Spectacular Sicily in 2025!

Greetings, ASURA travelers! We are looking for colleagues to join us on a 16-day trip to the largest island in the Mediterranean: Sicily. Due to its strategic location, Sicily has a rich and diverse history, having been inhabited by many different cultures and societies. Sicily is an Italian province, yet with a unique culture, palate and history. Among other experiences, our group will visit ancient architectural parks, outdoor markets, a medieval town and take a 4-wheel trip to Mt. Etna – Europe’s tallest active volcano. Along the way, we will also visit an olive and grape producer, stop at outdoor markets, take a boat ride to explore a neighboring island and frequently dine on incredible Sicilian-inspired fare!

If this sounds exciting and you would like more information, please contact Jeff Bush at Jeff.Bush@asu.edu

DATES

• ·         Depart March 31, 2025
• ·         Return April 15, 2025

COST - $5,645 (per-person, no single supplement)

• ·         includes international round-trip airfare from Phoenix

ALSO INCLUDED

• ·         No single supplement
• ·         31 meals (14 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners)
• ·         Maximum group size: 16
• ·         24 small group activities
• ·         Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters

 Travel arrangements will be made through Overseas Adventure Travel, an agency ASURA has used many times in the past. Specifics on the itinerary can be found at:

https://www.oattravel.com/trips/land-adventures/europe/sicilys-ancient-landscapes-and-timeless-traditions/2021/itineraries?year=2025&icid=prnavlk_2025_sticky

Jeff Bush
ASURA Travel Committee

ASURA - The Lavender Farm at Chateau
De Vie Tour

Date/Time: 24 April 2025, 11:15am
Location: The Lavender Farm at Chateau De Vie
1220 N. Kyrene Road, Chandler, AZ 85226 [map]
Cost: $21.00 (includes tax and ASU Foundation overhead)

The Chateau de Vie is an exquisite luxury estate featuring a
majestic mansion, glittering lake, and babbling streams. Lush
greenery surrounds the beautiful 10.44 acre property. This
breathtaking 15,000 square-foot home offers an elegant
escape within the busy city. The Lavender Farm At Chateau
De Vie Opened in 2023.

The cost is $21 per person and registration ends on TApril 17, 2025. Note: To keep your reservation the check (made payable to ASU Foundation/ASURA) must be in the ASURA Office by April 19, 2025. (Online payments, credit cards are not supported).

1. Online (preferred option) -- scroll down to find the event and registration button.
   Optional Direct Link to Event (includes registration)
   
2. Call the ASURA office at 480-965-7668
   (Tu,We,Th: 10am-1pm)
   

Discover Mata Ortiz: A Journey into Mexico’s Art and Culture

From: 8 May 2025
To: 11 May 2025
Cost: $750, per person

This 4-day, 3-night immersive tour of Mata Ortiz, nestled just north of the Sierra Madre mountains in Chihuahua, Mexico, offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. Highlights include a guided 2-hour tour of the Paquimé archaeological ruins, a visit to the charming Barrio Por Venir, where you can purchase world-famous Mata Ortiz Pottery directly from local artisans, and a 3-hour discovery of Colonia Juarez, a historic Mormon settlement.

This tour provides an enriching experience, offering a rare opportunity to connect with the artistry, history, and traditions that define Mata Ortiz, often called “The Miracle of Mata Ortiz.”

REGISTER (or Ask Questions): Email to Joy White malto:joywhite@asu.edu

 Tour Highlights

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• The tour starts and ends in Tucson, Arizona.

Day 1: Tucson to Mata Ortiz - Travel day. The approximate travel time from Tucson to Casas Grandes is 6 hrs.

Day 2: Mata Ortiz Village, Barrio Por Venir and Colonia Juarez. Visit the homes and galleries of a few artists and purchase the world-famous Mata Ortiz Pottery.

Day 3: Explore the Paquimé Ruins and Museum

Day 4: Return to Tucson - Travel Day

Price: $750/person. Room assignments will be double occupancy for couples and single rooms for individuals.

• Inclusions:
• Round-trip transportation in a comfortable 15-passenger van
• Boutique Bed and Breakfast at Casa Nopal in Casas Grandes for 3 nights Participants are responsible for their hotel arrangements before Day 1 of departure from Tucson and arrival to Tucson on Day 4.
• All meals are provided for days 2 & 3 (travel days 1 and 4 on your own)

• Guided tour of Mata Ortiz’s five unique Barrios
• Exploration of the Pre-Columbian ruins at Paquimé, along with other local historical and scenic sites.
• Direct access to artists and pottery at cost. Safe, secure packaging for purchased pottery. See samples below of Mata Ortiz Pottery.

Helpful links and more information/samples of Mata Ortiz Pottery:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_Ortiz_pottery
https://www.pinterest.com/lafuenteimports/mata-ortiz-pottery-from-mexico/
https://www.sandiafolk.com/collections/mata-ortiz-pottery-1

•  Space is limited to 6 participants. The deadline to register is April 1, 2025. A $200 deposit is required at the time of registration. This deposit is refundable up to 14 days before the trip. Registered participants will receive an invoice with payment options, including Zelle, check, or credit card.

• Additional future dates will be added depending on interest.
• Our Tour provider is Tortuga Mexico Tours https://www.mataortiztours.com/
• ❖   For questions about the tour and/or register, contact Joy White, joywhite@asu.edu

Joy White

ASURA Travel Committee