2027 Adventure #2: Scintillating Sicily
The Adventures in Mind Educational Travel Association is a non-profit society providing cultural travel programs for mature adults. These will appeal to life-long learners who are inquisitive, open-minded and looking beyond the usual tourist experience. They are open to free spirits of all ages: a level of physical and mental fitness is highly advisable; curiosity and a sense of community are essential!
Join The Adventure
Location:
Catania and Palermo with visits to other sites
Dates (tentative):
October 3 – 26, 2027 (including travel to and from Sicily)
Group Leaders:
Dr. James Anderson and Dr. John Black
Themes: In keeping with its central position in the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Sicily has witnessed enormous cultural change over the millennia. Aside from its original inhabitants it has fallen under the sway, in whole or in part, of Myceneans; Carthaginians; Phoenicians; ancient Greeks; Romans; Byzantines; Arabs and other Islamic peoples; Norman, French and German knights; Spaniards and their Kingdom of Naples. It became part of Italy after unification in the 1860s, and since World War II has attained significant level of regional autonomy, not to mention a vibrant culture all of its own.
Our Adventure will combine presentations on this complex history with visits to important sites (some archaeological, some historical) including temples and churches, museums and galleries. It will not, however, ignore the present-day existence of this fascinating island.
Group Leaders
Dr. James Anderson received a BA in Classics at the University of Alberta, then an MA and PhD in Roman Archaeology at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. He has been on dozens of digs across the Mediterranean region and elsewhere. He taught Anthropology at North Island College for twenty-four years before retiring four years ago. He has led fourteen archaeological field schools in Jordan, Greece, England, and Canada. Now retired, he continues to be passionate about archaeology, history, literature, art, music, politics, and travel.
Dr. John Black has MAs in Philosophy from Cambridge and Simon Fraser, and a PhD from the University of British Columbia. He taught for twenty-four years in the interdisciplinary Liberal Studies BA program at Vancouver Island University, and led study abroad trips to Europe for twenty years before retiring in 2017. He has strong interests in classical literature and the history of art and architecture, and has led eight Adventures in Mind, five of them to Italy, since the inception of the Association.
Tentative Itinerary
Day 0
Leave Canada
Day 1
Arrive in Catania; settle into accommodation
Day 2
Orientation and Introduction; group lunch; grocery shopping
Day 3
Seminar:History of Architecture, Doric to Baroque
Seminar:Archaeological History of Sicily
Catania: Roman Theatre and Odeion; San Nicolò l’Arena; Romand Amphitheatre
Day 4
Seminar:The Greek Pantheon
Siracusa: Neapolis Archaeological Zone: Greek Theatre; Ortygia: Arkimedeion; Temple of Apollo ruins; Cathedral/Temple of Minerva.
Day 5
Seminar:History of Art: Byzantine to Baroque
Catania: Castello Ursino, Museum and Art Gallery; Cathedral
Day 6
Giardini-Naxos: Museo Archeologico; Taormina: Greek Theatre
Mount Etna: circular drive home.
Day 7
Rest Day
Day 8
Rest Day
Day 9
Messina: Santissima Annunziata; Cathedral; Botanical Garden; Museo
Regionale
Day 10
Reviews and Previews
Day 11
Drive to Palermo; settle into accommodation; grocery shopping
Day 12
Seminar: Norman and Spanish Sicily
Palermo: Palazzo dei Normani, Cappella Palatina; San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Day 13
Palermo: Cathedral; San Cataldo; La Martorana; Chiesa del Gesù; Chiesa del Carmine
Day 14
Rest Day
Day 15
Rest Day
Day 16
Seminar: Archaeology Refresher
Palermo: Museo Archeologico Antonino Salinas
Day 17
Selinunte: Archaeological Park; Agrigento: Valley of the Temples; Museo Archeologico Regionale
Day 18
Palermo: Palazzo Abatellis; Puppet Museum
Day 19
Cefalù: Cathedral; Museo Mandralisca
Day 20
Monreale: Cathedral; Segesta: Doric Temple; Marsala: Baglia Anselmi Museum
Day 21
Rest Day
Day 22
Travel to hotel at Catania airport; group dinner
Day 23
Fly Home
Inclusive Packages
Package costs include program overheads, accommodation, minibus rental, tourist and educational materials and activities, and admissions to cultural sites and events. Participants must arrange their own air travel to Sicily and travel insurance, including medical. Food is not included, but accommodation is self-catering with kitchens, so that food costs are minimal.
Program Fee: $5,995 CAD
(Double Occupancy)
Shared Accommodation
Two people sharing a bedroom in a dwelling shared with others: included in program fee
Single Supplement: $1,000
Payment Schedule
The following payment schedule is necessary to cover deposits we have to make for accommodation, etc.:
Payable on application: commitment fee of $500 - this saves your place
Due January 15, 2027: booking deposit of $2,500
Due March 1, 2027: payment of remaining balance
Payments may be made by e-transfer to info@adventuresinmind.org (no codeword needed), or by cheque payable to Adventures in Mind, mailed to: Adventures in Mind, 797 Girvin Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4W9, Canada.
PLEASE NOTE that all payments are non-refundable, except in case of cancellation of the program by Adventures in Mind.
Air Travel
Participants must arrange their own air travel between Canada and Sicily, but should not do so until they receive official word that the Adventure will proceed. Before departure you will be given instructions on what to do on arrival.
Travel Insurance
All participants are required to have travel medical insurance and are strongly advised also to obtain coverage for trip cancellation and interruption. Please do not buy insurance until the Adventure has been confirmed.
For medical, safety and other advice on travelling overseas, please visit the federal government website travel.gc.ca/.
Important Notice
A level of physical and mental fitness is required to enjoy the Adventure. Some sites are accessible only on foot, and some visits may require periods of walking and standing. You will have to carry your own luggage. If you have concerns in this area, please consult Adventures in Mind personnel before applying.
Application Process
Fill out the form to register your interest in this 2027 Adventure, or call John Black at +1-236-544-1616.