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I T I N E R A RY

SICILYIsland of LightCrossroads of Cultures

May 26 June 4,w i t h a n o p t i o n a l e x t e n s i

t h r o u g h J u n e 8 , 2 0 1 3

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OVERVIEW(a 9-day tour in Sicily + an optional 4-night extension)

MAIN ITINERARY Overnight in (hotel)

May 26 Sun Depart USA

May 27 Mon Arrive Palermo, Italy Palermo Grand Hotel Villa Igiea

May 28 Tue PALERMO | MONREALE Palermo Grand Hotel Villa Igiea

May 29 Wed Palermo: ERICE | MARSALA | SEGESTA PalermoGrand Hotel Villa Igiea

May 30 Thu Palermo | CEFALU | Taormina Taormina Metropole Maison DHotesMay 31 Fri TAORMINA Taormina Metropole Maison DHotes

June 1 Sat Taormina | MOUNT ETNA | Siracusa Siracusa Algila Charme Hotel

June 2 Sun SIRACUSA sightseeing Siracusa Algila Charme Hotel

June 3 Mon SIRACUSA cooking class & at leisure Siracusa Algila Charme Hotel

June 4 Tue Transfer to Catania for outbound flights

OPTIONAL EXTENSION

June 4 Tue Siracusa | NOTO | MODICA | RAGUSA near RagusaEremo della Giubiliana

June 5 Wed Ragusa | CALTAGIRONE | PIAZZA ARMERINA near RagusaEremo della Giubiliana

June 6 Thu Ragusa | AGRIGENTO Agrigento Hotel Villa Athena

June 7 Fri Agrigento | SELINUNTE | Mazara del Vallo M. del VallloKempinksi Giardino di Constanza Hotel

June 8 Sat Transfer to the Palermo airport to fly home

MAP

Main Itinerary in Blue | Optional Extension in Brown

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HIGHLIGHTS: The finest hotels . Top guides, carefully vetted and extraordinarily knowledgeable. Fantastic Sicilian food with menus showcasing the islands varied cuisine. Wine tastings at wineries inMarsala &Mount Etna. Enchanting Taormina which Goethe called a corner of paradise with its spectacular views of Mt Etna. Historic Syracuse, one of the most powerful cities of antiquity, with its archeological treasures and lovely old town. The picturesque towns of medieval Ericeon a hilltop & beautifulCefalu on the coast. Amazing mosaics at Palermo &Monreale. Excellently preserved Greek ruins atSegesta andSyracuse . Private cooking class in Syracuse. Special tastings of almond cookies & marzipan at a world-famous pastry shop in Erice, and of honey on Mount Etna. A thoughtfully planned itinerary including time at leisure for dolce farniente (the sweetness of doing nothing).

ON THE EXTENSION: Beautiful baroque architecture in the southeastern towns of Noto, Modica, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Ra

Meet artisans who make the world famous majolica ceramics inCaltagirone . Taste world-famous chocolate in Modica. See the amazing mosaics of the Villa Romana de Casale by Piazza Armerina. Marvel at stunning seaside Greek ruins inAgrigento andSelinunte .

Clockwise from top left: Mount Etna as seen from Taormina, ceiling at La Martorana in Palermo, a stroll on the island of Ortygia (Siracusasold town), mosaics in Monreales cathedral, Greek ruins at Segesta. ( Also, front cover : building faade in Ortygia, the theater at Segesta)

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MAIN ITINERARY:

May 26 Sun Depart Home

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Italy.

May 27 Mon Arrive Palermo, Italy (D)

Arrive Palermo and transfer to your 5-star hotel on arrival.

Rest and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure after the overnight flight.Gather tonight for a welcome dinner.

Overnight in Palermo (Grand Hotel Villa Igiea).

May 28 Tue PALERMO | MONREALE(B, L)

Tour Palermo in the morning including the beautiful Norman cathedral, historic market, fountains, and public squa

Enjoy a classicPalermitano lunch at a local popular eatery (an insiders pick).

In the afternoon travel to nearby Monreale, with its beautiful panoramic views above Palermo, to see the spectacmosaics in its cathedral, visit the Benedictine Cloister, and enjoy some independent time to explore.

Remainder of the day at leisure (with recommended restaurants for dinner).

Overnight in Palermo (Grand Hotel Villa Igiea).

