itinerary sicily - Open Sky Expeditions

0 downloads 136 Views 5MB Size Report
Bottom photo on the front cover of Sicilian Men © Paul Montecalvo (see etsy.com/shop/PaulMontecalvophoto). Small photo
 

I T I N E R A R Y   SICILY     A   P H O T O G R A P H Y   J O U R N E Y   O N   T H E   I S L A N D   O F   L I G H T   M a r c h   2 5 -­‐ A p r i l   5 ,   2 0 1 8   |   d u r i n g   H o l y   W e e k     W I T H   P R O   P H O T O G R A P H E R   D A V I D   H .   W E L L S  

 

 

Join  us  in  Sicily,  an  island  of  light,  on  a  meticulously  crafted  itinerary  during  Holy  Week,  in  the  middle  of  the  spring  bloom!   Early  spring  on  Italy’s  largest  island  is  a  time  of  great  vitality.  Winter  has  receded:  the  almond  trees  blossom,  the  scent  of  orange   blossoms  fill  the  air,  and  fields  are  alive  with  pink  and  purple  clover,  yellow  mustard,  blue  flax,  and  bright  red  patches  of  poppies.  Sicily   has  woken.  The  energy  is  palpable:  in  the  fields,  in  the  cities,  and  in  the  incredible  warmth  of  the  locals.  Tiny  plums,  cherries,  and  paschal   lambs  appear  in  the  display  cases  of  pasticcerias.  And  in  the  old  quarters  of  the  island’s  medieval  cities,  a  week  of  processions  and   reenactments  culminates  in  the  bright  festivities  and  folk  dramas  of  Good  Friday  &  an  Easter  Sunday  inflected  with  ancient  traditions.   Experience  the  light  and  warmth  of  this  cultural  melting  pot  of  an  island  on  a  tour  especially  designed  for  the  photographer’s  eye.  

  HIGHLIGHTS:   • Discover  beautiful,  historic,  energy-­‐filled  Palermo  –  where  we’ll  stay  for  three  nights  in  the  old  Arab  quarter,  with  photo  walks  in   the  markets  and  port,  plus  key  sights  in  town  –  and  travel  to  nearby  Monreale  to  marvel  at  and  capture  its  incredible  mosaics.   • Explore  the  northwestern  corner  of  the  island  and  photograph  the  Greek  city  of  Segesta  in  its  stunning  setting,  hilltop  Erice  (often   shrouded  in  a  mysterious  veil  of  fog),  and  the  Marsala  salt  flats  in  late  afternoon  light.   • Experience  and  photograph  the  famed  Good  Friday  procession  in  Enna,  a  beautiful  off-­‐the-­‐beaten  path  mountaintop  town  in  the   center  of  the  island.     • Partake  of  and  photograph  Easter  celebrations  with  Sicilians  in  the  beautiful  Alcantara  Valley,  after  an  afternoon  exploring   imposing  the  striking  slopes,  lava  fields  and  vineyards  of  Mount  Etna.   • Enjoy  and  capture  the  essence  of  the  dolce  far  niente  (sweetness  of  doing  nothing)  in  enchanting  Taormina—which  Goethe  called  “a   corner  of  paradise”—  with  its  spectacular  views  of  Europe’s  largest  volcano.   • Absorb  the  beauty  of  historic  Siracusa  on  our  three  final  nights,  one  of  the  most  powerful  cities  of  antiquity,  with  its  archeological   treasures  and  lovely  old  town  of  Ortigia.   • Stay  in  deluxe  hotels  throughout  the  itinerary,  chosen  for  their  ambiance,  high  standards,  and  location  (all  within  walking  distance   from  the  top  areas  of  photographic  interest,  giving  us  ample  freedom  of  movement).   • Learn  from  travel  photography  veteran  and  photo  instructor  David  H.  Wells,  via  one-­‐on-­‐one  guidance  and  a  series  of  photography   workshops  throughout  the  trip.   • Travel  with  veteran  tour  leader  and  Sicily  expert  Alex  Ros,  the  owner  of  boutique  tour  company  Open  Sky  Expeditions,  who  is  fluent   in  Italian  and  a  photographer  himself.   • Absorb  the  knowledge  of  local  experts,  traveling  with  some  of  the  top  English-­‐speaking  guides  on  the  island  for  most  tours  and   joined  by  a  local  Sicilian  photographer  who’ll  show  us  her  insider  spots  on  select  days.   • Savor  amazing,  delicious  Sicilian  food,  enjoying  carefully  chosen  restaurants,  avoiding  the  big  tour  crowds.   • Relax  with  logistically  seamless,  hassle-­‐free  travel  –  tipping  included,  and  much  more  (see  tour  inclusions).   • Book  confidently  on  an  itinerary  developed  over  months  to  find  the  correct  pace  and  balance,  with  an  eye  toward  the  best  light  and   photography  opportunities.  

