This flexible getaway offered by Brendan Vacations takes you back in time (Palermo is 2,700 years old), while keeping you in step with all that’s chic and fashionable (Taormina can be described as Sicily’s Monte Carlo). Hotel stays, transfers and sightseeing in Palermo are all prearranged but the rest is up to you. English-speaking hosts in each city can offer advice on excursions, dining and entertainment.
Customize your trip with a wide selection of popular city combinations:
• Extend this itinerary by adding 1 or 2 more nights in either city.
• Add 2 or more nights in Rome.
• Combine this trip with one or more other locally hosted European city itineraries.
$40 per person dining voucher redeemable at select local restaurants**
AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care**
$40 per person discount on packages totaling $2,000 or more per person
Discover the spectacular and unforgettable Mediterranean island of Sicily on this independent getaway. Strategically positioned between Europe and Africa, this mystical land of three corners and the fiery volcano Mount Etna was the site of two of the most enlightened capitals of Europe: the ancient Greek city at Siracusa (modern Syracuse) and in medieval times, the Arab-Norman city at Palermo. Today, the coastal city of Taormina also wows visitors with its beautiful beaches, ancient Greek theatre, and lively bars and restaurants.
Step back in time on a hop-on/hop-off bus tour in Palermo. Over 2,700 years old, Palermo, like Sicily itself, has been a melting pot of great Mediterranean cultures: Greek and Roman, Arab and Norman, and finally French, Spanish and Italian. You will see the Arab influence in its churches and mass of small medieval alleys. As the Norman capital for 300 years, Palermo was the greatest city in all of Europe, famed for its wealth and as a center of learning. Don't miss the main Duomo and the Santa Caterina. Palazzo dei Normanni, one of the world's most beautiful Italian palaces and a notable example of Norman architecture, houses the famous Cappella Palatina. You can also see the Capuchin Catacombs with its many mummified corpses in varying degrees of preservation.
Located on a steep hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina is thought by many to be Sicily's most beautiful town. Explore its highlights at your leisure including the remarkable and ancient Greek Theater with its magnificent views of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. The Greek Theater is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily on account of both of its preservation and beautiful location. Also visit Taormina's many old churches, picturesque squares, lively marketplaces and excellent beaches.
Price includes:
• 4 nights first class accommodations in your choice of 4-star or 5-star centrally located hotels; includes hotel taxes and service charges
• Daily breakfast
• Private car transfer between the two cities
• Services of an English-speaking local AAA Vacations® host in each city who can offer advice on excursions, dining and entertainment
• Hop-on / hop-off city tour in Palermo
• Private round-trip airport/hotel transfers
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Price given based on first class hotels for travel departing between April 1 and October 31, 2013. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider.
**The AAA Vacations® dining credit voucher is redeemable at participating pre-selected restaurants only. Advance reservations must be made through the local host. Vouchers are non-refundable and have no cash value. Restrictions apply to the AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care. Should you find a valid better rate for the exact same itinerary within 24 hours of booking, AAA will match the lower rate. Ask your AAA Travel Counselor for details.
CST #1003968-80. Registration as seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Links:
[1] http://calstate.aaa.com/travel/about-aaa-travel/aaa-vacations