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Sicily wine & cuisine 2008

Day 1

Arrival in Palermo airport and private transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast, departure for a typical 18th century Sicilian villa " Baglio", for your first cooking lesson.

The chef at Baglio will teach guests how to prepare traditional recipes of the province of Trapani such us "cous cous alla trapanese" and "sarde baccaficu". All participants will help prepare the dishes for lunch. At the end of the cooking lesson lunch in the Baglio.

In the afternoon, Transfer to Erice, a nearby medieval town, located at the top of the homonymous mountain set 751 meters above the sea level and overlooking the whole Western region, the Mediterranean Sea and the Egadi Islands. Walking visit of its characteristic historical centre. Back to the hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight.

Day 3

After breakfast, departure to Agrigento to visit the beautiful Valley of the Temples, one of the most representative sites of Greek civilization in the Mediterranean area. Visit to the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the wonderful Temple of Concord. Lunch on your own in Agrigento.

In the afternoon, travel to Piazza Armerina, a small town in the south-central part of the island, to visit to the Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman country villa of the 3rd century, famous for its mosaics. Transfer to a charming Farmhouse between Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone.

Time at leisure, then dinner in the traditional dining room of the farm. The cuisine is based on authentic food such as pasta, ricotta, salsiccia, local meat and vegetables. Overnight at the farm.

Day 4

In the morning, departure for Modica baroque town of the south Sicily.

Late morning, cooking lesson with a chef-teacher of traditional regional cuisine. Lunch in the typical restaurant including the dishes prepared during the lesson.

visit of Siracusa to visit to the archaeological sites of the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ear of Dyonisus and the Latomie. Walk through the historical center on the Ortigia Island to admire the Cathedral, the Aretusa fountain and the ancient streets. Time for shopping. Lunch on your own in Siracusa.

Day 5

All day on your own in Taormina .

walk through the historical center of this beautiful town, famous for its Greek-Roman Amphitheatre and its enchanting view of the Ionic Sea and Mt. Etna. Taormina has been an exclusive Sicilian hotspot, since the beginning of the 19th century, and is where many noble and rich families of Northern Europe spent winter due to its mild climate. Nowadays, Taormina is famous for its "dolce vita" life style, its beautiful beach, and its shops. Dinner on your own. Overnight.

Optional excursion to Mt. Etna with a lunch and wine tasting at tenuta S. Michele ,an ancient estate located on the slopes of the volcano Etna. The farm, which belongs to the noble family of the Baron Scammacca del Murgo, is surrounded by extensive vineyards and has a panoramic view of both Mt. Etna and the sea.

Day 6

Morning: breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Polizzi, a small village 70 kilometers away from Palermo located in the Madonie Mountains' Natural Park.

In Polizzi, guests will have a half-day cooking lesson in a local Farmhouse, where the owner of the farm will teach them to prepare some of the most popular and essential recipes according to the local tradition. Lunch at the farm, and then an afternoon visit to Polizzi Generosa, an ancient village rich in historical and artistic attractions. Visit to the Park's Museum. Check in at the hotel and time for rest. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 7

Morning: breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Palermo for a full-day visit to this beautiful ancient town. Experience the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel, the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Cathedral, Quattro Canti square, etc. Walk through the streets of the historical center, and visit to the town's popular Vucciria market. Lunch on your own in town.

Afternoon: transfer to Monreale, an ancient village near Palermo, famous for its wonderful Norman Cathedral and the adjoining cloister, architectural masterpieces of King Roger II. Return to Palermo, with time for a stroll through the city. Back to the hotel. Farewell dinner at a typical restaurant. After dinner, sightseeing tour of "Palermo By Night". Back to the hotel and overnight.

Day 8

Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to the airport in Palermo, assistance with check-in and departure.

Prices per person (land only) - 8 days / 7 nights
Single room	Double room
3,840 usd	3,440 usd
10 % Supplement for Christmas and Easter departures
30 % Supplement for New Year departure

7 nights in first class accommodation, breakfast included:
- 3 nights in Palermo at Hotel Residenza d'Aragona.
- 1 night in Piazza Armerina at Villa dei Margi
- 2 nights in Taormina at Hotel Villa Riis
- 1 night at Donna Legge countryhouse
All included transfers by private English speaking chauffeur / guide
6 meals in typical restaurants and farmhouses
Sightseeing as per itinerary (sites entry fees not included)
2 guided visits to wine cellars (wine tasting included)
3 cooking classes
All taxes
Special Christmas dinner (Christmas departure)
Gala dinner at New Year's Eve

OPTIONALS

Ø Travel Insurance.