ITINERARY  OVERVIEW       March  25  Sun    

Depart  USA  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overnight  in:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palermo    

 

PALERMO  |  MONREALE      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palermo    

 

March  28  Wed   Palermo  |  ERICE  |  SEGESTA  |  MARSALA  SALT  FLATS  |  Palermo    

 

 

 

Palermo    

   

March  29  Thu  

PALERMO  |  CEFALU  

March  30  Fri  

Cefalu  |  GOOD  FRIDAY  PROCESSION  IN  ENNA  

March  26  Mon   Arrive  Palermo,  Italy   March  27  Tue  

 

 

 

 

 

Cefalu  

 

 

 

 

 

Enna  

March  31  Sat  

ENNA  |  HILLTOP  TOWNS  AROUND  ETNA  |  Taormina    

 

 

 

 

Taormina    

April  1  Sun  

TAORMINA  |  MT.  ETNA  |  EASTER  SUNDAY  in  the  ALCANTARA  VALLEY  |  Taormina  

 

Taormina  

April  2  Mon  

TAORMINA  |  SIRACUSA  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Siracusa  

April  3  Tue  

SIRACUSA  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Siracusa  

April  4  Wed  

Siracusa  |  NOTO  |  MARZAMEMI  |  Siracusa    

 

 

 

 

 

Siracusa  

April  5  Thu  

Siracusa  |  Fly  home  from  Catania    

 

  MAP  

 

 

 

 

 

MAIN  ITINERARY:        

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

 

 

                   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March  25  Sun  

Depart  Home  

 

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

 

  March  26  Mon   Arrive  Palermo,  Italy        

 

Arrive  Palermo  and  transfer  to  your  deluxe  hotel  on  arrival.  

 

 

Rest  and  enjoy  the  rest  of  the  day  at  leisure  after  the  overnight  flight.      

 

 

Gather  tonight  for  a  welcome  dinner  at  an  excellent,  non-­‐touristy  restaurant  Palermo.      

 

 

Overnight  in  Palermo  at  the  Eurostars  Central  Palace  or  Hotel  Ambasciatori.  (D)  

1

  March  27  Tue  

PALERMO  |  MONREALE       Optional  sunrise  walk  in  the  area  near  the  hotel,  before  breakfast,  likely  to  the  port.   Then,  after  breakfast:  Photography  tour  of  Palermo  visiting  key  city  attractions  (Piazza  Pretoria,  the  old  city  center,  La   Martorana),  and  highlighting  the  lively  Ballaro  Market  in  former  Arab  quarter  (wonderful  opportunities  to  shoot  the   characterful  sellers  offering  fresh  fish,  local  vegetables,  cheeses,  et.).   Enjoy  a  classic  Palermitano  lunch  at  a  local  popular  eatery  (an  insider’s  pick).   In  the  afternoon  travel  to  nearby  Monreale,  with  its  beautiful  panoramic  views  above  Palermo,  to  see  and  photograph   the  spectacular  mosaics  in  its  cathedral,  visit  the  Benedictine  Cloister,  and  enjoy  some  independent  time  to  explore.       Our  return  to  Palermo  will  timed  to  end  a  key  spot  for  sunset.     Remainder  of  the  day  at  leisure  (with  recommended  restaurants  for  dinner).  

 

 

 

 

 

Overnight  in  Palermo  at  the  Eurostars  Central  Palace  or  Hotel  Ambasciatori.  (B,  L)    

March  28  Wed   Palermo  |  ERICE  |  SEGESTA  |  MARSALA  SALT  FLATS  |  Palermo     Take  a  full-­‐day  excursion  out  to  the  northwestern  corner  of  the  island,  including:   th

A  morning  visit  to  the  majestically  set,  impressive  Greek  ruins  at  Segesta,  including  its  striking  5  century  BC  Doric-­‐ style  temple  and  the  theater,  with  its  sweeping  views  of  the  island.     Midday  to  early  afternoon  in  charming  Erice,  a  small  medieval  village  with  breathtaking  views  located  at  2,500  ft   altitude  –  including  a  visit  to  Maria  Grammatico’s  famous  pastry  shop  for  a  tasting  of  her  legendary  almond  cookies   and  marzipan  (centuries-­‐old  secret  recipes)  with  local  dessert  wines  and  liqueurs.    We’ll  enjoy  independent  time  to   photograph  the  attractive  town,  which  is  often  shrouded  in  a  mystical  fog,  and  also  plan  to  have  lunch  there.   In  the  late  afternoon,  timed  to  coincide  with  sunset,  we’ll  drive  to  the  Marsala  Salt  Flats,  a  striking  setting  for   photographs  in  late  afternoon  light.   Return  to  Palermo  for  the  remainder  of  the  day  at  leisure.        

