Crossroads
of Italy
by Collette
Tours
MORE TOURS
|
|
|
|
CROSSROADS OF SICILY
10 Day Tour
featuring
Palermo, Siracusa, and Taormina
Sicily is a fascinating mosaic of
diverse cultures that reveal its rich and varied history. Explore this
beautiful Mediterranean island on this 11 day tour and discover the
influences left by ancient Greeks and Romans, Arabs and Normans, who in
turn ruled Sicily. Excursions and special presentations bring the
destination to life. Explore the ancient Greek city, Agrigento, a
UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s famed Valley of the Temples.
No additional fees
associated with the planning of this tour program.
Palermo, Monreale, Cefalù, Farm
Visit, Agrigento, Winery, Siracusa, Catania, Taormina
- To travel to Italy is to savor
art and architecture, food and wine. Local guest speakers enhance your
experience with a series of exclusive talks.
- Learn about Palermo’s history and various
cultural influences during a fascinating lecture by a local expert.
- Step back in time as you learn about Sicily’s
importance as a Greek colony.
- Discover the Baroque architecture that is so
prevalent throughout the island of Sicily.
10 days, 13 meals
QUALITY
HOTELS
PALERMO Centrale Palace Hotel
(F), CATANIA
UNA Hotel Palace (F)
THIS TOUR
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION MODES:
 Ride
in comfort
Each Collette
motorcoach has upholstered,
reclining seats with headrests and individual air-conditioning vents. A
high-fidelity sound system broadcasts professional Tour Director's
commentary
to every seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a
variety
of vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
Airport
transfers
may be included when you make your flight arrangements.
ITINERARY
Air 1: Overnight
Flight.
Day 2: Palermo, Italy
- Tour begins
Begin your exploration in Palermo -
Sicily’s vibrant and welcoming capital. This afternoon, visit a
medieval palace where a countess welcomes you on a tour of her family’s
home. Experience the life of the nobility as you join her for an
aperitif and hors d’oeuvres in one of the palaces’ historic chambers.
Next, you are off to a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant
featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Today dinner will be
included.
Centrale Palace Hotel
Day 3: Palermo - Monreale - Palermo
 This morning, depart for the nearby town
of Monreale where you will visit the 12th-century cathedral which
dazzles from the moment you step inside. Return to Palermo for a
comprehensive tour featuring the squares of Quattro Canti, Piazza
Pretoria and Piazza Bellini. Discover the city’s exotic blend of
Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles. You will also see the
Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which
houses the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon.
Today breakfast will
be included.
Centrale Palace Hotel
Day 4: Palermo
Your day is at leisure to enjoy the
marvels of this fascinating city. Take time to visit one of the city’s
great museums or stroll its streets lined with fancy boutiques and
inviting cafés. Or, you may choose to sign up for an optional
excursion to the medieval town of Erice and the archeological sight of
Segesta.
Today
breakfast and
dinner will be included.
Centrale Palace Hotel
Day 5: Palermo - Cefalù - Sicilian
Countryside - Palermo
This morning visit the seaside town of
Cefalù which houses one of the most magnificent cathedrals in
Sicily. After strolling through its medieval streets, proceed to a
family farm in the countryside. Learn about a day on a Sicilian farm
and the typical products created there. A farmer demonstrates* how to
make a Sicilian favorite – ricotta cheese! Watch a chef prepare local
specialties and enjoy a hearty lunch featuring the farm’s own products
and recipes. Return to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
Today
breakfast and lunch will be included.
Centrale Palace Hotel
Day 6: Palermo - Agrigento - Catania
 Depart Sicily’s capital for Agrigento.
Start your day at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage
site. Enjoy a guided tour learning about the rich history as you walk
around the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter. Journey
through the beautiful Erei Mountains to Sicily’s Ionian Coast. Spend
the next four nights in Catania, a coastal city at the foot of Mount
Etna, an active volcano.
Today
breakfast and dinner will be included.
UNA Hotel Palace
Day 7: Catania
This morning a local guide will share
Catania’s history. Visit the cathedral and view the main sites of this
historic city. Witness the daily spectacle of bartering for fresh fish
and produce when you visit the local market. Enjoy free time in
Catania’s elegant center. Afterwards you may wish to sign up for an
optional excursion to Mount Etna.
Today
breakfast will be included.
