Wonderful Sicily Tour

Steffana and Salvatore made the trip exceptionally memorable. Both were extremely helpful, good natured, and both went the extra mile. In addition, the individual tour guides were very informative and full of information about the optional excursions we attended. The scenery was splendid, the hotels were in excellent areas where we could explore on our own time,and we had just the right amount of free time.

Sicilian History

This tour covered the ancient history of Sicily to great extent. The guides were full of interesting information. In the future though, I would like to hear a little more of the current history in the making. Our tour director Stefania was great as was our driver Salvatore. I would highly recommend this tour. Go Ahead did a great job.

Best of Sicily - Understatement!

Our tour of Sicily was a wonderful experience. It was just the right length, we hit all the best areas and we had the very finest of local guides. I am always impressed by the knowledge and passion exhibited by the very talented guides. Traveling on one’s own with even the finest guidebooks can’t equal the insight given by these individuals. Having access to the VOX Whispers meant that you could hear every word the guides said while also being able to step back to take photos and look around at the wonderful settings The history and culture offered in every region of Sicily was stunning. Beginning in Palermo (make time to see the Quattro Canti -Four Corners - and Kalsa Piazza (we weren’t able to make enough time for a visit to eat sea snails – next time!) and Monreale (wonderful tour of the Norman cathedral with its beautiful mosaics) kicked off the experiences to come. Tour Director, Rita Baiamonte, set the stage from the moment we stepped off the plane and energized us to be ready for the days to come. She made every day a delight with her skills and knowledge for handling a pretty large group. And she has a wonderful sense of humor! First point of housekeeping was getting local money. The ATM’s are located at banks and are signed as “Bank O Mat”. If you use your ATM card, the window will read that you are taking a cash advance but it will register on your personal bank as a typical ATM withdrawal. If you use a credit card, it will be a cash advance with the attending fees. We got enough money in Palermo to last us the trip saving time in having to hunt up banks around the island. Any monkey left over, can be used for the tips you’ll want to bestow at the end of the tour. The hotels were very reluctant to make change. Whenever you can, get the large bills received at the ATM broken down to as small a denomination as you can. You will want lots of single Euro coins for small purchases at street vendors and cafes and 50 cent pieces for restroom access. 5 and 10 Euro bills are the easiest to carry and offer for payment in shops. My first purchase at a street vendor was a collapsible walking stick. I paid 6 euros and it was my favorite souvenir. I carried it everywhere and it was a great help in navigating over the cobblestone streets and rocky surfaces and climbing up and down steps and steep inclines. It had a handle like a cane, a wrist strap with a bonus mag light and compass. The entire tour was enlightening and beautiful but for me the high points came during the excursions to Segesta and Erice (spectacular drive and views), and the Sicilian Manor House (best food and wonderful hostess in a very relaxing, convivial setting). Mt. Etna was exciting (cold and windy – take appropriate outerwear including hood and gloves). The day after our climb, we woke up to seeing the mountain covered in snow! I took a very good pair of walking shoes with sturdy soles that I wore to good effect on every outing. Comfort and fit are key. We loved the juice made from the local blood oranges and I loved the granita de lemon (like a frozen lemonade or sorbet) that was so very refreshing. Make room in your luggage to take back Sicilian Sea Salt, organic olive oil, olives and capers in salt. All are local specialties that you won’t find elsewhere. We had the best four cheese pizza ever at Trattoria Kalliope in Ortigia. Cold beer, outdoor setting, beautiful people and food! It was in Taormina where Ray & I declared a need to return to Sicily in the future. This is a town that envelops so much ancient landscape and history into a beautiful modern setting. We also took the excursion to explore Savoca. Watch the film, The Godfather, Part I and about an hour and forty minutes into it, you’ll see the settings that were filmed here. Wonderful trip!

Exploring Sicily

Although this tour proved more physically intensive than expected, I thoroughly enjoyed my 10 days in Sicily. Breathtaking is the only word to come close to describing the mountains, seas, cities and villages of this island! Our tour guide, Rita, made us feel like members of her family as she shared the history and stories of all the areas we visited. Our only regret was having to leave Sicily and her wonderful people behind.

Excellent Sicilian Sampler

This tour allows the traveler an incredible opportunity to examine the highlights of this intriguing island so they may make an informed decision regarding if they want a longer, future stay. The two cities which come immediately to mind are Palermo and Taormina. Both locations on this tour afford a quick overview of this pair of history-laden cities but leave an insatiable desire for "more!" I'm personally hoping that Go Ahead offers a City Stay for each.

Sicily was awesome

We had no idea what to expect when arriving in Sicily, but we were blown away by the beauty of the island. We wanted to go to Sicily because my husband's grandparents came from there -- near Palermo. We passed by a town with our last name, but didn't have enough time to get back there to see it. That will probablt mean a trip back to Sicily. We had a lovely group of fellow travelers which helped keep the trip very pleasant. Our tour director was excellent as was our driver. The ruins were very interesting to see, but there were just a touch too many. Maybe another "hidden" village could take the place of one of the stops. Although, I don't know which one I would eliminate. All in all, it was a great trip, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.

First Tour with Go Ahead Tours

I loved the trip to Sicily. This was my first time using Go Ahead Tours and I was very pleased with the entire tour. Everything was planned and there were no hassles at any stops. The tour guide, Stefanie Arena was excellent and really added to the trip. The pace of the trip was exactly as described, so no hidden surprises there. The food was wonderful, the sites were wonderful and the hotels were wonderful. The other travelers were terrific and we all had a fun time. I would definitly use Go Ahead Tours again. Pat McCarthy

Great trip

Absolutely superb tour director!

wonderful trip

It was a wonderful trip in every way. Great tour leader as well as very good local guides. Bus driver was excellent - the streets are very difficult to navigate- narrow and cars seem to park anywhere they like!! The hotels were very good and the extra trips were all worthwhile. Food everywhere was delicious. I had a wonderful time - this was my second trip with go ahead and I would take another trip with them. I have given there name to friends and they have traveled with go ahead and had a wonderful time.

Great Trip With Great Fellow Tourists

This was a trip led by a highly professional tour guide, great fellow travelers with sights beholding to the eye, and experiencing the people of Sicily as very gracious. Not to mentnion the wonderful food and wine experiences at the Contessa's manor home and wine tasting and elegant dinner at the winery. Thank you for the wonderful and enriching experience.