 

Overnight  in  Palermo  at  the  Eurostars  Central  Palace  or  Hotel  Ambasciatori.  (B,  L)  

  March  29  Thu  

Palermo  |  CEFALU    

 

Those  interested  can  join  a  second  optional  early  morning  walk  in  the  historic  district  around  our  Palermo  hotel.  

 

 

After  check-­‐out  we’ll  then  head  east  out  of  Palermo  towards  Cefalu,  with  a  possible  stop  in  the  scenic  hilltop  town  of   Castelbuono  en  route.    

 

 

Arrive  in  postcard-­‐worthy  Cefalu  in  time  for  a  delightful  lunch  at  a  local  restaurant.    

 

Spend  the  rest  of  the  afternoon  exploring  the  relaxing,  scenic,  delightful  seaside  town  of  Cefalu  –  with  a  dedicated  late   afternoon/sunset  shoot  in  the  town.      

 

The  remainder  of  the  day  is  at  leisure.      

 

Today  is  intentionally  more  relaxed,  in  an  effort  to  find  balance  at  the  right  time  in  the  trip.  

 

 

Overnight  in  Cefalu  at  the  La  Plumeria  boutique  hotel  or  seaside  Hotel  Astro  Suites.  (B,  L)  

 

                                                                                                            1

 Palermo,  Cefalu  and  Taormina  each  list  one  of  two  hotels.  The  final  choice  will  mainly  depend  on  our  final  group  size  and  number  of  shared  rooms.    

March  30  Fri  

Cefalu  |  GOOD  FRIDAY  PROCESSION  IN  ENNA      

 

Flexible  early  to  mid-­‐morning  in  gorgeous  Cefalu.  Those  interested  can  venture  out  for  photos  with  David.  

 

 

By  10am,  we’ll  depart  south,  cutting  through  the  island’s  northern  mountain  range  and  out  to  the  beautiful  off-­‐the-­‐ beaten  path  mountaintop  town  of  Enna,  in  the  center  of  the  island.  

 

On  arrival,  we’ll  check  into  our  hotel,  and  leave  time  for  an  early,  independent  lunch  so  that  the  rest  of  the  day  is  clear   for  the  one  of  the  trip’s  highlights:  the  famed  Good  Friday  Procession  in  the  historic  town.     See  the  description  at  the  end  of  this  itinerary  for  a  writer’s  take  on  the  procession.  Our  hotel  is  strategically  located   footsteps  away  from  the  events  so  we  can  head  in  and  out  at  our  convenience.    

 

 Overnight  in  Enna  at  Hotel  Sicilia.  (B)  

  March  31  Sat  

ENNA  |  HILLTOP  TOWNS  AROUND  ETNA  |  Taormina      

 

After  a  late  night  on  Friday,  enjoy  a  morning  at  leisure  to  sleep  in,  process  photos,  and/or  explore  Enna  independently.    

 

 

This  afternoon,  will  join  a  local  photographer-­‐guide  for  a  drive  towards  the  northeastern  coast  and  Mt.  Etna,  stopping   in  various  carefully-­‐selected,  scenic  hilltop  towns  en  route.    Some  of  the  photo  walks  will  prioritize  exploring  off-­‐the-­‐ beaten  track  towns  and  meeting  &  photographing  the  welcoming  locals.    As  the  afternoon  proceeds  and  the  light   becomes  more  dramatic,  we’ll  focus  on  capturing  the  spectacular  settings  of  the  villages  in  the  landscape  before   imposing  Mt.  Etna  –  ensuring  we  are  the  right  place  in  the  correct  light,  and  with  enough  flexibility  to  respond  to   weather  conditions,  unexpected  photo  opportunities,  etc.  

 

 

In  the  early  evening,  we’ll  arrive  in  scenic  Taormina,  for  two  nights.    

