2014 Study Abroad-Sicily

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<I><B>Sicily: A Cultural Journey</B></I></div> <div> <I>"Exploring Cultural Traditions and Modernity"</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id300_m.htm#a_portrait_of_sicily" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="2014 Study AbroadSicily"><U>A Portrait of Sicily</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id300_m.htm#itinerary" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="2014 Study AbroadSicily"><U>Travel Itinerary</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id300_m.htm#hotels" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="2014 Study AbroadSicily"><U>Hotels</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id300_m.htm#download_brochure_and_excursions_below" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="2014 Study AbroadSicily"><U>Download Brochures</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id300_m.htm#important_travel_links" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="2014 Study AbroadSicily"><U>Important Travel Links</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id300_m.htm#downloadable_handouts" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="2014 Study AbroadSicily"><U>Downloadable Handouts</U></A></div> <div> <A 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ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> ___</div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="a_portrait_of_sicily"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I><I><B>A Portrait of Sicily</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Historical Overview</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Sicily's history can be traced back more than 3,000 years, and has been dominated by many different rulers, from the Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, the Normans and the Spanish. Each suceeding culture has left marks on the island that may help explain aspects of the modern Sicilian character. There is a history of a diverse inheritance among the people from this island.</div> <bR> <div>  In at least two significant periods, artists and scientists played a leading role in the long and eventful history of Sicily.  Sicily was home to the great Syracusan scientist, Archimedes, born in Syracuse in 287 BC who was on intimate terms with the ruler Hieron II during his time. Because of the ingenious machines of war invented by Archimedes, the city was able to resist Roman siege for three years.  The second great period in history is reported to have been under the rule of Frederick II in Palermo as under his reign Palermo became famous for having great artists, poets and architects.</div> <bR> <div> Sicily is the largest region in Italy and the third most populated, with more than five million inhabitants. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and is reported to be its focal point. Mount Etna resides on Sicily, and is the largest active volcano in Europe.  The longest river is the Salso, which is 89 miles long.  The region of Sicily includes other smaller islands: the Aeolian Islands, Ustica, the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria and the Pelagie Islands. </div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I><B>Palermo</B></I></FONT><I><B> </B></I>is the Sicilian regional capital, with a population of almost 650,000 people.  It is the fifth largest city in Italy after Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin. Palermo became a leading center for intellectuals. <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I><B>Taormina,</B></I></FONT> situated on a mountaintop overlooking the Ionian Sea, is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. <I>Greta Garbo</I>, frequently vacationed in Taormina.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>The Island</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Sicilian shores are bordered by three different seas: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian and Ionian</I>. </FONT> This is reflected in the island's ancient name for Sicily: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>"Trinacria." </I></FONT>The Western side of the island, centered around Palermo, has a Punic-Arab influence; while the eastern side was once the center of Magna Graecia, with the coastal towns of <I>Messina, Catania and Syracuse.</I> This difference may be seen in the speech of the local people: the "sing-song" dialect of Palermo as opposed to the more clipped accent of Catania and Syracuse.  These accents are still noticeable.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Culture, Art, Literature & Society</B></I></div> <bR> <div> The Sicilian people have a strong sense of identity.  But today, this society struggles with tradition and modernity, much more so than other Mediterranean regions. It is reported that Sicilian society is attempting to reconcile newer lifestyles and outlooks with deeply rooted age-old customs.</div> <bR> <div> The criminal organization, most notably known as <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>"the Mafia"</I></FONT> has been one of the focal points of study by sociologists and criminologists.  Scholars have attempted to understand and define their organizational  structure for decades.  How did this organization come into existence? Was is an anti-government movement whose leaders played on the strong feelings of independence and diversity which have always characterized Sicily? Is the Mafia the tool of the remaining large estate owners, who once dominated the island and are determined to retain power?  Is it a combination of all of these questions?  Eliminating the Mafia, has been one of Sicily's greatest challenges though they have been successful in diluting their power and eradicating many of its leaders.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" >For more than 3,000 years, Sicily has inspired the creation of artistic masterpieces, from the architecture of Magna Graecia to the great medieval cathedrals, from the paintings of Antonello da Messina to the music of Vincenzo Bellini; and, from the birth of Italian literature under Frederick II to the poets and novelists of the 19th and 20th centuries.</FONT> <I><B>Artist</B></I> <I>Antonello da Messina</I>, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" >is considered one of the great figures in 15th century rationalism and portraiture, and the modern painter </FONT><I>Renato Guttuso </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" >is also highly regarded</FONT><I>.</I></div> <bR> <div> Sicily continued to be in the forefront for<I><B> literature</B></I> in the 20th century, with the first half dominated by <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>Luigi Pirandello</I></FONT><I> </I>(1867-1936) who won the <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>Nobel Prize for Literature</I> </FONT>in 1934. The hermetic poet <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>Salvatore Quasimodo </I></FONT>(1901-1968), author of the collection of poems (<I>And Suddenly It's Evening, 1942)</I> won the <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>Nobel Prize </I></FONT>in 1959.<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I> Leonardo Sciascia</I></FONT> (1921-1989), wrote novels and essays painting a penetrating, lively portrait of post-war Sicily.</div> <bR> <div> Sicily has influenced<I><B> </B></I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I><B>cinema and theatre</B></I></FONT><I><B> </B></I>worldwide and has been at the center of some of it, including the portrayal of the Mafia in the <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>"Godfather."  </I><I><B>Ancient theater</B></I></FONT> in Sicily boasts the great genius, <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>Aeschylus </I></FONT>(525-456 BC), as its adoptive father.  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I>Aeschylus</I></FONT> is regarded as the inventor of Greek tragedy and spent long periods in Sicily and died here. A number of his works were first produced in  Syracuse (<I>Agamemnon</I>).</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Sicilian architecture</B></I> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" >consists of classical, medieval and baroque as reflected by the periods. </FONT> <I>Classical architecture</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" ><I> </I>consists of the time of Greek occupation, when monumental works, especially temples and theaters, were built. Aesthetically, they were often equal to, and in some cases superior to those in Greece itself.   The </FONT><I>medieval period </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" >witnessed the fusion of the Byzantine, Arab and Norman styles in such buildings as the Duomo at Monreale near Palermo.  Last came the flowering of </FONT><I>Baroque architecture</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Calisto MT" > in the 17th-18th centuries. The style is considered so unique that it became known as </FONT><I>Sicilian Baroque</I>.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>___</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="itinerary"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Itinerary</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Day 1</B></div> <div> <B>Overnight Flight to Sicily</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 2</B></div> <div> <B>Arrival in Palermo</B></div> <div> <I>Touchdown in Milan or Rome and then fly to Palermo, Sicily's capital and chief port.</I></div> <div> <I>Enjoy a free day until dinner.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 3</B></div> <div> <B>Palermo and Monreale</B></div> <div> <I>Enjoy a guided tour of bayside Palermo. Visit the Palermo Cathedral and</I></div> <div> <I> see the artwork in the Capella Palatina. Visit Monreale and the magnificent Norman </I></div> <div> <I>Cathedral whose mosaics are comparable of those of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 4</B></div> <div> <B>Enjoy a free day in Palermo or </B></div> <div> <B>Join us for the excursion to Erice and Segesta</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>In your free time, visit the spectacular art collection in the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia. </I></div> <div> <I>Study the eclectic mix of architectural styles in the duomo. Shop amid </I></div> <div> <I>the open-air stalls of the Vucciria market or visit the Marionette Museum. </I></div> <div> <I>Enjoy the gelato (the italian-style ice cream or sorbet), which was invented in Palermo.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Optional Excursion to Erice and Segesta</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>Journey to western Sicily to visit the ancient ruins of Segesta.  </I></div> <div> <I>See the magnificent Doric temple and an ancient Greek theater.  Visit the well-preserved </I></div> <div> <I>villageof Erice, perched on the summit of Monte San Giullano. </I></div> <div> <I>See the relics and its Phoenician walls to its norman castles.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 5</B></div> <div> <B>Agrigento</B></div> <div> <I>Travel south through the Sicilian countryside to Atrigento. Enjoy a guided tour of its </I></div> <div> <I>fascinating Greek ruins. Continue on to Syracuse and arrive in time for dinner.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 6</B></div> <div> <B>Syracuse</B></div> <div> <I>Syracuse rivaled Athens and Rome for political power and cultural importance. </I></div> <div> <I> Plato considered it a model for the ideal city.  On your guided tour you will visit the </I></div> <div> <I>Archeological Park to see the most complete ancient Greek theater in existence. </I></div> <div> <I>This is the theater in which Aeschylus premiered many of his works.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Tour the massive Paradise Quarry and gardens, featuring the cave that Caravaggio dubbed</I></div> <div> <I> "The Ear of Dionysius" based on its unique acoustics. Also visit an ancient</I></div> <div> <I> Roman amphitheater. Visit the island of Ortygia and take a guided walking tour of</I></div> <div> <I> the beautiful old city of Syracuse. Highlights include the 6th century </I></div> <div> <I>Temple of Apollo, the Duomo and the harbor-front fountain.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 7</B></div> <div> <B>Free Day in Syracuse</B></div> <div> <B>Excursion to Sicilian Manor House</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>For a free day in Syracuse, consider visiting the Archaeological Museum </I></div> <div> <I>or unusual Papyrus Museum or other sites not on the itinerary.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Or, opt for the excursion to a traditional Sicilian Manor House, owned and operated </I></div> <div> <I>by a sicilian contessa.  Emjoy appetizers, a gourmet meal, desserts and a tour</I></div> <div> <I> of the farm's facilities.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 8</B></div> <div> <B>Taormina</B></div> <div> <I>Journey past the city of Catania and Mount Etna to Taormina, situated on the island's northern point. Take a sightseeing tour and see the Duomo, the Corso Umberto I and the Palazzo Corvaia, seat of the first Sicilian parliament.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Visit the town's 2nd-century Greek theater, whose stunning location overlooks the coast with Mount Etna in the background.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Optional Excursion </B></div> <div> <B>Traditional Sicilian Dinner and Wine Tasting</B></div> <div> <I>Venture into the foothills surrounding Mt. Etna for dinner and a wine tasting at a local vineyard.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 9</B></div> <div> <B>Free Day in Taormina</B></div> <div> <I>Consider visiting the town's 14th and 15th century palaces and anything else you have on your itinerary.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Optional Excursion</B></div> <div> <B>Hidden Sicily</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>Visit traditional Siciliam villages that served as sets for Francis Ford Coppola's The godfather.  Visit Savoca and tour the Church of St. lucia and the Bar Vitelli, walk through this medieval village and marvel at its 15th century buildings and the city's panoramic views of the mediterranean sea. Continue on to Forza d'Agro, another hidden city and visit the Church of the Annunciation.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 10</B></div> <div> <B>Free Day in Taormina</B></div> <div> <I>Enjoy another free day in Taormina.