The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this exceptional tour of Sicily.
This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note, that you must contact Classical Excursions’ Director, Lani Summerville to formally register for this program. Upon completing a registration form, submitting a deposit to Classical Excursions, and receiving a confirmation from Classical Excursions you will be considered registered for this program. The $600 donation to the ICAA should be made only after your registration has been confirmed. Please make sure you have received confirmation before making your donation. Payment of the $600 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. Again, to inquire about registration for this program, please contact Lani Summerville at [email protected] or 413-446-8728.
A fully tax-deductible donation of $600 per person is required to participate in this travel program. This donation should be made only after your registration has been confirmed. Please note that this donation is non-refundable except in the case that this travel program is cancelled by the organization. All travel program participants have the opportunity to receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.
Palermo's Historic Center
The program includes an optional walking tour of Palermo’s historic center, viewing such historic monuments as the Quattro Canti, Fontana Pretoria, San Cataldo Chapel, and the Baroque church of San Domenico.
Palazzo Ajutamicristo
Participants will enjoy a welcome dinner at the privately-owned Palazzo Ajutamicristo. Located in the Kalsa district of Palermo, the Palazzo was originally built in the 15th Century for Guglielmo Ajutamicristo.
Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi
The program features a late-morning tour and drinks at the privately-owned and rarely-seen Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi, located in the heart of the Kalsa district of Palermo, hosted by the owner, Principessa Carine Vanni Calvello Mantegna di Gangi.
Villa Spedalotto
At the privately-owned Villa Spedalotto in Bagheria, participants will enjoy an exclusive lunch.
Villa Palagonia
Participants will tour the splendid 18th Century Villa Palagonia, commissioned in 1715 by Ferdinando Francesco Gravina, Prince of Palagonia.
Palazzo Aliata
The tour includes dinner at the privately owned Palazzo Aliata.
Palazzo dei Normanni
Featured on the tour is a visit to Palazzo dei Normanni, including the beautiful Cappella Palatina which is considered a masterpiece of Norman art.
Palermo Cathedral
Participants will tour the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, constructed in 1185 in the Norman style.
Palazzo Cinese
The tour includes a visit to Palazzo Cinese, designed in 1799 by Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia on commission of King Ferdinand III of Sicily.
Palazzo Lanza Tomasi
The tour features a private luncheon at Palazzo Lanza Tomasi. Participants will be accompanied by the owner, the Duchess of Palma, Nicoletta Lanza Tomasi, who is a direct descendent of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of Il Gattopardo.
Monreale Cathedral
Participants will enjoy a tour of Monreale Cathedral, with its stunning gold mosaics.
Greek Ruins at Segesta
The tour features a visit to the majestic Greek ruins at Segesta, including a tour of the great Doric Temple with its well-reserved colossal columns built in the 5th Century BC. Here, participants will enjoy a picnic lunch.
The tour includes an olive oil tasting and lunch at a local olive oil producing farm serving traditional Sicilian dishes.
Valley of the Temples
Featured on the tour is a day exploring the great Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek colony founded in 581 BC. Here, participants will view the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Heracles, and the Temples of Concord and Hera.
Villa Romana del Casale
Participants will tour the remnants of the 3rd-4th Century Villa Romana del Casale, containing some of the most well-preserved and beautiful mosaics in the world.
Siracusa
The group will visit several noteworthy sites in Siracusa, including the Museo Archeologico, Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius, Duomo di Siracusa, and the Temple of Apollo.
Palazzo Beneventano
Participants will enjoy a dinner at the privately-owned Palazzo Beneventano, hosted by Baron Beneventano. Built after the earthquake of 1693, the Palazzo stands as one of Siracusa’s most complete Baroque achievements.
Ragusa & Noto
Participants will spend a day touring the Baroque towns of Ragusa and Noto, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. In Noto, the group will tour Palazzo Castellucio which as been newly restored.
Palazzo Biscari
The group will enjoy a tour with the owner, Prince Ruggerro Moncada, at Palazzo Biscari in Catania, considered one of the most important Rococo achievements in Sicily.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BROCHURE
Temple in Agrigento
Duomo di Siracusa (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Giovanni Dall'Orto)
Fontana Pretoria in Palermo
Interior of Monreale Cathedral in Palermo (Image: Wikimedia Commons/ Michal Osmenda)
Palazzo Beneventano (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Berthold Werner)
Quattro Canti in Palermo (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Michele Ursino)
Town of Ragusa
Temple in Segesta
If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $600 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program.
Your $600 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.
Yes, a donation of $600 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.
You can make your $600 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x102 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.
The $600 donation should be made only after your registration has been confirmed by Classical Excursions. Please contact Classical Excursions first to complete your registration, and once they confirm your place on the trip, you may then submit the required $600 donation.
No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $600 required donation.
For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 860-926-4895. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.
Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected].