STEVEN ALEX NERO QUANTUM LUTHER DAVEY'S UNIVERSE - …



PICTURES OF S.A.N.Q.L.D.’S 2012 TRIP TO ITALY

7,186 Picutures

(Detailed Itinerary Provided Below Pictures Series)

Italy – Series 1 of 8

(Milan and Venice)

December 4, 2012 to December 7, 2012 [Day 1 through Day 4] 923 Photos

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Italy – Series 2 of 8

(Venice and Florence)

December 7, 2012 to December 12, 2012 [Day 4 through Day 6] 1000 Photos

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Italy – Series 3 of 8

(Florence and Rome)

December 11, 2012 to December 13, 2012 [Day 5 through Day 8] 999 Photos

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Italy – Series 4 of 8

(Rome and Vatican City)

December 13, 2012 to December 15, 2012 [Day 8 through Day 10] 999 Photos

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Italy – Series 5 of 8

(Sicily - Palermo; Cefalu; Messina; and Taormina)

December 16, 2012 to December 19, 2012 [Day 11 through Day 14] 993 Photos

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Italy – Series 6 of 8

(Sicily – Taormina and Siracusa)

December 20, 2012 to December 23, 2012 [Day 15 through Day 18] 997 Photos

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Italy – Series 7 of 8

(Sicily – Siracusa; Agrigento; and Palermo)

December 23, 2012 to December 25, 2012 [Day 18 through Day 20] 1000 Photos

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Italy – Series 8 of 8

(Sicily – Palermo)

December 25, 2012 to December 26, 2012 [Day 20 through Day 21] 275 Photos

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PICTURES OF S.A.N.Q.L.D.’S 2012 TRIP TO ITALY

7,186 Picutures

(Detailed Itinerary Provided Below Pictures Series)

Italy – Series 1 of 8

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(Milan and Venice)

December 4, 2012 to December 7, 2012 [Day 1 through Day 4] 923 Photos

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View Slide Show (CTRL + Click on Link or Copy and Paste Link - *** Use F11 Key for Full Screen):



Italy – Series 2 of 8

[pic]

(Venice and Florence)

December 7, 2012 to December 12, 2012 [Day 4 through Day 6] 1000 Photos

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Italy – Series 3 of 8

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(Florence and Rome)

December 11, 2012 to December 13, 2012 [Day 5 through Day 8] 999 Photos

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Italy – Series 4 of 8

[pic]

(Rome and Vatican City)

December 13, 2012 to December 15, 2012 [Day 8 through Day 10] 999 Photos

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Italy – Series 5 of 8

[pic]

(Sicily - Palermo; Cefalu; Messina; and Taormina)

December 16, 2012 to December 19, 2012 [Day 11 through Day 14] 993 Photos

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View Slide Show (CTRL + Click on Link or Copy and Paste Link - *** Use F11 Key for Full Screen):



Italy – Series 6 of 8

[pic]

(Sicily – Taormina and Siracusa)

December 20, 2012 to December 23, 2012 [Day 15 through Day 18] 997 Photos

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Italy – Series 7 of 8

[pic]

(Sicily – Siracusa; Agrigento; and Palermo)

December 23, 2012 to December 25, 2012 [Day 18 through Day 20] 1000 Photos

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Italy – Series 8 of 8

[pic]

(Sicily – Palermo)

December 25, 2012 to December 26, 2012 [Day 20 through Day 21] 275 Photos

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S.A.N.Q.L.D.’S 2012 TRIP TO ITALY

Liberty Travel

"Mcfadden, Antoine" – Maureen’s Manager

Maureen Gangaram / Vacation Expert

Branch 046 - Nassau Street

86 Nassau Street

New York, NY 10038

212-608-0073

212-227-8663 (Fax)

GangaramM@

Tom Scroppo

Italy Destination Specialist

Hello Italy Tours "The Travel Specialist to Italy"

14 East 60th Street, suite 503

New York, NY 10022

T: 212 308 3030 Ext. 111

F: 212 308 4705

tom@

Customer Service Assistance - During your journey in Italy, feel free to contact our representative offices:

Milan:

For transfer Milan Airport to Hotel Oasi S.r.l.

Tel: +39 (0331) 073-400

Cell: +39 (335) 568-2243 (Emergency line)

For Hotel Accomodation

Amandatour S.P.A. Via della Villa Demidoff, 46 50127 Florence Tel. +39 055 527481

For Grand Tour of Milan

Zani Viaggi

Tel.: +39.02.867131

Venice:

For Venice and Gondola Tour

Destination Venice Campo San Luca, San Marco 4590 - 30124 Venezia (Italy) Tel: +39-041-528-3547 Direct emergency number is +39 346 3116244

For Hotel Accomodation

Amandatour S.P.A. Via della Villa Demidoff, 46 50127 Florence Tel. +39 055 527481

Florence:For Pisa Excursion and Tour Siena and San Gimignano

Caf Tours & Travel

Tel: +39 (055) 283-200 (Every day from 7:00am to 7:00pm)

Tel: +39 (055) 210-612 (Every day from 7:00am to 7:00pm)

14 East 60th Street Suite 503 New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-308-3030 Fax: 212-308-4705

Rome:

For Hotel Accomodation

Amandatour S.P.A. Via della Villa Demidoff, 46 50127 Florence Tel. +39 055 527481

For Rome of the Caesars , Vatican City and transfer Hotel to Rome Airport

Vastours – Hello Italy Tours

Tel: +39 (06) 481-4309 (6:30 am – 8:30 pm)

Tel: +39 348 4992215 (8:30 pm – 6:30 am)

