(WASHINGTON, DC – June 5, 2006) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) continues its popular travel program to Italy with a series of nine-day/seven- night tours of cities throughout Sicily during September, October and November 2006 and from February through June 19, 2007. Tours will visit the cities of Catania, Messina, Mt. Etna, Ragusa, Siracusa,Taormina, and Tindari. Costs range from $1,624 to $2,224 per person, based on double occupancy and month of departure.

Participants receive round-trip airfare from NYC/JFK to Catania; seven nights’ accommodations at the four-star “Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa” (double occupancy); seven buffet-style continental breakfasts and seven dinners with wine and mineral water included; all entrance fees; and transfers to and from the airport and hotel. Other U.S. cities of embarkation are available at an additional charge and are subject to availability and scheduling. The tour program, which has been sold out every year for the past 10 years, is offered on a ”first-come, first-served basis.” Participants may choose from 25 departure dates beginning Sept. 12, 2006 and running through June 19, 2007. The travel program is partially supported by International Travel Industry (ITI).

Four full-day escorted excursions to Catania, Messina/Tindari, Ragusa and Siracusa, and two half-day trips to Mt. Etna and Taormina are planned. A special lunch at an agriturismo farm is also planned. An English-speaking guide will escort each group.

View the Travel Brochure! (PDF Format)

For a brochure and reservation form, write to Italy Travel, c/o Unitours, 3010 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10577. Call toll free at 1/888-846-6423 or 914/253-9177, fax: 914/253-9001, or e-mail Marianna Pisano at mpisano@unitours.com

The NIAF, a non profit organization based in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. The NIAF organizes cultural activities and helps young people with scholarships, internships and other programs. Visit our Web site at www.niaf.org