 

 

Overnight  in  Taormina  at  the  Hotel  Villa  Diodoro  or  Hotel  Piccolo  Giardino.  (B)    

  April  1  Sun  

TAORMINA  |  MT.  ETNA  |  EASTER  SUNDAY  in  the  ALCANTARA  VALLEY  |  Taormina      

 

Built  on  a  hillside  with  breathtaking  views  of  Mount  Etna  and  the  Ionian  Sea  below,  it’s  no  surprise  that  Goethe   th   described  Taormina  as  a  “a  corner  of  paradise.”    A  popular  travel  destination  since  the  19 century,  Taormina  is  as  rich   in  history  (the  first  Greek  settlement  in  Italy)  as  it  is  in  spectacular  views  and  beauty.          

 

This  morning  we’ll  have  our  orientation  in  Taormina,  with  a  short  tour  highlighting  the  Greco-­‐Roman  Theater,  where   the  backdrop  is  none  other  than  Mount  Etna,  the  largest  volcano  in  continental  Europe.  

 

Saving  our  leisure  time  for  tomorrow,  we’ll  venture  off  for  an  exciting  afternoon  including:  

 

-­‐  Lunch  and  a  visit  to  a  delightful  agriturismo  or  winery  on  the  northern  side  of  Etna    

 

 

-­‐  An  exploration  on  the  slopes  of  the  volcano  in  some  its  most  striking  areas,  some  extraordinarily  fertile,  others  stark.  

 

 

-­‐  A  walk  on  the  slopes  of  Mt.  Etna  (possibly  a  longer  hike  depending  on  time)  

 

 

-­‐  Exploring  the  scenic  Alcantara  Valley,  its  various  gorges,  and  stopping  into  an  Easter  celebration  in  one  of  the  villages.    

 

 

-­‐  Sunset  at  a  strategic  point  on  the  landscape  by  Mt.  Etna  

 

Return  to  Taormina  for  the  remainder  of  the  evening  at  leisure.  

 

 

   

 

 

Overnight  in  Taormina  at  the  Hotel  Villa  Diodoro  or  Hotel  Piccolo  Giardino.  (B,  L)    

  April  2  Mon  

TAORMINA  |  SIRACUSA    

 

To  balance  out  yesterday’s  full  day,  this  morning  into  early  afternoon  will  be  at  leisure  to  explore  and  enjoy   enchanting,  walkable  Taormina  (often  cited  as  the  place  to  enjoy  the  “dolce  farniente”  or  the  “sweetness  of  doing   nothing”).      

 

David  will  also  plan  to  offer  on-­‐on-­‐one  photo  review  meetings  for  those  interested  (this  is  something  we’ll  do   throughout  the  trip,  but  today  will  have  the  most  time  for).    

 

After  an  independent  lunch,  we’ll  head  south  via  Catania  to  Siracusa.  Founded  in  the  8  century  BC  by  colonizing   Greeks,  Siracusa  (Syracuse)  was  one  of  the  most  powerful  cities  in  the  Mediterranean,  rivaling  the  dominance  of   Athens.  Cicero  once  described  it  as  "the  greatest  Greek  city  and  the  most  beautiful  of  them  all.”  

 

On  arrival  we’ll  check  in  to  our  lovely  boutique  hotel  in  the  old  town,  situated  on  the  island  of  Ortigia,  where  we’ll   spend  our  final  three  nights.    

th

 

 

Those  interested  can  join  David  &  Alex  for  an  independent  dinner  at  a  recommended  restaurant  in  town.    

   

 

Overnight  in  Siracusa  at  the  Hotel  Roma.  (B)  

 

April  3  Tue  

SIRACUSA       Siracusa’s  old  town  —situated  on  the  Island  of  Ortygia—  is  another  delightful  place  to  wander  in,  so  we  are  again   deliberately  keeping  scheduling  light  today  to  adjust  for  where  the  group  is  feeling,  independent  exploration,  etc.       On  the  menu  for  the  day:   -­‐  An  early  morning/sunrise  optional  walk,  focusing  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  island,  ending  with  the  market  as  it   comes  alive  for  the  day.       -­‐  A  guided  walk  through  the  old  town’s  attractive  lanes  including  visits  at  the  Temple  of  Apollo,  Fountain  of  Aretusa,   cathedral,  etc.     -­‐  A  late  afternoon  photo  shoot  focusing  on  the  western  side  of  Ortigia.     -­‐  Depending  on  interest,  the  possibility  of  including  a  cooking  class  (at  an  additional  yet  reasonable  cost).   -­‐  The  balance  of  the  day  at  leisure.    

 

 

Overnight  in  Siracusa  at  the  Hotel  Roma.  (B)  

    April  4  Wed  

Siracusa  |  NOTO  |  MARZAMEMI  |  Siracusa     On  our  final  day  of  exploration  we’ll  enjoy  an  excursion  to  the  gorgeous  baroque  town  of  Noto,  and  the  charming  port   town  of  Marzamemi,  with  lunch  at  a  local  restaurant  during  the  outing.   Return  to  Siracusa  for  a  final  late  afternoon  in  the  town.   Gather  tonight  for  a  slideshow  of  top  photos  from  the  trip,  followed  by  a  farewell  dinner  at  a  delectable  local   restaurant  in  the  old  town.         Overnight  in  Siracusa  at  the  Hotel  Roma.  (B,  L,  D)  

  April  5  Thu  

Siracusa  |  Catania  –  Fly  out    

 

Transfer  in  the  morning  to  the  Catania  airport  for  outbound  flights.  (B)  

 

 

Siracusa  

TOUR  COST     Early  registration  price,  if  booked  by  October  15,  2017*  

 

$5,985  per  person,  double  occupancy  |  Single  Supplement:  $590  

           

 

 

               

$6,485  per  person,  double  occupancy  |  Single  Supplement:  $590                    

           

 

 

 

 

 

     

Regular  price  after  October  15,  2017:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

PROGRAM  INCLUSIONS:   • A  complete  program  of  tours  and  excursions,  as  described  in  the  itinerary   • Stays  at  carefully  selected  four-­‐star  and  boutique  hotels  on  the  island,  as  per  the  itinerary   • Photography  workshops  and  one-­‐on-­‐one  teaching  by  award-­‐winning  photographer  and  photo  instructor  David  Wells,  who  will   accompany  all  of  our  outings   • All  meals  as  noted  in  the  itinerary   • 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   • Bottled  water  on  all  excursions   • 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  final  documents  (or  alternate  gift  for  past  travelers)     *Rates  apply  with  10  travelers  participating.  Trip  limited  to  12  participants.   If  the  group  is  below  10  travelers,  a  small  group  supplement  applies,  with  a  minimum  of  6:   $250  with  8  or  9  participants;  an  additional  $315  with  6  or  7  participants.    

  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.    

HOTELS     HOTEL  EUROSTARS  CENTRALE  |  PALERMO   Excellently  located  in  the  heart  of  Palermo,   this  historic  hotel  occupies  the  old  Palazzo   Tarallo,  keeping  the  original  structure  with   vintage  frescoes  and  furniture.     LA  PLUMERIA  |  CEFALU   The  result  of  a  meticulous  renovation  of   late-­‐medieval  building  in  Cefalu’s  historic   center,  this  boutique  hotel  charms  its   guests  and  boasts  a  wonderful  restaurant.     HOTEL  SICILIA  |  ENNA   Chosen  for  its  unbeatable  location  steps   away  from  the  Duomo  and  the  Good  Friday   procession,  this  cozy  hotel  is  an  ideal,  if   slightly  simpler  base,  for  our  one  night  in   town.       HOTEL  DIODORO  |  TAORMINA   With  sweeping  views  of  Naxos  Bay  &  Mt.   Etna,  luxuriant  gardens,  and  cozy  lounges,   this  historic  hotel  treats  its  guests  to  the   true  art  of  Sicilian  hospitality.     HOTEL  ROMA  |  SIRACUSA   Framed  by  the  spectacular  Cathedral  and   the  Archbishop’s  Palace,  the  Antica  Hotel   Roma  is  a  one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐kind,  excellently  run,   stylish,  boutique  hotel  in  Ortigia  (one  of  the   few  on  the  city-­‐island).   DEPENDING  ON  GROUP  SIZE/MAKE-­‐UP:   We  are  also  holding  space  at  the  following  hotels,  some  of  which  we  may  confirm  instead,  depending  primarily  on  group  size,  and  on  the   number  of  shared  rooms  with  twin  beds  (the  latter  is  a  variable  that  requires  consideration  with  some  of  these  small  boutique  establishments).   HOTEL  AMBASCIATORI  |  PALERMO   In  the  heart  of  historic  Palermo,  occupying   the  top  floors  of  an  elegant  building,  this   boutique  hotel  boasts  a  beautiful  roof   terrace  with  a  panoramic  view  of  the  city.     HOTEL  ASTRO  SUITES  |  CEFALU   Located  on  the  beach,  yet  only  a  few   meters  from  the  blend  of  art  and  culture  in   this  seaside  town,  this  Suite-­‐only  hotel   (each  with  sea-­‐view  balconies)  serves  as  an   ideal  base  to  explore  lovely  Cefalu.     HOTEL  IL  PICCOLO  GIARDINO  |  TAORMINA   A  more  modern  take  on  Taormina,  this  new   boutique  hotel  just  off  main  pedestrian   street,  Corso  Umberto,  boasts  a  wonderful   rooftop  and  functional,  comfortable  rooms.    