UNA Hotel Palace
Day 8: Catania - Siracusa -Catania
 Depart Catania and venture further south
to Siracusa. Reflect on the grandeur of ancient Greece during an
included excursion to the historical sites in Siracusa, boasting
archaeological treasures rivaling those in Athens. A local expert
guides you through Archaeological Park which features an impressive
collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.
Today
breakfast will be included.
UNA Hotel Palace
Day 9: Catania - Taormina - Catania
Explore Taormina, the jewel of Sicily,
perched above the Ionian Sea. During a guided tour you will see the
Greek Theatre, the Duomo and the public gardens. Spend the afternoon
dining at a sidewalk cafe or shopping in the town’s boutiques. On your
return to Catania, travel along the Cyclops Coast, passing vineyards,
citrus groves and charming fishing villages. This evening, enjoy a
farewell dinner in one of Catania’s charming trattorie.
Today
breakfast and dinner will be included.
UNA Hotel Palace
Day
10: Catania - Tour Concludes
Your tour of Sicily ends as you return
home with many cherished memories.
Today
breakfast will be included.
COLLETTE TOURS
CROSSROADS OF SICILY
11 Day Tour
|
|
From $1999USD
Prices are
per person, based on double occupancy.
Offer subject
to availability and change without notice.
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double
occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and
fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not
included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in
hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific
itinerary at the time of booking.
Airfare is
additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
 |
PLEASE
CLICK
 |
|
Certain
restrictions may apply. Airfares are based on departure from New York.
For
year 2013, departures are subject to itinerary and price modifications.
For a longer tour
program please see SICILY AND SOUTHERN ITALY
by Collete
Vacations
Requesting Availability
We
will check your requested tour program and accommodations for the
date range that you may specify in the boxes below and reply back to
you
as soon as possible. Of course the more information that you can
provide
us, the closer we will be in matching your exact request(s). We will
not
knowingly sell or pass along your information that you provide to any
third
party for any reason (see Liabilities
and Privacy Policy).
We
are available to answer
your inquiries in person Monday - Friday (except holidays) from 8:30am
until 5:30pm CST (1-877-510-4653). We are available from time to time
on
the weekends via email to answer your questions. Our typical response
time
for your email request ranges from 3 hours to as many as 72 depending
upon
the availability of onsite resourses and those of the tour companies
and
resorts/lodging establishments, as well as, any variations you may
request
from our listed programs. For those inquirers requesting a trip within
two weeks, we will give you a priority due to your need to establish an
immediate plan. At any rate, we will respond to your requests as
quickly
as possible and as soon as we have all components of your package
confirmable.
All tour program rates are based upon double occupancy unless otherwise
specified.
Thank you for your request!
We
look forward to serving
your travel needs and wants!
|
OR
CALL US AT
1-877-510-4653
Notes
regarding
How We Will Handle Your Request and Your
Privacy:
Your
request will be handled by a responsible and knowledgeable tour
specialist
that can not only check availability for this particular tour but can
further
advise you as to other general quiries that you may have about
traveling
conditions, passport/visa requirements, immunization requirements and
other
valuable information that you may need before making a reservation. We
are a full service travel company and we have always catered to the
individual
traveler and his/her specific needs. We want to get to know you as a
valued
friend in travel. We are always available with our email service but
you
may feel free to call upon us if you have an immediate request at
1-817-788-5210.
Humans
do it best!
Your Privacy
is also very important to us. If you elected to be listed with us in
the
above Optional Advisory List
then, you will be added to our maillist for the particular area(s) of
interest
that you have selected to be informed about. If you do not elect to be
on our maillist, simply do not complete that section and we will not
add
you to our list. We will not add you to any other maillist either. We
do
not sell or otherwise pass along any information that you may provide
to
to us in the process of completing your inquiry. For further
information
on your privacy please see Liabilities
and Privacy Policy.
|
 Collette Vacations
is a global leader of world travel and Escorted Tours, offering 150
vacation choices on all seven continents. We are a family-owned
business, now in our third generation of Sullivan-family ownership.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our whole purpose at Collette Vacations is to fulfill vacation dreams.
Our daily goal is to deliver to our family of travelers the highest
quality, best value and exceptional service, every time, everywhere. We
strive to create extraordinary vacation experiences on all 7
continents. Our greatest reward is planning our clients’ next trip. |
IT'S IN
THE DETAILS
Our NO
WORRIES
cancellation waver means you can cancel anytime prior to the day of
departure and receive a full
cash refund.
Add up the cost of hotels, transportation, meals, sightseeing and
entertainment and you'll find what an incredible
savings a tour offers.
