BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Georgetown Alumni - ECPv6.7.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Georgetown Alumni
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://alumni.georgetown.edu
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Georgetown Alumni
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251012
DTSTAMP:20260523T172705
CREATED:20210127T002243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T192742Z
UID:472-1759449600-1760227199@alumni.georgetown.edu
SUMMARY:Flavors of Sicily
DESCRIPTION:Join alumni and friends on a captivating\, 9-day journey through the heart of Sicily to discover the vibrant island’s historical and cultural treasures. Explore renowned archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites\, indulge in delicious cuisine and wine\, and partake in hands-on cooking classes with celebrated chefs who share recipes and culinary techniques passed down through generations. \nAfter enriching days of touring\, retire to Don Arcangelo all’Olmo\, a luxurious villa privately reserved only for guests in your small group. This haven of tranquility exudes an atmosphere of timeless elegance\, featuring modern amenities and spectacular views of Mount Etna. This immersive experience promises to engage all of your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. \nShared with participants from cosponsoring associations\, space is sure to fill quickly. Request your reservation today  or please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu or 866-325-8664 for more details. \n1/17/24 Trip Status Update: Very Limited Availability. Please call or email to inquire about space or waitlist options for this trip \nPlease Click for e-brochure\nDates & Prices\n\nTrip Dates: October 3 – 11\, 2025\nPricing: From $6\,395 per person based upon double occupancy. A limited number of places are offered for single travelers at $8\,995 per person. Please contact us regarding single space availability prior to sending in a reservation \, or to inquire about any roommate possibilities. \n1/17/24 Trip Status Update: Very Limited Availability. Please call or email to inquire about space or waitlist options for this trip \nItinerary:\n\n\nDay 1: En Route from U.S. \nDay 2: Arrive in Catania\, Sicily | Giarre\nUpon arrival to Catania’s Vincenzo Bellini Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the property. \nDon Arcangelo all’Olmo\, a historic villa surrounded by lush gardens and centuries-old olive trees\, creates an atmosphere of serenity. The meticulously restored guest rooms effortlessly blend modern comfort with the charm of Sicilian tradition\, providing a tranquil haven in which to relax after enriching days of exploration. \nTake time to unpack and settle in before meeting fellow travel companions for a welcome reception and dinner featuring local wines and ingredients.\nOvernight: Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (R\,D) \nDay 3: Taormina\nAfter waking to stunning views of Mount Etna\, gather for breakfast then set out for a full day touring Taormina. \nThis idyllic town perched high above the Ionian Sea is a gem of ancient theaters\, charming streets\, popular beaches and breathtaking views. With your local guide stop at the Greek amphitheatre (one of Sicily’s most picturesque and well-preserved) for spectacular photography opportunities before leisure time to stroll the pedestrian-only Corso Umberto and its lively shops and restaurants. \nReturn to the villa with time to freshen up before dinner.\nOvernight: Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (B\,D) \nDay 4: Piazza Armerina\nFollowing breakfast your Sicilian adventure continues with a visit to Piazza Armerina for a guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale\, an archaeological masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. History comes alive amidst the well-preserved Roman mosaics of this impressive monument dating back to the late imperial Roman period. Wandering through the opulent rooms you’ll capture a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy Sicilian family from centuries past. \nBack at the villa take advantage of time to unwind among the property’s luxurious amenities before dinner. Take a walk through the colorful gardens\, re-energize with a workout in the fitness room or relax in the Jacuzzi.\nOvernight: Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (B\,L\,D) \nDay 5: Catania | Viagrande\nThis morning’s highlight includes time to explore Catania. \nThe heart of Catania beats in its outdoor street markets where vivid colors\, aromatic scents and lively conversations create a sensory symphony that encapsulates the essence of Sicilian life. Meander through the stalls where locals and visitors alike converge to discover an array of tantalizing treats. The market is a feast for the senses. Fresh produce offers a kaleidoscope of colors\, and the fragrant bouquet of ripe fruits and exotic spices guide you through the maze of flavors that define Sicilian cuisine. While perusing the myriad of goods engage with passionate vendors who are eager to share stories behind their products and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. This market isn’t just a place to shop\, it’s an authentic experience with an atmosphere that reveals Sicily’s vibrant soul and its celebration of life. \nAfter lunch take the short drive to Benanti\, an award-winning winery\, for a unique cooking lesson followed by a vineyard tour and wine tasting. Notably\, Benanti has vineyards positioned on four different slopes of Mount Etna and produces wines using only 100% native grapes. \nReturn to the villa for a delicious dinner this evening.