Jean Renoux’s Art & Architectural Tours and Seminars
Tours for Lovers of Architecture, Art and History
Continuing Education for Architects and Interior Designers
SICILY -
Amazing array of architecture styles:
Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque,
Neo-
DAY 1 -
DAY 2 -
Arrival at the Catania Airport and welcome by our driver-
Late afternoon: guided tour of Taormina’s Greek Theatre, and a walk on Corso Umberto, the main street that widens into a "belvedere", with an unforgettable view on the bay. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel (D1).
2002 eruption
In the late morning back to Palermo where you will continue your guided tour of the
city. The visit includes the Palatine Chapel, a superb example of Arabic-
Afternoon: free to wander the streets of Palermo until 6pm when we will need to be at the port to board the ferry to Naples.
We will pass not too far from the Stromboli, a live volcano.
The Palace at Caserta
October 24 to November 6
DAY 6 -
Visit Marsala historical centre. At the conclusion of the visit, a brief visit to the Cantine Pellegrino for a tasting of Marsala Wines, conducted by an expert. Visit the salt marshes which still have interesting functioning medieval windmills.
We will also stop at a Baglio, an 18th century country villa recently restored and converted into a charming and exclusive farm house surrounded by palm trees, olive trees and vineyards. The restoration of the farm house will be on the agenda.
Continue to Erice, a nearby medieval town, located at the top of the homonymous mountain rising 2300 feet above the sea level and overlooking the whole Western region, the Mediterranean Sea and the Egadi Islands. A stop at the Antique Convent Pastry Shop, one of the most renowned Sicilian bakeries. There, enjoy a taste of the fine Erician pastries first created within the convent walls and, as a special treat, sample some of the typical almond dough desserts filled with candied lemon. Afterwards, a guided architectural visit of the ancient town.
Going to Polizzi Generosa, a small village, surrounded by cheerful countryside and green pastures.
The ancient village is rich in historical attractions. During the walk through the town's medieval streets, guests will have a break for a sampling of typical sweetmeats.
Now you’re off for a lovely walk through the beautiful Madonie Park to a local family where you will enjoy a cooking lesson .
DAY 5 -
This morning we drive through olive and fruit fields until we reach Agrigento. On arrival a visit to the beautiful Valley of the Temples, one of the most representative sites of Greek civilization in the Mediterranean area: the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the wonderful Temple of Concord.
Continue to Marsala. Check in at a 4* hotel spa center. (B, L2)
Picnic lunch at the Kolymbetra park, an agricultural jewel returned to life after decades of abandon. Archaeological treasures are still being unearthed in this extraordinary garden. This garden has fruit trees from every part of the world and some of the trees are over 1000 years old! Then surrounded by pomegranate, pistachio, orange and lemon trees and under the Mediterranean sun you will enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch served to you outdoors, complete with local fruit, cheese and wine.
DAY 3 -
After breakfast , depart for Mt. Etna. You will be on the highest active volcano in Europe with beautiful landscape, characteristic villages on its slopes and the fascinating power of nature.
Following our excursion we’ll continue our drive to Tenuta San Michele, an ancient estate located on the slopes of the volcano Etna. The farm, which belongs to the noble family of the Baron Scammacca del Murgo, is surrounded by extensive vineyards and has a panoramic view of both Mt. Etna and the sea. The climate and the volcanic soil help give wines a unique mineral taste typical of the region. Lunch at the farm
Continue to Savoca the filming location for the Corleone scenes in Coppola's The Godfather II!
Savoca
Back to hotel. Dinner on your own (B, L1)
DAY 4 -
Visit of Siracusa, an interesting city that has seen several civilizations succeeding each other, from ancient Greece, to Rome, to Arabs, Byzantines, Normans, Spaniards and Austrians.
Then onto Piazza Armerina, a small town in the south-
Check in a nice villa in Enna. Dinner and overnight (B, D2)
Check in at the hotel 3*. Dinner on your own. (B, L3)
DAY 7 -
The owner will teach them to prepare some of the most popular and essential recipes according to the local tradition and the homemade pasta. Lunch with our new friends while being serenaded by a local Sicilian band.