Emergency call: 335-539-4799

For Hotel Accomodations in Cefalu, Messina, Taormina, Siracusa, Agrigento and Palermo

Retevacanze

Tel: +39 (091) 611-8715

+39 (091)-612-4363

Cell: +39 (389) 177-4555 (Emergency line)

+39 (327) 772-1387 (Emergency line)

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Trenitalia – Train Company Name





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Sicily Tour Information



Sicily Travel Information



Attractions to see in Italy



===================================================================================

12/04 – 12/06: Milan

12/06 – 12/08: Venice

12/08 – 12/12: Florence

12/12 – 12/16: Rome

12/16 – 12/17: Sicily - Cefalu

12/17 – 12/18: Sicily - Messina

12/18 – 12/21: Sicily - Taormina

12/21 – 12/23: Sicily - Siracusa

12/23 – 12/24: Sicily - Agrigento

12/24 – 12/26: Sicily - Palermo

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

12/03 – [07:05PM – 9:20AM]: JFK – Delta Airlines (DL 6594 – Seat 33L) – Terminal 1

12/04 – [09:30AM]: Driver will meet you after customs holding a sign with your name on it.

***Bring / Give Voucher - +39-0331-073-400 / RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #:EM21NOV12ALESSANDR

12/04 – MILAN - 2 NIGHTS – HOTEL PRINCIPE DI SAVOIA – (5 STAR) – Deluxe Room

HOTEL – deluxe room – 9 story building with pool – 5 star hotel

PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA, 17 - 20124 MILANO (MI) - Piazza della Repubblica 17, 20124, Milano, Italia Telephone +39 02 62301 / reservations.hps@ -

Offering spacious rooms with classic designs and luxury furnishings, Hotel Principe Di Savoia is just 330 ft from Milan’s Repubblica Metro. Its top-floor spa center includes a pool with frescoed ceilings. The rooms at the Principe Di Savoia Hotel are decorated with traditional dark-wood furniture and deluxe fabrics. Each comes with cozy bathrobes and slippers, and an LCD TV with satellite channels and DVD player. Both a continental and complete breakfast are available at the Hotel Principe until 11 a.m. The restaurant serves both Milanese and classic Italian dishes, and the lounge bar offers international cocktails and is open late. The Principe Di Savoia’s attentive staff can help book tickets and a limousine service to the Scala Theater or Milan Cathedral, both a 10-minute drive away. Milan Central Train Station is less than half a mile from the hotel.

12/05 – [02:30PM – 6:00PM]: Grand Tour Milan

***Bring / Give Voucher - RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 103987

***Departure from Zani Viaggi Travel Agency, Foro Bonaparte 76 – Be there by 2:15PM

GRAND TOUR MILANO pm

Bus transfer to La Scala and 1 hour walking tour: Teatro alla Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Duomo.

H 4.00 Panoramic city tour by bus: Via Manzoni, Piazza Cavour, Via Palestro, Corso Venezia and the medieval city wall with S. Ambrogio and S. Lorenzo churches, Piazza Cadorna, Piazza Castello

Visit of the courtyards of the Castle

H 5.00 Bus transfer to Basilica Santa Maria delle Grazie

H 5.30 Entrance to Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper"

H 6.00 End of the tour

Tour in English

12/05 – [06:30PM – 11:00PM]: See 1.) All the Models and Celebrities and 2.) Go To/See Fashionable Bars

12/06 – [11:35AM]: Milano Centrale to Venezia S. Lucia (2.5 Hours) / FC RAIL / TRENITALIA: Frecciabianca 9715 / Get there an hour in advance / Seat 01D / PNR Code = CBUUXN / Master Code: 121130303323

12/06 – VENICE - 2 NIGHTS – HOTEL COLOMBINA – (4 STAR)

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: EM14NOV12TOMMASO

> – no pool – and in Venice no tall buildings

Calle del Remedio, Castello 4416 / IT30170 Venezia – Italy / Ph. +39.041.277.05.25 / Fax. +39.041.277.60.44

E-mail: info@

Just steps away from St. Mark's Square in the heart of Venice, featuring exclusive views of the famous Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica (dome), Hotel Colombina combines the elegant and discreet atmosphere of an aristocratic Venetian palace with modern comforts and warm, traditional hospitality. On-site amenities include a private water-landing, panoramic terrace with breathtaking views, an American bar and cosy reading lounge. Located minutes away in a typical Venetian corte (court), further accommodation is provided in the hotel's Dependance Rimedio Guesthouse

*** Call 00393387764955 Pietro from A4A

NOTE: Ask about “Jewish Ghetto” – See it if you can.

12/07 – [8:00AM]: Go see “Venice Square” – Dojo’s Palace – ‘Big Square’ – Mary Cap recommended this!!!

12/07 – [2:45PM]: Venice – Group Walking Tour and Gondola Ride

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 24814 BY MONIA

Meet at 2:45 - Meeting point at Tourist Information Office in St. Mark Square.

Gondola ride starts 3:00 p.m.

Walking tour starts 3:30 p.m. at Stazio Dogana.

Lenght: 2 hours and 10 minutes. Embarking on a gondola (up to 6 people per gondola) and 35 minutes ride on the Grand Canal (S. Maria della Salute area) and minor canals (Fenice area) - The tour ends with the landing at the station Vallaresso (Dogana). As there is no explanation, the tour does not include language services.Outdoors visit with the Tourist Guide of the area between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, passing by some special places: Teatro la Fenice, Scala del Bovolo, Rialto Bridge. The tour does NOT include the explanation of the Piazza San Marco.

12/08 – [11:32 AM]: Venezia S. Lucia to Firenze S. M. Novella (3 Hours) / FC RAIL / TRENITALIA: Frecciargento 9423 / Seat 07A / PNR Code: CBVMT5 / Master Code = 121131222995 / *** Get there by 10:30AM.

12/08 – FLORENCE – 4 NIGHTS – GRAND HOTEL VILLA MEDICI – (5 STAR) – Superior Room *Breakfast Included

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 52413/2012

>  pool

Via Il Prato, 42 / 50123 - Firenze (FI) / Tel +39 (0)55 277171 / Fax +39 (0)55 2381336 / reservationshvm@

Grand Hotel Villa Medici - A SINA HOTEL is located in a quiet corner, hosted by an 18th century building, in the very centre of Florence. Its central position, within easy reach of Santa Maria Novella Church and train station, makes it the ideal choice for a calm and peaceful vacation, a short walk from all historic monuments and attractions. The hotel is also close to the business area of Florence, including Fortezza da Basso and Leopolda Station Congress Centers, and to Alinari National Museum of Photography.

This is the only hotel in the historic centre to offer a garden with an outdoor swimming pool, a stone's throw from the exclusive shopping district and Lungarno. Hotel amenities include wireless high-speed Internet access in public areas (surcharge).

12/09 – [1:30PM]: Florence – Pisa Excursion

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: EM15NOV12SARA

***Meeting Time at 1:30PM / Meeting point: Piazza Stazione, at the corner with Piazza dell'Unità

A splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside to the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. Upon arrival in Pisa, guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower (exterior), the Baptistery (exterior) and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivalled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Free time at your disposal. Those who are interested can take a pleasant walk with our tour escort and reach Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the historic Scuola Normale, one of the most famous universities in the world.

12/10 – [9:00AM]: Florence – GROUP TOUR TO SIENA & SAN GIMGNANO

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: EM15NOV12SARA

***Meeting Time: 9:00AM / Meeting point: Piazza Stazione, at the corner with Piazza dell'Unità.

Itinerary notes - A beautiful excursion through the delightful hills of the Chianti countryside, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees.

Upon arrival in Siena, a guided tour of the old city centre: walking along the small medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces and ending up at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior including the Libreria Piccolomini and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. The guided tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful in the world, where you will find the Palazzo del Comune (exterior). Free time for lunch (not included).

Departure for San Gimignano a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; situated on a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures; free time to discover this fascinating city. On the way back, through the ample coach windows, you will be able to admire the ancient medieval hamlet of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls, still intact.

12/11 – [OPEN – FREE DAY AND NIGHT]: Florence – (See Options Below)

o ***Campanile - Bell Tower - Buy a ticket and climb the 414 stairs (no lift) for great views of the Cathedral and its dome and the city of Florence and surroundings.

o ***Ponte Vecchio Bridge – If you can… walk across The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge), built in 1345, was Florence's first bridge across the Arno River and is the only surviving bridge from Florence's medieval days (others were destroyed in World War II).

o ***Piazza del Duomo - Explore the Duomo, or cathedral, the city’s most iconic building.

o *** Il Gelato Vivoli - “The city’s best gelateria, or ice-cream parlor, is Vivoli, near Santa Croce at Via Isola delle Stinche 7.”

o ***Guicci Museum - Piazza della Signoria, 10, 50122 Florence, Italy - Mon-Sun 10am–11pm

o Galleria dell’Accademia - Home to Michelangelo’s “David” and his four non finiti (unfinished) stone “Slaves”.

o Cappelle Medicee - Crypt and chapels containing tombs of many of the Medici family; major sculptures by Michelangelo. Tip: Visit the adjoining Church of San Lorenzo (separate entrance) with its paintings and the tomb of Donatello.

o Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral – (On Scheduled Guided Tour)

o Go See Tuscany Villas – (On Scheduled Guided Tour)

o Spend the morning or afternoon learning about wines and tasting great Tuscan wines such as Brunello, Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti.

12/12 – [11:38 AM]: Firenze S. M. Novella to Roma Termini Train Ride (1.5 Hours) / FC RAIL / TRENITALIA: Frecciargento 9415 / **Get there by 10:30AM / Seat 10A / PNR Code: CBWD2N / MasterCode: 121132139223

12/12 – ROME – 4 NIGHTS – SPLENDIDE ROYAL – (5 STAR) – Superior Room *Breakfast Included

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 52425/2012

Via di Porta Pinciana, 14, 00187 Rome, Italy - Via di Porta Pinciana, 14 - 00187 Rome, Italy

Ph. (+39) 06421689 - Fax (+39) 06 42168800 / reservations@

Hotel Splendide Royal, located in Rome historic centre between Via Veneto and Piazza di Spagna, is a magnificent historic palace built in 1880 that belonged to the Maronite community until 2000. It was renovated in 2001. The hotel, restored under supervision of architects Massimo and Maurizio Papiri, with a particular attention to design and furnishing, is one of Rome's most exclusive hotels. Guests enjoy beautifully appointed rooms and interiors, outstanding hospitality and exclusive on-site amenities including Michelin-star winning restaurant, Mirabelle.

12/13 – [2:15 PM Pickup at Hotel]: ROME – T.B/1-ROME OF THE CAESARS+3D SHOW

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 30897/2012

Pickup time in Hotel Lobby between : 1:45 - 2:15 p.m.

You will be taken to Piazza Venezia, where you will see the imposing memorial to Victor Emanuel II, the first King of United Italy. The tour will then proceed to the Roman Forum, the old centre of the Imperial City, where the Senate House, the basilicas and the temples of the major gods are located. After walking down the Via Sacra and passing by the Arch of Titus, you will visit the Coliseum, surrounded by impressive monuments such as the ruins of the Arch of Constantine the Great. The last stop on your tour will be the 5th-century Christian Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, where you will see the world famous Statue of Moses by Michelangelo. Return to hotels or nearest point.

