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Overview
Dates May 08 — May 16, 2008
Activity Level Moderately active
Sicily's strategic location in the path of Phoenicians, Greeks, Byzantines, Romans, Moors, and Spaniards has produced a legacy of well-preserved ancient ruins, colorful medieval artworks, evocative cathedrals, and flavorful cuisine. Join us on an exclusive voyage to circumnavigate Sicily aboard the elegant, yacht-like Le Levant. In the shadow of Mt. Pellegrino, explore bustling Palermo before attending a private gala with local nobility at their grand palazzo. Visit Segesta, home to one of the best-preserved ancient temples of the Greek world; taste Marsala wine in the medieval village of Erica; and wander among Taormina's 5th-century amphitheater with its breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy a lunch of Sicilian specialties on the fertile slopes of Mt. Etna and admire the colorful fisherman's quarter and spectacular cathedral at Cefalu before concluding the journey with a festive farewell dinner.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Days 1 and 2 — U.S. / Palermo, Sicily
- Day 3 — Palermo / Monreale / Embark Le Levant
- Day 4 — Trapani / Segesta / Erice
- Day 5 — Empedocle / Agrigento
- Day 6 — Siracusa
- Day 7 — Taormina / Mount Etna
- Day 9 — Cefalu
- Day 10 — Palermo / U.S.
Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of Sicilian nobility as a guest at a gala dinner and musical performance held at the private palazzo of Count Federico in Palermo.
- Enjoy a private tasting of Sicilian olive oil, and learn about the harvesting, grading, and pressing process of this ancient Mediterranean export.
- Wander the grounds of the Temple of Segesta, a majestic Doric temple perched high above the sparkling sea.
- Learn about ancient religious rites honoring goddesses of fertility in the medieval hilltown of Erice.
- Indulge in a lunch of Sicilian specialties on the fertile slopes below the snow-capped summit of Mount Etna.
- See precious Byzantine mosaics in Cefalu's 12th century Norman cathedral.
Program Leaders
Mariana Carpinisan
Mariana Carpinisan is truly a citizan of the world. Born in Romania and educated in France, Italy, and the U.S., she brings a global perspective to our study tours. As former Assistant Curator with the Cleveland Museum of Art, she organized exhibitions, planned educational programs, and developed an interdisciplinary curriculum of art and music for organizations such as the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Toronto Symphony. Mariana has taught at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland and is currently an adjunct professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. In addition to her work as an art history consultant and art critic, she conducts seminars and lectures for the Smithsonian Resident Associate program. On this tour, Mariana will lead lectures on sculpture, temples, theaters, and other topics.
Sidney Horenstein
Sidney Horenstein is a geologist and recently retired Coordinator of Environmental Public Programs at the American Museum of Natural History after 40 years of service to the institution. He also served as an adjunct lecturer in geology at the City University of New York for 25 years, and is currently the natural history consultant to the Bronx County Historical Society. Sidney continues to lead field trips to diverse areas in New York State, including the greater metropolitan area and the Hudson River Valley. He also lectures at the AMNH on a variety of natural history subjects. He has been involved with AMNH Expeditions since 1985 and has led trips to the Americas, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, the Arctic, and North Africa. On this cruise Sidney will discuss the geological history of Sicily, explore the local geological features, and identify the island's ancient rocks and fossils.
Sponsors
American Museum of Natural History Expeditions
Smithsonian Journeys
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Accommodations
Cruise Ship
Le Levant
Le Levant is a superb yacht-like cruise ship built in France and staffed by a 50-person European crew dedicated to outstanding service. The ship carries no more than 90 guests in 45 staterooms, each with a sitting area, private marble bath with shower, and generous storage space. A large picture window affords views of the water and landscape. Public areas include the Grand Salon for lectures and presentations, two restaurants that can accommodate all passengers at one seating, two bars, a library, small exercise room and wading pool, steam room, boutique, and salon. An aft marina features a swimming platform, freshwater shower, and fleet of sturdy motorized Zodiacs.
Program Rates
Airfare
Airfare is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your travel arrangements for this program.
Program Rates
From $6,695 per person, double occupancy; $9,945 single.