On a tour, you'll find yourself saying, "I never would have thought to
try that!" We work everyday to uncover those gems that make your
vacation special. Let our experience
work for yours.
Don't worry about
planning the details, getting directions, picking great hotels,
or purchasing sightseeing tickets - we do that!
Our tour
managers are with you
from start to finish, taking care of every detail - and brightening
your vacation with history and anecdotes that bring the destination to
life. A Collette Tour means less time planning and more time enjoying.
You pack the bags - we'll lug them around! That's right - when you're
on tour with us, we take care of all
luggage handling... including the tip!
NEW
Enjoy a free ride from home to the airport and back, including tip. We
believe that your vacation should start at your front door. We include FREE roundtrip sedan
service with air-inclusive Collette tours in many
U.S. cities within 50 miles radius from more than 80 airport gateways.
Why Travel on an
Escorted Tour?
We
take the hassle out of travel, so you have all the fun. Here's how.
Our buying power gets you unbeatable value.
Our tours include
your sightseeing, entertainment, admissions to museums and parks, great
hotels and many meals, making it a hassle free experience for you from
start to finish. Our hotels are centrally located, so you won't waste a
second of your free time in buses or cabs. Even your luggage is managed
for you.
We planned ahead, so Europe with us is still a
bargain.
We can provide a
vacation to Europe, for example, at 15% less than you would pay if you
planned it on your own. There is no better time than now to buy a
packaged vacation.
Imagine seeing Thailand for less than $90 a day, and
that includes your hotel.
On our Thailand -
Ancient Capitals and Countryside tour, you'll ride an elephant and
cruise the Mekong River into Laos, just two unforgettable included
experiences among 14 days worth of discoveries You'll also enjoy 26
meals on tour, including a dinner cruise on a rice barge. See the
Golden Buddha, the ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the colorful
pageantry of a Hill Tribe cultural show - it's all included!
It's like traveling with a friend who knows the area.
Your tour manager
will be with you every step of the way, handling the tedious details of
travel, while you relax and enjoy the trip. They are seasoned
professionals with in-depth knowledge about your destination and a
passion for sharing it.
Our tour developers personally scout out the best for
you.
They search for
accommodations, restaurants, attractions and entertainment to assemble
not only a fantastic trip, but create an entire experience that
captures the spirit of your destination. Learn the secrets of Tuscan
cuisine from a Florentine chef in Italy. Fly a kite in China. Feed a
kangaroo in Australia. Our tour developers love creating those
unforgettable moments that make your trip uniquely yours.
We've got something for everyone, from Branson to
Beijing.
Collette
Vacations travels to more than 150 destinations on all seven
continents. We also offer Explorations by Collette, small-group tours
with a maximum of only 16 - 24 passengers that wander off the beaten
path. Explorations tours feature boutique hotels, outdoor activities
and interaction with local people.
And, we partner
with Smithsonian
Journeys to bring you learning tours through Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures. These tours bring you expert local
scientists, historians and artists to illuminate your travels with
lectures and demonstrations.
No Worries Protection Plan
What exactly is your cancellation waiver?
We have the best
cancellation waiver in the industry-period. You can cancel your trip up
until the day prior to departure for any reason - sickness, change of
heart or any reason whatsoever-and you will receive a full refund,
minus the small cost of the insurance. That's a cash refund, not a
voucher or certificate. There's no risk when you book with Collette.
But isn't it
expensive?
Not at all! Let's
say you were planning to take our Italian Vistas tour for 13 days. The
land-only waiver is just $170 per person. That breaks down to about
$13.07 a day-just a little over eight euros! The land and air waiver is
only $30 more. That's airplane peanuts compared to the peace of mind
you'll enjoy.
Plus, you're
covered on tour.
Our cancellation
waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your
trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation,
suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or
more, you're covered.
Testimonials:
My husband had an
accident in New Zealand…He subsequently had to be transferred by
ambulance to Invercargill (Southland Hospital) to have surgery on his
leg. He spent one week in the hospital. I am so glad we always take out
the insurance. This is our third trip with Collette and we always take
out the insurance…In spite of the accident, we had a wonderful time in
Australia and New Zealand up to Queenstown and we are very glad we took
the trip. Genevieve Gallagher, Clifton Park, NY
We had one
unfortunate problem; one traveler broke her ankle…Thank goodness I
insist that my passengers take the insurance. Virginia Gratton,
Greenport, NY
| CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN |
Exception: If
you originally purchased
non-refundable airline tickets, the Waiver does not provide a refund
for the airline tickets, taxes or fees in the event of a cancellation
or a return transportation benefit if you must return home early. The
air waiver does not cover medical evacuation or additional expenses
associated with a medical emergency.
