only from †Oct 31-Nov 09 $1775 $2610Nov 14-Nov 23 $1775 $2640Nov 21-Nov 30 $1775 $2640Nov 28-Dec 07 $1775 $264010 days from C$178 per daySupplementsSingle Room $350Pre & post tour accommodation:Per person per night Twin Single TripleCrowne Plaza St Peters^01 Nov 08-31 Mar 09 $122 $181 $113Astoria Palace^07 Nov 08-05 Apr 09 $108 $145 $104^These hotels have supplements during peakseasons. Please consult your Travel AgentDec 19-Dec 28 $1775 $2899* Dec 27-Jan 05 $1925 $27902009Jan 23-Feb 01 $1775 $2640Feb 20-Mar 01 $1775 $2640Mar 06-Mar 15 $1775 $2640Mar 13-Mar 22 $1775 $2640Mar 20-Mar 29 $1775 $2640Mar 27-Apr 05 $1775 $2640Apr 03-Apr 12 $1860 $2725Apr 10-Apr 19 $1860 $2725Reductions (See page 4)Share a Triple Room SAVE $60 p.p.Young Travelers 5-17 yrs SAVE up to $193Early Payment SAVE up to $96 p.p.Frequent TravelerSAVE 5% p.p.Extra Tour Discount SAVE up to $96 p.p.NotesREF: W400. Prices are C$ per person sharing atwin room. *Departs on Saturday <strong>and</strong> returnson Monday. All other tours depart Friday <strong>and</strong>return Sunday.Domestic return flight from Palermo to Romenot included.†All L<strong>and</strong> & Air PricesIncludes economy class transatlantic roundtrip air travel from Toronto. For supplementsfrom other Canadian gateways, see page 5.f Included Premium Highlights are worth approx. C$282Exchange news, views <strong>and</strong> valuable travel information with other <strong>Insight</strong> travelers on our ‘Bulletin Board’ at www.insightvacations.com
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