Lost Worlds: Sicily and Rome

	This incomparable tour of Sicily offers everything from the hubbub of Palermo to the majesty of Mount Etna. Other fascinating stops include the ancient city of Syracuse and the Valley of Temples dating back to 5 B.C.				13 days USD 1,759.001 EUR 1,270.00 Recommended travel period: March – October

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	1st day: Palermo

Perfect place to relax on hot days: The bar in the courtyard

A hotel in the heart of the city This charming accommodation is a pleasant and reasonably priced alternative to the grand hotels of the 19th century that often continue to demand staggering prices even though they've seen better days. The property is centrally located on one of the most picturesque squares in the city. The lobby is decorated with antique furniture. Guests can while away warm days at the bar in the shady court. All important sites as well as the harbour can be reached on foot. Private parking is available for 10 euros a day.

1 night Bed & Breakfast

		Palermo  more info »

Captivating: A market in Palermo

This capital city nestled on a scenic Mediterranean bay, whose name means "surrounded by rocky cliffs," is a kaleidoscope of contrasts: Byzantine mosaics, Baroque churches and the graves of German emperors, symbols of the city's glorious past, clash with rundown slums and generic suburbs. This city of 700,000 inhabitants is a mesh of social milieus and cultures that has been woven together over many centuries. Founded by Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C., Palermo later came under the rule of the Carthaginians, who were conquered by the Romans in 254 A.D. Other rulers, including the Byzantines, the Normans, the Anjous from France and the Argonese from Spain, followed in quick succession before Sicily finally became a part of Italy in 1860. The city's momentous history is reflected in its heterogeneous present: although Palermo has the highest unemployment rate and lowest per capita income in Italy, it also features very colourful markets and an vibrant art scene.

	2nd day: Rental car pick-up

Type: Fiat Grande Punto or similar (Group B) Air-conditioning, radio/tape Pick-up location: Palermo, City/Downtown

duration of rental: 10 days

2nd day: Tortorici

Peaceful retreat: A moutain guesthouse

A mountain guesthouse near Tortorici This traditional Sicilian guesthouse is situated in the heart of Nebrodi Park, one of the most scenic mountain ranges in the Mediterranean. The oak forests where Diana, the Roman goddess associated with animals and woodlands, is said to have roamed, is only 30 km away. The sandy beaches and cliffs of Capo d'Orlando are only 30 km in the other direction.

2 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Display route

		Tortorici  more info »

Thick oak forests: Nebrodi Park

The Nebrodi Mountains, together with the Madonie Mountains to the west, make up the Sicilian Apennines. The mountain range borders the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and Mount Atna to the south. The Arabs named the region Nebrodi ("island on an island") because of its rich vegitation and lush marshlands. The thick oak forests and green mountain pastures are inhabitated by many species of tortoises, wildcats and porcupines.

4th day: Etna

Accommodation: A villa overlooking Taormina Views of the Mediterranean Sea, Mount Etna and the ancient city of Taormina: the 4-star hotel is located below the cliff on which the town of Castelmola is perched. The carefully renovated historical villa was designed to harmonize with the environment, yet offer all the comfort and conveniences expected of a modern hotel. The facility has large, individually decorated bedrooms, an in-house restaurant and a garden with a swimming pool.

2 nights Bed & Breakfast Display route

		Etna  more info »

Mount Etna: An eruption in 1983

Mount Etna is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. It is the largest active volcano in Europe, currently standing about 3,326 m (10,910 ft) high, though it should be noted that this varies with summit eruptions. It is the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps. Etna covers an area of 1190 km² (460 square miles) with a base circumference of 140 km. This makes it by far the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy, being nearly three times the height of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius. Although Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, thousands of people live on its slopes and in the surrounding areas. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south. The area around the peak has been designated a national park. A climb to the top of Mount Etna is the highlight of a trip to Sicily. Those who would prefer not to go on foot can take a cable car or ride in a four-wheel vehicle to the top.

6th day: Siracusa

Restored to its old lustre: Villa near Syracuse

A 15th century manor house This former residence of a Sicilian baron dates back to the 15th century. The country estate was neglected for decades until an American grandchild of the baron's decided to return to her roots and restore the property to its old glory. She completed the project in 2002. Since then her family has run one of the most fabulous guesthouses in southeast Sicily. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Guests can choose between a swimming pool, a library, a solarium and a restaurant with a bar. Beautiful sandy beaches are a short drive away.

2 nights Bed & Breakfast Display route

		Siracusa  more info »

Built to hold 15,000 spectators: Teatro Greco

This bustling port city owes its existence to its natural harbour, Porto Grande. The oldest part of town lies on a small island separated from the rest of the city by a narrow canal. Its location, the ancient ruins and the picturesque landscape make Syracuse an important tourist destination. World history was written here when the city was drawn into the Punic Wars. Its most famous citizen, the Greek mathematician and physicist Archimedes, was killed when the city was captured by the Romans in 212 B.C. There are many sites worth noting in Syracuse, such as the Museo Archeologico containing famous exhibits like the sculpture of Augustus' profile by Centuripe, the Teatro Greco, one of the largest amphitheatres ever built by the ancient Greeks, and the Latomia del Paradiso, which was anything but a paradise: slaves and prisoners of war toiled in this quarry, which also served as a prison.