12/14 – [TBD]: ROME – T.A/1 VATICAN CITY – 4 Hours

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 30897/2012

***Free pick up service at the hotel between 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.

You will travel by private bus to Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state in the world. In the Vatican Museum, you will be shown a fine collection of antiques. The visit includes:

o The Sculpture Museum

o The fascinating Tapestry Gallery

o The Gallery of Maps

o The world famous Sistine Chapel, decorated by Michelangelo The tour will then proceed to St. Peter's Basilica, where you will view the art treasures of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, including Michelangelo's Pietà.

• Notes: Wear Long Sleeve Shirts and Pants – Can’t wear short sleeves and shorts in a lot of places on visit. Visitors wearing shorts or sleeveless tops are not admitted to churches.

o IMPORTANT: Guided tours of St. Peter's are not allowed if religious ceremonies are taking place inside or outside the Basilica.

12/15 – [OPEN – FREE DAY AND NIGHT]: Rome – (See Options Below)

o *** Ron P recommended going to Anzio - a city on the coast of Italy - 35 miles south of Rome.

o Get on Double Decker Bus – 2 hour tour bus

o Coliseum and Ruins – (On Scheduled Guided Tour)

o Vatican in Vatican City – (On Scheduled Guided Tour)

o Tomb of Forgotten Soldier

o St. Peters – (On Scheduled Guided Tour)

o Planet Hollywood Restaurant

o Optional: Nude Beach

o Optional: Opera

o Optional: Soccer Game / Soccer Party in Streets if Available

12/16 – [07:30AM]: Meet Driver in Hotel Lobby 3 Hours Prior to Flight. Driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to the airport.

***Bring / Give Voucher - +39-06-481-4309 / RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 30897/2012

12/16 – [10:30PM – 11:40AM]: FCO ROME FIUMICINO [ALITALIA C.A. I S.P.A. (AZ 1785) - Terminal 1] to PMO Palermo Italy – Seat 06F

12/16 – [12:00PM]: SICILY CAR RENTAL AT AIRPORT – EUROPCAR ITALIA S.P.A. – 12/16-12/26 IXAR Car Type

Voucher Number: 43679903 / Reservation Number: 945736582 - Pickup Location – EUROPCAR - Palermo Apt *RY* - PMO T01 – Falcone & Borsellimo Airport / Phone (091)-591688 / Contract Number: 45671515

12/16 – Drive from Palermo to Cefalu – (41.6 Miles / 1 Hour Away).

12/16 – [02:00PM]: 1 NIGHT – ASTRO HOTEL IN CEFALU SICILY – (4 STAR) – Suite * Breakfast Included



RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #:1202554

PIVA IT04588360828 | Lungomare G.Giardina, 90015 Cefalù (PA) ITALY

Tel. (+39) 0921.421639 / 0921.440411| Fax. (+39) 0921.423103 / 0921.465110 | eMail reception@astrohotel.it

Overlooking its own private sandy beach, Astro Suite Hotel offers picturesque views of the nearby historic town of Cefalù, Sicily. It features large, modern suites with kitchenettes and private balconies. Hotel Astro Suite features large grounds with swimming pool and sea views. Guests have free lounge chairs and sun umbrellas on the private beach just 5 meters away. All the suites have a separate lounge with sofa bed and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A breakfast buffet is served daily. It can be enjoyed in the breakfast room or directly in your suite. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel lobby.

Note: Breakfast Buffet served daily in breakfast room or directly in your suite – Free Wi-Fi in Hotel Lobby

12/16 – [03:00PM]: 1.) Go to Hotel’s Private Sandy Beach; 2.) Take Bus to central/downtown Cefalu.

12/17 – [8:00AM-12:00PM]: 1.) See Byzantine-Norman Cathedral (DUOMO); 2.) Walk Idyllic Fishing Town Streets featured in Cinema Paradiso; 3.) Hike to the remains of a Clifftop Fortress and Ancient Greek Temple

Note: Hiking the Rocca - Climbing the headland to the remains of an ancient Greek temple and the Byzantine mountaintop fortress of Cefalù. If you've got about three hours (early morning is best), you can take a bracing hike 917 feet up the Rocca. About halfway up, the path splits. Steps to the right lead the long way up to the overgrown foundations of a 13th-century Byzantine fortress at the very top of the mountain. The path to the left leads past ancient cisterns and remnants of medieval houses (and a long, picturesquely crenellated wall), to the so-called Temple of Diana, a small, 5th-century BC temple made of huge stones fitted together with a few doorways surviving. A path to the right above the temple then leads steeply to that mountaintop fortress.

4.) Enjoy beautiful sea views from Hotel La Giara's rooftop terrace; 5.) The Mandralisca Museum

12/17 – [12:00AM-1:00PM]: Drive to Castel di Lucio – This is the city where all the people of St Mary's Church that had the festival with the fried dough came from and brought the festival to Easton.

NOTE: Castel di Lucio = {The Three Cities that I believe are where my Grandparents were from are Messina, Catania and Castel di Lucio - The last one is the city where all the people of St Mary's Church that had the festival with the fried dough came from and brought the festival to Easton.}

12/17 – [1:00PM]: Drive to Messina. (104 miles - About 1.5 Hours) - ***Stop off at Milazzo – Drive to End / Coastal Tip and Take Pictures.

