The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this exceptional tour of Sicily. Please note this is the second Sicily tour the ICAA is holding in partnership with Classical Excursions in 2023.
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. Payment of the $500 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 $500 per person is required to participate in this travel program. 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.
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.
Zisa
Participants will visit Zisa, a tremendous Moorish-inspired palace located in Palermo.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
National Archaeological Museum
The group will tour the National Archaeological Museum, containing a wealth of material from the excavations at Agrigento.
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.
Ortygia
An optional boat tour around the historic peninsula of Ortygia.
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.
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
This program is available for 40 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective.Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning ProgramLearning Objectives: 1. Learn about the of foundations of classical architecture and art, after visiting landmarks such the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Ruins at Segesta, the 3rd-4th Century Villa Romana del Casale, the Temple of Apollo in Siracusa, and more.2. Know more about the architectural and cultural movements that informed the designs of Sicily including the Rococo and the Baroque.3. Understand how the historic Villas and Palazzos of Sicily are preserved to retain their architectural structure and integrity today through visiting a number of public and private Palazzos and Villas throughout the region.4. Explore Palermo’s architectural history by visiting historic sites, such as the historic center, which includes historic monuments including the San Cataldo Chapel, the Baroque church of San Domenico, the Palermo Cathedral, and Palazzo dei Normanni, amongst others.
Program Level: IntroductoryPrerequisites: None requiredAIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: February 23, 2026Provider Number: G193Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $500 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program.
Your $500 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 $500 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 $500 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 x109 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.
No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $500 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].