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Sicily

For Oscar Wilde, Palermo was ‘the most beautifully situated town in the world – it dreams away its life in the Conca d’Oro, the exquisite valley that lies between two seas’. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8C BC, called Panormus by the Greeks and known as Bal’harm under the Arabs, Palermo is an exciting and complex city with a rich cultural heritage. Sicily’s capital reflects the history and geography of the island, at the heart of the Mediterranean, a steppingstone between North Africa and Europe, where Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Germans, French, Spanish and Italians have all passed through and left their mark. As well as giving you a thorough introduction to Palermo, its Norman architecture and exquisite mosaics, magnificent baroque churches and oratories, palaces, art collections, gardens and lively street markets, our tour will take you to some of the most beautiful sites in the west of Sicily. The Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta are among the grandest and best preserved anywhere and the Dancing Satyr at Mazaro del Vallo is one of the loveliest Greek bronze statues to survive. On display in the museum at Marsala is a rare example of a Punic ship, brought up from the coastal waters nearby, and just a short boat ride across the lagoon of Lo Stagnone the little island of San Pantaleo is the site of the ancient Phoenician settlement of Motya. Gastronomy should be a part of any Sicilian tour. Not only are our restaurants carefully chosen, but we also learn something more of typical Sicilian cuisine at a local establishment near Cefalù, enjoy a dégustation at a winery in the southwest and visit an agriturismo near Agrigento where we sample the local olive oil and have a light lunch after our sightseeing of the temples.

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Itinerary

Join your morning flight from London Gatwick to Catania, Sicily where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a four-night stay.

Today drive over to the northern area of Sicily and see the battlefields around Palermo where General Patton and the American troops fought their way to link up with the British in the east.

Today travel to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano at 3,350 metres. The coach will take you to within 1,900 metres, after that it will be optional for the group to take the cable car ‘Etna Gondola’ (approx. 30 euros per person). Alternatively, a Jeep ride with the cable car may also be available (approx. 65 euros per person). *Please note these extras cannot be pre booked and included in advance due to weather conditions, it is policy that on arrival exact prices will be displayed on the Etna Information Boards.* There will also be free time on this day to relax and enjoy the restaurants and shops at Etna.

Today look at the British and Canadian Landings supported by troops of the 1st Airborne Division. Visit Syracuse War Cemetery and then drive along the area of the landings down to the Pachino Peninsula. You also see where the Canadians landed and see their memorial on Roger Beach, and follow their route inland to Ispica, the first town reached by the Canadians. Then finish the day in the sector where the Americans landed near Gela.

Depart your hotel and follow the route of the British and Canadian advance to Agira, seeing the Agira Canadian War Cemetery and getting a good idea of the terrain over which the fighting took place in July 1943. Time will also be allowed for a short visit to the Battle of Sicily War Museum in Catania before transfer to Catania airport for the early evening flight back to London Gatwick.

Accommodation

You will be staying at the Piazza Borsa for 6 nights and the Villa Athena for 2 nights.

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When it comes to getting you to your destination, Leger Holidays makes it easy with a selection of travel options to choose from.

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