12/17 – [03:00PM]: 1 NIGHT – LIBERTY NH HOTEL IN MESSINA SICILY – (4 STAR) – Suite * Breakfast Included



RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 1202554

Via I Settembre, 15. 98123 Messina (Italy) / Tel. +39 090 6409436 / Reservations: +34 913 984 661 / Email: nhliberty@nh-

Set in a very elegant 1930s building, this impressive hotel has a panoramic view of the harbor. Situated in the business district, NH Liberty is a city center hotel. There are many great attractions nearby, including Church of the Annunciation of the Catalans, Orologio Astronomico, Cathedral of Messina and Fountain of Orion. Also close by are Messina Fountain of Neptune and Sant'Elia Church. This 4-star Messina hotel offers dry cleaning/laundry services. Outfitted with a bar/lounge, you'll find the perfect place to have a drink. If you need to work while away, then this hotel has conference/meeting rooms for hire and audio-visual equipment. Free wireless Internet access is provided so you can check your in-box whenever you like! Enjoy free newspapers in the lobby.

• NOTE: Messina - {Angelo Muratore is from Messina (NW Sicily)}

12/18 – [08:30AM – 10:30AM]: Maria SS. Annunziata dei Catalani - A blocks southeast of the Duomo.

12/18 – [10:30AM]: The Messina Cathedral (The Duomo) and its square. Next to the cathedral is a 1933 belltower housing the largest astronomocial clock in the world.

The Messina Cathedral and its square The Duomo (tel. +39-090-672-179), on a pleasant pedestrian piazza, was largely rebuilt after World War II. But set into the lower facade are some great 12th– and 15th-century remains: a portal and cartoon-like strips of reliefs with worn but compelling medieval scenes which seem primarily concerned with tilling the fields, grinding meal, harvesting grapes, and other peasant activities. Next to the cathedral is a 1933 belltower housing the largest astronomocial clock in the world; the windows are dripping with mechanical figures that dance around at noon. In front of it is Montorsoli's 1547 masterpiece Orion Fountain.

Maria SS. Annunziata dei Catalani

A blocks southeast of the Duomo (head down Via I Settember, then left on Via Cesare Battisti) you'll find the little 12th-century Arab-Norman church of Maria SS. Annunziata dei Catalani (tel. +39-090-661-691), built between 1150 and 1200 on the site of pagan temple to Neptune and near the customs house of Byzantine-era Messina. Walk all the way around the little church onto the Via Garibaldi Giuseppe side to admire the intricately decorated late Byzantine exterior—apses, domes, and blind arcades spelled out in brick and yellow, red, charcoal grey, and white stone. So why is the apse end so richly decorated but the facade so relatively tame? The church actually used to be twice as long—until a tidal wave in the Middle Ages caused part of the nave to cave in. What remained was truncated and a new facade added. In the 15th century, above the door was affixed the now-vanished coat of arms for the powerful Catalan Merchants guild, which adopted the hcurch as its seat (hence the last half of the church's name). The reason the church seems is in a hollow several feet below ground level: the modern "ground level" of this part of Messina is actually built atop a thick layer of rubble from the 1908 earthquake. It's simply that the rubble was cleared away from around the church but not the surrounding area. The spare interior is only open 8:30am to 10:30am.

12/18 – [11:30PM]: The Museo Regionale - The museum is open Mon and Fri 9am–1:30pm; Tues, Thurs, and Sat 9am–1:30pm and 4-6:30pm (to 5:30pm in winter), Sun 9am–12:30pm. (Adm)

The Museo Regionale - In the north part of town you'll find Messina's best sight and one of the best art museums in this part of Sicily, the Museo Regionale, Viale della Libertà 465 (tel. +39-090-361-292). It features some good 13th-century mosaics from San Giorgio church, Antonello da Messina's ruinous S. Giorgio Polyptych (1473), some Madonna and Child sculptures from Francesco Laurana and Antonello Gagini, and Giovanni Angelo da Montorsoli's genuinely scary 1557 statue of Scilla (once part of a fountain). But the stars of the collection are a pair of paintings by that baroque master of mood and shadows Caravaggio: The Raising of Lazarus and Adoration of the Shepherds. To get to the museum using public transport, take bus 76, 77, or 78 from Piazza Cavalotti (a tree-shaded triangle two blocks up Via I Settembre from Piazza Repubblica, where the bus and train stations are) all the way to the north end of Viale della Libertà and its intersection with Viale Annunziata (the museum is on your left just beofre that intersection). The museum is open Mon and Fri 9am–1:30pm; Tues, Thurs, and Sat 9am–1:30pm and 4-6:30pm (to 5:30pm in winter), Sun 9am–12:30pm. (Adm)

12/18 – [11:30PM]: Check out and drive from Messina to Taormina. 32.3 Miles - (About 40 Minutes)

12/18 – [01:00PM]: 3 NIGHTS – HOTEL VILLA DIODORO IN TAORMINA – (4 STAR) – BALCONY FRONT VIEW

-------------outside pool ( Taormina is a resort summer time area –most of the pols are outside.