The Waiver Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise
from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any
reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be
deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this
charge between the two passengers involved is solely their
responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling
client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of
the single supplement.
Payment of the Waiver Fee (if chosen) must be received by Collette
Vacations with your Deposit. The Waiver is non-transferable and valid
for each applicant only.
Collette Vacations can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held
liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of
any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Travel
Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees.
| SCHEDULE
OF COVERAGES |
MAXIMUM
BENEFIT AMOUNT |
| PART
A – Benefits Provided By
Collette Vacations |
| Pre-Departure
Cancellation Fee & Unused Services Waiver |
Up
to Trip Cost |
|
|
| PART
B – Benefits Provided by the
Insurance Company Listed Below |
| Accidental
Death & Dismemberment |
$25,000 |
| Accident
& Sickness Medical Expense |
$25,000 |
| Emergency
Evacuation & Repatriation |
$50,000 |
| Travel
Delay (Maximum of $100 per Day) |
$1,500 |
| Baggage
and Personal Effects |
$2,000 |
| Baggage
Delay |
$200 |
PART B CONDITIONS &
LIMITATIONS Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are
detailed in the Certificate of Coverage. For example, coverage does not
apply to: any sickness or condition of you, a Traveling Companion or an
Immediate Family Member traveling with you that existed during the 60
days prior to the effective date of the coverages (this exclusion is
waived if your plan payment is received by Collette Vacations within 7
days of your initial deposit/payment for your trip and you are not
disabled from travel at the time your plan payment is received),
suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous
disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person booked to share
accommodations in the same room with you during your trip. Sickness or
injury must require care by a Physician and must commence while the
Travel Protection Plan is in effect for you. This plan does not cover a
loss that results from an illness, disease, or other condition (of you,
an Immediate Family Member, Traveling Companion or Business Partner),
event or circumstance which occurs at a time when this plan is not in
effect for you.
Part B of this plan is underwritten by: Stonebridge Casualty Insurance
Company, Columbus, Ohio 464-03
Where to Present Part A Claims
To request a refund under the Cancellation Fee and Unused Services
Waiver, please send any unused
airlines tickets (only if purchased from Collette Vacations), a
doctor’s note or medical documentation and a written request to:
Collette
Vacations
ATTN: Customer Service Department
162 Middle Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860 |
If cancellation occurs
prior to departure, contact the Collette Vacations Reservations
Department.
When a client cancels prior to departure any due refunds are processed
through the booking agent. Agent commissions are not protected if
cancellation occurs prior to departure.
All Inquiries and Claims under Part B should be reported to the Plan
Administrator:
Trip
Mate*
9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel: 800-888-7292
*In CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency |
|
| CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN PRICING (Per Person) |
Land Only Clients
- $30 for all domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
- $110 for all domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
- $110 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $170 for
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $195 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
- $205 for all cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
When purchasing pre and post night
accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will
be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter
your waiver fees. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of
booking.
Air
Inclusive Clients (air is
purchased through Collette Vacations)
- $60 for all domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
- $140 for all domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
- $150 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $200 for all
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
- $225 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
- $235 for all cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
The Cancellation Waiver fee with air can
only be purchased by individuals who have purchased air through
Collette Vacations. |
|
More COLLETTE
VACATIONS and Terms and Conditions
Collette Tours is a
NON-FEE buy!
We
will not charge a fee for any/all tour planning for Collette Vacations.
Our services are absolutely free when servicing this quality program.
Rest
assured, you will receive the quality that you expect and the unique
value of a well-designed tour program from the beginning and planning
stage to the culmination of this exceptional journey.
Experience
the Collette Difference with Gardner Travel!
IT'S CALLED
WORRY-FREE TRAVEL
AND
IT MEANS OUR PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO!
|
|
COLLETTE VACATIONS is a member of
 
If
you like the above tour program
you may also want to view the following tour programs for
comparison:
|
| MORE
REGIONAL PROGRAMS |
| THE BRITISH ISLES: ENGLAND | SCOTLAND | IRELAND |
| SPAIN | PORTUGAL | MOROCCO |
|
|
|
© 1999 - 2012
