Eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, these gorgeous and historical islands continue to seduce travelers with their dazzling diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. It is the great melting pot of the ancient world. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Normans, French and Spanish have left their mark and contributed to its rich heritage…and of course great food & wine.
CORSICA – Although Corsica has been part of France for more than 200 years, it feels different from the mainland in everything from customs and cuisine to language and character. Jutting from the foaming Mediterranean like an impregnable fortress, Corsica resembles a miniature continent, with astounding geographical diversity. Within half an hour’s drive, the landscape ranges from glittering bays, vibrant coastal cities, and fabulous beaches to saw-tooth mountain ridges, verdant valleys, dense forests and time-forgotten hilltop villages. A visit to Corsica offers tremendously varying opportunities as we delve into the island’s multifaceted history and sampling local delicacies.
SARDINIA – The Island of Idiosyncrasie. As DH Lawrence so succinctly put it: “Sardinia is different.” Indeed, where else but here can you go from near-alpine forests to snow-white beaches? Or find wildlife oddities such as the blue-eyed albino donkeys on the Isola dell’Asinara and the wild horses that shyly roam Giara di Gesturi. The island is also a culinary one-off, with distinct takes on pasta, bread and dolci, its own wines (Vermentino whites, Cannonau reds) and cheeses – including maggoty casu marzu pecorino, stashed away in barns in the mountainous interior. In every way we can think of Sardinia is different, and all the more loveable for it. Sardinia captivates with its wild hinterland, out-of-this-world beaches and endearing eccentricities. Here coastal drives thrill, prehistory puzzles and four million sheep rule the roads.
SICILY – Whether in the classical perfection of Agrigento’s Concordia Temple, the monumental rubble of Selinunte’s Columns or the rare grace of a dancing satyr statue rescued from Mazara del Vallo’s watery depths, Sicily is the reminder of bygone civilizations are everywhere. Sicily is also a delectable layer-cake of culinary influences, and its ancient cuisine continues to rely on a few key island-grown ingredients: shellfish and citrus, tuna and swordfish, pistachios, almonds and ricotta.
Sicily’s varied landscape makes a dramatic first impression. As if its classical heritage weren’t formidable enough, Sicily is bursting at the seams with later artistic and architectural gems. In a short walk around Palermo you’ll see Arab domes and arches, Byzantine mosaics and Norman palace walls. Circle around to southeast Sicily and you’ll find a stunning array of baroque architectural masterpieces, from the golden-hued domes and palaces of Noto to the multi-tiered cathedral facades of Ragusa and Modica. Meanwhile, throughout the island you’ll find yourself stumbling upon the evocative remains of Arab and Norman castles. And if you viewed the recent season of the WHITE LOTUS, you will recognize many of the places we will visit that were also featured in the TV series.
These three cultural riches and scenic beauties combine to create a most memorable holiday.
TOUR INCLUDES
Round trip transportation from Montauk to JFK
Round trip air to Corsica and return from Sicily
Ferry transportation from Corsica to Sardinia
Overnight ferry from Sardinia to Sicily
12 nights deluxe hotel accommodations
Hotel service charges and taxes
Breakfast every day
7 lunches
8 dinners
Transportation throughout by coach
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Sightseeing entrance fees
SPECIAL FEATURES
Special Local Corsican dinner
Sailing the waters of Sardinia on charted boats
Touring the Sardinian Hinter Lands
Tour of Cagliari, the “City of Sun” in Sardinia
A Norman Castle visit that features 50,000 square feet of mosaics
View the breathtaking Valley of the Temples
Travel to the top of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano
A Sicilian vineyard visit for lunch and wine tasting at Mount Etna
Farewell dinner at a local Sicilian villa
TOUR ITINERARY
1st day: Saturday, October 14 – To Corsica
Depart the East End for JFK to board our connecting flights for Corsica.
2nd day- Sunday, October 15: Arrival in Corsica (D) After our early morning arrival in France we will connect to our flight Ajaccio, capital of Corsica. Upon arrival in Ajacco, we will be escorted to our hotel where we have some time to relax before our welcome dinner.
