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“If rich food can kill… people live dangerously here.”
Alice Furland
 Day 0: All Roads Lead to Rome
All roads lead to Rome, which happens to be perfectly located to begin our exploration of southern Italy. NOTE: Since the tour begins at 9:00 am on the morning of September 27, it is recommended that you arrive a day early and spend the night in Rome. For your convenience, Earthbound has pre-reserved rooms at the Hotel San Carlo in Rome which is perfectly located next to the Spanish Steps. Please contact our office with any questions.
9:00am- Monday, September 27, 2010
Day 1: Rome to Positano via Pompeii
This morning we meet at 9:00am at the Hotel San Carlo and drive south to Naples where we will have the chance to savor one of Southern Italy's great masterpieces and invention…pizza! After lunch, relive the splendors of ancient Pompeii with a private tour of the Archeological Museums of Naples. In the late afternoon we make our way to quaint, sleepy Positano, your quiet home on the Amalfi coast for the next three nights. Tonight enjoy a shared evening meal overlooking the Mediterranean. Sleep in charming Positano, Amalfi Coast
 Day 2: Day of leisure on the Amalfi Coast
Play the part of Emperor Tiberius and stroll through the Island of Capri or simply meander down the bougainvillea covered paths which lead to the white sand beaches of Positano. This is a great day to practice the art of far’ niente (doing nothing at all). Note: Ferries depart Positano every morning from Capri and return in the late afternoon. Your guide will assist you with purchasing tickets if you choose to travel to Capri for the day. Sleep in charming Positano, Amalfi Coast
Day 3: White Washed Villages: Amalfi and Ravello
Not to be missed is the coastal town of Amalfi and the white washed mountain village of Ravello. In the 10th century, the maritime state of Amalfi was an economic powerhouse. Her numerous ships plied the waters of the Mediterranean Sea in search of commerce and new conquests. In the middle ages every city (if it was of any importance) required a relic which would bring good fortune for its inhabitants. Not to be outdone, Amalfi chose Saint Andrew, who is now buried beneath her remarkable cathedral. After exploring Amalfi, we’ll drive thirty minutes into the hills where you’ll have time to visit the quaint white washed town of Ravello. Sleep in Positano
Day 4: Ancient Pompeii and Stunning Matera
Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvias in 79 AD, Pompeii was once a bustling city. After a private tour and lunch, we’ll drive east into the desert-like landscape of Basilicata where lies the ancient city of Matera. Now an important World Heritage site, the collection of Sassi dwellings were used as the backdrop for Mel Gibson’s film, “The Passion of the Christ”. These troglodyte dwellings were dug out of a ravine and include churches with frescoes dating back to the 13th century BC. Matera is also an excellent base in which to explore Italy’s main olive producing region, Puglia. Sleep in Matera
 Day 5: Alberobello's Extraordinary Trulli Houses
Today we’ll cruise through endless olive groves and abundant vineyards to the enchanting village of Alberobello. You’ll feel like Gulliver as you walk through this UNESCO site packed with miniature dome like homes. Exploring this charming town with your private local guide, you’ll learn why the inhabitants of this land built these oddly shaped forms as their homes. We’ll have a traditional Apulian lunch before returning to Matera for dinner. Sleep in Matera
Day 6: Ancient Bronze Warriors & Glittering Taormina
It is a four-hour drive south to the stunning coast of Callabria. Along the way, we will pass through Pollino National Park. Many of the rugged mountains in this region exceed 6,000 feet and are often covered in snow. Continuing our drive through the early afternoon we’ll cruise to the tip of Italy’s toe to marvel at the Riace Warriors. Discovered off the Calabrian coastline in 1972 by an unsuspecting young boy these powerful bronze figures date back to the 5th century BC, and are exceptionally well preserved. We ferry through the straits of Messina to Sicily this evening and arrive in the historic Greek city of Taormina. Sleep near Taormina
 Day 7 & 8: Greek Theatres and Bougainvillea Covered Alleyways
Situated below Mount Etna, overlooking the sea, Taormina is an antique Mediterranean jewel. Taormina was founded by the Greeks in the eighth century BC, and later, in the 19th century, became a popular haunt for the English aristocracy. Men like Oscar Wilde and D.H. Lawrence, who was inspired to write Lady Chatterly’s Lover from his experiences here, flocked to Taromina in order to escape the doldrums of conservative London.
Lose yourself in streets lined with flower-filled balconies and surprisingly tranquil piazzas. Catch a glimpse of the ocean through palms and bougainvillea. You can hear echoes of a classical tragedy as you wander through the Greek Theatre, spectacularly situated above the sea. Sleep near Taormina
Day 9: Active Volcanoes and the Roman Villa Casale: Belching hot lava and smoke, Mount Etna towers over Sicily. Standing at nearly 11,000 feet her flames and frequent eruptions were famous even in Antiquity. Virgil, in the 570 BC wrote about her power and the Greeks believed that Vulcan, God of fire, lived within her crater. According to a local legend, the soul of Elizabeth I of England now resides in Etna; a deal she made with the devil in exchange for his help during her reign.
