Day By Day

OVERNIGHTS:
Palermo 3 nights + Taormina 2 nights + Ferry Boat 1 night + Naples 3 nights

ITINERARY:
Day 1 (Saturday) Palermo

Welcome to the warm, beautiful and pleasant island of Sicily! Upon arrival at Palermo airport please proceed through the Passport Control and collect your luggage inside the customs area. Then independently transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 (Sunday) Monreale, Palermo & Cefalù

Breakfast at hotel. Our first stop will be Monreale to see where the Arab-Norman art and architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Duomo, launched in 1174 by William II. It represents scenes from the Old and New Testaments all in golden mosaics. Then on to Palermo to visit the Palatine Chapel, which was the crowning architectural achievement of William II’s grandfather, Roger II.  We then continue by seeing: Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda with its “four corners” converging Palermo at a quartet of Baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dating back to 1560. This afternoon depart for Cefalù, a charming coastal town home to a massive Norman Cathedral with outstanding mosaics. Here we will visit the city center and stroll down main street to reach the Cathedral. Later back to Palermo (BB)

Day 3 (Monday) Marsala Wine, Olive Oil, Erice

Early departure to tour western Sicily where we will reach Marsala and visit a local winery’s cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later we travel between Trapani and Marsala on the Salt Way Road.  We will tour the historic saltpan works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced. Then, to an olive oil factory & farmhouse to enjoy a light lunch. 

This afternoon we continue to Erice uptown. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice, which was an important religious site associated with the goddess Venus. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the famous homemade pastry shops—world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries. Later back to Palermo. (BB L)

Day 4 (Tuesday) Agrigento & Piazza Armerina

Following breakfast, we will drive through the interior of Sicily to reach Agrigento where we will visit the finest of all ancient Greek sites—the complete Doric Temples. Later we will continue to Piazza Armerina. On arrival light-lunch at country restaurant. This afternoon we view the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. Then continue to Taormina, the resort town of Sicily. (BB L)

Day 5 (Wednesday) Taormina

All daylong at leisure to rest or shops or Optional Excursions. (BB)

Day 6 (Thursday) Taormina/Catania port/Ferry Boat/Naples

Time to say goodbye to Sicily.  All the day at leisure to explore the town or Optional Excursions. In the afternoon independent transfer to Catania port. On arrival to the port on board on the ferry-boat to Naples. Overnight on board. (BB)

Day 7 (Friday) Naples

Welcome to Italy mainland and in the amazing town of Naples famous for the delicious pizza! Upon arrival at Naples port collect your luggage and than independently transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest or visit the town on your own (-)

Day 8 (Saturday) Capri

Following breakfast transfer to the port and on board to reach Capri. On arrival  transfer to Anacapri to visit Villa S.Michele or to get to Mont Solaro by chairlift (tickets fee: charge). Later back to Capri for lunch. In the early afternoon walk to Augustus’ gardens and time at leisure for an independent excursion to see the Blue Grotto. Later back to Naples (BB)

Day 9 (Sunday) Pompeii and Vesuvius

After breakfast we will drive to Pompeii to visit of the excavations where the tour guide will show the most fascinating places like The Forum, Thermal Baths, Vetti’s house and "Lupanare" burnt by volcanic ashes and lapilli during the eruption in 79 A.D. Today we will enjoy our Pizza-Lunch. This afternoon transfer to Torre del Greco passing through Vesuvius National Park until 1000 mt. From the parking place slope to the top of the only still active volcano of continental Europe. Walk around the crater at 1200 mt to see the charming bay of Naples from eastern to western side. Later back to Naples (BB L)

Day 10 (Monday) Naples

Following breakfast independent transfer to Naples airport for our return flight. (BB)

Meal Legend: (BB) Buffet Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (-) No Meal

IMPORTANT:
These tour departures are guaranteed in double/twin occupancy.

This tour will be operated with a Driver-Guide from 2 to 5 people. 
The Driver Guide is not a Licensed Tourist Guide (Licensed Tourist Guide: are the only professionals -- with a Regional license -- permitted to conduct visits and tours in all sites and museums within a city) and he cannot escort you inside the monuments because this is not allowed by Italian Rules.

From 6 to 15 clients, tour is operated with a Driver, a Tour Escort, and licensed Local Guides where necessary. 

