|
|
|
|
|
 SICILY: FROM THE BAROQUE TO THE ANCIENT GREECE 2009
|
Code: L014.
|
|
sicilia barche.JPG)
A tour dedicated to the discovery of the ancient Sicily and its intact nature... An outbreak of emotions... You will discover the Greek and Byzantine remains, and caves and canyons that are unique. These limestone valleys are rich of water and luxuriant vegetation during all the seasons of the year. Just to finish, a carousel of typical plates you can taste with the wine, that in this part of the Sicily has an intense taste like the traditions and the characteristics of this earth. The route is carried out between the places of "Montalbano commissioner", with a particular and suggestive atmosphere which is given by the white beaches and the ochre colour of the Baroque buildings. You will breathe a sensual and extended air, the air of a Sicily where time has never passed, where the spirit of old Greeks floats, with the Ancient Theatre that will remain in the memory of the host like a unforgivable memory. And still... the island of Ortigia, the source Aretusa, the “Orecchio di Dionisio”, the Natural Reserve of Pantalica with its 5,000 tombs, the Reserve of Vendicari, the small port of Marzamemi with its “Tonnara” that extends until the extreme end of Capo Passero, the little towns of Scicli, Modica and Palazzolo Acreide, that are situated among the Sites of the UNESCO, perfectly complete this unique experience, enriched by unforgettable flavours, as the one of the Nero d’Avola or of the small tomatoes of Pachino, consecrated also by literature.
|
|
Program
|
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: on Saturdays all the year, except for August
Day 1: Catania –Syracuse.
Arrival in Catania, collection of the rented car and transfer to Syracuse. Visit of Ortigia, little island where the main points of interest are the Temple of Apollo and the Cathedral, built on the remains of the ancient Temple of the goddess Athena, and the Aretusa Source. Night in Syracuse in B&B.
Day 2: Syracuse 3h50 or 5h00
In the morning departure towards the Natural Reserve of Pantalica. Pantalica, identified with the ancient Hybla, it’s inhabited since the Bronze Age. The valley, closed around the River Anapo and Cava Grande, it is located between two deep gorges with just two accessible roads, and it is run through by two rivers, which are an important source of water. Here you can find more than 5000 tombs called « a grotticella », dig in the mountains, scattered around the cliffside of this quarry, creating five necropolis, used also afterwards. In the afternoon visit of the Archaeological Park of Syracuse, where you can find the Greek Theatre, considered the most important monument of theatre architecture and stage technique. Night in Syracuse in B&B.
Day 3: Reserve of Cassibile - Noto 3h00
Excursion to the Cava Grande del Cassibile (Big quarry of Cassibile), one of the quarries of the Iblei mounts; here you can find a huge number of tombs at ‘grotticella’ forming the necropolis of Cassibile; among the historical pieces found out here, there are some piece of potteries of the Age called “of the Cassibile”. In the afternoon, visit of Noto, built in 1703 in the south-east of Noto Antica. In the Classical Age Noto was a Greek centre subordinate to Syracuse, and afterwards a Roman colony. The Vittorio Emanuele road is spectacular, because we can find, along this street, several monumental buildings dating back in 18th century, with a great artistic value. Overnight in Noto.
Day 4: Noto - Palazzolo Acreide 3h00
Excursion to Noto antica after the visit of the ruins of the city destroyed by the terrible earthquake of 1693. We continue along the river Manghisi, among little lakes and waterfalls, inhabited by a very varied aquatic fauna. We continue towards Palazzolo Acreide, which had a very important role for the control over the roads of communication between this area and the cities on the southern coast. We can admire the wonderful Sicilian baroque on the portal of the Virgin of Annunciation, or on the Church of San Paolo. The Museum house of rural civilisation of Antonino Uccello is really interesting. Nice and well preserved (in the Cavea) is the Ancient Theatre. Overnight in Noto.
Day 5 : Vendicari - Porto Palo – Ragusa Ibla 3h00
Today is dedicated to the Reserve of Vendicari, where we can see more than two hundred species of birds, such as the flamingos, that come here to nest. The reserve is full of lagoons and beaches, and there is also an interesting ancient tower and a lagoon zone called the “Mud of Vendicari’. We can continue towards Porto Palo di Capo Passero, little village surrounded by an intact and preserved nature, lapsed by an emerald sea, and by the Island of the Currents, little rocky island with a round shape, linked to the mainland with a narrow strip of rocky land. This island has a wonderful characteristic: the colour of the sea and the winds remind us the close African continent. Transfert to Ragusa Hibla, that takes the name from the ancient Hibla. It was dominated by Greek and Carthaginian and then by Romans. After it was dominated for 5 centuries by Byzantines, Mussulmans and then Normans. Walking in the town you can see amazing churches and buildings with rich and baroque facades. Ovenight in Ragusa Ibla.