3rd day- Monday, October 16: In Corsica (B/L) We start our visit to Corsica with a sightseeing tour full of contrasts and stunning scenic discoveries as we journey through Corsican villages with the unique “Calanche de Piana’, which evokes Norwegian fjords if they were found in warmer Mediterranean waters. It offers an outstanding landscape of pink granite rocks shaped over the centuries by changes in the temperature, strong winds and sea spray. A fascinating play of colors unfolds before our eyes: intense blues from the sea, bright light, and the pink, red and orange shades of the granite. Erosion has sculpted the stone into monumental natural artwork. We’ll stop for lunch in this pretty village set in and which overlooks the fabulous Calanche de Piana. The main historic site here is the Baroque church which has a tall square bell tower. Inside there are some frescos and paintings by Paul Novellini in typical Corsican style. Return to our hotel in the late afternoon for the balance of the day and evening at leisure. Dinner on our own.
4th day- Tuesday, October 17: In Corsica (B/D) Today’s tour is of Ajaccio. Surrounded by a fantastic mountain range, Ajaccio is an elegant city. From the top of its citadel, it has preserved its bay which is one of the most beautiful in the world. Strolling the lanes of the old town, we will discover its Napoleonic heritage, its prestigious museums, its daily market boasting many flavors. We wander the narrow streets around the citadel; visit the Bonaparte House, the birthplace of Napoleon and now a national museum. Appreciate Italian Baroque art in the Fesch Museum. The musée Fesch is the central museum of fine arts in Ajaccio on Corsica. Located within the gated Palais Fesch, it is in the town’s Borgu d’Ajaccio quarter. It was established by Napoleon’s uncle, cardinal Joseph Fesch. Then some free time to browse in the daily market for local specialties and have lunch on our own before returning to our hotel and an afternoon to relax at the hotel or the Spa. This evening we leave our hotel for dinner at an authentic village Inn featuring Corsican cuisine and local specialties. Return to our hotel in the late evening.
5th day- Wednesday, October 18: Morning Tour and afternoon ferry to Sardinia (B/D) Meet in the lobby with our luggage for an early departure for Bonifacio and its breathtaking landscapes. Bonifacio is a medieval city with more than a thousand years of history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a natural promontory overlooking the Bouches de Bonifacio. We pass through its gateway to discover a picturesque warren of narrow streets and alleys enclosed by the sturdy walls of the citadel. The medieval old-town in Bonifacio is the oldest town in Corsica and has many tall houses along cobbled streets in a spectacular setting along the top of the cliffs of this white limestone peninsula. We will visit the Bastion de l’Ttendard that dates back to the 15 century and is the highest l’Etendard in France. If there is time, we will also visit the landscaped garden. At about noon, we board our ferry to Sardinia. Upon arrival, we will be met and escorted to our accommodations at the world-famous Carla Di Volpe hotel, where later we will have a Welcome to Sardinia dinner.
6th day- Thursday, October 19: In Sardinia (B/L) After breakfast it’s a day of sailing. We have chartered three boats to sail to the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Sailing in silence, we will be able to admire the most fascinating corners of this protected marine park up close. Our mini cruising will be among the islands that embrace La Maddalena and will introduce us to the most beautiful beaches of Spargi, Razzoli, Budelli (with the famous Spiaggia Rosa) and Santa Maria. In Santa Maria, we will stop and have a guided tour. Then continue to sail the La Maddalena archipelago as we return to our starting point. During our sail, we will have a picnic lunch at one of the stops. Bring a bathing suit. If the weather permits, we will be able to take a swim or even do some snorkeling as equipment will be provided. Also, be sure to ask the hotel for a beach towel. Dinner this evening is on your own at any of the hotel’s restaurants. Note: If the weather is bad, we will substitute a land-based sightseeing tour of the “off-the-beaten” path island sites.
7th day- Friday, October 20: In Sardinia (B/L/D) This morning we leave to explore Barbagia (The Sardinian Hinterland) taking an open-air museum and natural park tour. The historic region of Barbagia reveals a terrain rugged yet articulated (perhaps the wildest on the Island), and a world where customs and traditions pair with a generous people. It is a life characterized and preceded by millennia of fascinating history. Barbagia owes its name to the Romans, who called this unconquerable land Barbaria. Today it is both hospitable and rich in beauty. It is jaw-dropping and spectacular, cut by deep, jagged valleys (called codule) that lead towards the sea by piercing the calceous littoral walls. The result is a spectacular landscape characterized by gorges and cliffs. We will see typical stone houses, the characteristic cortes and the artisan workshops and Aritzo, famous for their carved wooden chests, leatherwork and the most valued copper pots and pans that are made in dalla Barbagia di Seulo. We will also have a delightful luncheon “Agriturismo”with its cheeses, meats, cured meats, sweets and typical wines (e.g. Cannonau) and the famous Filu ’e ferru, Sardinian grappa. After lunch, it’s to Orgosolo, cradle of archaic traditions that offers glimpses of enchanting and timeless Sardinia and a walking tour of the old town, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site before returning to our hotel for dinner.
