Discover SICILY Archaeology Landscapes Heritage! October 10-22, 2013 Join us!... as we explore the cultural heritage and landscapes of this fascinating land of myth and legend! Sicily offers an intoxicating blend of archaeology, history, and nature which is the envy of the Mediterranean. The Greeks had the greatest impact on Sicily. It was home to philosophers and mathematicians, and Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities in the Greek world. Come join us as we explore ancient temples and theatres, discover a Roman palace, and marvel at the rich heritage of this land of volcanic Mt. Etna!
LEADERSHIP Leading this expedition will be Mark Walters. A classicist and naturalist, Mark is a popular leader of several AAAS and Sigma Xi trips in Italy, Greece, and France. Mark has an M.A. from Cambridge University in the Classics, Archaeology, and Anthropology and a Master s Degree in Environmental Management. Mark also leads expeditions to Greece, Tuscany, and Southern Italy to wonderful reviews. Mark is looking forward to sharing his love of history and archaeology and enthusiasm for Italy and Sicily with expedition members. & SIGMA XI & ACS Expeditions THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY Dear Friends: Evocative Greek temples, stately Norman cathedrals, fine baroque facades and scenic wetlands: Sicily is a rich tapestry offering excellence in archaeology, culture and nature. On this 13 day expedition, we will return to Sicily to once again sample the astonishing diversity of its landscape and history, while learning about its rich cultural heritage. Our hotels have been carefully chosen to pro vide easy access to the main sites, yet at the same time lending a distinctive Mediterranean touch to the expedition. Our first stay is just outside Palermo in the coastal resort city of Mondello. While close to the heart of bustling Palermo, our hotel is near the start of scenic shore walks. Our next base near Agrigento will enable us to reach the west coast of Sicily, including the ancient Carthaginian settlement on the island of Motya, close to the town of Marsala. From there we will head cross country via an impressive late Roman villa near Piazza Armerina to a delightful agriturismo (working farm) near Syracuse, our base for exploring the varied cultural and natural heritage of southeastern Sicily. Our last stay is within striking distance of the medieval town of Taormina, with its breathtakingly beautiful location and impressive ancient remains. From here we visit the slopes of smoldering Mt. Etna, delving into its fascinating history and mythology. Leading this expedition will be Mark Walters, who is well known to many of you. Join Markto explore the fascinating heritage and landscapes of Sicily! Sincerely, Margaret M. Betchart, President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. For AAAS Travels & Sigma Xi Expeditions
Day 1/2 New York to Palermo, Sicily. Depart New York s JFK International Airport for Rome, Italy. Take a connecting flight to Palermo. Transfer to the Hotel Splendid La Torre (4 nights) in the coastal town of Mondello, a short distance from the center of Palermo. Afternoon for rest and leisure or enjoy a Mediterranean coast walk. Welcome orientation and dinner. D Day 3 Palermo This morning we will explore the medieval heritage of Palermo, including the Norman Palace, its Palatine Chapel, and the Cathedral, including an informal walking tour. This afternoon visit the Archaeological Museum to see some impressive architectural finds pre served from ancient Greek temples in western Sicily. This will provide a fine introduction to learning about Greek influence in this area of the Mediterranean. B,D Day 4 Cefalu We ll head east along the coast to the charming town of Cefalu today. We will visit the Cathedral built under Roger II between 1131 and 1148, which illustrates the full blend of cultures in the Norman court and have a relaxed trattoria lunch in the old quarter. We will also visit the Museo Mandralisca, or take a cliff-top walk through ancient settlements. B,L Day 5 Marsala & Motya Today we set out for modern-day Marsala, which the ancients called Lilybaeum. We will view the working salt pans of Marsala and cross by small boat to the island of Motya, an ancient Carthaginian settlement off the west coast of Sicily. This will provide an opportunity to learn about a different culture, whose rituals are still shrouded in mystery. On our walk round the island, we will see the Carthaginian necropolis and learn about the practice of human sacrifice in the Mediterranean 2500 years ago. Return to Marsala to see the impressive remains of a Carthaginian ship and sample traditionally-aged Marsala wine. B,L,D Day 6 Segesta Today we journey west to the ancient Greek site of Segesta, set, like many Greek sites, in rolling country side and with a range of scenic vistas. We will admire the spectacular theater and temple against the backdrop of the Golfo di Castellam mare. It was the city of Segesta which indirectly changed the course of history by encouraging the Athenians to embark on a punitive expedition against rival citystates in Sicily, destined to end in failure and lead to a power vacuum in the eastern Mediterranean. After lunch at Marinella di Selinunte, we will walk around the atmospheric site of Selinus with its Greek temples and Carthaginian quarter before heading for our next base at Siculiana near Agrigento. Tre Torre Hotel (2 nights). B,D Day 7 Torre Salsa & Valley of the Temples This morning we will visit the nearby reserve of Torre Salsa run by the World wide Fund for Nature and learn about conservation attempts to protect the loggerhead turtle in this part of the Mediterranean. We will then proceed to one of the trip highlights, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. We will explore part of this magnificent archaeological complex, including the 5th century Temple of Concord, considered the best-preserved monument in the central Mediterranean. A visit to the archaeo logical