A  PREVIEW  OF  THE  GOOD  FRIDAY  PROCESSION  IN  ENNA:   Shadows   lengthen,   the   air   is   cooling;   the   strains   of   a   funeral   march   begin.   Crowds   gather   along   the   narrow   cobblestone   streets;   they   peer   from   the   windows   and   balconies  of  the  stone  buildings  that  line  the  way.  It  is  Good  Friday  in  the  ancient  city   of  Enna,  in  the  very  center  of  Sicily,  and  soon  these  streets  of  its  historic  center  will  be   animated  by  a  tradition  that  can  be  traced  back  to  its  17th-­‐century  Spanish  occupiers.   Pale   yellow   robes   and   white   hoods   mark   the   Confraternity   of   San   Salvatore,   60   of   whom  shoulder  a  weighty  platform  that  carries  the  Urn  of  the  Dead  Christ  from  the   Church   of   San   Leonardo.   From   the   Church   of   Addolorata,   80   men   of   another   confraternity,   clad   in   black   robes   and   white   hoods,   sway   from   side   to   side   with   the   weight   of   another   statue,   this   one   the   six-­‐foot-­‐tall   Madonna   of   Sorrows.   She   is   mourning  the  loss  of  her  child.  As  the  evening  progresses,  these  men  will  be  joined  by   Photo  credit:  Giovanni  Castanella  |  Good  Friday,  Enna   nearly  3,000  others  from  the  city’s  15  confraternities,  each  distinguished  by  the  color   of  their  robes.  Early  on,  the  bright  red  vestments  of  the  Confraternity  of  the  Passion  will  appear,  bearing  on  red  cushions  the  Mysteries,   or  symbols  of  the  crucifixion:  the  nails  from  the  cross,  for  instance,  the  dice  thrown  by  the  Roman  soldiers.   It   is   a   mournful,   majestic   procession,   and   it   will,   finally,   begin   the   longest   leg   of   its   slow   march   at   the   14th-­‐century   Duomo,   wending   its   way   to   the   cemetery   on   the   edge   of   town   and   then,   just   as   slowly,   just   as   majestically,   back.   Colored   lanterns   light   the   way  as   darkness   gathers.  The  slow  beat  of  a  snare  drum  guides  the  procession  up  the  hill  and  into  the  town  center  once  more,  crowds  still  lining  the   streets,  where  at  last,  near  midnight,  the  Urn  of  the  Dead  Christ  will  be  returned  to  the  Duomo  and  the  Madonna  of  Sorrows  to  the   Church  of  the  Sant’Antonio.   Our   hotel   is   nestled   in   the   historic   center   of   the   city,   where   the   procession   begins,   allowing   us   the   best   flexibility   and   access   to   the   events  of  the  day.  We’ll  be  able  to  capture  the  colorful  marchers  from  several  sites  that  we’ll  have  staked  out  along  the  route,  and  you’ll   have  the  opportunity  to  follow  the  procession  at  your  own  pace,  pausing  at  whatever  scene  of  this  theatrical  ritual  catches  your  eye.      

 

  PHOTOGRAPHY  INSTRUCTOR:   David  H.  Wells  (www.davidhwells.com)   is   a   freelance   documentary   photographer   and   photo-­‐educator   based   in   Providence,  Rhode  Island.  He  specializes  in  inter-­‐cultural  communications  and  the  use  of  light  and  shadow  to   enhance  visual  narratives.  David’s  “Light  Studies”  have  appeared  in  a  wide  range  of  exhibitions  and  publications   including  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer  Sunday  Magazine  and  Rhode  Island  Monthly.  He  has  received  two  Fulbright   Fellowships,  a  grant  from  Nikon/N.P.P.A.  and  a  fellowship  from  the  Pennsylvania  Council  on  the  Arts.  His  work   has  been  shown  around  the  world  in  over  fifty  exhibitions  and  publications  including  American  Photographer,   Camera   and   Darkroom,   Camera   Arts   and   Zoom.   He   has   taught   workshops   at   the   International   Center   for   Photography   in   NYC   and   the   Maine   Media   Workshops.   David   launched   an   online   educational   tool   with   video   podcasts  and  other  useful  information  for  photographers  called  “The  Wells  Point”  (www.thewellspoint.com).  