\nOvernight: Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (B\,L\,D) \nDay 6: Siracusa | Ortigia\nToday journey to the historic cities of Siracusa and Ortigia where ancient ruins and Baroque architecture coexist harmoniously. \nSiracusa\, a 2\,700-year-old fortified seaport founded by Greek Corinthians and Teneans\, rivaled Athens in size and importance during the Athenian Empire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site\, it features many structures dating back to the 5th century B.C. \nAt the storied island of Ortigia tour the ancient ruins\, the “Ear of Dionysius”(a famous stone quarry)\, and its markets overflowing with local seafood\, dairy\, meat and succulent produce.\nOvernight: Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (B\,D) \nDay 7: Mount Etna\nGuests who would like to spend a leisurely morning at the property can choose to relax after breakfast. For those seeking more active exploration join others to ascend Mount Etna\, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe’s highest and most active volcano. \nLovingly known locally as “The Etna\,” the volcano has four craters at its 11\,000-foot summit and more than 300 vents on the flanks. Hiking up to 9\,580 feet\, take in the panoramic views\, marvel at its enormity and observe the destruction of previous eruptions and lava flows. \nThis afternoon gather together for a wine tasting and delectable lunch at Donnafugata\, a family-founded winery determined to create only authentic\, sustainably produced varietals.\nOvernight: Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (B\,L\,D) \nDay 8: Taormina\nAfter breakfast immerse yourself in Sicilian culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking class at Villa Britannia. Learn the secrets of pasta- and dessert-making from a celebrated chef who selects only locally grown\, hand-picked ingredients to make mouth-watering dishes\, which might include: marinated prawns\, caponata\, pasta alla Norma\, seafood risotto\, zuppa di pesce\, veal rolls\, chicken alla cacciatore and desserts such as Sicilian cassata\, tiramisu and crespelle. \nFollowing class celebrate this memorable week with a farewell luncheon and wine pairing on the restaurant’s terrace overlooking the sea and Taormina.\nOvernight: Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (B\,L\,D) \nDay 9: Giarre | Catania | Depart for U.S.\nAfter breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B) \nR = Reception\, B = Breakfast\, L = Lunch\, D = Dinner \n\n(Itinerary subject to change.) \n\n\nActivity Level: Moderate\n\nTour days tend to be long\, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances\, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing\, for example on city walks\, sightseeing stops or excursions\, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days\, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited. \n\n\n• Historic areas are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle. It may not always be possible for the motor coach to drop guests off at site entrances. \n• Dexterity to use kitchen tools and participate in lessons is not necessary but adds to the enjoyment of this program. \n\n\nWhat’s Included\n\n\n7 nights at Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (or similar)\n7 breakfasts\, 4 lunches and 7 dinners served with wine plus a special welcome reception\nFull services of a professional Travel Director and expert local guides\nAll lessons\, private tours and tastings\, and unique small-group excursions noted in the 9-day itinerary\nIn-depth guided exploration of Sicily’s main attractions—Taormina\, Mount Etna\, Villa Romana del Casale\, Siracusa and Ortigia\nPrivate motor coach transportation\nLuggage porterage\nGratuities to  Travel Director\, local guides\, drivers and wait staff for included meals\nAirport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times\n\n\n\nAccommodations\nDon Arcangelo all’Olmo\nDon Arcangelo all’Olmo\, lovingly known as L’Olmo\, is a Think Exquisite villa from the award-winning villa company\, The Thinking Traveller\, and it sits serenely between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Once a farm building on a wine-producing estate\, the property was painstakingly restored to create the grand villa that exists today. \nGuests will experience authentic Sicilian hospitality with true personal attention\, as the villa is exclusive for our small group. \nProperty Amenities: Fine dining featuring locally sourced ingredients\, complimentary Wi-Fi\, large sitting area with open fireplace\, TVs in the living area of the main house and in the Casa all’Olmo\, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi\, colorful gardens\, and fitness room. \nClassic Double: Impeccably designed for comfort\, these rooms are located in Casa all’Olmo—a superbly restored farm house next to the main building. \nDeluxe Double: Spacious and bright\, these classically appointed rooms are in Casale\, the main building. \nRoom Amenities: Air conditioning\, complimentary Wi-Fi\, iPod docking station\, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer. \nNOTE: This property does not have an elevator. \n(Accommodations subject to change.) \n\nOptional Post-Tour: Palermo\nEnjoy Sicily’s fascinating and bustling capital\, Palermo. The city\, more than 2\,700 years old\, is rich in history\, culture\, art\, music and gourmet cuisine. \nPost-Tour Itinerary\nDay 9: Depart Taormina | Cefalù | Arrive