May 29 Wed From Palermo:ERICE | MARSALA | SEGESTA(B, L)

Full-day excursion to Erice, Marsala, and Segesta (west of Palermo), includes:

Morning visit to charming Erice, a small medieval village with breathtaking views located at 2,500 ft altitude wivisit to Maria Grammaticos famous pastry shop for a tasting of her legendary almond cookies and marzipan(centuries-old secret recipes) with local dessert wines and liqueurs. Time at leisure to shop and exploreindependently.

Tour, wine tasting, and lunch at the acclaimedCantine Florio winery in Marsala.

Afternoon visit to the impressive Greek ruins at Segesta, including its majestic 5th century BC Doric-style temple anthe theater, with its striking view of the island.

Return to Palermo for the remainder of the day at leisure.Overnight in Palermo (Grand Hotel Villa Igiea).

May 30 Thu Palermo | CEFALU |Taormina (B, L)

Depart Palermo after breakfast and drive to the charming seaside town of Cefalu.

Enjoy a leisurely walking tour around town followed by free time to enjoy this delightful place.

After a late lunch at local restaurant in Cefalu, drive along the rugged northeastern coast of the island to lovelyTaormina and check in at our beautiful boutique hotel for two nights.

Overnight in Taormina (Metropole Maison DHotes ).

May 31 Fri TAORMINA (B, D)Built on a hillside with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea below, its no surprise that Goeth

described Taormina as a a corner of paradise. A popular travel destination since the 19th century, Taormina is as rin history (the first Greek settlement in Italy) as it is in spectacular views and beauty.

Take a morning tour of Toarmina with a visit highlighting the Greco-Roman Theater, where the backdrop is nonthan Mount Etna. The tour today is intentionally short to leave sufficient time to independently stroll the picturelanes and enjoy the dolce farniente (the sweetness of doing nothing) in Taormina.

Have the remainder of the day to rest or explore on your own.

In the evening, gather for dinner at a specially chosen restaurant in town.

Overnight in Taormina (Metropole Maison DHotes ).

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June 1 Sat Taormina | MOUNT ETNA | Siracusa(B, L)

Drive this morning to the largest active volcano in Europe, the imposing Mount Etna, which dominates the landson the northeastern side of the island.

Take a relaxing walk on the slopes of the volcano, enjoying fantastic views and a taste of the locally-produced

Continue to a local winery for a tour and a talk on wine production in the rich volcanic soils.

The tour ends with a wine tasting followed by a delightful lunch.

Continue in the afternoon to our hotel in beautiful Syracuse, arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Syracuse ( Algila Charme Hotel).

June 2 Sun SIRACUSA (B, L)

Founded in the 8th century BC by colonizing Greeks, Siracusa (Syracuse) was one of the most powerful cities inMediterranean, rivaling the dominance of Athens. Cicero once described it as "the greatest Greek city and the mbeautiful of them all.

In the morning, tour Siracusas archeological highlights, including its Roman amphitheater, the Paradise rockquarry/garden and the largest Greek theater in Sicily.

After lunch at a local restaurant, take a walking tour around Syracuses delightful old town situated on the IslaOrtygia with its attractive lanes, the remains of the Temple of Apollo, Fountain of Aretusa, cathedral, etc.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Syracuse ( Algila Charme Hotel).

June 3 Mon SIRACUSA (cooking class & at leisure)(B, L, D)

Get your hands dirty in a private cooking class this morning hosted by a noble lady in her private palace. Learnsome of the regions delicious specialties and then enjoy them for lunch.

Afterwards, enjoy a delightful final afternoon to explore beautiful Ortygia independently.

Overnight in Syracuse ( Algila Charme Hotel).

June 4 Tue Siracusa | Catania Fly out(B)

Transfer in the morning to the Catania airport for outbound flights.

Cefalu, on the northern coast of the island.

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TOUR COST: $5,985 per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement : $1,195 Tour limited to 14 travelers .