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Optional Excursion</B></div> <div> <B>Mount Etna</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>Enjoy travel to the base of Mount Etna, Europe's largest and highest active volcano. Board a bus with tour guide and ascend up to 5,000 feet, stopping at a scenic vantage point and learn about the mountain's long history.  Continue up to 6,600 feet where you will have free time to walk among the volcanic craters and peruse mountainside shops before sampling local delicacies and lunch.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 11</B></div> <div> <B>Home or Extended Stay in Rome</B></div> <div> <I>Depart for Home or Join us for an extended stay in Rome.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Transfer to Catania's airport to board your flight to Rome. </I></div> <div> <I>Check into hotel and experience sightseeing tour of Rome.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Optional Excursion</B></div> <div> <B>Imperial Rome</B></div> <div> <I>Follow in the footsteps of Rome's emperors through the city's imperial landmarks. </I></div> <div> <I>Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, Roman forum and more.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Day 12</B></div> <div> <B>Free Day in Rome</B></div> <div> <I>Enjoy a free day in Rome to see sights on your personal itinerary.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Optional Excursion</B></div> <div> <B>Vatican City</B></div> <div> <I>Take a guided tour of the Vatican.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Dinner with Tenors</B></div> <div> <I>End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. Hear some of opera's best loved arias and join the singers on stage. An evening of food, entertainment and fun.</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Day 13</B></div> <div> <B>Depart for Home</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>____</I></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="hotels"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Hotels</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Palermo, Italy</B></div> <div> Jun 6, 2014 – Jun 9, 2014 </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-5932-mercure-palermo-centro/index.shtml" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-5932-mer"><U><B><U>Mercure Palermo Centro</U></B></U></A><A HREF="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-5932-mercure-palermo-centro/index.shtml" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-5932-mer"><U><B><U> </U></B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Hotel Mercure </div> <div> Via Mariano Stabile, 112 </div> <div> 90100 Palermo, Italy </div> <div> Phone: +39 091 324 911 </div> <div> ___</div> <bR> <div> <B>Siracusa, Italy</B></div> <div> Jun 9, 2014 – Jun 12, 2014 </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.villapoliti.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.villapoliti.com/"><U><B><U>Grand Hotel Villa Politi</U></B></U></A><A HREF="http://www.villapoliti.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.villapoliti.com/"><U><B><U> </U></B></U></A></div> <div> <I>**Frequented by Heads of State, Winston Churchill,</I></div> <div> <I> Pope Pall II and other dignitaries.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/asCzKrb14eM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </I></div> <bR> <div> Via M. Politi, 2 </div> <div> 96100 Siracusa, Italy </div> <div> Phone: +39 0931 412 121 </div> <bR> <div> ___</div> <bR> <div> <B>Marina d'Agro', Italy</B></div> <div> Jun 12, 2014 – Jun 15, 2014 </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.baiataormina.com/en/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.baiataormina.com/en/"><U><B> Baia Taormina Grand Plaza Hotel and Spa </B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Taormina Riviera </div> <div> Via Nazionale 39 </div> <div> 98030 Marina d'Agro', Italy </div> <div> Tel. (+39) 0942.756 292/3/4</div> <div> Fax (+39) 0942.756603</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rome, Italy</B></div> <div> Jun 15, 2014 – Jun 17, 2014 </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.hotelpresident.com/en/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hotelpresident.com/en/"><U><B>BW Hotel President</B></U></A><A HREF="http://www.hotelpresident.com/en/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hotelpresident.com/en/"><U><B> </B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Via Emanuele Filiberto 173 </div> <div> 00185 Rome, Italy </div> <div> Phone: +39 06 44875219 </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="download_brochure_and_excursions_below"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Download Brochure and Excursions Below:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Brochure</B></div> <div> <B> <a href="HTMLobj-3684/2014_Brochure.Sicily.pdf"><u>2014_Brochure.Sicily.pdf</u> </a>  </B></div> <div> <B>Excursions</B></div> <div> <B> <a href="HTMLobj-3685/2014_Sicily.Excursions.pdf"><u>2014_Sicily.Excursions.pdf</u> </a>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>___</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="important_travel_links"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>IMPORTANT TRAVEL LINKS</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>CIA-World Fact Book</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> (Download Fact Sheet and Map for Country to Be Visited)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications"><U><U>Italy</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications"><U> </U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/"><U><B><U>Exchange Rates</U></B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/"><U> </U></A></FONT></div> <div> (Get Exchange Rates)</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://travel.state.gov/content/passport"><U><B><U>Passport Services</U></B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.state.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.state.gov/"><U><B><U>US Department of State</U></B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.state.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.state.gov/"><U> </U></A></FONT></div> <div> (Download Background Notes and Library of Congress Country Study)</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/italy.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://travel.state.gov/content/passport"><U><B>Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4033.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4033.ht"><U><B>See Factsheet for Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://travel.state.gov/content/passport"><U><B>See Traveler's Checklist</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="https://step.state.gov/step/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://step.state.gov/step/"><U><B>Register with State Department in Smart Traveler Before Departure</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://usembassy.state.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://usembassy.state.gov/"><U><B>US Embassies</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italy.usembassy.