Palermo\nAfter departing Taormina delight in a splendid lunch followed by guided sightseeing in Cefalù\, famous for its cozy beaches\, picturesque harbor and Duomo (cathedral) built in 1131 by Roger II. Legend has it he built the cathedral to thank the gods for saving him when he was lost at sea during a storm. \nThe town is also known for its various Greek ruins and delightful streets lined with colorful shops. Cefalù is home to just 14\,000 residents\, however it remains one of the most popular attractions near Palermo. Some of the original structures of the town are still visible\, including an unusual edifice built of limestone blocks that appears to have been a palace or residence—and is the island’s only example of this style of masonry\, which is typically found in Central Italy. \nEnter the imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral\, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s characterized by the impressive mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. \nThis evening enjoy dinner at leisure and time to relax at the property.\nOvernight: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (L) \nDay 10: Palermo\nFollowing breakfast join the local guide and embark on a walking tour of the city center. Founded more than 2\,700 years ago in a basin formed by three rivers\, Palermo is surrounded by mountains and has been influenced by everyone from the Phoenicians to the Romans and Byzantines. Famous for its citrus groves\, beautiful ancient churches\, outdoor markets and narrow medieval streets\, this delightful city combines well-preserved historical sites\, friendly locals and delicious cuisine to provide a memorable experience. \nNext learn about a movement for the promotion of a virtuous and Mafia-free economy. Discover how this association was born and how it is changing life in Sicily from the bottom up. Set out on a special “No Mafia Tour” through the alleys of the historic center\, encountering the places in the fight against the Mafia. \nThis afternoon enter the amazing Royal Palace of Palermo\, the Norman Palace. It was the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman domination and served afterwards as the main seat of power for the subsequent rulers of Sicily. On the second floor is the well-known Cappella Palatina\, the royal chapel of the Norman kings dedicated to Saint Peter and Paul. The mosaic created for Ruggero II in the 12th century represents a vivid example of Byzantine art. \nThe evening is at leisure.\nOvernight: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (B\,L) \nDay 11: Palermo | Depart for U.S.\nAfter breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary group transfer to the airport for flights home. (B) \nB = Breakfast\, L = Lunch \nPost-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability. \nThis post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide. \n(Itinerary subject to change.) \n\nActivity Level: Moderate\n\nTour days tend to be long\, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances\, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing\, for example on city walks\, sightseeing stops or excursions\, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days\, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited. \n\n\n• Historic areas are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle. It may not always possible for the motor coach to drop guests off at site entrances. \n\n\nWhat’s Included\n\n\nGroup transfer to Palermo\n2 nights at Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar)\n2 breakfasts and 2 lunches\nGuided sightseeing of Palermo and Cefalù including entrance fees\nLuggage porterage\nGratuities to local guide\, driver and porters\nAirport transfers for guests departing during the suggested times\n\n\n\nPost-Tour Accommodations\nGrand Hotel Piazza Borsa\nRich in charm and beauty\, the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is located within walking distance from Palermo’s main attractions. A conglomeration of three historic buildings\, see the property’s panoramic roof garden\, its ancient cloister used as a venue for concerts and other events\, and the frescoed salons. Guest rooms are large with hardwood floors and furnishings blending tadition with contemporary flair. \nRoom Amenities: Individual climate control\, LCD TV\, phone\, coffee and tea maker\, minibar\, safe\, slippers\, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer. \n(Accommodations subject to change.) \n\n\n\n\nWhat’s included:\n\n7 nights accommodations\n7 breakfasts\, 4 lunches\, and 7 dinners served with wine\nall lessons\, private tours\, and unique small-group excursions noted on the 9-day itinerary\nprivate motor coach transportation\nluggage handling\ngratuities to Travel Director\, local guides\, drivers\, and wait staff for included meals\nairport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times\n\nWhat’s not included:\nAirfare; Taxes; passport\, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness\, trip cancellation\, and baggage insurance;  baggage charges on aircraft;  airfare\, transfers and baggage handling to/from hotel on day of arrival and/or departure i if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals\, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure.
URL:https://alumni.georgetown.edu/event/flavors-of-sicily/
LOCATION:Italy
CATEGORIES:Travel Society
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://alumni.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2021/01/streetscape.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR