Discover Sicily
by Collette
Tours
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DISCOVER SICILY
9 Day Tour
featuring Sicily
Explore Sicily’s warm beaches, charming
villages and fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at a Mediterranean pace
with the convenience of a single hotel stay in the popular resort town,
Giardini-Naxos. Nicknamed the "crossroads of civilization," Sicily’s
history was shaped by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. Visit
Taormina, a medieval hill town perched high above the Ionian Sea. See
the largest active volcano in Europe, Mt. Etna. At the Archaeological
Park in Siracusa, a guided visit unveils an impressive collection of
antiquities.
 Smithsonian Journeys
Travel Adventures offers the
best value-priced learning vacations worldwide. These custom-crafted
tours are created for adventurous travelers who seek the thrill of
discovery and learning, combined with flexibility and economical rates.
And local expert speakers really make the difference between simply
seeing, and truly understanding, the destination.
No additional fees
associated with the planning of this tour program.
Taormina, Mt. Etna, Winery Tour,
Caltagirone, Piazza Armerina, Villa Casale, Siracusa, Cooking
Demonstration
- Experience the benefits of
Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and
your guides throughout your tour.
- Walk in the footsteps of Greek history with a
local expert at Siracusa’s Archaeological Park.
- Witness the impressive power of nature as you
visit Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.
- Visit a well-known local winery, famous for
producing wines from grapes grown in the volcanic soil on the slopes of
Mt. Etna.
- Enjoy your vacation in a single hotel on the
beautiful island of Sicily, the crossroads of civilization.
- Regional wines are included with every dinner.
9 days, 11 meals
QUALITY
HOTELS
GIARDINI-NAXOS
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel (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.
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 with a
relaxing single hotel stay. Your journey begins with an overnight
flight to Catania.
Day 2: 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 will be
included.
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel
Day 3: 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 will
be included.
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel
Day 4: 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 will be included.
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel
Day 5: 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 will be included.
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel
Day 6: Day
at Leisure or Optional Excursion*
Spend your day at leisure absorbing the
charms of the region. Or, perhaps you would prefer to join an optional
excursion* to the city of Catania. Join a local expert and discover the
sights of Sicily's second largest city, famous for its vibrant fish
market. This evening your group gathers for dinner in the true Italian
tradition at a charming local restaurant.
Today
breakfast will be included.
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel
Day 7: Day
at Leisure or Optional Excursion
A full day at leisure allows you to
explore more of Sicily at your own pace. Perhaps you will enjoy a
stroll along the local beaches or some last minute shopping. You may
also wish to sign up for an unforgettable optional tour across Sicily
to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, a famous UNESCO World Heritage
site.
Today
breakfast will be included.
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel
Day 8: 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 farewell 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 will be included.
Hellenia Yachting
Hotel
Day 9: Taormina
Area - Tour Ends
Your tour of Sicily ends today.
Today
breakfast will be included.
Optional Excursions for Discover Sicily
Plan Ahead, Reserve
Now!
Add a touch of
personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched
list of options. While Collette is known for our many inclusions, we
also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance
your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in
advance of your tour!
Availability is limited
and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must
be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are
subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by
an adult.
Agrigento Full
Day $75
City: Agrigento
Agrigento is home to one of the world’s
most important archeological treasures, the sprawling ruins of a major
ancient Grecian city. Dating back to the 6th century B.C., the ruins
today are so tremendous, they have UNESCO World Heritage status. Travel
across Sicily to its western coast on the Mediterranean Sea, passing
orange groves and beautiful hill towns before arriving in Agrigento.
Remarkably preserved Doric temples rise on the hillside as they have
since ancient Greeks walked the hills. Visit the stunning Valley of the
Temples. For millennia, poets, writers and painters have taken
inspiration from the ruins, beautiful landscape, flora and colors of
this valley. Enjoy up-close views of the temples of Hercules, Juno,
Dioscuri, Vulcan and Olympian Zeus. This guided tour will give you a
glimpse of life in ancient times when Sicily was a colony of Greece.
Your transportation
is included.
Please note a minimum
of 20 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately
10 hour(s).
Market
Day Catania $70
City: Catania
Market
day in Italy offers a wonderful glimpse into true Italian culture.
Visit Catania, Sicily’s second largest city and one of the most
important ports in Italy. A local guide will give you insight and
history into this fascinating city. Visit the cathedral and view the
main sights this historic city has to offer. Visit the local market and
watch the daily drama of bartering and shopping for fresh fish, produce
and traditional goods. Enjoy free time in Catania’s elegant center with
some of Sicily’s most beautiful Baroque buildings. On your return to
Giardini Naxos, travel along the breathtaking Cyclops Coast, passing
the vineyards, citrus groves, seaside lava formations, and charming
fishing villages that dot the landscape of this charming area. A lunch
in true Italian tradition is also included in this excursion.
If
the day this option is offered falls on a Sunday, it will be swapped
with another tour day.
Your transportation
is included.
Please note a minimum
of 20 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately
6 hour(s).
Dinner
by the Bay Alla Siciliana $70
City: Giardini-Naxos
Linger over an exquisite four course
meal while traditional Sicilian melodies fill the air. Join us on your
free evening in Giardini Naxos for an unforgettable dinner at a popular
local restaurant on the bay overlooking Taormina’s appropriately named
Isola Bella - “Beautiful Island.” Your evening begins with a local
“Aperitivo” and a typical Italian antipasto. So sit back, take in the
romantic Italian ambiance, and enjoy the variety of local specialties
and fine Sicilian wines that are yours to savor throughout the evening.
Gratuities are
included.
Your transportation
is included.
Please note a minimum
of 14 passengers is required.
Duration: approximately
2.6 hour(s).
COLLETTE TOURS
DISCOVER SICILY
9 Day Tour
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From $1249USD
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.
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PLEASE
CLICK
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Certain
restrictions may apply. Airfares are based on departure from New York.
For
year 2012, 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!
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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!
WE
TAKE YOU THERE!
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 |
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| 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. |
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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!
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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:
| EUROPE
GRAND TOURS |
 |
| The
Briish
Isles ~ England/Scotland/Ireland |
 |
| France~Germany |
 |
| Switzerland~Austria |
 |
| Italy~Greece |
 |
| Spain~Portugal~Morocco |
 |
| Russia~Northern
Europe |
 |
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