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS:

Complete program of tours and excursions as described in the itinerary. Top hotels: 3 nights at theGrand Hotel Villa Igiea in Palermo, 2 nights at theMetropole Maison DHotes in Taormina, and 3

nights at the Algila Charme Hotel in Siracusa. All meals as noted in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). House wines, beer, bottled water, and soft drinks included at all lunches and dinners, plus bottled water on all excursions Baggage handling and airport transfers in Sicily on arrival and departure. Gratuities to all guides, drivers, porters, and wait staff for group meals. Open Sky Expeditions owner Alex Ros as your personal host and Tour Leader. Excellent English-speaking guides throughout. A detailed and useful Destination and Travel Information Packet including a recommended reading list to assist with pre

departure planning. A complimentary travel wallet and personalized travel notebook with your final documents.

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare. Tourist entry visas, reciprocity fees, passport fees, and photos if required. Medical, accident, baggage, or cancellation insurance. Personal items and other expenses not specifically mentioned in the program inclusions.

Top row: the 5th century B.C. Doric-style Temple at Segesta, irresistible Sicilian cannoli sweets, a tasty pasta lunch.Bottom row: taking in the vista in Cefalu, spring flowers on the coast, behind the scenes at a family-owned restaurant.

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OPTIONAL EXTENSION IN SOUTHERN SICILY :

June 4 Tue Siracusa | NOTO | MODICA | RAGUSA(B, L)

Travel through the beautiful baroque towns of southeastern Sicily today.

Take a morning stroll in Noto, admiring its lovely Baroque architecture.

Visit beautiful Modica and enjoy a special chocolate-making demonstration & tasting at a local chocolate factory

After lunch at a local restaurant, head for an afternoon visit to lovely Ragusa a UNESCO World Heritage Sitea wide limestone hill between two deep valleys.

Check in this evening at our intimate hotel in the countryside near Ragusa,Eremo della Giubiliana .

June 5 Wed Ragusa | CALTAGIRONE | PIAZZA ARMERINA | Ragusa(B, L)

In morning, travel to the hilltop town of Caltagirone, world-famous for its pottery, where a local artisan will shohow the regions colorful Majolica ceramics are made. Spend some time on your own and shopping in the tinystores.

After lunch, proceed to Piazza Armerina to see the stunning floor mosaics at the Roman Villa del Casale.

Return to Ragusa.

Overnight near Ragusa (Eremo della Giubiliana ).

June 6 Tue Ragusa | AGRIGENTO(B, L)Drive to Agrigento this morning, home to one of the islands most captivating Greek ruins.

After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the famous Valley of the Temples including the exceptionally well-preservedth

century BC Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Hera, with superb views of the Mediterranean below. Contthe Archeological Museum, arguably the best on the island, with its impressive collection of Bronze Age & Greeartifacts.

Overnight in Agrigento (Hotel Villa Athina)

June 7 Wed Agrigento | SELINUNTE | Mazara del Vallo(B, L)

After breakfast, depart Agrigento for the archeological site of Selinunte. Tour the site featuring Doric-style Greektemples and ruins dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.

Enjoy lunch near Selinunte overlooking the Mediterranean.Continue to seaside Mazara del Vallo for the night.

Overnight in Mazara del Vallo (Kempinsky Hotel ).

The cost of this extension will depend on the number of travelers interested. Please contact Open Sky Expeditions for further

information: info@openskyexpeditions.com | 800.978.8890 or +1.347.770.6736.

From left to right : baroque facades in Noto, the bikinis girls mosaic in Piazza Armerina, Greek temples in Agrigento, and in Selinunte.

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HOTELS ON MAIN ITINERARY:

YOUR HOST AND TOUR LEADER:

Alex Rosis the founder and President ofOpen Sky Expeditions. A Harvardgraduate who speaks six languages andhas traveled to over 70 countries, Alexhas extensive in-depth knowledge ofthe high-end travel business. Prior to

founding Open Sky, for over eight yearshe directed dozens of internationalprograms for one of the worlds topoperators of high-caliber educationalprograms aboard small ships. Among

Alexs unique experiences, he has conducted reconnaissancemissions to over fifteen countries in Africa alone, and haspersonally led hundreds of travelers on scores of internationaltours. Alex speaks Italian and has been leading tours to Sicily since2003an island that hell unabashedly tell you is his favorite placein the entire Mediterranean.

ABOUT OPEN SKY EXPEDITIONS:

Open Sky Expeditions is a boutique international tour operaspecialized in expertly crafted journeys for select travelethroughout the Americas, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Itour mission to deliver unique, in-depth, and meaningful travexperiences to the most discerning clients. We have first-ha

and on-the-ground knowledge of all our travel destinationand work only with top-rated providers with a proven recof outstanding performance. Excellence in tour design animplementation is our top commitment.