Afternoon : departure to Cefalù known for it's long golden beach as well as for other monumental and artistic "jewels", the Norman Duomo, initiated under Roger II in 1131, preserves precious mosaics which adorn the apse and a representation of Christ Pantocrator.
Cefalu
In the same period the Osterio Magno was the probable residence of King Roger II. Of great interest is the striking medieval washhouse and the Mandralisca museum, the latter preserving the famous portrait of an unknown man by Antonello da Messina. A visit to Cefalù can not exclude a stroll along the lanes in the historical centre where you can linger amongst the numerous shops of ceramics and souvenirs. (B, L4). Night in Cefalu.
Polizzi Generosa
Day 8 -
At your arrival in Naples at 07am, you will be welcome by our driver-
The ruins of Pompeii, part of an ancient Roman city destroyed and buried by the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The remainder of the uncovered city is today buried under the new Pompeii rebuilt many years subsequent to the eruption.
Frescoes at villa dei misteri
Transfer to Sorrento.
Check in at the hotel: 4* sup. Dinner (B, D5)
DAY 10 -
We will cruise from Sorrento to Capri, the first stop being the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), where we will transfer to a small rowing boat. From the Blue Grotto we continue our trip around the island passing by the lighthouse at Punta Carena to arrive at Marina Piccola. It used to be a fishing village and it is now a perfect spot for lunch and a swim. By taking one of the island's little buses up to Capri town (only a 10 minute ride away) you can enjoy a drink in the "Piazzetta" (small square) and take your time exploring the island’s historical sites (Villa Jovis, Certosa, Augustus Gardens,Villa San Michele of Axel Munthe).
Remember to save some time for shopping in the many luxurious boutiques! At 4.00 pm we meet back at Marina Piccola to board the boat for the remaining coastal tour of the island Back to the hotel in Sorrento. Dinner on your own and overnight Sorrento. (B, L5).
DAY 11 -
Driving down-
The coastal road begins after Sorrento, runs through Positano, the fishing villages of Praiano, Furore and Conca dei Marini, and continues until it reaches the busy square of Amalfi which is situated on the seafront, the port and a long stretch of pebbled beach. Along the pedestrian street are various bars and cafés, not to mention the many shops selling limoncello, casual clothing, swimwear, gifts, basic groceries, and of course, ceramics. However, if one would like to see more than just shops, Amalfi has some interesting sights to explore: the most spectacular cathedral along the coast, the paper factory and its museum. Then we will spend the night in Naples. (B)
DAY 12 -
The Royal Palace of Caserta is a former royal residence constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It was the largest palace and one of the largest buildings erected in Europe in the eighteenth century. In 1996, the Palace of Caserta was listed among the World Heritage Sites on the grounds that it was "the swan song of the spectacular art of the Baroque, from which it adopted all the features needed to create the illusions of multidirectional space". Diner. Return to hotel in Naples. (B,D6)
Day 13 -
Visit of the Norman Castle and the Capodimonte Museum. This museum has a great collection of furniture, decorative objects and paintings from an era when Naples was a powerful kingdom.
After you will have ample time to go for a last minute shopping spree before our last dinner together.
Overnight in Naples
DAY 14 -
You will be driven to the airport in Naples. (B)
Included in the Program :
· All accommodations in Hotels and farmhouses 4* as mentioned (based on dble occupancy)
· Private transfer from Catania airport to the hotel in Taormina day of arrival
· Private transfer from Hotel to Naples airport day of departure
· Private minibus + English speaking driver
· Lectures by Jean Renoux about the sites visited
· Visits and excursions as listed in the program with local guides/lecturers
· Cabin on the ship from Palermo to Naples
(in dble occupancy)
· Boat to Capri from Sorrento
· All the breakfasts
· Six dinners
· Five lunch
· Cooking class
· Books, Maps
·Accidental, Medical, Lost Luggage Insurance
$ 4868 per person in double occupancy
$ 578 single supplement.
36 HSW CEUs or 36 HSW LUs including 9 hr of AIA/CES accepted Sustainable Design.
Jean Renoux’s Art & Architectural Tours and Seminars
Tours for Lovers of Architecture, Art and History
Continuing Education for Architects and Interior Designers
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Jean Renoux -