Sicily: Crossroads of Civilizations - Download brochure (PDF 4.1 MB)
May, 2009 (exact dates TBD) aboard the privately chartered M/V Callisto Request full trip information

General Description - Itinerary - Rates - Map - The Ship - Slide Show (7 Photos)

Friday and Saturday, May 1-2
U.S. / Palermo, Italy
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Palermo, Italy, on the island of Sicily. Upon arrival check in to our centrally located luxury hotel and relax, before gathering for a casual dinner this evening. HOTEL PRINCIPE DE VILLAFRANCA (meals in flight, D)

Sunday, May 3
Palermo and Monreale
Built around a bay at the foot of Mt. Pellegrino, Palermo is the capital of Sicily and one of Europe's most visually stunning and energetic cities. Our morning tour includes the Archaeological Museum, whose collection contains stone carvings from the Selinunte temples; La Martorana church, noted for its beautiful mosaics; and the glorious Cappella Palatina, one of Italy's finest works of art. In the afternoon, travel to the small medieval town of Monreale to visit its famed Norman Cathedral and elegant Cloister. Constructed from 1174 to 1184 by William II, the interior of the cathedral contains a magnificent series of mosaics. This evening, enjoy a festive welcome dinner. HOTEL PRINCIPE DE VILLAFRANCA (B,L,D)

Monday, May 4
Cefalu/Embark Callisto
Travel to the small port town of Cefalu, nestled between the sea and a rocky promontory. Visit the Romanesque cathedral that dominates the town's landscape, towering over Cefalu's network of narrow streets and ascending terraces. A collaborative effort of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artisans, the cathedral's interior contains a splendid vault covered with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Following lunch in Cefalu, return to Palermo to embark Callisto. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner onboard, and later tonight we sail for Marsala.  CALLISTO (B,L,D)

Tuesday, May 5
Erice / Segesta / Marsala
Drive to Erice, perched on a plateau high above the sea. Explore the shops and streets of this well-preserved medieval town, especially the 12th-century Castle of Venus. Continue to Segesta to view its unfinished temple; begun in 424 B.C., it is one of the grandest surviving Doric monuments. Reboard Callisto in Marsala, and sample some of Sicily’s most famous local wine aboard the ship. CALLISTO (B,L,D)

Wednesday, May 6
Porto Empedocle / Valley of the Temples / Porto Empedocle
Following a morning at sea, dock at Porto Empedocle and travel to nearby Agrigento, set on a ridge facing the sea. Visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose Doric temples are among Sicily’s most stunning Greek ruins. View the 6th-century-B.C. Temple of Hercules, the well-preserved Temple of Concord, and the lovely Temple of Juno. Also visit the impressive Archaeological Museum. Return to Porto Empedocle to reboard Callisto and sail late afternoon to Licata, where we spend the night in port. CALLISTO (B,L,D)

Thursday, May 7
Licata / Piazza Armerina / Licata / Pozzalo
From Licata, drive inland to visit Sicily’s finest Roman site, the Imperial Roman Villa. Located outside the town of Piazza Armerina, the palatial villa was built in the 3rd century and features superb floor mosaics. Reboard the Callisto in Licata and continue to Pozzalo, arriving late this evening. CALLISTO (B,L,D)

Friday, May 8
Pozzalo / Ragusa  / Modica / Noto / Syracuse
Explore Sicily’s southeast Baroque towns: Begin in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Ragusa, then continue to Modica. Remember there’s more to Sicily than ancient ruins—take a lesson in chocolate-making and sample the results! En route to Syracuse visit Noto, a Baroque jewel situated on a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves. Reboard the Callisto at Syracuse, where we overnight in port. CALLISTO (B,L,D)

Saturday, May 9
Syracuse
The ancient city of Syracuse once rivaled Athens as the most important city of the ancient world. Visit the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek Theater; the elliptical Roman amphitheater; and the Archaeological Museum with its rare Sicilian artifacts. On the island of Ortygia enjoy a walking tour of Syracuse’s old town. CALLISTO (B,L,D)

Sunday, May 10
Taormina
Anchor at Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily, and drive to Taormina. With its fabulous views of Mt. Etna and known as a favorite spot for aristocrats on the Grand Tour, Taormina is a delightful place to conclude our visit to Sicily. Visit the Greco-Roman Theater, and enjoy time to wander on your own in this town known for its lemon- and orange-scented streets and elegant streets. Celebrate our final evening in Sicily at sea, as Callisto navigates the Strait of Messina, the mythical narrow waterway of Scylla and Charybdis that separates Sicily from the Italian mainland. CALLISTO (B,L,D)

Monday, May 11
Palermo / Disembark Callisto / U.S.
Transfer to the Palermo airport for return flights to the U.S., arriving the same day. (B)

Tour leader Beth Geismar was top notch and saved several tough situations!
TS, Bar Harbor, ME