    HOST  AND  TOUR  LEADER:   Alex  Ros  is  the  founder  and  President  of  Open  Sky  Expeditions.  A  Harvard  graduate  who  speaks  six  languages   and  has  traveled  to  over   80   countries,  Alex  has  extensive  in-­‐depth  knowledge  of  the  travel  business.  Prior  to   founding  Open  Sky  in  2010,  for  over  eight  years  he  directed  dozens  of  international  programs  for  one  of  the   world’s   top   operators   of   high-­‐caliber   educational   programs   aboard   small   ships.   Among   Alex’s   unique   experiences,   he   has   conducted   reconnaissance   missions   to   over   15   countries   in   Africa   alone,   and   has   personally  led  hundreds  of  travelers  on  scores  of  international  tours.  Alex  speaks  Italian  and  has  been  leading   tours  to  Sicily  since  2003—an  island  that  he’ll  unabashedly  tell  you  is  his  favorite  place  in  the  Mediterranean.    

REGISTRATION    

 

                                       Sicily:  A  Photography  Journey  on  the  Island  of  Light|  March  25-­‐April  5,  2018  |  ITA-­‐1803P  

If  you  have  not  already  done  so,  please  email  us  at  [email protected]  to  inquire  about  availability  on  this  trip  and  to  hold   your  reservation  until  we  receive  your  registration  and  deposit.  You  can  either  fill  in  an  online  form  at  http://bit.ly/ITA1803PReg  and  pay   the  deposit  by  credit  card,  or  you  can  submit  this  form,  along  with  a  check,  to:  Open  Sky  Expeditions,  344  Grove  Street,  Suite  18,  Jersey   City,  NJ,  07302,  USA.  You  may  also  submit  this  form  by  email  to  [email protected]  or  by  fax  to  +1  (347)  344-­‐6990.    

             Please  select  your  method  of  payment:  

☐ Enclosed  is  my  check  (payable  to  Open  Sky  Expeditions)  for  $  __________  ($900  per  person)  as  a  deposit  to  hold  ______  place(s)  on   this  trip  to  Sicily:  A  Photography  Journey  on  the  Island  of  Light  (code  ITA-­‐1803P).    I  understand  that  final  payment  is  due  90  days  prior  to   departure.   ☐  I  have  arranged  to  pay  the  deposit  by  credit  card.  I  understand  that  final  payment  is  due  90  days  prior  to  departure.      

 

 

 

Names:    (1)  ________________________________________________________________________________________________  

 

               Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms.    

 

               Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms.    

         First  

 

 

Middle  

 

   

Last    

                       (as  it  appears  on  passport)  

(2)  ________________________________________________________________________________________________            First  

 

 

Middle  

 

   

Last    

                       (as  it  appears  on  passport)  

Address:    __________________________________________________________________________________________________     Telephone:    (Primary)  ________________________________________    (Other)  ________________________________________                                                                                                                                                        ☐  Mobile              ☐  Home                ☐  Work    

 

                                                             ☐  Mobile                ☐  Home                ☐  Work    

                         

 

Email/s:    ______________________________________________________            Fax:  ______________________________________  

  Please  select  the  appropriate  accommodation  type:   ☐    Twin  Beds        ☐    Double  Bed            ☐    Single  Occupancy       ☐    Share  (name  of  roommate  ______________________)          ☐    Share,  please  assign  roommate  (cannot  be  guaranteed)       Each  traveler  must  sign  below:  I/We  have  read  the  “General  Information”  section  and  agree  to  its  terms.      

(1)  ____________________________________________                        Signature  

 

                                                                                       Date  

GENERAL  INFORMATION

 

(2)  ____________________________________________                        Signature  

 

                                                                                         Date  

 

 