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italy.usembassy.gov/"><U><B>U.S. Embassy Rome</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Via V. Veneto 119/A</div> <div> Rome, Italy</div> <div> Telephone +(39) 06-46741 </div> <div> Emergency After-Hours Telephone +(39) 06-46741 </div> <div> Fax +(39) 06-4674-2217 </div> <div> Email <U>uscitizensrome@state.gov</U></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="study_requirements"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Study Requirements</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Pre-Tour Study Questions </B></div> <bR> <div> In preparation for our pre-tour orientation meetings, students are asked to write a brief one page paper on: </div> <bR> <div> 1. What do you expect to learn on tour? </div> <bR> <div> 2. How do you think this tour will contribute to your overall understanding of Silician culture and society? </div> <bR> <div> 3.  What is your specific study question for this tour?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Pre-Tour Online Study </B></div> <bR> <div> Participants will be required to visit at least 10 online related learning links on the course website </div> <div> in preparation for the study abroad tour.</div> <bR> <div> <B>On-Tour Study Questions </B></div> <bR> <div> In addition to crafting your own related study question, students are asked to address the following </div> <div> questions, while on tour, culminating in a summary reaction paper at the conclusion of the tour. </div> <bR> <div> 1.  Provide an historical overview of Sicily. What are the classical cultural traditions of Sicily?</div> <bR> <div> 2.  What are the struggles between the old classical cultural traditions and the newer modern Sicily?  What has been lost and what has been gained?</div> <bR> <div> 4. What scholars and recognized individuals have lived or traveled to Sicily?</div> <bR> <div> 5<B>. </B>In your opinion and from your study and observations, what are the interconnected cultural  similarities?</div> <div>     What are the cultural differences as compared to the United States? </div> <bR> <div> 6.<B> </B>Based on your observations combined with lectures from your tour guides and educators, describe what </div> <div>     you found most interesting and significant about Sicilian society and culture on all levels? </div> <bR> <div> 7.<B> </B>Describe your individual study tour question and provide your response to it. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Develop Summary Reflection Paper at Conclusion of Tour </B></div> <bR> <div> Students will be required to develop a summary report of their travel, answering the specific study tour questions, along with their own specified question upon completion of the tour. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id216.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Student Commentaries"><U><I><B>Please click here to see examples of reports prepared by previous students. </B></I></U></A><A HREF="id216.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Student Commentaries"><U> </U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Other Requirements and Study Tour Information </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Students will participate in many half-day orientation meetings during the spring semester and </div> <div> prior to the departure date of the trip. Students are also required to purchase travel journals and travel books</div> <div>  on countries to be visited. </div> <bR> <div> At orientation, students are provided with a comprehensive packet of information which includes country</div> <div> profiles, tips for traveling abroad, maps, U.S. State Department Guidelines and profiles, CIA Fact Book</div> <div> profiles, Center for Disease Control alerts, Embassy Consular Information Sheets, flight information and</div> <div> baggage requirements, customs requirements, pertinent fact sheets and maps on countries, and more. </div> <div> Students also view video presentations of the countries to be visited during meetings. </div> <bR> <div> As indicated, during the study tour, participants will keep a written and photographic journal of their </div> <div> travel and experiences. Upon arrival abroad, our study tour group joins 2-3 small groups from other colleges</div> <div> and universities, in the U.S., Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other surrounding territories. Students interface with </div> <div> guest educators serving as lecturers and licensed tour guides during the day for the sites visited. They also </div> <div> interact with the on site Tour Director who travels and stays with the group 24 hours a day. Tour directors</div> <div> comprise educators taking the summer to travel and direct tours. They are highly trained in their professions</div> <div> and are usually from the country visited; they also are bilingual and speak the language(s) of the countries</div> <div> visited. </div> <bR> <div> At dinner, students spend time in dialogue with the professor discussing the events of the day and what </div> <div> was learned and experienced. This time also is spent planning the next day's itinerary of sites to be visited</div> <div> in our free time; that is, sites not on the itinerary. </div> <bR> <div> Students also get the opportunity to experience the culture of the country through concerts, theater and </div> <div> more. When time permits, concerts, theater, and other events are scheduled in advance. </div> <bR> <div> Study tour participants receive perks and awards from Go Ahead-EF Educational Tours, such as, backpacks, luggage tags, travel journals and an international telephone calling card to contact home and family frequently. Students also receive a certificate of completion for study abroad. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> _____</div> <bR> <div> <B>Suggested Discussion Topics for your Travel Journal </B></div> <bR> <div> • The cities, towns, and sites you visited. </div> <div> • Things you encountered for the first time. </div> <div> • Interactions and conversations with people native to the Country. </div> <div> • Similarities and differences between your country and the country you are visiting. </div> <div> • Describe a foreign custom or tradition that is different from your usual way of life. </div> <div> • How the tour staff and your guides are impacting your learning. </div> <div> • How your travels and what you have experienced impacts your understanding of global issues, the  importance of creating world peace, human rights, and the concept of building a world community. </div> <div> • Any comments you can make on culture and behavior, values, customs, characteristics of people. </div> <div> • What are the differences in art and architecture? </div> <div> • What are the most popular newspapers and news shows? Movies? News stories? </div> <div> • Compare the transportation system in the country you are visiting with that of the U.S.? </div> <div> • Who are the famous world scholars that reside in this country? What significant contributions</div> <div>    have they made? </div> <div> • Pick a scholar or artist from the places you visited and describe the highlights of their career. </div> <div> • For those studying psychology, who are the important psychological scientists residing in these</div> <div>    countries that have contributed to the body of knowledge in the field? </div> <div> • What particular insights and leadership skills are you taking back home with you as a result of </div> <div>    your study abroad. </div> <div> • How has your perception of your home or culture, or of the people you know, changed during </div> <div>    the tour? </div> <div> • What was your favorite or memorable time or experience on the tour? </div> <div> • What will you now do differently upon your return home? </div> <div> • How will you contribute to your college, family, city, country and world? </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="downloadable_handouts"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Downloadable Handouts</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sicily: Preparing To Go</B></div> <div> <B> <a href="HTMLobj-4052/SICILY--Preparing_to_Go.pdf"><u>SICILY--Preparing_to_Go.pdf</u> </a>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica-Rome</B></div> <div> <B> <a href="HTMLobj-4053/San_Pietro_in_Vincoli_Basilica-Rome.pdf"><u>San_Pietro_in_Vincoli_Basilica-Rome.pdf</u> </a>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bellicard's Italian Notebook</B></div> <div> <B> <a href="HTMLobj-4054/Bellicard_s_Italian_Notebook_on_Ancient_and_Modern_Architecture.pdf"><u>Bellicard_s_Italian_Notebook_on_Ancient_and_Modern_Architecture.pdf</u> </a>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>18th Century View of Pannini's Watercolor-Gillies</B></div> <div> <B> <a href="HTMLobj-4055/18th_Century_Roman_View_of_Pannini_s_Watercolor-Gillies.pdf"><u>18th_Century_Roman_View_of_Pannini_s_Watercolor-Gillies.pdf</u> </a>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>World Citizens Guide</B></div> <div> <B><U> <a href="HTMLobj-4051/WorldCitizensGuide_1_.pdf"><u>WorldCitizensGuide_1_.pdf</u> </a>  </U></B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="related_learning_links"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Related Learning Links</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>CIA-World Fact Book</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> (Download Fact Sheet and Map for Country to Be Visited)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications"><U><U>Italy</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications"><U> </U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/"><U><B><U>Exchange Rates</U></B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/"><U> </U></A></FONT></div> <div> (Get Exchange Rates)</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://travel.state.gov/content/passport"><U><B><U>Passport Services</U></B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.state.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.state.gov/"><U><B><U>US Department of State</U></B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.state.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.state.gov/"><U> </U></A></FONT></div> <div> (Download Background Notes and Library of Congress Country Study)</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/italy.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://travel.state.gov/content/passport"><U><B>Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4033.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4033.ht"><U><B>See Factsheet for Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://travel.state.gov/content/passport"><U><B>See Traveler's Checklist</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="https://step.state.gov/step/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://step.state.gov/step/"><U><B>Register with State Department in Smart Traveler Before Departure</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://usembassy.state.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://usembassy.state.gov/"><U><B>US Embassies</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italy.usembassy.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italy.usembassy.gov/"><U><B>U.S. Embassy Rome</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Via V. Veneto 119/A</div> <div> Rome, Italy</div> <div> Telephone +(39) 06-46741 </div> <div> Emergency After-Hours Telephone +(39) 06-46741 </div> <div> Fax +(39) 06-4674-2217 </div> <div> Email <U>uscitizensrome@state.gov</U></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/italy" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations"><U><B>Italy-Traveler's Health-CDC</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>___</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Other Learning Links</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Historical Overview of Italy</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.exovedate.com/ancient_timeline_one.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.exovedate.com/ancient_timelin"><U><B>Ancient Roman History Timeline</B></U></A></div> <div> This site provides a chronology/index of the history of Ancient Rome with extensive Internet links.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.exovedate.com/ancient_timeline_one.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.exovedate.com/ancient_timelin"><U><B>Ancient Roman History Timeline</B></U></A></div> <div> Provides confronology/index of history of Ancient Rome with extensive Internet links.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/users/morford/augimage.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/users/morf"><U><B>Augustus: Images of Power</B></U></A></div> <div> Rome's first emperor. Site includes pictures of architecture and other works from Augustus' time.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.caprionline.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.caprionline.com"><U><B>Capri Island</B></U></A></div> <div> Site includes what to see, images and more.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://eawc.evansville,edu/chronology/extract.cgi?place=ro" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://eawc.evansville,edu/chronology/ex"><U><B>Chronology of Rome</B></U></A></div> <div> Another chronological index of happenings in ancient Rome.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications"><U><B>CIA- The World Factbook-Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> Contains demographic and other important information on Italy.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://cyberitalian.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://cyberitalian.com"><U><B>Cyber Italian</B></U></A></div> <div> An online Italian language course.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.italy_travels.us/milan-italy.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.italy_travels.us/milan-italy."><U><B>DaVinci's The Last Supper in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie-Milan, Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> Discusses the refurbished art by da Vinci on one of the most popular paintings in history.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://whc.unesco.org/sites/174.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://whc.unesco.org/sites/174.htm"><U><B>Historic Center of Florence</B></U></A></div> <div> An Overview of Florence.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italy1.com/history" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italy1.com/history"><U><B>History of Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> A historical overview of history.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0825664.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A082"><U><B>Italian Architecture</B></U></A></div> <div> On the architecture prevalent in Italy.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italiamia.com/art.