8th day: Valle dei Templi

A view of Greek temples: Hotel in the Valle di Templi

A villa in the Valley of Temples The villa was built in the 18th century as the residence of a prince. The location near the Concordia Temple with a view of a small natural park is unsurpassed. Although the style of the four-star hotel seems classic from the outside, the furnishings are very modern. The most important feature of every room is the window looking onto the Valley of Temples. The excellent restaurant specialises in local cuisine and wines. Guests can refresh in the onsite swimming pool.

1 night Bed & Breakfast Display route

		Valle dei Templi  more info »

Valley of Temples: Lost worlds

One of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the Valley of Temples, whose origins date back to the 5th century B.C., is located to the south of Agrigento. Sprawled on a ridge called "Valle", the site consists of a series of temples that were built to symbolize the prosperity of the city. All of the temples face east in accordance with classical Greek and Roman tradition. There are two groups of temples: the eastern group consists of three buildings from the years 500, 425 and 450 B.C. dedicated to Hercules (Heracles), Concordia and Juno (Hera). The most important structure in the western group is the temple dedicated to Zeus - or what is left of it after it was destroyed by an earthquake. The Temple of Concordia was used as a church for over 1,000 years and has therefore remained largely intact. Classic mythology comes alive in this fascinating ancient city of temples.

9th day: Camporeale

A feudal estate: Masseria in Camporeale

A feudal estate near Camporeale Don Filiberto Sallier de la Tour inherited the feudal estate from his parents. Still used for the production of olives and top-quality wines, the property has also been turned into one of the most exclusive lodges in Sicily. Guests reside in the historical main building with its spacious, comfortable rooms, and are free to explore the magnificent house or take a walk among olive trees in the surrounding gardens.

2 nights Bed & Breakfast Display route

		Camporeale  more info »

Sprawling feudal estates: Camporeale

Camporeale is situated in the back country about 30 km southwest of Palermo. The area consists of many feudal estates that were once given to aristocrats by the King of Spain. Most of the towns in the region were originally populated by labourers who did farm work on the estates. One of those towns happens to be Corleone, considered the birthplace of the mafia. The Cosa Nostra, as the Sicilians refer to it, arose around the beginning of the 19th century, as the age of feudalism was drawing to a close. The aristocracy used merciless gangs to keep their privileges out of reach of the law and to protect themselves from the lower classes. The organization soon became more powerful than the nobility it was serving and eventually took their place. Although the Mafia is an international organization today and its main area of activity is no longer agriculture, the region south of Palermo is still considered its main base.

	11th day: Rental car drop-off

Fiat Grande Punto or similar Drop-off location: Palermo, Airport

11th day: Rome

A downtown suite: The view of St. Peter

Accommodation: A hotel in the heart of Old Rome This centuries-old building is located in the city centre, between the Spanish steps and the Via Veneto. Marco and Guilia, the enterprising proprietors who have roots in the hotel business, have completely restored the property and now offer modern, comfortable accommodation in a historical building. Marco can suggest the best sites to see - he is an accredited Rome tour guide. The building offers many practical conveniences. An elevator takes guests to the air-conditioned rooms on the three upper stories. The upstairs rooms have a view extending over the roofs of the old city to the dome of St Peters. You're guaranteed a good night's rest here (a valuable commodity in Rome), as the guesthouse is next door to a convent!

2 nights Bed & Breakfast Display route

		Rome  more info »

Eternal city: Forum Romanum

The western world was ruled from the city built on the legendary seven hills for 1,500 years. Rome was the stage for many historic events of worldwide significance. After the end of the Roman Empire Rome became the seat of the Catholic Church. During the zenith of its power (the second century A.D.) Rome's population numbered more than a million, making it the world's first metropolis. Only 25,000 people lived among the city's ruins at the close of the Roman Empire. Re-growth didn't begin until the return of the pope from Avignon in the fifteenth century. Today the Italian capital ranks amongst the premiere cities of Europe with regard to art, culture and a fast-paced lifestyle. Millions of tourists visit Rome annually, not only to take in the sights but to shop and enjoy the cuisine as well.

	Cost of this tour
		The price is per person based on two persons sharing a double room and includes accommodations (meals included as stated above) and rental car. USD 1,759.001 EUR 1,270.00 Should you want to revise this itinerary, we can change any of the following items: the route, the number of persons travelling, the time schedule, the standard of accommodation and the type of vehicle, according to your wishes. The tour can begin on any date desired. Recommended travel period: March – October Upon booking this tour you will receive: the names, addresses and telephone numbers for each accommodation detailed directions to each accommodation vouchers If you have any questions, would like to request changes or book this tour, please call your personal consultant Jessica Parkin on +49 (0) 2268 / 90 98-23 or submit an enquiry via the Internet:	13 days Recommended travel period: March – October
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1) The price is per person based on two persons sharing a double room. Prices may vary due to the season and differences in available services. All tours are sold in euros. Prices indicated in other currencies are for informational purposes only and may vary in accordance with changes in exchange rates.

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