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Sicily & the Aeolian Islands 2009

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Stroll stunning beaches and take a dip in azure waters. Hike on an active volcano. Ferry to the astonishing Aeolian Islands and share a meal and wine tasting with a local producer of sweet Malvasia wine.   Detailed Itinerary

CYCLE on the paved slopes of the Etna volcano, surrounded by flows of black lava and vineyards LEARN to cook a regional dish made of ricotta at Villa Dafne, a family-run agriturismo in the silent interior of Sicily TAKE a thrilling hydrofoil ride to Lipari and cycle this lovely Mediterranean island EXPLORE Taormina and visit its spectacular Greek Theatre DINE with a local family on Salina Island, enjoying traditional Sicilian cuisine while sampling special grappa and the famed Malvasia wine HIKE with a bilingual volcanologist to the smoking rim of the Grand Crater volcano on Vulcano Island

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Air-Inclusive Tour Roundtrip international airfare 9 nights in a typical farm resort and 4-star hotels 16 meals - 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners Transfers And the option to add our Low-Cost Trip Extensions: Pre-Trip: Rome - 3 nights for only $545 Post-Trip: Syracuse - 2 nights for only $295 FREE use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Welcome reception Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy discount Land-Only Tour 7 nights in a typical agriturismo and 4-star hotels 14 meals - 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners FREE use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Welcome reception Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy discount

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Rating Level: Moderate This tour offers a combination of rolling terrain mixed with moderate hills. On one day at mid week a couple of steep short hills make the day more challenging. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills. Ideal for energetic beginners who are willing to maybe get our van shuttle over a couple of hills and experienced cyclists. Full Van Support: Enjoy more flexibility and choice with full van support throughout your vacation. Group Size: 20 Daily Mileage: 10-30 miles Daily Cycling Times: 2-4 hours Avg. Daily High Temperature: Catania: Mar 60°, Apr 72°, May 78°, Sep 85°, Oct 72°, Nov 66°

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Ai Cavalieri Hotel Hotel Ai Cavalieri is a beautiful, classic building situated in the commercial center of Palermo, a few meters from the historical area of the city. Guests here are just a few steps from Teatro Massimo and Politeama Garibaldi theaters and close to all major attractions. The hotel features a fine restaurant with Sicilian specialties. (visit the Ai Cavalieri Hotel website) Hotel Tritone On the island of Lipari, this new hotel was named for a symbol of the sea. At walking distance from the village center, close to the sea, yet immersed in the green countryside, it surrounds you with relaxation. (visit the Hotel Tritone website) Hotel Villa Diodoro An elegant hotel with cozy ambience, large windows and rich interiors, Villa Diodoro lets you bask in the beauty of the sea and of the old town. (visit the Hotel Villa Diodoro website) Una Hotel Palace Una Hotel Palace is a prestigious Catania building dating back to the early 1900s, when it was already a historic luxury hotel. Restorations sustained the original Sicilian style and traditional cultural heritage. The hotel has 94 rooms, including 14 suites, a roof garden, internal open courtyard, 6 conference rooms, a large restaurant and American bar (visit the Una Hotel Palace website) Villa Dafne This recently refurbished farmhouse is surrounded by green pastures. Run by brother and sister Pina and Lino and their families, the staff is completely dedicated to cattle breeding, farming, vegetable growing, cooking and interacting with guests. There is a large swimming pool with sweeping views of the mountains and valleys. Grandma Giovanna’s old, blue-tiled kitchen hosts cooking classes. (visit the Villa Dafne website)

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Rome 2009 (for Sicily) 3 nights for only $ 545 Three nights at the River Palace Hotel • Daily breakfast • City information packet • Airport transfers Discover the Eternal City at your leisure as you spend three nights in Italy’s timeless capital. History, art and architecture abound, from Greek sculpture to Roman ruins. Marvel at the grandeur of the Vatican, where St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel await. Stroll through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the Coliseum. Take time to walk up the Spanish Steps, toss a coin in the Trevi fountain to ensure your return to Rome, or just spend a relaxing afternoon at a quiet outdoor café. Many attractions are within walking distance of your centrally located hotel. Available only with the Air Inclusive Package. Note: Single supplement for this extension is $ 425. top Syracuse 2009 2 nights for only $ 245 Two nights at Alla Giudecca Residence Hotel • Daily breakfast • City information packet • Airport transfers Spend time on your own in Syracuse, the ancient Greek city that once rivaled Athens as the most important in the Greek world. Today, Old Syracuse is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Archeological site, featuring one of the largest Greek Theatres in the world, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman amphitheater. In Ortigia, walk to the Fountain of Aretusa and visit the cathedral and piazza. Take an evening stroll along Ortigia’s sea promenade, then dine on seafood or pizza at a local restaurant. The city’s ancient and medieval structures will both awe and fascinate you. Available only with the Air Inclusive Package. Note: Single supplement for this extension is $ 185.

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Group Discount Program: You can earn a FREE VBT tour with our generous group discount program. Click here for details. Refer a Friend and Earn $100 Travel Credit: If you refer a Friend to VBT and they choose to travel with us, you earn $100 travel credit toward your next trip and your friend gets $50 off their first VBT trip. Click here for details. Good Buy Plan: The earlier you pay, the more you save. If you book early and pay in full by check, you can lock in your trip cost plus earn up to a 10% discount. 5% Frequent Traveler Credit: You will automatically receive a 5% travel credit good for your next VBT trip. This credit is good for one full year. Savings for Single Travelers: If you are on a bicycle tour where sharing is possible and you would like to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. We will charge you only 50% of the single supplement; if a match is available, we will refund you the single supplement after you return. If requested and available, single supplement is $345. Best Value Guaranteed: Click here for details. We reserve the right to correct errors. top