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italiamia.com/art.html"><U><B>Italian Artists-Biographies</B></U></A></div> <div> Includes biographies of artists and museums.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italy1.com/literature/index.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italy1.com/literature/index.php"><U><B>Italian Literature: 13th & 14th Centuries</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italy1.com/literature/15_16_centuries.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italy1.com/literature/15_16_centu"><U><B>Italian Literature:  15th & 16th Centuries</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italy1.com/literature/17_18_centuries.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italy1.com/literature/17_18_centu"><U><B>Italian Literature:  17th *& 18th Centuries</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://italy1.com/literature/19_20_centuries.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://italy1.com/literature/19_20_centu"><U><B>Italian Literature: 19th & 20th Centuries.</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://goitaly.about.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://goitaly.about.com"><U><B>Italy for Visitors</B></U></A></div> <div> An excellent site on just about everything you want to know about Italy.  Includes maps of the various regions.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.italyflash.com/index.shtml" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.italyflash.com/index.shtml"><U><B>Italy in a Flash</B></U></A></div> <div> Includes information on transportation, weather, hotels, current issues, history and more.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.italiantourism.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.italiantourism.com"><U><B>Italy - Tourism in Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> Includes information on planning your trip, special interest, travel tips, FAQs, news about Italy, regional links, site map and more.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.italy-travels.us/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.italy-travels.us/index.htm"><U><B>Italy Travels</B></U></A></div> <div> An overvies on Rome, Venice, Milan, Naples and France.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://boris.volcanoetna.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://boris.volcanoetna.com"><U><B>Italy's Volcanoe</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/pope/etc/bio.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/"><U><B>John Paul II: The Millenial Pope</B></U></A></div> <div> A very thorough write-up and analysis of the life and contributions of Pope John Paul II.  Includes vidoe excerpts, interviews and biography of the Pope's life and legacy and more.  Live recordings of the Pope's voice in music, chant and songs.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120312-leonardo-da-vinci-mural-lost-painting-florence-science-world/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/"><U><B>Lost Leonardo da Vinci Mural Behind False Wall</B></U></A></div> <div> A National Geographic article on the lost art of Da Vinci.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm"><U><B>Official Vatican Site</B></U></A></div> <div> The official site of the Vatican.  Includes links to the Vatican secret archives, the library, museums, the listing of canonized Saints, news and more.  Also includes the Pope's messages and liturgies.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.iblio.org/wm/paint/auth/veronese" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.iblio.org/wm/paint/auth/veron"><U><B>Paolo Veronese</B></U></A></div> <div> About the famous Venetian artist.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://whc.unesco.org/sites/395.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://whc.unesco.org/sites/395.htm"><U><B>Piazza del Duomo, Pisa</B></U></A></div> <div> Overview of Pisa with pictures.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.utm.edu/research/lep/p/plotinus.htw" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.utm.edu/research/lep/p/plotin"><U><B>Plotinus</B></U></A></div> <div> Includes a discussion of the work of Plotinus.  Nine treatises, metaphysics and cosmology, psychology and epistemology, ethics, taught in Rome until his death.  Know as the father of Neoplatonism.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.unc.edu/courses/rometech/public/content/art_handbook.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unc.edu/courses/rometech/publ"><U><B>Roman Technology Handbook</B></U></A></div> <div> A site about the tools and technology of ancient romans with related websites.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/s"><U><B>Sistine Chapel</B></U></A></div> <div> A Panoramic Virtual Visit.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.sorrentoinfo.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.sorrentoinfo.com"><U><B>Sorrento, Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> Pertinent information on Sorrento, including hotels, villas, and more.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/+1/it-ren" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/+1/it-re"><U><B>The Italian Renaissance (1420-1600)</B></U></A></div> <div> Art during the early and high renaissance periods.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.initaly.com/regions/regions.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.initaly.com/regions/regions.h"><U><B>Things To See In Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> An overview of many site seeing opportunities in Italy.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.travel.it/welcome.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.travel.it/welcome.html"><U><B>Travel Italy</B></U></A></div> <div> More travel guidelines for Italy.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.universalleonardo.org/index.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.universalleonardo.org/index.p"><U><B>Universal Leonardo</B></U></A></div> <div> Universal Leonardo is a programme aimed at deepening our understanding of Leonardo da Vinci through a series of European exhibitions (2006), scientific research and web-based resources.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.wineloverspage.com/italwineguide/brachetto.phtml" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wineloverspage.com/italwinegu"><U><B>Wines of Italy-Brachetto</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.winemag.com/March-2011/Sangiovese/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.winemag.com/March-2011/Sangio"><U><B>Wines of Italy-Sangiovese</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Rome</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://eawc.evansville.edu/pictures/ropage.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://eawc.evansville.edu/pictures/ropa"><U><B>Image Index of Rome</B></U></A></div> <div> A collection of pictures on Roman art, architecture, tools and more.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/pope/etc/bio.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/"><U><B>John Paul II: The Millenial Pope</B></U></A></div> <div> A very thorough write-up and analysis of the life and contributions of Pope John Paul II.  Includes vidoe excerpts, interviews and biography of the Pope's life and legacy and more.  