All registered accompanying persons are invited to the social events of the Congress, as well as to the following two half-day tours:

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

TAORMINA
The natural beauty of the medieval mountaintop town of Taormina is so great that even the considerable overdevelopment that it has suffered in the past 50 years has not spoiled its grandeur. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is spectacular, especially on clear days when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke are etched against the blue sky.

Proceed to PALAZZO CORVAJA, one of Taormina's many 14th and 15th-century palaces which has been carefully preserved. Palazzo Corvaja is exceptionally beautiful with its characteristic black-lava and white-limestone inlays.

Continue to PARCO DUCA DI CESARÒ - the splendid public gardens designed by Florence Trevelyan Cacciola, a Scottish lady who devoted herself to the gardens, filling them with Mediterranean plants, ornamental pavilions and fountains. Visit the panoramic bar, which has a stunning view.

On to TEATRO GRECO which occupies one of the finest of theater sites in Taormina. It was built during the 3rd century BC and rebuilt by the Romans during the 2nd century AD.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2002

GOLE ALCANTARA
The woods around the Alcantara Gorge are quite small, but this scenic site on the Alcantara River off Route 185 (between Taormina and Mount Etna), offers a pleasant glimpse of Etna's geological influence on the surrounding countryside. The water that flows through this basalt formation is always cool, and bathing is permitted during the summer months.

Departure for both tours from the lobby of the hotel at 09:00 and return at 13:00 (approximately).