SOUTHERN ITALY PALERMO, NAPLES, ROME, Visit Monreale and Pompeii 11 days Departure: February 18, 2019 Return: February 28, 2019 Palermo, Naples and Rome are three of the most historic cities in Europe having undergone millenniums of invasions from the Normans to the tribes from the eastern and southern Mediterranean countries. They in turn, under Roman emperors have invaded most of Europe for several centuries and have left behind many monuments for us to see. We have selected the deluxe Grand Hotel Wagner in Palermo, right in the heart of the city. We will make an excursion while there to the former Benedictine abby of Monreale to see the gigantic figure of Christ in dazzling multicolored mosaics. In Naples we will visit the restored areas of Pompeii which was destroyed by the volcano Vesuvius more than 2,000 years ago. In Rome, the "eternal city" we will visit the Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel and Pieta, Michelangelo's masterpieces. You will be staying at the deluxe hotels Grand Hotel Vesuvio in Naples and Bernini Bristol in Rome. Join us on this stupendous tour. Opera Performances In Palermo: February 20 - Performance to be announced by Teatro Massimo In Naples: February 22 - Un Ballo in Mascara by Verdi at Teatro San Carlo In Rome: February 26 - Anna Bolena by Donizetti at Teatro dell'opera di Roma
Monday, February 18. (D)* DEPART FOR PALERMO Depart this evening aboard any airline of your choice to Palermo, Italy. Dinner and light breakfast served on the plane. Tuesday, February 19. (B,D). PALERMO Upon arrival at Palermo International Airport take a taxi to the deluxe GRAND HOTEL WAGNER, where we stay three nights. We will reimburse you the taxi fare. Briefing and Gala Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians, conquered by the Romans and later came under Byzantine Rule. Verdi s opera The Sicilian Vespers has its origin here, when on the Monday after Easter 1282, as the bells were ringing for Vespers, some Frenchmen, who were rulers at the time, insulted a young woman of Palermo in the Church of Santo Spirito. Insurrection broke out and all Frenchmen who could not pronounce the word Cicero (chick-peas) correctly were massacred. Wednesday, February 20. (B). PALERMO Morning sightseeing of this city begins from the Quattro Canti decorated with statues and fountains to Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini, San Cataldo Church built in the 12C of Moorish Architecture, the Cathedral built in Sicilian Norman style and Palazzo Normanni, the immense royal palace built by the Normans on the site of an earlier Moorish fortress. Afternoon free. This evening or the next we will see an opera at Teatro Massimo. Performance to be announced. Thursday, February 21. (B) MONREALE - PALERMO Today an excursion is made to visit Monreale located southwest of Palermo, a town that grew up around the famous Benedictine abby founded in the 12th Century by the Norman King William II. We will visit the cathedral to see its beautiful bronze doors, its dazzling multicolored mosaics inside representing the complete cycle of the Old and the New Testaments, a gigantic Christ giving his blessing and another one showing King William receiving his crown from Christ. We return to Palermo in the afternoon.
Friday, February 22. (B). PALERMO-NAPLES Today we take a group flight to Naples, where we transfer you to the deluxe GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO overlooking the Bay of Naples, where we stay three nights. This evening we will see the opera Un Ballo in Mascara by Verdi at Teatro San Carlo. Saturday, February 23. (B,D). NAPLES This morning sightseeing tour of this exciting city to include the Piazza del Plebiscite, the Royal Palace, with a visit to the Baroque Capella San Severo, and the church of Saint Francesco di Paola. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel s roof-top restaurant with a magnificent view of Mount Vesuvius. NAPLES is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, its charm praised by poets and writers. Lofty Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii more than 2,000 years ago makes a stunning backdrop giving its denizens energy to move at a hurried pace with loud zooming traffic crowding narrow streets and to talk fast. No wonder pizza originated in this vibrant city. Sunday, February 24. (B). POMPEII NAPLES This morning we take an excursion to visit Pompeii to see the Forum, the Basilica and the Temple of Apollo. In the afternoon we return back to Naples driving along the Amalfi Coast. Monday, February 25. (B). NAPLES - ROME Today we drive northwest to arrive in Rome to stay three nights at the deluxe HOTEL BERNINI BRISTOL. Tuesday, February 26. (B). ROME Morning orientation tour of the city includes seeing the Campidoglio hill that symbolized the power of ancient Rome. Fountain of Trevi and the Spanish Steps. This evening we will see the opera Anna Bolena by Donizetti at Teatro dell'opera di Roma. ROME, the eternal City has an unmatched wealth of Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. From its legendary origins of the twins Romulus and Remus, it has undergone millenniums of conflict and power struggles until Giuseppe
Garibaldi led the revolt that unified the country in 1871 and Rome again became the capital of new Italy. Wednesday, February 27. (B,D). ROME Today we visit the Vatican City to see the most renowned Basilica of Saint Peter, and Michelangelo s powerful masterpiece, the PIETA and the Sistine Chapel among other monuments inside the world famous edifice. Afternoon free to visit any of the many fine museums. Gala Farewell Dinner at the hotel s roof-top restaurant with a beautiful view of Rome. Thrusday, February 28. (B). ROME BACK HOME We will arrange for transport to the airport for your flight back home arriving the same afternoon. Arrividerci. See you soon on another H.A.T. Tour. * B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner (including wine)
LAND COST DOUBLE: $7,550 PER PERSON SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,350 DEPOSIT: $2,000 PER PERSON BALANCE DUE: DECEMBER 18, 2018 TOUR INCLUDES Flight ticket between Palermo and Naples 1 st Category orchestra level seats in theatres Deluxe centrally located hotels Buffet breakfast daily, and 3 dinners with wine in gourmet restaurants Welcome reception with cocktails Private sightseeing in each city Experienced English speaking guides Entrance fees to museums Transportation to and from theatres Baggage handling Guide, driver and bellboys gratuities Travelling with the owner at your service Complete package with details of operas listed Transfers from and to airports on published arrival and departure days only H.A.T. Tours Address: PO Box 46876, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33741, USA Phone: (727) 367 3973 Fax: (727) 360-8459 Toll free: (800) 472-4448 E-mail: operas@hattours.com Website: www.europeanoperatours.com