8th day- Saturday, October 21: To Sicily – Tour of Cagliari and Overnight ferry (B/L/D) An early morning departure for the ride south to Cagliari, the “City of Sun” that takes its nickname from its mild and sunny climate. After a panoramic drive, we will have lunch at a typical local restaurant, followed by a walking tour in the historic district of Castello, the center of the social, political, cultural, military and religious life of the city from its foundation to the present day. The Castle, founded in the XIII century, contains some of the most important monuments of the city. Our guide will tell us the curiosities related to its history and the different populations that inhabited it. Along the way we will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of the city and the sea from its panoramic terraces. On to the Archaeological Museum, which contains the findings of the most ancient civilizations of the island. Among these, we will see the mysterious Giants of Mont’e Prama, considered the oldest large statues in the entire Mediterranean. After our tour, we will board our overnight ferry and have a simple dinner onboard as we sail to Sicily.
Note that this is a ferry boat and not a Viking cruise ship. Accommodations (with private bath) are comfortable but simple.
9th day-Sunday, October 22: In Palermo. Visit to Monreale (B/D) Early morning arrival in Palermo. We will transfer to our accommodations, but as our rooms will not be ready, we start our visit with a walking tour through the narrow streets of old Palermo. Palermo was at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia and delivers a heady, heavily spiced mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes and frescoed cupolas. This is a city at the edge of Europe and at the center of the ancient world, a place where souk-like markets rub up against baroque churches, where date palms frame Gothic palaces, where the blue-eyed and fair have bronze-skinned cousins. Centuries of dizzying highs and crushing lows have formed a complex metropolis. Here, crumbling staircases lead to gilded ballrooms and guarded locals harbor hearts of gold. Just don’t be fooled. Despite its noisy streets, Sicily’s largest city is a shy beast, rewarding the inquisitive with citrus-filled cloisters, stucco-laced chapels and crooked side streets dotted with youthful artisan studios. Here we will view the ornate Piazza Bellini, the Cathedral and the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel. Return to our hotel for lunch on our own and check into our accommodations. In the afternoon we board our coach and proceed to Monreale, slightly south of Palermo on a panoramic upland overlooking the Conca d’Oro and the Oreto River valley. We visit the Cathedral (Santa Maria la Nuovo) begun in 1174. This cathedral was built at the order of William II. The interior walls of the Cathedral are completely decorated with 50,000 square feet of precious Byzantine mosaics. We return to Palermo over the scenic, history steeped Monte Pellegrino for our overnight and dinner at our hotel.
10th day-Monday, October 23: In Palermo. Excursion to Agrigento (B/L) After breakfast we depart for Agrigento. The morning will be spent visiting one of the most important Greek historical sites in the world: the breathtaking Valley of the Temples, including the largest Doric temple in the world, and the Temple of Jupiter. Even travelers who have visited Athens and Delphi in Greece are awed by the gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that have survived 24 centuries of tormented history. We stop in Piazza Armerina for lunch before returning to our hotel in Palermo for dinner on our own. Venture to experience some of the wonderful local restaurants.
11th day-Tuesday, October 24: To Mount Etna and Taormina (B/L/D) We start our day by traveling to the top of Mount Etna, over 5,000 feet high. It’s the highest and the most active volcano in Europe. We will visit the Silvestri Craters – five extinct craters and enjoy their panoramic scenery. Then we will experience a special treat as we have lunch and a wine tasting at the Mt Etna vineyards. The vineyards are a unique wine growing area that has gotten a lot of attention recently. Its dark volcanic soils, high elevation, snow on the top of the mountain for five months of the year and the Mediterranean Sea nearby create singularly distinctive wines. After lunch we proceed to Taormina to visit the Ancient Greek- Roman Theatre. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the world with its well-preserved stones and stage and the snow-covered Mount Etna in the background. A bit of time to explore the town on our own before we have dinner at our hotel.
