A Sicilian Odyssey: from Homer to Caravaggio
Palermo - Agrigento - Cefalu - Lipari - Taormina - Syracuse - Enna - PalermoSicily, the 'three-cornered' island, was the home of the Cyclops and the Oxen of the Sun in Homer. Scylla and Charybdis were in the Straits of Messina and the wind god Aeolus dwelt in what are now known as the Aeolian Islands. In historical times, the island was divided between the Greeks in the east and the Carthaginians in the west. Later it was conquered by the Romans and subsequently by the Arabs and then the Normans, each contributing to the extraordinary richness of what can truly be called a crossroads of civilizations.
Begin the tour in the capital Palermo, where we will be plunged into the eclectic cultural world and bustling vitality of Sicily. From Palermo, visit the beautiful and evocative ancient sites of Segesta and Selinunte, as well as the magnificent Byzantine church of Monreale.
We spend a night in Agrigento with its row of temples overhanging the sea, before travelling north to the Norman city of Cefalù, where we embark for the Aeolian Islands, spending two nights on Lipari. After Taormina, perched high above the Mediterranean and close to Mount Etna, proceed south to Syracuse, home of the poet Theocritus and the philosopher Archimedes. Then travel inland to the mountainous heart of the island and the medieval city of Enna, before returning to Palermo for a final night and farewell dinner at the conclusion of the tour. 
Doric Temple at Segesta
ITINERARY
Friday 10 April 2009: Depart Australia
Depart Australia on board Emirates. Travel via Dubai to Rome.
Saturday 11 April: Arrive Palermo
On arrival in Rome connect to your flight to Palermo. Palermo is a jumble of periods and styles from baroque to Moorish, to sumptuous Arab–Norman. It's Sicily's capital and lies on the north coast, along a bay known as the Conca d'Oro (the golden shell) because of its glittering citrus groves.
In the afternoon join Christopher Allen on an orientation walk followed by a welcome dinner. (D)
Sunday 12 April: Palermo
Today attend a mass and see Easter celebrations take place all over town featuring impressive street processions and re-enactments of the Last Supper at many churches throughout the city. (B,D)
Monday 13 April: Palermo
Excursion to Segesta and Erice. Splendidly situated against the hillside, Segesta archaeological park is dominated by a Doric temple (430BC). Probably founded, like Erice, by the Elimi, Segesta soon became one of the main cities in the Mediterranean basin under Greek influence. After lunch continue to Erice, a mediaeval town which was settled by the Elymians and was an important religious site associated with goddesses of fertility. (B,L)
Tuesday 14 April: Palermo
Morning visit to Monreale, a hilltop town close to Palmero with one of the greatest cathedrals in all of Italy, the Monreale Duomo. Arabo-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its beauty in this cathedral, launched in 1174 by William II.
In the afternoon return to Palermo to visit the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, housed in the Palazzo Abatellis, itself an architectural treasure. The superb collection shows the evolution of the arts in Sicily from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Continue to the Regional Archaeological Museum, one of the grandest archaeological museums in Italy, filled with artefacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era. The collection includes major Sicilian finds from the Phoenician, Punic, Greek, Roman, and Saracen periods, with several noteworthy treasures from Egypt. (B,L)
Wednesday 15 April: Palermo - Agrigento
Depart Palermo and travel to Agrigento. Stop in Selinunte, one of the superb colonies of ancient Greece, tracing its history to the 7th century B.C., when immigrants from Megara Hyblaea (Syracuse) built a new colony. Visit the Archaeological Garden with temples, in varying states of preservation, are dedicated to such mythological figures as Apollo and Hera (Juno); most date from the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.