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 1202554

Via Bagnoli Croci 75 / 98039 Taormina (ME) / Tel: +39 0942 2 33 12 / E-mail: diodoro@

The Hotel Villa Diodoro, is a place for those that enjoy the best in life. Open all-year round, and located just a just a few steps from the idyllic town of Taormina, the hotel boasts a pool area which looks out over Mount Etna and the bay of Naxos. The Diodoro, monument among monuments, with over one-hundred years of history, has been dedicated to the greek historian Diodoro Siculo, a renowed figure who lived in the old town, telling the story of how distinguished travellers all over the world, discovered Taormina in their search of beauty and sun, art and culture. The hotel Villa Diodoro retains, to this day, its historic roots as a place of elegance and exclusivity, where the simple pleasures are transformed into unforgettable experiences. The Hotel Villa Diodoro provides spacious, stylishly finished rooms with interiors and colours that take their inspiration from the natural habitat in which the hotel can be found. The majority of rooms provide stunning views over the Jonian sea and the imposing but magnificent Mount Etna: from the balcony you can enjoy a calm horizon, a dramatic sunset, or watch evolution in the making, in the form of Etna's lava flow. A varied and unmatched experience. Communal spaces are decorated elegantly and furnished with refinement, to an international standard. Persian carpeted, add to making the Hotel Villa Diodoro a cool escape from the warmth in Taormina. Marbled floors in the style of ‘Red Verona’ combined with large French windows, boiseries, wide panoramic terraces, flower adorned balconies and a luxurious private garden, leading off to the pool area. A renovation in 2008 saw further enhancements made to the hotel based on the owners special understanding of their guests needs (three generations of hoteliers in the family business).

12/18 – [03:30PM]: 1.) The Greco-Roman theater and 2.) Palazzo Corvaja; 3.) Taormina’s charming little churches like Chiesa di S Giuseppe and Chiesa di S Caterina

12/19 – [08:30AM]: Mt Etna (The largest volcano in Europe) - Mt Etna – They have tour up and down – Check out Excursion Packages - Eddie Recommended this. Mt. Etna: The gateway to getting up Etna is the Rifugio Sapienza above the town of Nicolosi. There, you can buy a ticket to cover either just the first or all three stages to the top:

1.The funivia cable car takes you as far as the La Montagnola station at 2,500m (8,250 feet)—for €27 ().

2.A Jeep runs from the top of the funivia to the Torre del Filosofo, an espresso stop at 2,920m (9,636 feet)—for €51 total.

3.A guide will walk you from here to as close to the top as it is currently safe to get.

The vistas from up here on a clear day can literally encompass all of Sicily.

On the Jeep ride back to the cable car the driver pulls over so you can gaze down into the spectacular Valle delle Bove, an enormous yawning cleft measuring 11 miles around and almost 4,000 feet deep scooped out of the southeast slope. Much of the lava flows this century have found their way safely into this channel, away from inhabited soil. Back down at the Rifugio, you can explore some nearby extinct craters more fully.

*** From Taormina to Mt. Etna: If you're in Taormina and have no car, you can either take public transport to Catania then proceed as above or (far, far easier, and worth the extra cost) simply take the SAT suttle service (satgroup.it), which departs Taormina Mondays and Saturdays at 8:30am for the Rifugio, leaves you plenty of time to arrange your own visit to the top of the volcano (though they will also arrange it for you), and gets back to Taormina around 4pm. There is also an "Etna Sunset" trip on Tuesdays and Thrusdays that includes the funivia/jeep visit all the way to the summit, leaves Taormina at 3pm, stays atop Etna for sunet and a meal (for which you pay separately) and returns to Taormina around midnight. For more: SAT Group (tel. +39-0942-24-653, satgroup.it).

***A train ride around (but not up) Mt. Etna: This won't get you to the top of the mountain, but you can also take a leisurely, vista-blessed train ride on the private Circumetnea train line (tel. +39-095-541-250, circumetnea.it) almost all the way around the foot of the montain, passing little villages and castles built on the lower slopes and through the lush vegetations the volcanically rich soil supports. One line goes west from Catania's Borgo station and wraps sround the south side of the mountain to Randazzo. Another line continues from Randazzo across the nothern slopes to the seaside town of Riposto north of Catania.

12/20 – Beaches: 1.) Mazzarò Beach (The funivia (cable car) from just outside Taormina's Porta Messina carries you down the steep hillside to the seaside hamlet of Mazzarò.) / 2.) Isola Bella Beach - To the right of Mazzarò, past the Capo Sant'Andrea headland, is the region's prettiest cove, where twin crescents of pebble beach sweep to form a sand spit leading out to the minuscule Isola Bella islet. 3.) There are also 3 others if time permits: Spisone; Letojanni; and Giardini (the largest) Beaches.

12/21 – [11:30AM]: Drive to Siracusa. (74 miles - About 1.25 Hours)

1. Stop off at Catania - *** See 1.) ***Elephant Square 2.) Pegaso – Bar/Club and 3.) Aquabianca

2. Stop off at Augusta – Drive to Tip and Take Pictures

12/21 – [01:00PM]: 2 NIGHTS – HOTEL ROMA - SIRACUSA – (4 STAR) – STANDARD SINGLE * Breakfast Included

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 1202554

Via Roma, 66 / Ortigia Siracusa 96100 / Tel: +39 0931 465626 / Fax: +39 0931 465535 / E-Mail: hotelroma@athenapalace.it

The Rome Hotel is located in the heart of the Island of Ortygia1 a few steps from the Cathedral, in an area that is both ancient and sacred and also the historic and artistic centre of the city of Syracuse, as well as being the true representation of a culture that is unique thanks to its Greek origins, of which the Greek Theatre from the fifth century A.C is the most important example. The Rome Hotel, built in 1880, contains within it fascinating archaeological finds, which are among the most important in the city. Discovered during the excavations carried out during restoration work, they can be admired today in the halls of the hotel.

The Rome Hotel, with its sophisticated atmosphere and eye for detail, is the ideal starting point from which to explore Ortygia, discover the secrets and particularities of its streets and go sightseeing in general.

Considered a landmark, the hotel has played host to prominent cultural figures, such as the famous scholar and archaeologist Paolo Orsi and the writer Elio Vittorini.