Live recordings of the Pope's voice in music, chant and songs.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/michelangelo.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/a"><U><B>Michelangelo</B></U></A></div> <div> An overview of the life and works of Michelangelo.   In Rome, you will see his work in the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Church (the Dome and the Pieta). In Florence, in the Academy you will see David and many other sculptures; and, his tomb in the Church of Santa Croce, along with the tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli.  In Florence at the Uffizi, you will also find Michelangelo’s painting of the Holy Family. In Paris, you will see his work in the Louvre (The Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave (sculptures). Make sure you view the videos at the bottom of the page also on Italy.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm"><U><B>Official Vatican Site</B></U></A></div> <div> The official site of the Vatican.  Includes links to the Vatican secret archives, the library, museums, the listing of canonized Saints, news and more.  Also includes the Pope's messages and liturgies.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.unc.edu/courses/rometech/public/content/art_handbook.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.unc.edu/courses/rometech/publ"><U><B>Roman Technology Handbook</B></U></A></div> <div> A site about the tools and technology of ancient romans with related websites.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/s"><U><B>Sistine Chapel</B></U></A></div> <div> A Panoramic Virtual Visit.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/sistine-chapel-michelangelo-paintings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/a"><U><B>Sistine Chapel Michelangelo Paintings</B></U></A></div> <div> A detailed look at the paintings and scenes in the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://ireland.iol.ie/%7ECoolmine/typ/romans/intro.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://ireland.iol.ie/%7ECoolmine/typ/ro"><U><B>The Romans Page</B></U></A></div> <div> A site on the way of life of early Romans.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dalton.org/groups/Rome/index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dalton.org/groups/Rome/index."><U><B>The Rome Project</B></U></A></div> <div> Site on classical Rome, including literature,military, archaeology, political, philosophical, general, drama, reliogion, and more.  Also includes maps for printout.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.christusrex.org/www1/vaticano /O-Musei.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.christusrex.org/www1/vaticano"><U><B>The Vatican Museums</B></U></A></div> <div> Includes much detail on the Vatican Museums, including its collections.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Sicily</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art88.ht"><U><B>Aeschylus</B></U></A></div> <div> Known as the father of "Greek Tragedy" lived in Siracusa, Sicily.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofscility.com/mag/art77.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofscility.com/mag/art77.h"><U><B>Archimedes</B></U></A></div> <div> One of the greatest scientists in antiquity.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sicily/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sic"><U><B>Frommer’s Sicily</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/thinksicily/guide-to-sicily/sicilian-history/a-historical-overview-of-sicily.aspx" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/thin"><U><B>History of Sicily</B></U></A></div> <div> A historical overview of Sicily.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/In-Sicily-Defying-the-Mafia.html#ixzz2W7LwVmUa " TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-pla"><U><B>In Sicily, Defying the Mafia</B></U></A><B> </B></div> <div>  Fed up with extortion and violent crime, ordinary citizens are rising up against organized crime. A Smithsonian magazine article.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art425.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art425.h"><U><B>Kingdom and House of Two Sicilies</B></U></A></div> <div> Provides a history of the two Sicilies.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.villaromanadelcasale.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.villaromanadelcasale.org"><U><B>Piazza Armerina</B></U></A><A HREF="http://www.villaromanadelcasale.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.villaromanadelcasale.org"><U><B>-Villa Romania del Casale</B></U></A></div> <div> The Roman mosaics unearthed in the 19th century at Casale. 3 miles south of Piazza Armerina.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Pa-Sp/Sicilian-Americans.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Pa-Sp/"><U><B>Sicilian Americans</B></U></A></div> <div> An overview of the Sicilians living in America and some of their contributions.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/sicily/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/sic"><U><B>Sicily: Art and Invention between Greece and Rome</B></U></A></div> <div> An exploration of ancient masterpieces from the island of Sicily—crossroads of the Greek and Roman worlds.  An exhibition at the J. Paul Getty Museum. <I>Sicily: Art and Invention between Greece and Rome</I> presents 145 objects that bear witness to the athletic and military victories, religious rituals, opulent lifestyles, and intellectual attainments that shaped Classical culture at its peak.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/sicily.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/s"><U><B>Sicily</B></U></A></div> <div> The Italian tourism official website.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/sicily" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/sicily"><U><B>Sicily-Lonely Planet</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/sicily" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/sicily"><U><B>Sicily-The Guardian</B></U></A></div> <div> Everything you want to know about Sicily.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/sicily/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy"><U><B>Sicily Travel Guide</B></U></A></div> <div> Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with this guide’s top choices and insider tips.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/italy/sicily/34510/Sicily-travel-guide.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destin"><U><B>Sicily Travel Guide</B></U></A></div> <div> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/italy/sicily/34510/Sicily-travel-guide.html</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187886-Sicily" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1878"><U><B>Sicily-Trip Advisor</B></U></A></div> <div> Trip Advisor is the leading monitor of hotels and trips abroad. They evaluate and post the comments of travelers about the quality of hotels and places across the world.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.winecountry.it/regions/sicily/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.winecountry.it/regions/sicily"><U><B>Sicily: Wine Regions</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/sicily.htm#" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/count"><U><B>Sicily-World Atlas</B></U></A></div> <div> Many maps and descriptions of the Island, including flags, geography, related links and more.