See www.OpenSkyExpeditions.com for more information.

GRAND HOTEL VILLA IGIEAPALERMO

Palermos premier 5-star hotelelegant, distinguished, & brilliantlylocated facing the bay of Palermo.

METROPOLE MAISON DHOTESTOARMINA

An amazing boutique hotel,extremely well reviewed, withspectacular views of the Strait ofMessina.

ALGILA ORTIGIA CHARME HOTELSIRACUSA

Siracusas top-rated, exquisitelydesigned boutique hotel, on thebeautiful and historic island ofOrtigia.

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REGISTRATION: Please call Open Sky Expeditions at (800) 978-8890 or +1 (347) 770-6736 to inquire about availability. Upon confirming availability, we will send you a one-pageRegistration Form by email or fax that you will need to return sign

along with your deposit.

A deposit of $900 per person will hold your place on the tour (payable by check or credit card). Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure (on March 26, 2013) and is payable by check only.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Responsibility : Open Sky Expeditions acts only as an agent for the independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportatsightseeing, activities, and other services connected with this tour. Said services are subject to the terms and conditions of the respeprovider. Open Sky Expeditions and its employees, agents, representatives, and assignees accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damagloss, accident, delay, or any other occurrence that might result from the negligence, defect, error or default of any company or personperformance of said services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, cancellations, or expenses of any kind due to sicweather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws, or other situations of force majeure. All serviceaccommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Open Sky Expeditions is not responsiblany baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in any of the tours and activities arranged by Open Sky Expeditions. Allare responsible for purchasing their respective insurance policy(ies) to cover expenses and handle emergencies associated with the loss oluggage, personal effects and any other insurable losses associated with their trip.

Payment Schedule : A deposit of $900 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour and may be paid by check or credit card athe address or fax number listed on the registration form. Final payment is due 60 days before departure and is payable by check oncredcards are not accepted for final payment) .

Cancellation Policy : All requests for cancellations must be made in writing. All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject toper person administrative fee. Additionally, travelers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, incluairlines and hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received 61-90 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 25% of the total pcost per person. Cancellations received within 46-60 days will be penalized 50% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 31-4will be penalized 75% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 30 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 100% ofprogram cost. These cancellation policies apply in every instance and no exceptions will be made.

Refunds : Leaving a trip in progress for any reason whatsoever will not result in a refund. No refunds will be made for any part of thewhich a traveler may choose to not participate, including but not limited to hotels stays, air or land transportation, meals, tours orsightseeing arrangements.

Insurance : Travelers with Open Sky Expeditions must carry overseas medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverWe strongly recommend purchase of a comprehensive policy that also includes trip cancellation insurance covering illness or accident bprior and during the program as well as coverage for baggage loss or delay. Details on all of these insurance options will be sent toyour pre-departure information materials. Please take extra care reading the section on insurance and as well as all third party insurmaterials.

Itinerary : The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change or modification at the discretion of Open Sky ExpediEvery reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned, but changes may still occur after the final itinerary is sent tobooking a reservation with Open Sky Expeditions, travelers understand that amenities, types of transport, routes, schedules, and itinerariemay change without prior notice due to circumstances or events in the location due to, but not limited to, mechanical breakdowns,cancellations, illness, strikes, weather, political disputes, border crossing problems and other unforeseen factors.

Rates : Open Sky Expeditions will do everything possible to preserve the prices listed in the original marketing materials you receive. Hbetween the dates these prices are published and the trips actual departure date, unforeseen and exceptional cost increases may occur due tcurrency fluctuations, taxes, airfare and transport cost increases, or others that may force Open Sky Expeditions to assess a surcharge. Iunusual occurrence were to take place, the assessed surcharge will reflect only the specific cost increase. If the increase were to exceed 10the original cost of the tour, you may cancel within 10 days of receiving said notification and obtain a full refund.

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Open Sky Expeditions35 Journal Square, Suite 472Jersey City, NJ 07306

www.OpenSkyExpeditions.com

SICILY: Island of Light | Crossroads of C

Tour code:ITA

1Open Sky Expeditions

1.800.978.8890 | +1.347.770.67