Fusion Escapes

Destination Info

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The bustling resort town of Taormina perched high on Monte Tauro boasts Mount Etna as its backdrop and an ancient Greek theatre as part of the scenery. There is also a welcoming pedestrianised main street with intimate piazzas, tempting boutiques, jewellery and antique shops, as well as street cafés and a multitude of excellent restaurants.

Reminiscent of Capri or an Amalfi coastal resort, Taormina has some of Sicily's best beaches, including the Lido Mazzarò—a favorite of Hollywood stars in the forties and fifties and still a hot spot today—and nearby Giardini-Naxos, where the beautiful Ionian waterfront is dotted with resort hotels and chic restaurants.

Over the centuries, Taormina has seduced an exhaustive line of writers and artists, aristocrats and royalty, and along with its many international influences there is one thing that has always remained steadfast – Sicily is home to some of the most gastronomic pleasures on earth!

Accommodation

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Hotel Imperiale
5 Star
www.preferredboutique.com

Medieval charm meets modern luxury at this boutique Taormina Hotel

Recently restored to its original splendour in the heart of Taormina with panoramic views of the Naxos Bay and Mount Etna, among twisting medieval streets and a second-century Greek theatre, the Hotel Imperiale blends elegant contemporary style with a rich tradition of Sicilian hospitality.

Hotel Imperiale offers 63 rooms, comprising 14 suites, all elegantly decorated in a contemporary style with a backdrop of Sicilian tradition and rosewood furnishings. All bathrooms feature lava stone and Sicilian mosaic whilst the spacious Terrace and Pool Suites feature a private terrace or garden with an external jacuzzi built of volcanic stone.

Other facilities include a roof garden, lobby lounge, panoramic pool with pool bar, Spa with 5 treatment rooms, and fitness centre.

Highlights

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• Welcome drinks on the terrace of the Hotel Imperiale Hotel overlooking Taormina
• Morning cooking class in La Cucina del Sole with Eleonora Consoli, one of Sicily’s finest cooks to learn some home cooked Sicilian secrets in her very own kitchen
• Exclusive 4x4 trip to Mount Etna followed by wine tasting and lunch at Gambino, one of Sicily’s finest wine estates
• Specially designed tasting menu at La Bougainville, as well as dining highlights at some of Taormina's most revered eating establishments, Casa Grugno and Da Lorenzo
• Leisure options include olive oil tasting, day trips to Catania, Siracusa or Ragusa or to one of Sicily’s many vibrant food markets

 Useful links

http://www.italiantouristboard.co.uk
http://www.cntraveller.com/magazine/readers'-travel-awards-2009
http://www.vinigambino.it
http://www.cucinadelsole.it/

Getting There

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We would recommend the following airlines and times to compliment the programme.

The transfer time from Catania Airport to the Hotel Imperiale is approximately 45 minutes.

London Gatwick - British Airways

Outbound Flight:15:50 / 19:50

Return Flight: 20:35 / 22:50

Alternative airlines also offer indirect routes from UK regional airports into Catania. We would recommend not deviating your arrival and departure times greatly from the suggested flights above or this may result in missing some of the dining arrangements included in the programme.Alitalia Airlines also offer plenty of alternative indirect times to / from Catania.

Costs

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COSTS: from £1,820 per person (x5 nights)

Based on sea facing deluxe rooms at the Imperiale Hotel (Please note that costs vary on dates chosen)

What is included?

• 5 nights bed and breakfast at Hotel Imperiale (rate may vary depending on room type chosen)
• Return airport transfers from Catania Airport in deluxe passenger carrier or private car
• Night 1 - Welcome drinks reception and dining at Hotel Imperiale rooftop terrace 
• Day 2 – Private escorted orientation tour following by pizza and pasta lunch at Granduca Restaurant, including wine, beer, coffee, water
• Night 2 - Tasting menu at La Bougainville Restaurant, including wine, beer, coffee, water
• Day 3 – Morning cooking school (3 hours) with Eleonora Consoli and lunch
• Day 5 - Private jeep transport to Mount Etna with professional guide followed by lunch and wine tasting at Gambino wine estate
• Night 5 – Dining at Da Lorenzo, including wine, beer, coffee, water
• Night 7 – Dining at Casa Grugno Restaurant, Including wine, beer, coffee, water
• Professional Fusion Host available at your service for the duration of your stay

This does not include your flight cost – allow approximately £250+ for your flight, depending on airport and date chosen.

NOTE: Dining menus are typically a mini à la carte menu, or varied group menu to give you as much choice as possible for each of the group dining evenings. Drinks will normally include half a bottle of wine per person, or two beers per person, plus coffee and water. Naturally further drinks can be purchased for an additional cost.

Please contact us if you need any further information or hit Request a Quote to proceed.