RDC Tours Presents.... Discover Sicily and Tuscany
 
Discover Sicily and Tuscany

Day 1: Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Overnight Flight
Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean Islands, offers a wonderful climate, spectacular landscapes, historic towns, charming hilltop villages, and some of the finest archaeological sites in Europe. You will enjoy this spectacular destination as well as the rolling landscapes, savory wines, delicious food, and stunning architecture of Tuscany. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Catania.

Day 2: Thursday, September 09, 2010
Taormina Area, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the Taormina area, one of the most popular resort destinations in Sicily. Gather with your fellow travelers this evening during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant located in Giardini-Naxos’ port, offering beautiful views of the area.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Friday, September 10, 2010
Taormina
Taormina is symbolic of the splendor of Sicily. History and beauty abound in this small town perched high above the Ionian Sea. Join a local guide to explore the many treasures of the town, including the Greek Theatre, the Duomo and the public gardens. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy strolling around the town or shopping in the local boutiques. Later, learn to live La Dolce Vita the way Italians do…take a typical Italian coffee break in one of Giardini-Naxos’ outdoor cafes where you can relax as you sample local pastries and a cappuccino while enjoying time with new friends.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 4: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Mt. Etna
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. This morning you will experience the natural majesty of Europe’s largest active volcano, Mt. Etna. This spectacular treasure continues to release smoke and ash over Sicily. Travel up the mountain by coach to personally witness the spectacular landscapes sculpted by fire. This afternoon, visit a well-known local winery famous for producing wines from grapes grown in the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mt. Etna.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Sunday, September 12, 2010
Caltagirone - Piazza Armerina
This morning your journey will take you to Caltagirone, the capital of the Sicilian pottery industry. A visit to the center of town and its abundance of ceramic shops allows you to see first-hand how beautiful these traditional crafts are. After enjoying lunch on your own, you will travel to the medieval town of Piazza Armerina, located in the beautiful Erei Mountains. A guided visit of nearby Villa Casale showcases an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics that date to the 3rd century BC.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Monday, September 13, 2010
Siracusa
Walk in the footsteps of history and reflect on the magnificence of ancient Greece during an included excursion to Siracusa. The city boasts as fine a collection of archaeological treasures as any island in Greece. A local expert guides you through the Archaeological Park, featuring an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities and brings this incredible ancient world to life. Enjoy some free time in the historic old city before returning to your hotel. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special dinner featuring a cooking demonstration in one of Taormina’s well-known restaurants. The chef will teach you how to make some of the most popular Sicilian delicacies, including cannoli. Take home these recipes and unforgettable memories of a spectacular stay in Sicily.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Taormina Area - Tuscany
Your tour of Sicily ends today with a flight to Tuscany*. Upon arrival, continue on to Montecatini Terme for your four night stay.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 8: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Siena
Begin the day learning the traditional Italian techniques of leather making during a visit to the family-owned Pierotucci Leather Shop. Continue your journey through Tuscany’s low-lying hills and olive groves to Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Embark on a lovely walking tour through Siena's narrow, Gothic streets and behold stunning palaces, mansions and the historic Piazza del Campo. Enjoy free time to soak up Siena’s captivating ambiance and perhaps have lunch in one of the city's cafes. Or, you may climb to the top of the Torre Del Mangia for a breathtaking view of Siena and the Tuscan countryside.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Thursday, September 16, 2010
San Gimignano
Discover the hilltop village of San Gimignano, one of the most picturesque places in Tuscany. Explore this enchanting medieval town, from its famous 14 towers to its magnificent vistas overlooking the vineyards of Tuscany. Enjoy free time for lunch and perhaps some famous Italian gelato before hitting some of the town’s great shops. Your day continues with a special visit to a Tuscan winery for the opportunity to sample a selection of the local wines that have made Tuscany so well-known. During your visit, learn about the art of winemaking and the process of making Italian olive oil.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 10: Friday, September 17, 2010
Florence
A cultural tour in the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” showcases the beautiful city of Florence. A local Florentine guide highlights many of the city’s priceless treasures, including the Academy Gallery* which houses Michelangelo’s monumental statue of David. At the Piazza del Duomo, which is the center of religious life in medieval Florence, you will see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You will also view the Church of Santa Croce and the burial places of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this unparalleled city. A delightful experience awaits you this evening when you attend a Tuscan feast featuring traditional cuisine and savory wines while overlooking the magical Tuscan countryside.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 11: Saturday, September 18, 2010
Montecatini - Rome
Depart Montecatini this morning for the cosmopolitan capital of Italy, Rome! Upon arrival you will have an opportunity to enjoy an optional tour to Vatican City to visit the collections of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. This evening, join your fellow travelers and friends for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to the unforgettable and ever-beautiful regions of Sicily and Tuscany.
 Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 12: Sunday, September 19, 2010
Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.
Today Breakfast is included.

September 08 - September 19, 2010

Highlights...
 Taormina • Mt. Etna • Two Winery Tours • Caltagirone • Piazza Armerina • Villa Casale • Siracusa • Cooking Demonstration • Wine Included With Dinner • Montecatini Terme • Siena • San Gimignano • Florence • Rome Group motor coach transfer/to from your departure airport •

12 Days • 20 Meals:
10 Breakfasts • 10 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $3599
Single $4149
Triple $3569

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $130 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers,Round Trip Air from Logan Intl Airport,
Click Here for Details
 * Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person,

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 6
  Hellenia Yachting Hotel, Giardini-Naxos
DAY 7 - 10
  Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme
DAY 11
  Cardinal Hotel St Peter, Rome

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Richard Cece
RDC Tours, LLC
(401) 231-7880

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• Due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from the hotel on the last day of your tour. Collette air passengers will arrive into Catania, Sicily airport and depart from Rome, Italy airport. All Collette transfers will depart from/return to those airports. *The flight from Sicily to Tuscany is not included in the land pricing.
• Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
• Included breakfasts are buffet breakfasts.