Sicily: A Cultural Journey 11 days
About This Experience
The Sicilian sun shines light on a different side of Italy. In the midst of the Mediterranean, discover an island with personality all its own—full of flavor and teeming with one-of-a-kind art and architecture. From multicultural Palermo to breathtaking Taormina, each stop on this tour of Sicily reveals unexpected treasures.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
The unique melding of cultural influences
Lavish cathedrals, palaces & mosaics
Palermo is the home of gelato
Greek theater’s presence remains strong
Recognizable backdrops from The Godfather
Overnight Flight1 night
Palermo3 nights - hotel info
Day2
You’re getting warmer—just one more stop until Sicily
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Touch down in Palermo, Sicily’s capital and chief port. After you clear customs, a Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring Palermo. Later this evening, meet your fellow travelers at your welcome dinner.
Day3
Look up, look down—in Palermo there’s art everywhere you turn
Breakfast
Cappella Palatina, Monreale
This morning, you’ll have a guided tour of bayside Palermo, situated at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. Pass the city’s palazzi, and visit the Palermo Cathedral to view the stunning artwork of the Capella Palatina. Make your way through the Four Corners, where four Spanish Baroque palaces stand, and the so-called “Fountain of Shame.” Next, continue to nearby Monreale for a visit to the town’s magnificent Norman cathedral, whose mosaics are comparable to those of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia.
Day4
You’re free to explore (and eat as much gelato as you like)
Breakfast
You’ll find plenty of possibilities for your free day in Palermo. Visit the collection of art in the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, study the eclectic mix of architectural styles in the Duomo, shop the open-air stalls of the Vucciria Market or visit the Marionette Museum. Be sure to leave time for gelato sampling—the Italian style of ice cream was invented right here in Palermo. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to medieval Erice and Segesta.
Optional Excursions
Erice & Segesta $99* pp
Journey to western Sicily to visit the ancient ruins of Segesta. Here, you’ll view a magnificent Doric temple and an ancient Greek theater. Next, visit the well-preserved village of Erice, perched on the summit of Monte San Giuiliano. The relics within Erice are fascinating, from its Phoenician walls to its Norman castles. Your guided tour of the town will take you past the town's churches, and will touch upon the role they played in Erice's history.
Syracuse3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Day6
The show goes on in an ancient theater once home to Greek tragedy
Breakfast
Syracuse Greek Theater
Not long after its founding in 734 B.C., Syracuse rivaled Athens and Rome for political power and cultural importance. Plato considered it a model for the ideal city. On your guided tour, enter the Archaeological Park for a visit to the most complete ancient Greek theater in existence. Note the way that the natural setting is incorporated into the design of the theater, where Aeschylus premiered many of his works. Then, tour the massive Paradise Quarry and gardens, featuring the cave that Caravaggio dubbed “The Ear of Dionysius” for its unique acoustics. Also included is a visit to an ancient Roman amphitheater. Later, cross a bridge to the Island of Ortygia, where your guide leads a walking tour of this beautiful old city of Syracuse. Highlights include the 6th-century Temple of Apollo, the Duomo and the harbor-front fountain.
Day7
So much of Syracuse remains to be discovered, your way
Breakfast
Spend the day as you like in Syracuse. Consider a visit to the Archaeological Museum or the more unusual Papyrus Museum. Alternatively, you might opt for an excursion to a traditional Sicilian manor house, owned and operated by a Sicilian contessa. There, you’ll enjoy appetizers, a gourmet meal, desserts and a tour of the farm’s facilities.
Optional Excursions
Sicilian Manor House $75* pp
With its warm climate, open fields and fertile soil, Sicily is home to some of Italy’s finest foods. Local crops include oranges, lemons, olives, onions, nuts, tomatoes, eggplants and herbs. On your visit to Casa Bianca, an estate owned and run by a Sicilian contessa, you'll taste an authentic homemade Sicilian meal. You’ll discover the region’s delicious and varied flavors during your included family-style lunch.
Taormina Region3 nights - hotel info
Day8
The volcanic Mount Etna steals every scene in coastal Taormina
Breakfast
Greek theater ruins
Journey past the city of Catania and Mount Etna to Taormina, situated on the island’s northernmost point. A local guide introduces you to this scenic town perched high above the sea. Pass the Duomo, the Corso Umberto I and the Palazzo Corvaia, seat of the first Sicilian parliament. Then, visit the town’s 2nd-century Greek theater, whose stunning location overlooking the coast—with Mount Etna providing a natural background—reflects how seriously the ancient Greeks took the importance of drama. Performances are still held here today during the summer. This evening, you’re invited to our optional Traditional Sicilian Dinner & Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Sicilian Dinner & Wine Tasting $89* pp
Venture into the foothills surrounding Mt. Etna for dinner and a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Like Sicily itself, Sicilian cuisine has been profoundly influenced by the myriad cultures that have made this island their home.
Day9
What to see…palaces or the villages from The Godfather?
Breakfast
With a free day in the Taormina region, you might choose to visit the town’s 14th- and 15th-century palaces. Or, you could opt to take our Hidden Sicily excursion to delve into Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, two traditional Sicilian villages that served as sets for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather.
Optional Excursions
Hidden Sicily $49* pp
Delve into the traditional Sicilian villages that served as sets for Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. First, visit Savoca and tour the Church of St. Lucia and the Bar Vitelli. Walk through this medieval village and marvel at its 15th-century buildings and the city's panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea. Continue on to Forza d'Agrò, another “hidden” Sicilian village, where you'll visit the Church of the Annunciation. Please note: The order of villages visited is subject to change. In the event that the Church of the Annunciation is closed, it may only be viewed from the outside.