Day 6: Ispica quarry and Prainito 2h00
Excursion to Cava d’Ispica, long and deep gorge of limestone between the most interesting and suggestive, and maybe the most well-known of the whole Sicily. The ruins of the village are very interesting, such as the ruins of the necropolis with the Phoenician tombs. On the other side of the quarry there are the “Grotta dei Santi” and the “Grotta della Signora”. You can find a corner of heaven in the Iblei: the Prainito quarry, also called the "Quarry of the poor women" or "Heaven quarry", a very enchanting place, surrounded by a wild and preserved nature, with some particular characteristics, almost unique in this area. Overnight in Ragusa Ibla.
Day 7: Scicli – Modica – Catania
Transfer to Scicli, elegant baroque town of Arab origin, situated in a big valley between rock hills. Visit of Modica, rich village alternating winding medieval roads and great boulevards with sumptuous palaces dating back in 17th century. Transfer to Catania. Overnight in Catania.
Day 8: Catania
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and, if you still have some time, possibility of visiting the city of Catania: via Crociferi, la Pescheria (fishmonger’s), spectacular fish market, the place of the Cathedral, the Ursino castle, the Roman theatre and the Odeon, and to finish the Amphitheatre. Return of the car at the airport and departure.
|
|
|
|
Map
|
Dal Barocco alla Magna Grecia.jpg)
|
|
Technicals caracteristics
|
Terrain characteristics: paths and easy country roads. It is advisable to have little trekking practice and a little training
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: on Saturdays all the year, except for August
Number of Participants: min. 2 pax
Luggage transport: not necessary
|
|
Prices
|
|
|
Prices per person |
€ |
|
Tour in double room |
725 |
|
Suppl. single room |
213 |
|
Suppl. departures in Easter and July |
50 |
|
Extra night in Catania in hotel*** B&B |
56 |
Included: accommodation 1 night in hotel*** in Catania, 4 nights in B&B in Siracusa and Ragusa and 2 nights in farmhouse in Noto/S.Lorenzo, in double rooms with private facilities; B&B service, category B rental car for 8 days, detailed description of the itinerary, informative material.
Not included: journey to/from Catania; lunches, dinners and drinks, entrance fees and everything not specified.
|
|
|
|
|
![Send offer](engview_invia.php?titolo=SICILY: FROM THE BAROQUE TO THE ANCIENT GREECE 2009&codice=L014.&id=294®ione=Sicilia&tipologia=pA piedi&descrizione=A tour dedicated to the discovery of the ancient Sicily and its intact nature... An outbreak of emotions... You will discover the Greek and Byzantine remains, and caves and canyons that are unique. These limestone valleys are rich of water and luxuriant vegetation during all the seasons of the year. Just to finish, a carousel of typical plates you can taste with the wine, that in this part of the Sicily has an intense taste like the traditions and the characteristics of this earth. The route is carried out between the places of "Montalbano commissioner", with a particular and suggestive atmosphere which is given by the white beaches and the ochre colour of the Baroque buildings. You will breathe a sensual and extended air, the air of a Sicily where time has never passed, where the spirit of old Greeks floats, with the Ancient Theatre that will remain in the memory of the host like a unforgivable memory. And still... the island of Ortigia, the source Aretusa, the “Orecchio di Dionisio”, the Natural Reserve of Pantalica with its 5,000 tombs, the Reserve of Vendicari, the small port of Marzamemi with its “Tonnara” that extends until the extreme end of Capo Passero, the little towns of Scicli, Modica and Palazzolo Acreide, that are situated among the Sites of the UNESCO, perfectly complete this unique experience, enriched by unforgettable flavours, as the one of the Nero d’Avola or of the small tomatoes of Pachino, consecrated also by literature.&foto=(120907162927)sicilia barche.JPG&cartina=(120907160214)Dal Barocco alla Magna Grecia.jpg)
068 Pantalica 11.JPG)
073 Isola bella.jpg)
074 Modica 1.jpg)
075 Modica 2.jpg)
078 ragusa ibla 1.jpg)
066 Pantalica 9.JPG)