 

HighLights

Palermo: The Sicilian capital and capo market

Monreale: Dome and the golden mosaics

Cefalù: Norman cathedral

Marsala: Winery visit and wine tasting

Trapani province: Saltpan works

Erice: Castle built on the remnants of Venus Temple
Agrigento: Valley of the Temples
Piazza Armerina: Ancient mosaics in the Roman Villa
Taormina: Worldrenowned Mediterranean resort town
Capri and Anacapri: The great Island
Pompeii: The world famous excavations
Vesuvius: The Italian Active Volcano

 

Hotels

 

Details

Guaranteed: This Tour is guaranteed in double/twin occupancy
Start/Finish: The tour is Land only; start in Palermo and finish in Naples
Language: English Only in Sicily; English + 2nd language in Campania
Duration: 10days/9nights (3nights Palermo + 2nights Taormina + 1 night on board + 3 nights Naples)
Ferry boat Catania/Naples one way: Included in standard double cabin

ADMISSION FEE
The price of this tour does not include the Admission Fees, which are usually around Euros 8,00 per person payable directly on the spot. If you are over 65 or under 18 years old and you have EU or Commonwealth Passport,  the admission fees are free of charge for you showing your document (or copy of your document) on the spot.

IMPORTANT
In order to guarantee all departures with a minimum of 2 clients, we operate this tour as below specified:

This tour will be operated with a Driver-Guide from 2 to 5 people. 
The Driver Guide is not a Licensed Tourist Guide (Licensed Tourist Guide: are the only professionals -- with a Regional license -- permitted to conduct visits and tours in all sites and museums within a city) and he cannot escort you inside the monuments because this is not allowed by Italian Rules. 
From 6 to 15 clients, tour is operated with a Driver, a Tour Escort, and licensed Local Guides where necessary. 

GRATUITIES (We Suggest)
- The suggested amount for the Driver Guide have to be an average between EURO 30,00 to EURO 50,00 (for a full day excursion) per day based on the efficiency and service you receive.
- The suggested amount in case of Tour Escort and Driver is: for the Tour Escort EURO 6,00 per person per day; the Driver EURO 4,00 per person per day; Licensed local guide EURO 2,00 per person.
-Gratuities to restaurants are never included in the bill.  The restaurant cover charge is not a tip.  If paying with credit cards in Italy & Sicily, please be so kind as to pay your tip separately in cash to the waiter.  This should be 10% of the total bill.
-The use of public toilets requires a payment to the attendant of EURO 0,30 cents. Public toilet charge EURO 0,50 cents.

LEVEL OF TRIP
This trip is designed to create comforts. The accommodation is 4 star superior, which usually means a combination of well-known 4 star properties. The food is first rate, with a blend of haute cuisine and regional Sicilian and Italian delicacies, discrete and comfortable transportation, the guides are knowledgeable and charming.

ITALY AND SICILY FOOD
Sicily and Italy have a heavy emphasis on fish. Also, in Sicily & Italy typically the meal begins with a “starter? then pasta and then your main course. Please keep in mind that here the food might not be the same type of Italian food that you have are used to in your hometown. Sicily is famous for cannolis and marzipan. Please save room for dessert!

BAGGAGE HANDLING
The charge for handling one suitcase per person is not included with your tours.

WHAT TO PACK
The most important ingredient to a successful vacation is exploration. Please pack comfortable walking shoes. Sicily and Italy mainland have a lot of steps and archaeological sites please pack accordingly. For city walking, wear leather shoes with good support. They are more socially and aesthetically acceptable than athletic shoes. Raingear is essential and a little umbrella could be handy. Gore-Tex fabric, which is both waterproof and breathable, is an excellent choice. Always pack a light sweater or jacket, even in summer.