 This morning, we’ll set off to explore Mt. Etna and then enjoy lunch and a tasting at a local winery before driving west into central Sicily. Before arriving in Agrigento, soak up the rich atmosphere of the Villa Casale, an ancient Roman hunting lodge that claims endless hallways and corridors of extremely well preserved mosaics. Sleep near Agrigento
Day 10: Valley of the Temples
It's a short and dramatic drive to medieval Agrigento, which gazes over the famed Valley of the Temples, erected in the 5th century BC. With your private local guide, you’ll have plenty of time for exploration of the temples as well as time to enjoy the tiny stepped streets and alleyways of our home overlooking the sea.
This afternoon we leave Agrigento behind, we drive north towards Sicily's exciting capital city…Palermo. Along the way we take in one of Magna Grecia's most captivating archeological sights, Selinunte. Take time to admire the grace and ingenuity of Greek architects while your guide prepares a delicious picnic for you. Our drive today culminates with Palermo. This bustling city has long been a rivaled port of the Greeks, Carthaginians, Arabs, Normans and Romans. It is stupendously situated on a wide bay beneath Monte Pellegrino and artfully captures the colorful contrasts of Sicily. Let’s sample some of her spicy dishes tonight. Sleep in Palermo
 Day 11: Colorful Outdoor Markets and Dazzling Cathedrals: From the 9th to the 12th centuries, Palermo was an unrivalled city of learning and famous for her wealthy court. Our day begins with a walk to a nearby market where you may want to stroll through endless alleyways brimming with fish stalls, fruit stands and bakeries. Our exploration continues to the core of Palermo's Arab and Norman roots with a visit to both Monreale and the Palatine Chapel. Sleep in Palermo
Day 12: Tour over after breakfast
Your journey is over after breakfast. For, those of you staying in Italy you may consult your guide or our travel staff for post-tour planning assistance before hand. Return home with a lifetime of memories!
Buon Viaggio!
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RAVES AND REVIEWS
Here's what former guests are saying about our expedition to Sicily!
"Thank you for an incredible experience. The memories of the warm and friendly Sicilians, the scrumptious dining, the awesome Greek ruins, and the fun and laughs with Matteo, Anjelo and fellow travelers, will forever be with us. Your formula for experiencing culture and exciting journeys is one of a kind."
Former guests- Chris & Walt Vierra
“My most memorable moment was an evening listening to Sicilian musicians, and gazing at the twinkling lights from Taormina on the hillside and the
harbor lights on the bay.”
Former guest- Nancy Nojima
"My expectations were exceeded in all aspects!"
Former Guest- Jane Rokita
Most memorable moment? "Hard to select just one! The Riace Warriors are spectacular! I love wandering around in villages and interacting with the inhabitants."
Former Guest - Ida Gay Nicolino
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FOUR GREAT WAYS TO SAVE!
1) Pay by check: Pay your final balance by check or money order and save $75 per person.
2) Alumni Discounts: All Alumni of Earthbound Expeditions will receive $100 off the published journey price (private trips may be excluded). If Earthbound Expeditions has other discounts available, participants may choose the greatest available discount.
3) Refer a Friend: Refer a friend and save an additional $75 for each person new to Earthbound who travels with you on an Earthbound Expedition. “Refer a friend” discounts may be combined with other discounts.
4) Travel Free: When you gather up a group of 12-26 people, one person could travel for free. Call Earthbound for additional information.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW...
Deposit and payment schedule: A $500 deposit per person is required to reserve your journey.Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for our refund policy. . A separate deposit may be requested for the air portion of your journey.
Not Included: Airline surcharges and taxes, alcoholic beverages, meals not mentioned room service, gratuities for hotel staff, travel insurance and activities not listed.
Pricing: In the event that there are fewer then the minimum participants listed in your itinerary, you will be offered a small group comfort charge to ensure that the journey departs as scheduled. Former guests have greatly appreciated the benefits of traveling with a smaller group. Earthbound staff or hosts are not included in the number of tour participants. Please refer to your detailed itinerary for pricing information specific to your journey.
Currency Fluctuations: The exchange rate in which your trip was based is listed on your itinerary under "Trip Facts" and was obtained through www.xe.com. Although no changes in the price of your trip are expected, Earthbound reserves the right to add a small supplement or offer you a refund due to unexpected currency fluctuations of plus or minus 5%. Seventy five days prior to departure rates will be reviewed and if necessary updated. Fluctuations greater then 5% will be posted in your final balance letter. Example. If the dollar falls against the Euro 7% then a 2% surcharge will be added. In this case, Earthbound will absorb the initial 5% loss in the dollar. If the dollar gains against the Euro 7% then a 2% refund will be offered. NOTE: This policy pertains to euro zone countries (Russia, Western and Eastern Europe only.
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Plato had it right when he boasted of the abundance of this ancient land, for Sicily and southern Italy are stunning regions whose extravagance has been famous since antiquity. On this magical journey you’ll discover Sicily’s quaint hill towns, rub elbows with the locals in colorful markets and experience first-hand the glories of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Earthbounds Sizzling Sicily journey is timed perfectly so that you'll beat the crowds and the heat. If you love spicy pasta, strolling through ancient ruins and relaxing in colorful seaside villages, this expedition is for you!
Length: 12 Days/11 Nights
