plus Positano and Capri

A few years ago, what was an after dinner discussion about AROC organizing a trip to Sicily has now gone full circle. We are extremely excited to now announce its happening! We knew, whatever we did, we had to have the same intensity and fun the ten previous ‘AROC Goes to Italy’ programs had. A high bar! Some say ‘if you haven’t been to Sicily, you haven’t been to Italy’. While we may not fully agree to that, we do know there is something very individual and dramatic within Sicily. Its people, its places and its incredible rich history engulfs the traveler immediately. We do not suggest this to be a ‘car tour’ per se, although the Targa Florio is well involved. Rather,we like to think of it as an exceptional touring itinerary with related car ‘stuff’. You will note we even start the tour with two days in the Amalfi Coast and Isle of Capri for no other reason than ‘how could one leave it out’. This is the first official announcement of the tour. Bookings will be accepted on a basis of first ‘AROC Goes to Italy’ Alumni, then to AROC Members. Maximum enrollment is 35 persons.

Oct 4 Meet at Rome da Vinci (FCO) airport for a 10:00am departure for Positano (Amalfi Coast). Afternoon at leisure in Positano before welcome cocktails and dinner at our beach front hotel. 2 nights

Oct 5 This morning a high speed ferry to the Isle of Capri. A day to explore Capri and Anacapri. We will split into smaller groups for guided visits to many of the island highlights – visits to Mont Solerno including the famous chair lift from Anacapri, a boat cruise around the island including the Faraglioni rock formation and a visit to the Blue Grotto, shop the wonderful ‘La Piazzetta’ or stroll the beautiful lanes to the Gardens of Augustus. A magnificent day! Late afternoon a return to Positano with dinner at its most famous restaurant.

Oct 6 Morning departure along the Amalfi Coast and then heading south for the ‘foot’ of Italy, This afternoon we take the short ferry across the Strait of Messina to Sicily and then to the extremely popular artist colony of Taormina. Sir Winston Churchill’s favorite haunt. Cocktails and dinner at our top rated hotel. 3 nights.

Oct 7 A day to enjoy Taormina, the town and its beaches. The town has gardens and a busy center with funiculars to take you down to the sea. There are many included options. You can take a morning cooking class and enjoy your efforts for lunch. Join art tours, boat trips and wine tasting plus private beaches to enjoy the wonderful late September weather. Whatever you choose to do, or not to do, Taormina will become one of your stand out visits anywhere.

Oct 8 Today we visit Mt Etna and its surrounding villages and countryside. Our visit onto Etna’s mountain top will be close, but safe by following the short trail from the parking area (walking shoes suggested). For thousands of years, the Greeks, Romans and Sicilians have produced excellent wine. We experience both the wine and the cuisine with a lunch visit to the ancient hill top village of Castiglionese on the slopes of Etna. Late this afternoon we return to Taormina with a very special evening of Opera in the open air ancient Greek Theatre.

Oct 9 This morning we depart Taormina for our second wonderful Sicilian town of Cefalu (Chef a loo). The Targa Florio car race is still as important to Sicilians as it was during the 20th century – from 1906 to 1973. Cefalu was the staging area for the teams, drivers and crew who would compete in this 45 mile mountainous course. The circuit still draws major interest, which maintains an almost legendry mystique. Todays en-route drive follows the idyllic coast line and will include visits to some of the regional villages. Our hotel is based in the center of Cefalu. This evening we dine at our hotel. 2 nights

Oct. 10 Today we visit as much of the old course as the road allows. Today we start with a visit to the Museo del Motorismo Siciliano a della Targa Florio run by Sicilian Nuccio Salemi. The museum displays a race winning 3 litre Alfa Romeo 33. Continuing onto the start/finish line at Cerda we head up into the hills of the piccolo course. Following a visit to the Museo Targa Florio, we have lunch in a small taverna at Collesano. The roads are narrow and old so our progress is slow but the scenery outstanding. This evening, back in Cefalu we enjoy dinner in the town center market in true Sicilian manner.

Oct. 11 This morning we depart Cefalu and head west. Our first visit is the National Park of Favorita, home to the famous hill climb of Monte Pellegrino. Once the most important hill climb in Europe. It was in 1950 that Tazio Nuvolari won his last great event after being hired by “Squadra Carlo Abarth” giving the Abarth Tipo 204A its first victory and promoting the famous scorpion coat of arms into international awareness. Following an al fresco lunch in Mondello we continue on to Trapani on the western coast line. 3 nights

Oct. 12 A quiet morning to enjoy your surrounds. At Noon we take the funicular to the hill town of Elice, 2,500 feet above Trapani, with views all the way to North Africa. Take the afternoon to explore this amazing place. Food is King here so maybe make lunch in any of the myriad restaurants your first stop. Then walk the lanes, shops, churches and museums but take good walking shoes as the lanes are well worn stones, not forgiving to 4” high heels! Later in the afternoon its ‘Dolce’ time. Whether its pastries or gelato, Elice will not disappoint. Late afternoon we make our way back to the funicular. This evening its no host pizza in Trapani.

Oct. 13 Today we drive along the coast to Marsala. Our first visit will be to the salt pans where we get a guided tour of the production of sea salt. The production goes back to the Greek and Trojan period, followed by the Romans and on. Following, we lunch at a Trattoria del Sale where the cooks use the same ingredients handed down for thousands of years. In the afternoon we visit one of the main producers of Marsala wine. A wine tasting describes the uses of how Marsala wine has entered into international dishes as well as a sweet after dinner drink. This evening we return to Trapani for our final evening dinner.

Oct. 14 Following breakfast we head to Palermo’s International Airport for your return to the States or ongoing travel.

Plus private visit to the Jim Clark Museum 

TOUR DATE: Oct. 4—Oct. 14, 2027, 11 days

TOUR PRICE: $6,950 per person based on two to a room
   – Additional $1,750 for single accommodation 

DEPOSIT: $3,000 per person

TOUR SIZE: Maximum 25 persons