Excursions
The following excursions are entirely OPTIONAL and SELF-PAID if you choose to participate in the tours listed below:
Day 2 – Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on November 11, 2024
Price: $135 US per person
(includes transportation, tour guide, does NOT include Pantheon admission ticket, and lunch - Asian cuisine with 8 dishes + soup)
"Rome wasn't built in a day." As the capital of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of Catholicism, Rome's history spans over two thousand years, permeating it with a unique character. It stands out in art, religion, architecture, and other cultural domains, serving as a cultural treasure trove that not only testifies to history but also allows future generations to witness this great cultural heritage.
- Colosseum: This site will feel familiar to many; it is the arena featured in the movie "Gladiator." Ancient Roman warriors continuously faced life and death within these walls, engaging in bloody battles to the cheers of the crowd, a sensation that can still be felt today.
- Rome City Tour:
- Pantheon: Originally built in 27 BC by the son-in-law of Augustus, this temple became a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the martyrs in 608 AD. The artist Raphael is also buried here.
- Spanish Steps: One of Rome's most sought-after tourist spots. The central Barcaccia Fountain dates back to the 16th century, and atop the steps is an Egyptian obelisk, a gift from Egypt. Behind it is the 15th-century Trinità dei Monti church, built by the French and featuring a façade completed by Carlo Maderno. The Gothic twin bell towers make it a prominent landmark.
- Four Rivers Fountain ~ Piazza Navona: This grand fountain features four massive stone sculptures surrounding a towering obelisk. The beauty of the fountain changes with the viewing angle, offering a different perspective with each look. The lively square is filled with painter stalls and street performers. This location also served as a primary filming site for the movie "Angels & Demons."
- Arch of Constantine: The most significant of Rome's three triumphal arches, it commemorates military victories. Seen from the Colosseum, it is primarily decorated with scenes of Emperor Marcus Aurelius' battles against the Dacians.
Day 3 – Palermo (Monreale), Italy on November 12, 2024
Price: $100 USD per person
(includes transportation, tour guide, and admission to the Cathedral; lunch NOT included)
Palermo, the capital and largest city of Sicily, as well as its principal port, was praised by Goethe as the most beautiful promontory in the world. Over the centuries, Palermo was ruled by various nations, and during the 10th century, it was occupied by the Arab Kingdom. This period marked its transformation into the world's most beautiful Arab city and the second largest city globally, representing the peak of its historical glory.
In the city of Palermo, you can visit churches built on former mosque sites during the Norman rule, featuring Islamic architectural elements such as domed roofs and intricate lattice windows. Notable attractions include the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace and the renowned Teatro Massimo, one of Europe's most famous opera houses.
Monreale
Known as "Monreale" in Sicilian, Monreale offers a panoramic view of Palermo and its harbor. It overlooks the fertile valley called "La Conca d'Oro" (The Golden Shell), famous for its production of citrus fruits, olives, and apricots.
★ Cathedral of Monreale
The Cathedral of Monreale on Royal Hill is renowned for its dazzling mosaics that depict stories from the Old and New Testaments, captivating visitors. The cloister garden with its finely carved columns is a masterpiece of Norman art.
Quattro Canti
The Four Corners, or Quattro Canti, is a notable intersection in Palermo where four buildings occupy each corner. Designed by architect Giulio Lasso during the Spanish rule, construction began in 1608 and took twelve years to complete.
Day 4 – La Valletta, Malta on November 13, 2024
Price: $100 USD per person
(includes walking tour, guide, and delicious pork ribs lunch)
Malta—Valletta (Lunch: Pork Ribs Specialty)
- Grandmaster's Palace: Located in Valletta, Malta, the Grandmaster's Palace was built in 1571. It served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller and later as the Governor's Palace during British rule. Today, it houses the Office of the President of Malta and the Parliament of Malta.
- The Upper Barrakka Gardens: This is one of Valletta's most beautiful parks, featuring several statues and offering a stunning view of the Grand Harbour. From here, you can also see the Three Cities, a trio of fortified cities built during the Middle Ages to defend against invaders.
- St. John's Co-Cathedral: One of the Roman Catholic cathedrals in Malta and a landmark of Valletta, this cathedral was designed by Maltese military architect Girolamo Cassar, who also designed several other significant buildings in Valletta.
Day 6 – Barcelona, Spain on November 15, 2024
Price: $135 USD per person
(includes transportation, guide, admission to Güell Park, and lunch featuring Catalan cuisine)
Barcelona (Lunch: Catalan Cuisine)
Barcelona, Spain's top tourist destination, exudes the unique character of an artist's city.Explore the renowned commercial shopping areas: ◎ La Rambla and ◎ Catalonia Square, to immerse yourself in a distinct European atmosphere.
◎ Sagrada Familia
Barcelona's globally renowned icon, the Sagrada Familia, commenced by the genius architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882 and remains unfinished to this day. It is the world's only structure to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site while still under construction. The Nativity Facade portrays the biblical story of Jesus' birth in meticulous detail.
★ Güell Park
Designed by the architectural virtuoso Gaudí, Güell Park features imaginative designsand vibrant ceramic tiles that imbue the architecture with boundless vitality and innovative spatial concepts, making it a marvel of the world.
◎ Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
One of Spain's greatest architectural feats by Gaudí, Casa Mila embodies the essence of naturalism with its structure devoid of straight lines and sharp angles. Gaudí's philosophy, "Straight lines belong to men, while curves belong to nature," is fully realized in the flowing spatial design of Casa Mila. Constructed from 1906 to 1910, Casa Mila was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Day 7 – Marseille (Provence), France on November 16, 2024
Price: $100 USD per person
(includes transportation, guide, does NOT include lunch)
Marseille (does NOT include lunch)
Marseille, a major Mediterranean port city in the Provence region, is also France's second-largest city and the third-largest metropolitan area. Founded by the ancient Greeks around 600 BC due to trade demands, Marseille was crucial in Europe's maritime history, serving as a gateway to Africa and even distant Asian countries. Early Chinese artists studying in France also landed in Marseille, making it a melting pot of cultures and a symbol of cultural diversity.
◎ Notre-Dame de la Garde Cathedral
Also known as the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, this cathedral sits atop the highest point in Marseille on the hill of La Garde. It watches over the Marseille port and all incoming and outgoing ships. Atop its 46-meter bell tower stands a golden statue of Mary, radiating compassion during the day and softly glowing with warmth even at night.
◎ Aix-en-Provence
Birthplace of the impressionist painter Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence is a city rich in urbancharm and artistic ambiance. Upon entering the city center, visitors encounter the famous ◎ Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue celebrated in Peter Mayle's "A Year inProvence." Enjoy the aromatic pleasures of outdoor cafes, experience the essence of French romance, and explore the ancient streets and alleys. Indulge in a delightful snack and coffee, savor the rich flavors of local cuisine paired with a glass of fine Provencal wine, allowing your taste buds to revel in the pleasures of gastronomy and the subtle joy of wine.