INFORMATION & HINTS
-Once you land in Italy don’t forget to set your watch to the local time;
-In Italy the current voltage in Hotels is 220W.
-In Italy eating snacks is not a problem. But if you want to use restaurants, they open at certain times of the day: 11:30AM till 2:30PM and from 7:00PM till 10:30PM;
-Gratuities to restaurant are never included in the bill. Cover charge is not a tip. If paying with credit cards in Italy please pay your tip separately in cash to the waiter and this should be 10% of the total bill;
-The use of public toilets requires a payment to the attendant of € 0.30 cents. Public toilet charge € 0, 50 cents;
-Shops are generally closed from 1:00PM till 4:00PM and close approximately at 7:30PM.
-Ask for a receipt of your bills from most of the shopping establishments. By Italian Law, you must obtain them before leaving the premises;
-Be careful of your purse and wallets. Pick pocketing and purse snatching can happen especially in crowed places, such as famous monuments, bus stops, and railways stations. We advise that you do not give money to beggars as this is a common distraction for someone else to snatch your valuables;
-Do not carry all your money with you when leaving for sightseeing or strolls, deposit part of your money in the hotel safe or in the special belt around your waist;
Have handy telephone numbers of your banks in the event of stolen or lost credit cards;
-Keep separate a photocopy of your Passport;
-Keep your Currency Exchange forms if you plan to change money back to another currency.

GETTING THERE
Flights: We generally recommend that our travellers arrive one day before the trip starts in order to get their bearings and ease in to the new surroundings.
Travel Services: For the convenience of our travellers, we would be happy to assist you in case you need a special rate for your pre-post nights in Sicily and Italy mainland.

CLOTHING
Whole essays can be written about the Italians' relationships with clothes. Some observations:
1. Sometimes clothing rules are written. To visit a church or religious site you will need to cover yourself up; no bare backs, chests, shoulders and sometimes no bare knees. Sometimes museums and other attractions can also be strict; no bathing suits, for example. If you want to visit a church or religious site it's a good idea to carry a shawl or something with you so you can cover up. Even where there are no written rules, please use good judgement and respect the customs of the area....you're not at home and a little more "prudent" behavior is always appreciated by locals.
2. Italians are very conformist about clothing; everyone wears the same fashions, from teenagers to grannies, which can be shocking at times. And it's normal to be glared at if you are not wearing the latest customised jeans or super hip boots.
3. It's important not to judge people by their choice of clothing. Styles do not necessarily carry the same connotations in Italy that they would in other countries. A woman in fishnets, stilettos and miniskirt with caked-on makeup at eight in the morning is probably just going to work in a bank. Almost all youths lounge about in skin-tight t-shirts with their rear-ends squishing out of jeans.

ADVICE FOR WOMEN
"Sexual harassment" is not regarded in the same way in Sicily-Italy as in other countries. The general atmosphere is pretty unreconstructed, and women should be prepared for attention :-). However, the tone of this "attention" is generally less aggressive than you may be used to. Men will call out compliments such as "bona" (beautiful in Sicilian language) instead of muttering crude suggestions. And culturally, these comments are not seen as insults; if you respond angrily or insultingly everyone will be very surprised. Whereas women of other nationalities may be used to telling strangers (in no uncertain terms) to shut up and go away, in Sicily the norm is to ignore the attention. In any case, responding in English or in imperfect Italian will only encourage more attention. It's best to do as the Sicilian-Italian women do, and sail past with your head held high. If you avoid eye contact and don't respond, you are extremely unlikely to be pursued or hassled further.

DISABLED TRAVELERS
Please advise us in advance if you will arrive in Sicily with a folding wheelchair or with a cane. This is because we need to verify if our excursion fit you needs.

SMOKING
Since January 2005, smoking has been banned in all enclosed public places that do not offer sealed off rooms equipped with smoke extractors. The controversial new law covers i.e. bars, restaurants, offices, public buildings, public transports and cinemas. Smokers face fines is up to EURO 275, whilst businesses could be hit for EURO 2.000.

CURRENCY
-The EURO is the currency accepted in Italy. The preferred method of payment is the EURO or a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). 
-Traveler’s checks are not welcomed by local merchants.
-Check with your bank to determine whether or not your ATM card will work overseas and find out what is the maximum amount of cash is that can be dispensed on a daily basis. (Note:  The maximum amount available for withdrawl in Europe is usually less for “foreign” ATM cards.  If you try to withdraw an amount and have problems, try again selecting a smaller amount to withdraw).
-If you do not have a cash card, you can go to the currency desk and they will exchange your currency into EURO.  The other option is to go to your local bank BEFORE leaving your country and obtain EURO.  Please do this well in advance of your trip as some local banks might need to order EURO from their main branch.

GENERAL SAFETY
Sicily is a pretty safe island. You should take obvious precautions, as in any city around the world, such as keeping any bags and possessions under your control and being alert for bag-snatchers and pickpockets in crowded places.

 

What's Included

Departure - Prices