12th day- Wednesday, October 25: In Taormina and excursion to Siracusa (B/D) After breakfast we depart for Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) to visit the most beautiful Greek colony of Sicily. This area attracted the philosopher Plato and the Apostle Paul. At one time, its naval fleet was feared throughout the Mediterranean. Here our visit will include the famous Latomie of the Garden of Paradise, the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius known for its extraordinary acoustics. We continue on with a visit to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city center of Siracusa, built by the Aragonians. Return to our hotel for dinner and our overnight.
13th day- Thursday, October 26: In Taormina. Excursion to Noto d’Avola (B/L) After breakfast we depart for Noto and Nero d’Avola for lunch and a wine tasting. Noto is a magnificent baroque town and is famous for its opulent architecture and beauty. Noto was founded at the time of the fall of Troy. This small town in the south-east was founded again in the 1700s. It is the heart and the starting point for a visit to the valley of the Sicilian Baroque. Its cathedral was perfectly raised and then rebuilt again 10 years later and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A local highlight is Caffe Sicilia, which is rumored to make some of the best gelato in all of Italy. We will have lunch at a local well renowned farmhouse that will feature both an olive oil tasting and a wine tasting. Afterwards we return to Taormina where we have the evening on our own to enjoy some local dining at one of the town’s restaurants.
14th day-Friday, October 27: To Catania (B/D) The last town we visit on our Sicilian itinerary is Catania, one of the most picturesque cities in Sicily. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Etna which gives the city its suggestive lava rock palate. After our arrival and some free time for lunch on our own, we will meet at our hotel and have a panoramic tour of the baroque town including the Roman Amphitheatre, the Duomo with its beautiful Cathedral and the Opera House. The city is affectionately named Mamma Etna, which is seen by locals as both a blessing and a curse. Etna is viewed as a symbol of fertility that although it destroyed the city several times during its history, it has also given Catania some of the best wines in the world. Its mouthwatering cuisine drenched with this agriculturally fantastic flavor will be enjoyed at our farewell dinner at a local countryside villa.
15th day-Saturday, October 28: To JFK (B) After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for connecting flights back to New York via Milan and board our Emirates jet with the same day arrival at JFK and then back to the East End.
Hotels or similar
Ajacci: The Sofitel Golf D’Ajaccio (3 nights)
5-star Sofitel Golfe d’Ajaccio Thalassa Sea & Spa for a well-being break in the heart of a private estate in Southern Corsica. Bespoke treatments, a seawater pool heated from April to October, a private beach, tailored service to share unforgettable moments together. A sumptuous site preserved over the years where nature is king.
Sardinia: The Grand Hotel Cala Di Volpe (3 nights)
Located in the heart of Hotel Cala di Volpe and overlooking the most glamorous bay in the Mediterranean, Le Grand is an iconic location in Costa Smeralda. Waiters in elegant evening suits pushing bright silver trolleys give this Italian Mediterranean restaurant a timeless atmosphere, while providing an exceptional service.
Palermo: Grand Hotel Les Palmes (2 nights)
It is an authentic emotion to get lost along the corridors and the sumptuous halls of the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes, where refined fabrics and elegant interiors are shaped by the light that filters through this space.History dialogues with the contemporary style creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. The sumptuous hall, with its high frescoed ceilings, the original Liberty style windows, and the Winter Garden are a tribute to the Art Nouveau style by the Architect Ernesto Basile.
Catania: Hotel Capotaormina (4 nights)
Unahotels Capotaormina offers guests an elegant and charming retreat on Sicily’s beautiful coastline. With its meeting and event facilities, private beach, wellness centre and saltwater swimming pool, the hotel is also ideally situated for exploring the unspoilt commune of Taormina and its surrounding area. The Taormina hotel’s popular bars and restaurants, serving authentic Sicilian cuisine made from fresh local produce, alongside its wealth of tailored services and refined, peaceful rooms ensure that guests experience a unique taste of la vera Sicilia.
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PRICE PER PERSON
Per Person in Double Occupancy room: $6,899 payments via check or money order
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Add to above costs:
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Prepaid Gratuities $150 ($158 via credit card)
Payments:
Initial Non-Refundable Deposit of $1,000 pp ($1,050 via credit card) is required to secure your space on the tour.
Note: $2,000 ($2,100 for credit card) for Business Class travelers.
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Travel Insurance As travel professionals, RMC Travel highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.
We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.
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