Rose of Sophia & Body Mind Spirit Journeys Present

SICILY
October 12-18, 2022

This is an optional pre-tour extension exclusively for travelers on our October 19 – 25 Malta tour

Whether in the classical perfection of Agrigento’s Concordia Temple or the splendid Norman Cathedral in Cefalus, Sicily is the reminder of bygone civilizations are everywhere. Sicily is also a delectable layer-cake of culinary influences, and its ancient cuisine continues to rely on a few key island-grown ingredients: shellfish and citrus, tuna and swordfish, pistachios, almonds and ricotta.

Sicily’s varied landscape makes a dramatic first impression. As if its classical heritage weren’t formidable enough, Sicily is bursting at the seams with later artistic and architectural gems. In a short walk around Palermo you’ll see Arab domes and arches, Byzantine mosaics and Norman palace walls. Circle around to southeast Sicily and you’ll find a stunning array of baroque architectural masterpieces, from the golden-hued domes and palaces of Noto to the multi-tiered cathedral facades of Monreal. Meanwhile, throughout the island you’ll find yourself stumbling upon the evocative remains of Arab and Norman castles. This is a perfect one-week introduction to Sicily

October 12: Early Arrival for Travelers TO PALERMO
Arrival in Palermo for early arriving travelers, where you will independently transfer to our reserved hotel accommodations. Free evening and dinner on our own.

October 13: TO PALERMO FREE DAY (B/D)
A free day to explore Palermo, the crossroads of civilizations for millennia, Palermo delivers a heady, heavily spiced mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes and frescoed cupolas. This is a city at the edge of Europe and at the center of the ancient world, a place where souk-like markets rub up against baroque churches, where date palms frame Gothic palaces and where the blue-eyed and fair have bronze-skinned cousins. Centuries of dizzying highs and crushing lows have formed a complex metropolis. Here, crumbling staircases lead to gilded ballrooms and guarded locals harbor hearts of gold. Just don’t be fooled. Despite its noisy streets, Sicily’s largest city is a shy beast, rewarding the inquisitive with citrus-filled cloisters, stucco-laced chapels and crooked side streets dotted with youthful artisan studios. We join those who arrived today for dinner at our hotel.

October 14: In PALERMO – Excursion to CEFALU & MONREAL (B/L/D)
After breakfast we depart for Cefalu, a resort town on the north coast of Sicily. Here we visit the splendid Norman Cathedral. Having completed their conquest of Sicily by about 1091, the Normans began to build churches, importing the Norman style and incorporating elements of the Byzantine and Islamic style, already present in Sicily. This cathedral was built under the patronage of King (Count) Roger the II. It is sometimes defined as “Sicilian Romanesque.” After lunch, we continue to Monreale, slightly south of Palermo on a panoramic upland overlooking the Conca d’Oro and the Oreto River valley. We visit the Cathedral (Santa Maria la Nuovo) begun in 1174. This cathedral was built at the order of William II. The interior walls of the Cathedral are completely decorated with mosaics. After spending some time in Monreale we return to Palermo for dinner.

October 15: In PALERMO – Excursions to SEGESTA and ERICE (B/L)
This morning we travel the unique landscape up close as we drive along the Salt Way Road on our way to the exploration of the Elymians with a visit to Segesta, one of their most important cities until Vandals destroyed it hundreds of years ago. The ruins that remain include a well-preserved Doric temple and a lovely amphitheater. The setting, in rolling countryside and with views stretching down to the sea, is spectacular. Then drive up Mount Eryx to Erice, a spectacular hill town with a web of atmospheric streets. An important religious site, it soon became associated with the goddess Venus. Wander through its tangle of ancient streets and visit some of the cake shops, world-famous for their marzipan candies and delicacies such as almond and pistachio pastry. You will want to sample some of the goods and buy a few to eat as you journey. We will have lunch at a local restaurant here in Erice before we continue our touring as we return to Palermo and the evening free to experience some of Palermo’s great local restaurants

October 16: To AGRIGENTO and SIRACUSA (B/L/D)
This morning we depart to Agrigento, one of the most popular tourist resorts in Sicily, and an internationally celebrated archaeological, architectural and artistic centre. We will have lunch in Agrigento as well as visit the famous Valley of the Temples including the largest Doric Temple in the worls and the Temple of Jupiter. We conclude our visit of Agrigento with a visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Catena. Then on to Siracusa, and on our way we stop in Piazza Armerina. This small inland village is known for the famous Roman Villa del Casale. The Villa is one of the finest examples of Roman country dwellings on the island. The splendor of the mosaic decorations in the floors has made this ancient Roman villa world famous. Our arrival in Siracusa will reflect a charming setting with a picturesque harbor bounded by the Maddalena Peninsula and the Island of Ortygia. Dinner and overnight in Siracusa

October 17: In SIRACUSA – Excursions to TAORMINA & CATANIA (B/L)
After breakfast this morning we depart for Taormina, a charming and beautiful town and one of the chief glories of Sicily. Here we visit the Greek Theatre. The Theatre as we find it today is undoubtedly of the Roman period. The ancient Greek origins of the complex are evidenced by some inscriptions on the steps and the remains of a little temple. Time for lunch and then on our way back to Siracusa, we make a quick stop in Catania for a city visit. Catania’s historic core is a UNESCO-listed wonder, where black-and-white palazzi tower over sweeping baroque piazzas. One minute you’re scanning the skyline from a dizzying dome, the next perusing contemporary art in an 18th-century convent. Beneath it all are the ancient ruins of a town with over 2700 candles on its birthday cake. Return to Siracusa to have dinner on your own at one of the town’s great restaurants.

October 18: To MALTA – In SIRACUSE – Excursion to NOTO. Onto MALTA (B/L)
In the morning we tour Syracuse, one of the most important colonies of Magna Graecia and was founded by Corinthian settlers in 734 B.C. We’ll visit the Cathedral, and the archaeological area including the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre with the famous Ear of Dionysius. We go to the Island of Ortygia, the heart of Syracuse and site of the first Sicel settlements. We continue our visit with the Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime (Our Lady of Tears). It was constructed in 1954 to honor a modest chalk drawing of the Virgin, from which real tears began to flow out of the eyes and heart. The picture, once owned by the Lannuso family, whose home had become a site of pilgrimage, is now preserved in the Sanctuary. Time for lunch and then to Noto. It was founded by Sican populations, at the time of the fall of Troy, on the Mendola hill. This small town in the south-east was founded again in the 1700s. It is the heart and the starting point for a visit to the valley of the Sicilian Baroque. Its cathedral, perfectly raised and rebuilt again after 10 years of difficult work, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sights will include the Arco di Trionfo which will lead us to the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the heart of Noto with its three symbolic sculptures on the top – power, a dog – the loyalty and at the centre a pelican – the sacrifice. Late in the afternoon we continue to Pozzallo, have lunch on our own en route and then board our ferry at 9:30 pm for Malta that arrives at 11:15 pm. Transfer to our hotel.

Sicily Tour Includes:

• 6 night first class hotel accommodations
• Service charges and taxes at your hotels
• Breakfast at hotels each day
• 5 Lunches as per itinerary
• 3 Dinners
• Transportation by deluxe motor coaches and vans
• Sightseeing as per itinerary by private car and guide
• Sightseeing entrance fees
• Transfer to the ferry
• Ferry transportation to Malta

Your Hotels or similar:

• Palermo – Astoria
• Siracusa – Syracuse Mercure

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program for additional details.

PRICING

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR 7-Day Sicily Tour (LAND Only)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $2,099 by check or credit card 
Per Person Single Occupancy: $2,299 by check or credit card

PREPAID GRATUTIES (to guides, drivers, etc.)
Per Person: $75 by check or credit card 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Transfer on arrival in Malta and extra hotel night (October 18) will be added to the final invoice as we await the total number of travelers taking the Sicily extension which will determine the cost of the private transfer on arrival in Malta on October 18.

Deposit Schedule 

FIRST PAYMENT
Due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour
Per Person: $750 by check or credit card

FINAL PAYMENT
BALANCE of payment due on or before September 1, 2022 as per your invoice

There is a limited number of rooms and configurations available. If you are willing to share a room, please let us know and we will do our best to match you up with a roommate with advanced introductions.

After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card via PayPal.

If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal payment page, click here. 

Travel Insurance

As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance.

BMSJ highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.