WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — With its rustic beauty and Old World charm, Sicily is a rare jewel, and Perillo Tours has a brand new nine-day escorted tour to this Mediterranean gem. The value-packed journey will unfold 25 centuries of treasures left by the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, the Bourbons and other invaders. Two of the most enlightened capitals of the West, Greek Siracusa and Arab-Norman Palermo will be featured, as well as medieval Taormina with its stunning beaches back-dropped by Mount Etna’s smoking volcano.
A top Mediterranean power 2,700 years ago, Siracusa is a World Heritage Site with a Greek theater, several temples, Roman amphitheater and the tomb of the Greek mathematician Archimedes. Nearly every great European empire once ruled Palermo, and left their traces in its palaces, churches and crypts.
Deluxe hotels on the tour include three nights in Palermo at the Grand Hotel Wagner and two nights in Taormina at the Grand Timeo. A hearty buffet breakfast gets every day off right, and evenings are filled with sumptuous, wine-fueled meals. Accompanied by Perillo’s engaging and knowledgeable tour directors throughout, guests will enjoy day trips to Sicily’s fascinating sites
Highlights include a bouquet-filled visit to Marsala and one of its wine cellars, where guests will taste the fortified wine that was first introduced in 1796. Also on the itinerary is the ancient Greek city of Selinus, an acropolis of majestic temples overlooking the sea. On the road to Taormina, the tour will stop at the aristocratic fourth century Villa Romana del Casales in Piazza Armerina, famed for its intricate mosaics. A morning trip from Taormina will reveal another World Heritage Site, Noto, built entirely in the Baroque period.
Each departure is limited to 40 guests traveling in deluxe motor coaches with extra legroom. Tour price covers airport transfers in Italy, hearty daily buffet breakfast, five dinners and one lunch including wine and beer, Marsala wine tasting, baggage handling, hotel service charges and taxes, professional tour directors and local guides. In addition to sightseeing, plenty of free time is available for independent explorations, shopping and relaxing. The Deluxe Sicily Tour is offered at $2,690 per person double occupancy for three departures in January, with the top price of $3,290 offered on the two April departures.
For more information and to book this or any other Perillo Tours package, see a travel agent, or visit www.PerilloTours.com or call toll free at 1-800-431-1515.
