Travel-Learn Program
Sicily - Cultural Crossroads of the Ancient World WAITLIST ONLY
When: March 11, 2011 - March 20, 2011 (iCal)
Description
“We love having everything researched and planned for us which allows us a totally relaxing vacation. If any Tufts Graduate has not yet done a Tufts-sponsored trip they should begin immediately!”
We have added an alternate date for this popular program! Click Here to learn more.
Sicily offers enchanting natural beauty, folklore and cuisine. The landscape features the towering Mount Etna, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the world. Located amongst the ancient Mediterranean’s most important trade routes, Sicily’s rich history is on display in storied city of Syracuse, one of the most important cities in the ancient world. The sun-dappled coast features many compelling historic destinations including the necropolis at Pantalica and the former Greek colony of Agrigento, described as “the most beautiful city built by mortal men” by the Greek poet Pindar.
Featuring Faculty Host
Professor Cristelle Baskins
Cost
Waitlist Only - For more information,contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Director Tufts Travel-Learn Program, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 617-627-5323.
Itinerary
Day 1-In Transit
Depart our gateway cities for Sicily.
DAY 2 ~ SYRACUSE
Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Des Etrangers et Miramare in Syracuse. After unwinding we will meet for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
DAY 3 ~ SYRACUSE
Today we will explore the Old Town, a showcase of medieval and baroque era architecture. Its Piazza del Duomo is one of Sicily’s elegant squares. Later we will continue to the fascinating ruins at the Archeological Park, a massive archeological dig that conveys life in ancient Rome.
Day 4 -Mt. Etna/Taormina
Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is the tallest in Europe. Ascend Mount Etna to a vantage point where the volcano’s craters can be viewed. Mount Etna’s many past eruptions have rarely harmed its surrounding inhabitant, and have had the beneficial effect of enriching the surrounding soil. At a farmhouse restaurant on the slope of the volcano we will learn about the workings of the farm, which grows lemons used in making limoncello. This afternoon we will explore the well preserved amphitheatre of Taormina, built by the Greeks in the 6th century b.c. and still used today due to its near perfect acoustics.
Day 5 - Pantalica/AkraiI
Today we travel to Pantalica to see its famous necropolis, which was first constructed by the island’s indigenous population and contains tombs dating from the 13th to the seventh centuries B.C. Our historical exploration continues to Akrai to see the ruins of its Greek Theater and Senate House.
Day 6 -Noto
According to legend, Hercules stopped here after completing the seventh of his great tasks. A similarly herculean effort was conducted in 1693; after an earthquake ravaged about 60 towns in the southeastern corner of Sicily, local architects rebuilt the towns by combining traditional Sicilian elements with the fashionable baroque architecture of the time. Today we will journey to Noto, one of the towns that features this unique style.
Day 7- Piazza Armerina/ Agrigento
The stunningly well preserved historical relics of Sicily’s history are on display today. The Villa del Casale, a 4th century country house near Piazza Armerina, is home to some of the largest and most complex surviving mosaics of the Roman Empire. The seven monumental temples, constructed during the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. exemplify the Doric style of Greek Architecture. The Temple of Concord is one of the most spectacular surviving Doric temples; having been converted to a Christian church in 597 CE, the temple is uncommonly well preserved.
Day 8 -Syracuse
The day is at leisure to pursue our own interests and to reflect on the sights and events of the past week. Tonight, we will meet for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 9 & 10 ~ In Transit
After a morning and afternoon at leisure, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Munich. Upon arrival, walk through the airport and check in at the Hotel Kempinski Airport München. The next day, after breakfast we will return to the terminal for our flights home.
Price and Itinerary remain tentative and subject to change617-627-5323|usha.sellers@tufts.edu