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://travelblog.goaheadtours.com/top-five-reasons-to-visit-sicily/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://travelblog.goaheadtours.com/top-f"><U><B>Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sicily</B></U></A></div> <div> There’s so much more to Sicily than ravioli, arancini, and fruit-infused granitas. Here, we present our top five non-culinary reasons to visit Sicily… ok, we couldn’t resist, and we had to call out our favorite Sicilian dessert. You can experience all of this and more on Go Ahead’s tour of Sicily.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofsicily.com/top12.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofsicily.com/top12.htm"><U><B>Top 12 Places to Visit in Sicily</B></U></A></div> <div> Provides some suggestions about the "must see" places to visit.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.expertoitaly.com/blog/news-and-offers/unesco-sites-of-sicily.html#.Ubp2amfD-1s" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.expertoitaly.com/blog/news-an"><U><B>UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sicily </B></U></A></div> <div> Italy has 44 UNESCO world heritage sites with six on the islands of Sicily. Sicily's world heritage sites include Baroque towns, archaeological sites, and volcanic islands. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Palermo</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art10.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art10.ht"><U><B>Orto Botanico--Botanical Gardens</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cattedrale-palermo.it" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cattedrale-palermo.it"><U><B>Palermo Cathedral</B></U></A></div> <div> History and Overview in Sicilian.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art417.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art417.h"><U><B>Palermo Cathedral</B></U></A></div> <div> Palermo's cathedral is known officially as "Santa Maria Assunta" or Saint Mary of the Assumption.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.teatromassimo.it/index_en.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.teatromassimo.it/index_en.php"><U><B>The Teatro Massimo Opera House in Palermo </B></U></A></div> <div> See programs and videos of performances on the website of this famous opera house.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://portale.unipa.it/internationalstudents" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://portale.unipa.it/internationalstu"><U><B>University of Palermo</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Siracusa (Syracuse)</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.madonnadellelacrime.it/eng_index.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.madonnadellelacrime.it/eng_in"><U><B>Our Lady of Tears Basilica and Shrine</B></U></A></div> <div> This shrine was built to honor the event of Mary's weeping from a picture that marked the history of Syracuse and brought the converence of numerous pilgrims from all over the world to honor the Blessed Mother, who with her prodigious weeping, had wished to once again like at Lourdes and at Fatima, recall the whole world to conversions and holiness of life.</div> <bR> <div> <B>View Video:</B></div> <div> <B>Our Lady of Tears Basilica and Shrine</B></div> <div> <B> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2czLSYaZ3g8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofsicily.com/siracusa.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofsicily.com/siracusa.htm"><U><B>Siracusa</B></U></A></div> <div> Overview of Syracuse.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/thinksicily/guide-to-sicily/towns-and-cities-in-sicily/syracuse.aspx" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/thin"><U><B>Syracuse</B></U></A></div> <div> The Sicilian city that defeated the mighty Athens.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.indafondazione.org/en" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.indafondazione.org/en"><U><B>Syracuse Ancient Theatre</B></U></A></div> <div>  The 2013 classical drama series at the ancient theatre in Syracuse runs from 11 May to 23 June with performances (in Italian) of Edipus Rex, Antigone and Women in Parliament.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art421.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art421.h"><U><B>The Jewish Quarters: Europe's Oldest Mikveh in the Giudecca, Syracuse</B></U></A></div> <div> The Bathing Rituals of the Jews in the historic Jewish Quarters</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Taormina </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.taormina-arte.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.taormina-arte.com/"><U><B>Taormina Greek Theatre</B></U></A></div> <div>  For summer 2013, the busy summer schedule at the Greek theatre in Taormina includes film festival screenings on 15-22 June, productions of the operas Rigoletto (7-9 July), Cavalleria Rusticana (8-12 August) and Pagliacci (10-14 August, concerts by Mark Knopfler (16 July) and Patti Smith (31 July) and much else. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.wunderbarcaffe.it/English/index.html#/news" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wunderbarcaffe.it/English/ind"><U><B>Wunderbar Caffe</B></U></A></div> <div> A favorite spot for the film stars and intellectuals.  Frequented by Liz Taylor, Richard Burton and others.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> _______</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="videos"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Videos</B></div> <bR> <div> Michelangelo, Copernicus and the Sistine Chapel</div> <div>  <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hTkZWnz8YJM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </div> <bR> <div> Traditional Sicilian Music</div> <div>  <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H9wmjGNFAI0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Trapani, Sicily-Italy</div> <div> <I><B> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0lEdT0cW-2Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></I></div> <bR> <div> Palermo, Sicily</div> <div> <I><B> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/outF3RJuJS0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cXkLS3Dis-E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c4kSpxg5e60" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TRUZ3JmQGTI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_Tn12MEu-jM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Anthony Bourdain-Sicily</B></div> <div> <B> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GcEXJo5h5_U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ku1wgYLNpzU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Andrew Graham-Dixon Back in Sicily, Caravaggio's Trail </div> <div> <B> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gO4-lLXcSKU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Our Lady of Tears Basilica and Shrine</B></div> <div> <B> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2czLSYaZ3g8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>  </B></div> </td> </tr></table></body>