Travel Design Italy

BRIDGE PLAYER TOURS & TOURNAMENTS
A leisurely bridge and cultural odyssey to the vibrant crossroads of Mediterranean Civilization

Dear Fellow travellers, I wanted to put together with little actual travelling – the hassle of getting on buses for long drives, packing and unpacking, etc. (We’ll unpack only two times on this entire trip Malta and Sicily).
I also sought a destination that was remote from any potential threats engendered by these un settled times.
Also the price should appeal reasonable and the very best value!
I was intrigued by Malta & Sicily by the rich cultural stew and melting pot of Mediterranean heritage.
Malta is only 93km from Sicily south in the Mediterranean it’s history and culture is distinctive, embodied by almost three centuries of rule by the fabled “warrior – monks” the Knights of Malta, and later by 150 years under Britain as an outpost of empire.

Early may will be the ideal time for us to visit the two islands. The formal gardens, the bougainvillea and the wild flowers, growing even on the lava beds of Etna will be riotously abloom.
As to an optional extension that we usually take at the end of a trip this year is to Calabria.
An unspoilt and undiscovered part of Italy where you will be impressed by the beauty of the scenery and warmth of the people.


Itinerary:

• Day 1 May 2005 Malta - Valletta
Arrival at Malta International Airport. Transfer to hotel driving along the coastline road to Sliema. Check-in at hotel. Before dinner join your tour Director for a welcome drink to Malta. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (D)

• Day 2 May 2005 Valletta
Morning Departure for a Full Day guided Tour of Valletta & the Malta Experience. Valletta the Capital City of Malta, the City built by the Knights of St John. During our walking tour of the city, we will first visit the Upper Barracca Gardens , which afford a fantastic view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Historical Cities. We then visit St John’s Co Cathedral, which is historically and artistically one of the most important monuments on the island.
Free time for lunch. Finally, we walk down Republic street to Fort St Elmo for “The Malta Experience Show “ which is an excellent multivision show (ca. 45 minutes), which introduces visitors to Malta and its people. Bridge session. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Optional sunset Valletta harbour cruise. (B,D)

• Day 3 May 2005 Mdina - Rabat
Departure for Full Day Trip to Mdina / Rabat & Mosta. Stop in Mosta to visit the parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This church was built in the classical style and based on that of the Pantheon, in Rome. It is said that the dome of this church is the third largest in Europe. We then continue toTa’ Qali handicrafts village where we will be able to experience local artisans at their work such as filigree and ceramic making and glass blowing etc. Finally, we walk trough the narrow and winding streets of Mdina - the Old Capital City of Malta and we visit the cathedral which was built by Lorenzo Gafa`. We walk around and enjoy the panoramic view of Malta from the historic bastions. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

• Day 4 May 2005 Gozo
OPTIONAL: Departure for a Full Day tour of Gozo.
Transfer to Cirkewwa for ferryboat crossing to Mgarr - Gozo. The short trip from Malta to Gozo is in itself a pleasant experience especially on a fine day. Mgarr Harbour is picturesque with all kinds of seacraft. During this tour we will visit Ggantija temples in Xaghra which were built and developed between 3600 and 2400 BC, making them among the earliest architectural planned facades in the world. We then proceed to Victoria which is in the centre of the island as well as being the centre of commerce. The Citadel is a medieval fortified town with massive bastions that date back to the 17th century. In this city one can visit The Old cathedral, The Archaeological Museum with exhibits from Neolithic times to the Middle Ages and The Folklore Museums. In the afternoon we continue with our tour, visiting Xlendi Bay , which has sheer Cliffs, and clean water and is in itself a very picturesque little village. Finally, we proceed to Dwejra Bay , which is famous for its hanging window. Bridge session. Dinner and overnight at hotel (B,D)

• Day 5 may 2005
Full day at leisure to relax or enjoy the free time in Malta , shop or experience on your own. Optionals are also available. Bridge session will be held during the day. Dinner and overnight (B,D)

• Day 6 may 2005 Taormina
Morning transfer to Malta Port terminal to Sicily. Arrival in Catania or Pozzallo. Transfer to hotel. Free time to relax and unpack. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

*For those who do not continue tour to Sicily transfer is included to Airport Terminal


• Sicily Extension:

• Day 7 May 2005 Taormina
Today you will be given a guided tour of the charming town of Taormina with its’ picturesque squares, historic palazzi and a wonderfully preserved Greek-Roman Amphitheatre, Taormina is one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. With its almond and orange tree blossoms, adding a marvellous scent to a scenery poised between Mount Etna and the pretty coastline with its’ metallic blue sea - a truly spectacular setting. The rest of the day will be at your own leisure to either relax or explore. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)

• Day 8 May 2005 Taormina – Syracuse
Today experience an included excursion to Syracuse. A guided tour of this venerable city highlights the Archaeological Park, Greek Theater, Latomia del Paradiso and Cave of Dionysius’ Ear. Time will be given on the island of Ortigia to shop and experience on your own. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

• Day 9 May 2005 Taormina - Mount Etna volcano
Morning departure for a panoramic tour of Mount Etna. This active Volcano affords a fascinating sightseeing tour. The topography and Fauna will changing dramatically as we ascend and you will have spectacular views of Taormina and westerly Sicily. Arriving at an altitude of 2.500 feet, we will be above the tree line. We will have a perfect view of the three Silvestri Craters and the river of the Lava (a remnant of the 1983-1985 eruption). Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

• Day 10 May 2005 Taormina – Palermo(optional)
Optional tour of Palermo. Departure from Taormina to Palermo capital city of Sicily. A morning tour of this marvellous city features the Quattro Canti, a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture, the Palace of the Normans with its superb Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, and the famous Benedictine Abbey of Monreale. Here you will encounter a 12th century cathedral, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testament, and the Cloisters. Free time to explore the city or shop. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

• Day 11 May 2004 Taormina – Calabria
Morning transfer to Calabria. En route we stop in Messina to admire the wonderful Cathedral destroyed and then rebuilt after the earthquake in 1908, board the ferry to cross the famous legendary strait of Messina. Welcome to Reggio Calabria on the mainland of the Italian Peninsula.. Here you will visit the National Museum that houses the famous “Bronzes of Riace”, two Greek bronze statues dating back to the V century B.C. Free time to shop or enjoy a walk on the promenade overlooking Sicily and the straits of Messina, known as: “The most beautiful kilometre of the Italian peninsula” . We also visit Scilla facing Charybdis (Today called Ganzirri). Admire its Medieval Castle that lies on a dominating position upon the strait of Messina and its picturesque fishermen’s district called “Chianalea” where the houses are built right by the water’s edge. Our day will end with a special dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Taormina (B/D)

• Day 12 May 2005
Full day at leisure to relax or enjoy the free time in Taormina , shop or experience on your own. Also time to pack before return trip to Australia Optionals are also available to nearby towns. Bridge session will be held during the day. Farewell dinner and overnight (B,D)

• Day 13 May 2005 Taormina – Catania Apt
Morning transfer to Catania Fontanarossa Apt for return connecting flight home. (B)

Included features:
Host service and English speaking tour director while touring
Private deluxe motorcoach + driver as per itinerary
English speaking local guide where necessary
Accommodations/city hotels: 13 DAYS~12 NIGHTS in ***/**** star hotels
5 nights Malta
7 nights Taormina (Sicily)
Meals: Daily buffet Breakfast 12 Dinners, including Farewell Dinner, Buffet breakfast daily, Dinners at hotels as per programme
Farewell dinner - drinks during meals ( ½ l. mineral water ¼ l. wine)