Voyage to
Sicily 2014 presents...
May 7—18, 2014 $3,895 Land‐Only
Sicily — theatre of lights and winds, of historic battles and sublime architecture; the southernmost bridge to Africa; and indulgent cradle for different civilizations. The sun caresses the blazing sands and the low cliffs; the sky is brilliant with strong colors, especially at sunset; the sandy beaches dance with the bright, blue sea; silver olive trees mix together with palms; everything invites you to enjoy life, experience nature and revel in a rich and extraordinarily diverse past. Between Europe and Africa, Sicily, a “melting pot of the ancient world,” has been touched, changed and marked by a myriad of cultures—first the Greeks and the Romans, then the Arabs and Normans, and finally, the French, Spanish and Italians, all of them contributing to an unparalleled historical legacy. Nature and history have combined to give Sicily its most striking feature: impressive monuments of the past set against landscapes of astonishing natural beauty.
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Experience the Voyage to Sicily in May 2014 Myths of classic Greece, the Sicilian sea, Saracen and Norman echoes reflecting on the snowy slopes of Mount Etna. Day after day, the silence, colors, light and the aromas of Sicily relate infinite pages of stories, legends, history and traditions. On this excursion, the treasures of Erice, Segesta, Palermo, Cefalù, Monreale, Selinunte, Taormina, Ragusa Ibla, Modica Noto, Catania, and Siracusa will all be explored. As a guest of the Renaissance Academy, you Erice
will be transported to them in comfort and
safety. It’s an adventure enhanced by marvelous food, wine and company. Our visit will include stays at three of Sicily’s grand hotels, Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Hotel Des Etrangers Et Miramare, and Hotel Imperiale. This excursion includes ten nights’ accommodations; nine breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners (with wine); private English‐speaking tour director and local guides; deluxe motor coach transportation; and most gratuities, entrance fees, transfers, taxes and surcharges. The Sicily excursion will end with a lovely farewell dinner in a very exclusive restaurant in Taormina as we say “Ciao!” to bella Sicilia! Wednesday, May 7—Depart U.S.A.
Thursday, May 8—Arrival at the Palermo airport and transfer to Hotel Borsa. Our hotel is located in the city center, very close to the main historical attractions as well as many typical restaurants. Our guests will have free time to rest and freshen up. Our evening will begin with a welcome aperitif with dinner to follow. D Friday, May 9—Our city tour of
Mount Etna
The Voyage to Sicily Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
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Daily Itinerary — May 7 — 18, 2014 Palermo will start with a panoramic tour of the medieval and baroque heart of the city: the four corners, the cathedral, the fountain Pretoria, etc. Lunch will take place in a special restaurant in the old district which serves the traditional Palermitan food. After lunch, we will admire the splendid golden mosaics of the Duomo in the nearby city of Monreale. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner tonight will be on your own where you can try one of the many excellent restaurants near our hotel. B, L
Saturday, May 10— This morning we visit Cefalù. We will be driving along the northern coast of Sicily eastward. The city, a lovely resort, is squeezed between a long sweeping curve of sand and the massive peak, the Rocca (the rock) with its Norman cathedral which stands out like a stepping stone between land and sea. We Erice will visit the cathedral together and the medieval wash house and if the weather cooperates we might even put our feet in the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You might want to enjoy a nice fish lunch in one of the many restaurant by the sea or a salad in the beautiful main square under the palm trees by the cathedral where you will surely enjoy a “dolce far niente” (sweet do nothing). In the afternoon, we will be back in Palermo. Free time to rest or for some shopping. Dinner is on your own. B
Modica
Sunday, May 11—Today we journey to the westernmost point of Sicily. Traveling through Sicily’s white wine region (yes they have white wine in Sicily!), we will reach Erice, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages. It could easily pass for a hill town in Umbria with its cobbled streets and its medieval towers. After having strolled in the city center, you
The Voyage to Sicily Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
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Daily Itinerary — May 7 — 18, 2014 will have free time to enjoy the city on your own or to try the famous Noto almond cookies of the many pastry shops. Finally, we will drive along the beautiful salt pans of Trapani and enjoy a typical lunch in an ancient wind mill in a magical setting. Dinner tonight is on your own. B, L Monday, May 12—We will leave our hotel early today as we will cross the entire island of Sicily from West to East. After having crossed the Belice valley, known for its centenary olive trees, we will briefly visit one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites of western Sicily, Selinunte. Here we can admire Greek temples from 5th century BCE. After, we will visit a charming farm in Castelvetrano, where we will enjoy a delightful olive oil tasting and a light lunch. We will then continue towards Siracusa passing by the famous valley of the temples and reach Siracusa late this afternoon. Dinner tonight will be served in a local restaurant. B, L , D
Selinunte
Wednesday, May 14—The South east area of Sicily is really very well known for its late baroque architecture. We will first stop in Modica and climb one hundred steps to reach the church of San Giorgio (or we can just admire its beauty from down below) and then taste the local specialty: chocolate! We will then move to Ragusa Ibla and stroll along its narrow streets flanked by beautiful palaces and churches. Lunch today will be included in a very famous restaurant: a real baroque experience! On the way back a quick stop in Noto… for a gelato? B, L Thursday, May 15 – We leave Siracusa today for Taormina. On our way stop in Catania, the black and white city. We will discover the colourful fish market together and the city center. Free time for lunch on your own and then straight to Taormina. Our hotel is located in the city center a few steps away from the main street corso Umberto. Dinner will be on your own tonight. B
Siracusa
Friday, May 16—Today we will enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Etna, the second most active volcano in the world and, with its 11,000 ft peak, the highest in Europe. We will drive along the North East side The Voyage to Sicily Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
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Daily Itinerary — May 7—18, 2014 and reach the area of Piano Provenzana. In addition to its landscape, Etna is very well known for its pistachios, honey and excellent wine. We will enjoy a very nice wine tasting in one of the most famous wineries of the area accompanied by a delightful lunch. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Taormina for shopping or an aperitif. Dinner tonight is on your own under the star lit skies of Taormina. B, L
Mount Etna
Saturday, May 17—We begin today with a discovery of the charming city of Taormina. It is Sicily’s resort extraordinaire. Europe’s leisured classes began to winter here at the start of 20th century. Taormina enjoys a year‐round season, and its spectacular locale is enhanced by the looming eminence of blue, snow‐capped Mount Etna. The view from the Greek Theater is one of the most impressive in all of Sicily. After the morning tour, the city will be all yours for the rest of the day! Our farewell dinner tonight will be in a very special restaurant. B, D
Your Tour Price Includes
Small group size limited to 24 guests
Four & Five Star Hotel Properties
10 nights’ accommodations
17 meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
Services of a private Tour Director
Private motor coach transportation
Luggage handling for 1 bag per person
Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters.
Sunday, May 18—Transfer to the airport of Catania. Have a safe flight home!
Taormina
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Piazza Borsa Grand Hotel ‐ www.piazzaborsa.it Via dei Cartari, 18 - 90133 Polermo - Italy; Tel. +39 091 320075; Fax +39 091 6116700
At the start of 2005, a major project began to take form. The idea was to merge three adjacent buildings in the historical center of Palermo into one large hotel structure. The central part of the structure used to be the convent and the large church of Mercedarian Fathers, a monastic order that enjoyed great fame and prestige in Palermo at the end of the 16th century. In that period, the European powers made Palermo into a Pearl Harbor of Christianity united in the war against the Turks. In this context, the Mercedarian Fathers oversaw exchanges of prisoners between the opposing sides, at no small risk to themselves. After Lepanto (1571), there was a general sigh of relief: the enormous financial resources that had poured into the town were for the most part redirected to colossal projects of urban renewal. It was at this time that the monks left their modest abode near the harbour, to acquire the site, which is now the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa. Both the cloister, characterized by daringly high porticos, and the old convent door have remained practically unchanged. Above the latter is the effigy that the Mercedarians chose as symbol of their mission: a Pelican feeding its baby, an image that still evokes memories of the Christian spiritual tradition. Finally, the monumental staircase, although partially restored over the course of the centuries, still boasts in most of its steps the now unobtainable red marble from the nearby Piana degli Albanesi. All rooms are provided with: bath and/or shower; centralized air conditioning with individual controls; wide selection of complementary toiletries; direct dial telephone; internet cable connection; mini bar; room safe. All rooms on all floors are served by four lifts, one for each separate zone of the hotel.
Hotel des Ètrangers Hotel & Spa ‐ http://www.hoteldesetrangersetmiramare.com Passeggio Adorno 10/12, 96100, Siracusa - Italy; Tel. +39-0931-319100; Fax +39 0931 3190000 The magnificent neoclassical facade of the Des Étrangers Hotel & Spa dominates the harbou of Siracusa in Sicily, from its position on the island of Ortigia. This five-star historical hotel has the elegance and style typical of the grand European hotels and features refined balconies overlooking the sea. Step in style into the grand entrance hall and admire the precious marble floors, the stucco works and gold decor of the walls and high ceilings. This luxury hotel offers world class services in a unique environment. All rooms are provided with: bath and/or shower; centralized air conditioning with individual controls; wide selection of complementary toiletries; direct dial telephone; internet cable connection; mini bar; room safe.
Hotel Imperiale ‐ www.imperialetaormina.com Via Circonvallazione, 11 - 98039 Taormina - Italy - Tel. +39 0942 625202/Fax +39 0942 625978
Stroll up to Hotel Imperiale through the streets of the historic center of Taormina; through the scent of wisteria and the color of bougainvillea. The position of the building, standing above the roofs of the town, provides an exceptional panorama, with the Greek Theatre in the foreground and the sea, from Capo S. Alessio to the Bay of Naxos in the near distance. A short walk away you will find Corso Umberto, Taormina’s exclusive promenade, which has seen a host of celebrities make this small part of Paradise famous throughout the world: Maupassant, Goethe, Oscar Wilde, Vittorio De Sica, Sophia Loren, Gregory Peck, Greta Garbo, Cary Grant, Rita Hayworth and Liz Taylor. The historic Hotel Imperiale was built at the beginning of the 20th century and reopened in 2009 after restructuring works. The design and the restructuring has been carried out in full observance of the styles and local materials, such as the widely used volcanic stone, and has been adapted to modern requirements. The 63 rooms and suites enjoy Brazilian rosewood furniture, in colors reminiscent of the warmth of Sicily, its mosaics, ceramics and volcanic stone. The exclusive Pool and Terrace Suites boast a solarium or private terrace with a private outdoor spa bath and steam room. A panoramic outdoor pool and a Roof Garden treat guests to stunning views. All rooms are provided with: bath and/or shower; centralized air conditioning with individual controls; wide selection of complementary toiletries; direct dial telephone; internet cable connection; mini bar; room safe. The Voyage to Sicily Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
THE RENAISSANCE ACADEMY OF FGCU
Voyage to Sicily 2014 May 7, 2014 – May 18, 2014 (DEPART U.S.A.)
Ten Nights Accommodations Deluxe Private Motor Coach Transportation as per Itinerary Daily Continental Breakfast, Five Lunches and Three Dinners (including wine) Private English Speaking Tour Guides $3,895 Land-Only; Pricing based on Double Occupancy To ensure your reservation, please complete, sign and mail the reverse side of this form with your check, money order or credit card information, in the amount of $1,000.00 per person, made payable to PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES.
Mail Your Form To: Mr. John J. Guerra The Renaissance Academy of FGCU 1010 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 (239) 434-4838 (tel) jguerra@fgcu.edu (email) General Information – Terms & Conditions for Voyage to Sicily Tour Organizer: This tour is an exclusive presentation of The Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University, 1010 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102. Tour Cost: Land-only cost is $3,895.00 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000.00 per person is required with your signed application. Final payment in full is due by February 1, 2014. The single supplement is $1,395.00 per person. Tour cost is based on current exchange rates and is subject to change due to foreign currency fluctuation. Tour costs are also based on a minimum of 20 participants and are subject to change. Luggage: Only one carry-on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour. Documents: U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport. No visa required for U.S. citizens at this time. Cost of Tour Includes: Accommodations at Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Hotel Des Etrangers et Miramare, and Hotel Imperiale. Daily continental breakfast, fives lunches (with wine) and three dinners (with wine). Also included are departure and security taxes, most gratuities, and services per the itinerary. Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Air travel, passports, all items of a personal nature, independent sightseeing, insurance, meals and drinks other than specified, and certain gratuities. Cancellations: All deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations received after January 1, 2014 will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancellations received at or within 120 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 120-90 days prior to departure - 70% of the tour cost per person; 89-60 days prior to departure - 85% of the tour cost per person; 59 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost per person. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available from PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES and is highly recommended. Call Mrs. Margo Buttino of Preferred Travel of Naples at (239) 434-6987 or (800) 774-5222 for more information.
The Voyage to Sicily Excursion is limited to 24 persons! Register early!
THE RENAISSANCE ACADEMY OF FGCU - Voyage to Sicily 2014 Reservation Form: To ensure your reservation, please complete this form and return it as soon as possible to:
Mr. John J. Guerra, The Renaissance Academy - Florida Gulf Coast University 1010 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 (239) 434-4838 (tel) jguerra@fgcu.edu (email) May 7 - 18, 2014 (PRINT CLEARLY)
Name: (Traveler #1) Address: Tel: Email: Emergency Contact Name #1: Emergency Contact Tel #1:
Name: (Traveler #2) Address: Tel: Email: Emergency Contact Name #2: Emergency Contact Tel #2:
I/We wish to reserve a LAND-ONLY Package for $3,895 per person (discounts apply for parties of 3 or more I prefer single accommodations for an additional cost of $1,395 (Single accommodations are VERY limited) I have the following special requirements (including dietary): I am travelling alone but will share a room with I have enclosed the required non-refundable deposit in the form of a check or money order made payable to PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES in the amount of $1000.00 per person.
I wish to charge the non-refundable deposit to my credit card (a 3.5% service fee will apply). VISA MC AMEX DISCOVER Exp. Date: _________ Acct #: ______________________
Signature:___________________________________
Date:___________________________________
IMPORTANT: THIS IS A MODERATE EXERTION TOUR. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO WALK, STAND AND CLIMB STAIRS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. I understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is unable to accept any person as a tour passenger who may require special attention because of a medical condition unless they have a companion traveling with them who can provide whatever services and assistance is necessary. I further understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU cannot accept or retain any person whose health or general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour passengers. I accept sole responsibility for determining that I am in good physical and mental health and am able to participate in group touring. I further certify that I have read and agree with the General Terms and Conditions associated with this excursion.
I/We have read and understood this brochure and agree to be bound by its terms:
Signature:________________________________________ Signature:________________________________________
Date:_______________________________ Date:_______________________________
PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your party suffers from any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers. Smoking: Smoking is NOT permitted in the hotels, on motor coaches, or other modes of transport used by the group. Responsibility-Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not provide travel services or act as the agent of any provider of travel services. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, as sponsor, and Verdesicilia and Preferred Travel of Naples, as tour operators, are strictly limited. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Verdesicilia and Preferred Travel of Naples or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation that may be used in connection with the tour. Preferred Travel of Naples acts only as an agent for Alitalia, Air France or any of the airlines with regard to air travel arrangements. All Arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and its affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation , any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator/supplier, ground hander, etc., who is to or does supply any goods or services to the tour. Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and its affiliates are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, or for any other cause beyond their control. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines without prior notice. If the tour is cancelled by the Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and its affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all expenses dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, it its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in the event of costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any rout participant as a participant on the tour at any time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or venue for any disputes arising out of this tour. An executed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure. Deposits paid by tour participants indicate acceptance of all terms and conditions. These terms and conditions can be modified only in writing signed by an authorized representative of FGCU