museum by the church of San Nicola will provide a further treat. B,D Day 8 Piazza Armerina & Enna We will drive cross the scenic interior of Sicily today to the town of Piazza Armerina, close to Sicily s finest Roman site, an Imperial villa thought to have been a hunting lodge of the Emperor Heraclius in the 4th century AD. After seeing its marvellously preserved mosaic floors which give us insight into tastes and styles in the Roman Empire, we will visit the commanding medieval fortress town of Enna. Here we will stroll past Bernini s fountain and round the Lombard castle, drinking in fine vistas of Mount Etna and the interior. Continue to a lovely agriturismo (working farm) for overnight. Masseria degli Ulivi (2 nights). B,D Day 9 Noto & Syracuse Today we will explore the majestic town of Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque. Much of the town was destroyed in an earthquake in 1693, but was built afresh in baroque style. We will also venture down the winding alleys into its ancient Arab quarter. After lunch in a local osteria we will visit the wetland of Vendicari to learn about the age-old processes of making salt and tuna fishing. Vendicari is also an important stopover for migratory birds, with frequent sight ings of less common European species such as greater flamingoes and osprey. B,D Day 10 Syracuse This morning we will explore the ancient Syracusan quarter of Neapolis, with its wellpreserved Greek theatre which offers fine views over the city. We will also hear about the ill-fated Athenian expedition to Syracuse in the 5th century BC, and see where the Athenians were imprisoned, as narrated by the historian Thucydides. Drive north to Taormina. Villa Bianca (3 nights). B Day 11 Taormina Today we ll explore the ancient site of Taormina and its Greco-Roman theater, followed by a brief walking tour of the town. As a theater location, this is quite unrivaled in the Mediterranean. After lunch on your own, we will take a muletrack through Mediterranean maquis vegetation to the ruins of a Saracen castle on what used to be the ancient acropolis, with wonderful views over the Ionian Sea and toward the hills of Aspromonte on the Italian mainland. B Day 12 Mount Etna & Taormina Today, we will investigate the mythology and history associated with Mount Etna, a giant of a volcano rising to almost 11,000 feet. We will skirt the crater at a safe distance it has erupted ten times in the past 30 years aiming for the peace and quiet of Nelson s Castle and its grounds near the town of Bronte. After a picnic lunch we will visit a unique Saracen bridge spanning the River Simeto with Etna as a backdrop. Farewell dinner. B,D
Day 13 Catania to Rome & USA Transfer to the Catania Airport, just north of Taormina, for flights to Rome and home. B RESPONSIBILITY Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, and the American Chemical Society (ACS) act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transpor tation and hotels, and exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane, ship, motor coach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates pro vide for arrange ments only for the time stated. We reserve the right to substitute another leader of similar expertise or reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded with no further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any per son as a member of the tour. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrange ments are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. It is understood that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. 2012 Betchart Expeditions Inc.All rights reserved. Photographs courtesy of John Perry, David Morrison, and Kathy & John Propp. Map by April Milne. CST# 2036304-40 Yes! I/we want to join the Discover Sicily Expedition, October 10-22, 2013, offered by AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi & ACS Expeditions. Please reserve space(s). As a deposit, I/we enclose a check for $ ($500 per person) payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account. Name(s) Age Age Address City State Zip Phone: Home ( ) Work RESERVATIONS #1299 ( ) Email Address Membership: AAAS Sigma Xi ACS Planetary Society Accommodations Preference: Twin Single Twin Share: with a friend or Nonsmoker Smoker assign a roommate Signature Date Signature Date Please Mail To: Sicily 2013 Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014-5345 & SIGMA XI &ACSExpeditions THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY
AAAS Travels ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 FIRST CLASS EXPLORE SICILY... Archaeology, Landscapes & Heritage! October 10 22, 2013 COSTS & CONDITIONS Trip Fee: $3,995 per person twin share (plus air $1,295 from JFK to Sicily, round trip). Singles: We encourage singles to register on a twin share basis. Should you desire single accommodations, the additional cost is $795 and is subject to availability. Expedition Fee Includes: Land transport; airport transfers; accommodations in first class hotels which reflect the cultural heritage of Sicily; meals as indicated; tips to drivers and guides; group entrance fees; baggage handling; leadership, administration. Expedition Fee Does Not Include: International air fare (quoted separately); some meals; gratuities to expedition leader; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, bottled water, snacks, passport, personal insurance. What to Expect: This expedition is planned for the travel enthusiast who would enjoy exploring and learning about the cultural heritage of Sicily. Travel is by motor coach, with daily outings on foot of 1 to 2 miles at a leisurely pace suitable for explor ing archaeological sites, museums, villages, medieval cities and nature pre serves. Explora tion requires some walking uphill and sites may be extensive. Please be prepared to actively explore on foot. Binoculars are recommended. Temperatures will be in the 70 s to 80 s with a sea breeze. This expedition is a tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for adventure and discovery who would like to explore Sicily led by a Mediterranean classicist and naturalist. (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or meals, please.) Air Fare & Airline Ticketing: Please phone Marisa at Betchart Expeditions, (800) 252-4910 for information about the group flights. The group flight departs from New York s JFK International Airport to Sicily. AIR FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Accommodations: Are in first class hotels which reflect the charm and heritage of Sicily and are well situated for visits to archaeo logical sites, nature reserves, shops, and museums. Reservations, Deposits, & Payments: Please mail a deposit of $500 per person with the completed reservation form to: Sicily 2013 Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 The balance is due 60 days before departure. Questions: Please call Betchart Expeditions Inc. Telephone: (800) 252 4910 or (408) 252 4910 Fax: (408) 252 1444 Email: Marisa@betchartexpeditions.com Cancellations & Refunds: The initial deposit is refundable up to 60 days before departure less a handling fee of $100 per person. There is no refund after the 60-day period unless your place is resold, then only the $100 per person handling fee is withheld. There are no refunds for unused meals or other expedition features.