Responsibility:  Open  Sky  Expeditions  acts  only  as  an  agent  for  the  independent  suppliers  that  provide  hotel  accommodations,  transportation,  sightseeing,  activities,  and   other  services  connected  with  this  tour.  Said  services  are  subject  to  the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  respective  provider.  Open  Sky  Expeditions  and  its  employees,  agents,   representatives,  and  assignees  accept  no  liability  whatsoever  for  any  injury,  damage,  loss,  accident,  delay,  or  any  other  occurrence  that  might  result  from  the  negligence,   defect,  error  or  default  of  any  company  or  person  in  the  performance  of  said  services.  Responsibility  is  not  accepted  for  losses,  injury,  damages,  cancellations,  or  expenses   of   any   kind   due   to   sickness,   weather,   strikes,   hostilities,   wars,   terrorist   acts,   acts   of   nature,   local   laws,   or   other   situations   of   force   majeure.     All   services   and   accommodations  are  subject  to  the  laws  and  regulations  of  the  country  in  which  they  are  provided.  Open  Sky  Expeditions  is  not  responsible  for  any  baggage  or  personal   effects   of   any   individual   participating   in   any   of   the   tours   and   activities   arranged   by   Open   Sky   Expeditions.   All   travelers   are   responsible   for   purchasing   their   respective   insurance   policy(ies)   to   cover   expenses   and   handle   emergencies   associated   with   the   loss   of   luggage,   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.  Payments  should  be  made  by  check  or  credit  card  and  sent  to  the  address  or   fax  number  listed  on  the  registration  form.  Final  payment  is  due  90  days  before  departure.  Credit  cards  are  generally  not  accepted  for  final  payment,  unless  travelers   would  like  to  cover  associated  transaction  fees  at  a  3%  surcharge.             Cancellation  Policy:   All   cancellations   of   confirmed   reservations   are   subject   to   a   $250   per   person   administrative   fee.   Additionally,   travelers   are   subject   to   any   cancellation   fees   assessed   by   the   purveyors   of   services,   including   airlines   and   hotels   used   in   the   itinerary.   Cancellations   received   61-­‐90   days   of   departure   will   be   assessed   a   penalty   of   25%   of   the   total   program   cost   per   person.     Cancellations   received   within   46-­‐60   days   will   be   penalized   50%   of   the   program   cost.     Cancellations   received   within   31-­‐45   days   will   be   penalized   75%   of   the   program   cost.     Cancellations   received   within   30   days   of   departure   will   be   assessed   a   penalty   of   100%   of   the   total   program   cost.     All   requests   for  cancellations  must  be  made  in  writing.  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  this  program  in  which  you  choose  to  not   participate,  including  but  not  limited  to  hotels  stays,  air  or  land  transportation,  meals,  tours  or  other  sightseeing  arrangements.       Insurance:  Travelers  with  Open  Sky  Expeditions  must  carry  overseas  medical  insurance  that  includes  emergency  medical  evacuation  coverage.  We  strongly  recommend   purchase  of  a  comprehensive  policy  that  also  includes  trip  cancellation  insurance  covering  illness  or  accident  both  prior  and  during  the  program  as  well  as  coverage  for   baggage   loss   or   delay.   Details   on   all   of   these   insurance   options   will   be   sent   to   you   with   your   pre-­‐departure   information   materials.   Please   take   extra   care   reading   the   section  on  insurance  and  as  well  as  all  third  party  insurance  materials.   Itinerary:   The   itinerary,   accommodations,   and   arrangements   are   subject   to   change   or   modification   at   the   discretion   of   Open   Sky   Expeditions.  Every   reasonable   effort   will   be   made   to   operate   the   program   as   planned,   but   changes   may   still   occur   after   the   final   itinerary   is   sent   to   you.   By   booking   a   reservation   with   Open   Sky   Expeditions,   travelers  understand  that  amenities,  types  of  transport,  routes,  schedules,  and  itineraries  may  change  without  prior  notice  due  to  circumstances  or  events  in  the  location   due  to,  but  not  limited  to,  mechanical  breakdowns,  flight  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.  However,  between  the  dates  these   prices   are   published   and   the   trip’s   actual   departure   date,   unforeseen   and   exceptional   cost   increases   may   occur   due   to   currency   fluctuations,   taxes,   airfare   and   transport   cost  increases,  or  others  that  may  force  Open  Sky  Expeditions  to  assess  a  surcharge.  If  that  unusual  occurrence  were  to  take  place,  the  assessed  surcharge  will  reflect  only   the  specific  cost  increase.  If  the  increase  were  to  exceed  10%  of  the  original  cost  of  the  tour,  you  may  cancel  within  10  days  of  receiving  said  notification  and  obtain  a  full   refund.    

OPEN  SKY  EXPEDITIONS   344  Grove  Street,  Suite  18   Jersey  City,  NJ  07302   1.800.978.8890    |  +1.212.441.0024   www.OpenSkyExpeditions.com  

 

SICILY:  A  Photography  Journey  on  the  Island  of  Light     Tour  code:  ITA1803P   Updated  by  A.  Ros:  September  7,  2017      PDF  content  ©  2017  Open  Sky  Expeditions          

Photo  credits:  Assorted  photos  by  Alex  Ros  &  David  Wells.    Bottom  photo  on  the  front  cover  of  Sicilian  Men  ©  Paul  Montecalvo  (see  etsy.com/shop/PaulMontecalvophoto).       Small  photo  of  Enna  procession  ©  Giovanni  Castanella  via  Creative  Commons  License  2.0  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/giocaste/9174772370)