12/22 – [08:00PM]: Enjoy what the City has to offer:

1. Archaeological Park of Neapolis - It's divided into three main sections: the latomie (stone quarries), the Greek theater, and the Roman amphitheater, all of which you can see in about two hours.

2. Basilica di San Nicolo dei Cordari- There is small and well preserved chapel, right at the entrance to the Archaeological Park where theatres are situated, however, it is fenced in and inaccessable for visitings.

It was built above the roman water reservoir which is visible right below the construction. The reservoir was connected by the channel to the amphiteatre and served for cleaning it. The basilica was erected in the 11th century and consecrated to St. Nicholas. The Italian word cordari is for the rope makers, I wonder if it has any relevant significance.

Orecchio di Dionisio There is a big cave, adjacent to the Greek Theatre, which the famous Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio called "Orecchio di Dionisio" (the Ear of Dyonisius). Fact is, cave is in the shape of an outer ear and has outstanding acoustic qualities. There goes inevitable legend, along with such a places, which says; the tyrant of Syracuse shut his enemies in the cave and listened to their conversations from outside. Hmm, maybe he was a good tyrant if avoiding torturing his enemies in order to find out what they could say about him, or maybe he wasn't tyrant at all. No matter what legend says fact is, this cave has extraordinary acoustic.

3. Sanctuario della Madonna delle Lacrime - If you're interested in seeing a modern cult at work, pop into that giant upside-down ice cream cone across the street from the archeological museum.

4. Sights on the Island of Ortigia – (There is a small bridge that connects the Island with the Mainland.)

5. Duomo (Cathedral) of Siracusa - Baroque Cathedral; Temple of Apollo; Aquarium; Fonte Arthusa; Museo Regionale d'Arte Medioevale e Moderna; Castello Mainace

6. If you have time… Drive or take bus Southwest to Ragusa – Its 44 Miles Away – 1.25 Hours. A18 / E45 / A18 / SS115 / E45.

12/23 – [02:30PM]: Drive to Agrigento. (133 miles - About 2.50 Hours)

12/23 – [01:00PM]: 1 NIGHT – HOTEL DELLA VALLE - AGRIGENTO – (4 STAR) – DBL SINGLE USE * Breakfast Included

RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 1202554

Via Ugo La Malfa, 3 - 92100 Agrigento - Tel.:+39 0922.26966 - Fax:+39 0922.26412 - E-mail: prenotazioni@hoteldellavalle.ag.it

A charming four-star hotel, the Hotel della Valle offers its guests all the benefits of being at the center of everything. Surrounded by palm and olive trees on a hill overlooking the Valley of the Temples, from this hotel one can still sense the magical atmosphere of when Sicily was called Magna Graecia, while enjoying complete relaxation, comfort and hospitality. Located in a quiet and elevated position, close to the historic center of Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples, and the clear blue sea and coastline. The hotel offers its customers a perfect combination of panoramic views of the Valley of the Temples and easy access to major places of interest thanks to its proximity to main roads. Surrounded by meadows and a large and lush Mediterranean garden, the Hotel della Valle offers many excellent facilities and services to make each moment of our guests' stay special.

The impressive location, combined with the courteous staff and excellent comfort and services of our facilities makes the Hotel della Valle the ideal place both for guests staying on business, as well as for those who want to enjoy a rejuvenating holiday period in Agrigento.

12/23 – [08:00PM]: Enjoy what the City has to offer:

1. The Valley of the Temples - These four temples surrounded by olive and almond trees include the best-preserved 5th-century BC Doric temples in the entire world. That's right: better than any in Greece itself. From the postcard profile of the mighty Temple of Concord and broken profile of the Temple of Hera to the massive footprint of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the crumbling Temple of Heracles where you can clamber upon the broken columns...

2. Museo Archeologico Regionale- The Agrigento Museum contains one of the amazing giant 25-foot telamons that once decorated the temples, an outstanding collection of superbly painted vases spanning the 6th to 3rd centuries BC, models of the temples in their original state, and a sweet child's sarcophagus...

3. Insula Romana - The paltry ruins and floor mosaics of the Roman-Hellenistic Quarter across the street from the museum comprise a few excavated blocks of the Roman city that thrived here from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD...

12/24 – [11:30AM]: Drive to Palermo. (81 miles - About 2 Hours)

12/24 – [02:00PM]: 2 NIGHTS – HOTEL HILTON VILLA IGIEA - PALERMO – (5 STAR) – DELUXE * Breakfast



RES. NO: HT32285 / CONF. #: 1202554

Salita Belmonte 43 Palermo 90142 / 091 631 2111

Experience a luxury Palermo holiday, at the Hilton Villa Igiea Palermo Hotel, one of Sicily's most famous hotels. Set amidst luxurious gardens with an outstanding swimming pool featuring a unique view of the bay of Palermo, this first-class Sicily hotel offers guests all they need to spend an exclusive holiday in Sicily. Built at the end of the 19th-century according to the wishes of the important Florio Family, this splendid villa boasts interiors by Ernesto Basile - the master of Italian Art Nouveau. Elegantly furnished with a refined and comfortable environment, this 5 star Palermo hotel is the perfect accommodation choice for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Sicily. Let yourself be spoilt by the wide array of state-of–the-art facilities or relaxed by a pleasant walk in the greenery admiring the beautiful landscape, this is the right place for pampering yourself. Dive in the hotel swimming pool overlooking the bay of Palermo surrounded by luxuriant gardens, or sip a cocktail in our exclusive Veuve Clicquot pool bar. Facilities also include fitness center, tennis court with night lighting, business center, lounge bar terrace, piano bar and room service. The Donna Franca Florio dining room hosts the Boldini famous painting from whom it takes its name. With impressive sea views and outstanding cuisine, it is the ideal setting for a special dinner. The yacht house deluxe room with direct access to the hotel by a reserved marina yacht mooring is also available.