Afternoon arrival in Agrigento. Later see the Valley of the Temples at night when these temples are lit, one of the most evocative sights of Sicily.(B,D)
Thursday 16 April: Agrigento - Cefalù
In the morning return to the Valley of the Temples, one of the greatest sights left of the ancient world. The most majestic temples are the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord, and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch visit the Regional Archeological Museum before continuing to Cefalù, a small fishing village. (B,L)
Friday 17 April: Cefalù - Lipari
Morning exploration of Cefalù. Walk down its main street, Corso Ruggero visit the Duomo, the splendid Romanesque cathedral boasting a stunning array of mosaics and the Museo Mandralisca.
Transfer to Milazzo where you will board the ferry to Lipari. The offspring of seven volcanic eruptions, Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and is also the name of the island's only real town. (B,D)
Saturday 18 AprilL Lipari
Morning walking tour of the old town Lipari encircled by 13C-14C walls. Inside is the castle rebuilt by the Spaniards in the 16C on the site of a Norman building. The castle houses the Archeological Museum.
Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the many shops and restaurants along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Lipari’s main street. (B)
Sunday 19 April: Lipari – Messina - Taormina
Take the ferry to Messina on mainland Sicily. Visit the Regional Museum of Messina. Highlights include the Polyptych of San Gregorio (1473) by Antonello da Messina and two masterpieces by Caravaggio, the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Resurrection of Lazarus. Continue to Taormina, built on a cliff, Monte Tauro, overlooking the sea. On arrival, visit the Teatro Greco (Greek Amphitheatre) dating from the 3BC offering a view of rare beauty of the seacoast and Mount Etna. (B,L)
Monday 20 April: Taormina
Day at leisure in Taormina to explore the Roman "Naumachiae", the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicolò, the 14th century Palazzo Corvaja, the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of Saint.Stefano, the public gardens, the "Badia Vecchia" (Ancient Abbey) and many others. (B)
Tuesday 21 April: Taormina – Etna - Syracuse
Depart Taormina after breakfast and travel to Syracuse via Mount Etna (subject to volcano activity). Mt Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanos and the highest point on the island. The drive up the Mount Etna mountain slopes takes you through picturesque villages and an ever changing landscape. The lower slopes of the volcano are extremely fertile with groves of oranges, lemons and other Mediterranean flora and of course vines which produce Sicily's best wines. During our tour of Mount Etna we visit the Sylvester Craters located at an altitude of 1800m. Option to travel to 3000m by cable car or 4WD (additional extra). (B,L,D)
Wednesday 22 April: Syracuse
Morning visit to the main archaeological site of the town. Highlights include the famed theatre of Syracuse, the altar of Hieron II, and the ancient quarries. Continue to the Galleria Regionale del Palazzo Bellomo housed in a beautiful 13C palace. The art gallery is home to The Burial of St Lucy by Caravaggio.
Afternoon walk around the island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Syracuse and today a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B,L)
Thursday 23 April: Syracuse - Enna
Morning at leisure in Syracuse. Depart Syracuse and travel inland to Enna, occupying a magnificent position on a plateau 948m above sea level. (B,D)
Friday 24 April: Enna - Palermo
Morning exploration of Enna. The duomo, the cathedral with its coffered ceiling has maintained its Gothic apses. Lombardia Castle which looks out over the valley and San Marco, erected on the site of an old synagogue. Stroll in the Quartiere Fundrisi with its typical single-storey houses.
In the afternoon return to Palermo. Tonight enjoy a special farewell dinner with Christopher Allen and fellow travellers. (B,D)
Saturday 25 April: Depart Palermo
Transfer to the airport for departure to Rome. In Rome connect with your Emirates flight to Dubai and Australia. (B)
Sunday 26 April: In flight
Monday 27 April: Arrive Australia
Morning arrival in Australia.
YOUR HOTELS ****
Palermo - Hotel Centrale Palace
Agrigento - Hotel Domus Aurea
Cefalu - Hotel Alberi Del Paradiso
Lipari - Grand Hotel Arciduca
Taormina - Hotel Monte Tauro
Siracusa - Grand Hotel des Etrangers & Miramare
Leonforte - Villa Gussio Nicoletti
NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted
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