Included / GO TO Exclusive ***Visit their Veuve Cliquot Pool Bar ***

NOTE: Monreale is only a few kilometers outside town. Palermo is Sicily's regional capital and largest city}

12/24 – [03:00PM]: Enjoy what the City has to offer:

1. The cave-church of Santa Rosalia

2. The creepy Catacombe del Convento dei Cappuccini

3. The glittering mosaics of Palazzo dei Normanni

12/25 – [08:00AM]: Enjoy what the City has to offer: *******SEE IN ADVANCE WHAT IS OPEN ON XMAS!

1. ***China Town – Eddie Recommended This.

2. ***The amazing The Norman Palace / Monreale Cathedral, with its Byzantine Palatine Chapel (a Monreale in miniature), is built upon Phoenician walls. Church of Gold. Eddie Recommended This. See if and when they have Christmas Mass in the “Church of Gold” – make sure this is it.

3. Go into as many Churches you can… PRAY FOR A NEW JOB!!! There are a number of monasteries and castles, and a magnificent cathedral, as well as art galleries and a good archeological museum.

4. Serpotta's stuccoed chapels

5. The paintings in the Palazzo Abatellis

6. The golden mosaics of La Martorana

7. The quiet gardens and Moorish domes of San Giovanni degli Eremiti

8. Palermo's Street Markets – Mary Cap recommended seeing Big Market in Palermo.

12/26 – [08:00AM]: Drive to PMO Airport. Return Rental Car.

12/26 – [10:50PM – 11:40AM]: PMO Palermo [ALITALIA C.A. I S.P.A. (AZ 1782) – Terminal Unknown] to Rome Italy – Seat 11A

12/26 – [02:40PM – 06:15PM]: Rome [DELTA AIR LINES INC (DL 6588) – Terminal 3] to JFK – Seat 40L

23 Days / 22 Nights

10 Hotel Vouchers

6 Tour Vouchers

1 Car Rental Voucher

17 Vouchers Total

• Aperitivo is a wonderful tradition you should not miss out on. Bars that offer an aperitivo buffet will charge you for the drink, but not for the food, which will range from simple chips and pretzels to sophisticated warm appetizers and parmigiano cubes sprinkled with balsamic vinegar. Buffet is all you can eat (but don’t forget the rules above!). Find a bar that serves an aperitivo buffet and head there between 6pm and 8:30pm, and you can skip dinner if you want!

• Banks are only open in the morning and for one hour in the afternoon. You need to bank in the morning!

• Dinner is past 8pm, not at 5pm. If you’re hungry at 5pm, go to a pasticceria and get a hot chocolate and some pastries. If you’re hungry at 7pm go to a bar and order an aperitivo. Don’t show up for dinner before 8pm (and that’s still kind of early!).

• No right turn on red!

• Along many of Italy’s roads, there are emergency call boxes strategically located – they’re about every 2km or so on the Autostrade, less frequent along other roads (if they exist at all). The emergency road service number to dial is 116.

• No matter what you’re used to doing at home, the idea of the left lane being used strictly for passing is much more adhered to in Italy. If you’re just cruising along, get into the right lane. Pass on the left, and then get back into the right lane. Additionally, in Italy they keep their directional signal on while they’re passing and don’t turn it off until they’re moving back into the right lane – this indicates that they’re just going to be using the left lane for passing, and won’t hang out there.

• All cars are required to have their headlights on at all times while driving, day or night.

• Seat belts must be worn at all times.

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device.

• All cars must have “safety vests” in the car – those reflective vests – in case you need to pull over on the road and get out of the car. They’re mandatory in several European countries now, and if you’re renting a car make sure the vests are in the car before you drive away from the rental car agency. Also, put the vests in the car itself, not in the trunk – the idea is you put them on before you get out of the car in an emergency situation, so having them in the trunk may not be considered in compliance with the law.

• Italy’s drunk-driving laws are very strict – don’t drink and drive!

• One kilometer is equivalent to 1,000 meters or 0.62 miles

• *** Request AUTOMATIC when reserving a car - Most cars are stick / standard

• Sicily is the biggest region in Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean. It has a landmass of 25,708 square kilometers (9,923 square miles). The coastline is of the main island is more than 1,000 km (629 miles) long.

• It would take you about 3 ½ hours to cross the main island from east to west and about 2 ½ to cross it from north to south.

• The absolute best time to come visit is either in springtime (April - June) or at the very end of summer (September - October).

• Mount Etna is Europe's largest active volcano and one of the most active in the world. It stands 3,323 meters tall, dominating much of Sicily's eastern coast. In recent years, the main crater has become more explosive and volatile, which is why it is one of the most exciting attractions on the island. There is only one privately-run railway in Sicily, and that is the Circumetnea Railway which takes you around the Etna Volcano.

• Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean basin and is easily reached by car ferry across the short Straits of Messina. The channel between the Italian mainland and the Sicilian Island is only 2 miles wide. From the west coast of Sicily to the coast of north Africa (Tunesia) it's about 100 miles.

• Malta - Pozzallo or Catalina - {Ferry to Malta} - If you have any extra time.

• In case of Theft, Accident, or Damage to the Vehicle, no matter what the extent of damage may be(dents, scratches or others). Driver must provide a written statement to the Drop Off Station, otherwise he is considered totally responsible for the damage.

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