Day10
Beaches to cliff walks to mountains, beauty is in Sicily’s nature
Breakfast, Dinner
From magnificent beaches to cliff walks, spend another free day soaking in the Taormina’s region’s natural beauty. Alternatively, join a full-day optional excursion to explore the mountainous landscapes of Mount Etna. Dinner is included this evening.
Optional Excursions
Mount Etna $79* pp
Travel from Taormina to the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and highest active volcano. Here, a local guide will board your bus and you’ll ascend up to 5,000 feet, stopping at a scenic vantage point to snap photos and learn about the mountain’s long history of eruptions, as well as its native flora and fauna. Continue up to 6,600 feet, where you’ll have free time to walk among the volcanic craters and peruse the mountainside shops before sampling local delicacies at an included three-course lunch. Please note: Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Temperatures on the mountain are cool in the summer and can be quite chilly the rest of the year.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $349*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and vibrant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day11
Savor la dolce vita on your own in Rome
Breakfast
Travel to the airport for your flight to Rome. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative greets you and oversees hotel check-in. Then, follow in the footsteps of the caesars during an included excursion to imperial Rome, featuring a guided tour of the Colosseum.
Optional Excursions
Imperial Rome $85* pp
Follow in the footsteps of Rome's emperors through the city's Imperial landmarks. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and a panoramic bus tour of the city's Roman ruins. You might also stop to snap a photo of the ruins of the Roman Forum, from which the caesars ruled their vast empire.
Day12
Follow the footsteps of Caesar (or the beat of your own drum)
Breakfast
Spend a free day in Rome however you choose. Take in art and architecture at every turn—from relics of Caesar’s reign to treasures of the Renaissance. Or, you could join today’s optional sightseeing tour of Vatican City, featuring visits to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Opt to end the day at our Dinner with Tenors, an evening of food and live opera music.
Must be booked 70 days before departure
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
About This Experience
The Sicilian sun shines light on a different side of Italy. In the midst of the Mediterranean, discover an island with personality all its own—full of flavor and teeming with one-of-a-kind art and architecture. From multicultural Palermo to breathtaking Taormina, each stop on this tour of Sicily reveals unexpected treasures.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
The unique melding of cultural influences
Lavish cathedrals, palaces & mosaics
Palermo is the home of gelato
Greek theater’s presence remains strong
Recognizable backdrops from The Godfather
Overnight Flight1 night
Palermo3 nights - hotel info
Day2
You’re getting warmer—just one more stop until Sicily
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Touch down in Palermo, Sicily’s capital and chief port. After you clear customs, a Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring Palermo. Later this evening, meet your fellow travelers at your welcome dinner.
Day3
Look up, look down—in Palermo there’s art everywhere you turn
Breakfast
Palermo cathedral, Capella Palatina , Cathedral of Monreale
This morning, you’ll have a guided tour of bayside Palermo, situated at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. Pass the city’s palazzi, and visit the Palermo Cathedral to view the stunning artwork of the Capella Palatina. Make your way through the Four Corners, where four Spanish Baroque palaces stand, and the so-called “Fountain of Shame.” Next, continue to nearby Monreale for a visit to the town’s magnificent Norman cathedral, whose mosaics are comparable to those of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia.
Day4
You’re free to explore (and eat as much gelato as you like)
Breakfast
You’ll find plenty of possibilities for your free day in Palermo. Visit the collection of art in the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, study the eclectic mix of architectural styles in the Duomo, shop the open-air stalls of the Vucciria Market or visit the Marionette Museum. Be sure to leave time for gelato sampling—the Italian style of ice cream was invented right here in Palermo. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to medieval Erice and Segesta.
Optional Excursions
Erice & Segesta $99* pp
Journey to western Sicily to visit the ancient ruins of Segesta. Here, you’ll view a magnificent Doric temple and an ancient Greek theater. Next, visit the well-preserved village of Erice, perched on the summit of Monte San Giuiliano. The relics within Erice are fascinating, from its Phoenician walls to its Norman castles. Your guided tour of the town will take you past the town's churches, and will touch upon the role they played in Erice's history.
Syracuse3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Day6
The show goes on in an ancient theater once home to Greek tragedy
Breakfast
Syracuse Greek Theater
Not long after its founding in 734 B.C., Syracuse rivaled Athens and Rome for political power and cultural importance. Plato considered it a model for the ideal city. On your guided tour, enter the Archaeological Park for a visit to the most complete ancient Greek theater in existence. Note the way that the natural setting is incorporated into the design of the theater, where Aeschylus premiered many of his works. Then, tour the massive Paradise Quarry and gardens, featuring the cave that Caravaggio dubbed “The Ear of Dionysius” for its unique acoustics. Also included is a visit to an ancient Roman amphitheater. Later, cross a bridge to the Island of Ortygia, where your guide leads a walking tour of this beautiful old city of Syracuse. Highlights include the 6th-century Temple of Apollo, the Duomo and the harbor-front fountain.
Day7
So much of Syracuse remains to be discovered, your way
Breakfast
Spend the day as you like in Syracuse. Consider a visit to the Archaeological Museum or the more unusual Papyrus Museum. Alternatively, you might opt for an excursion to a traditional Sicilian manor house, owned and operated by a Sicilian contessa. There, you’ll enjoy appetizers, a gourmet meal, desserts and a tour of the farm’s facilities.
Optional Excursions
Sicilian Manor House $75* pp
With its warm climate, open fields and fertile soil, Sicily is home to some of Italy’s finest foods. Local crops include oranges, lemons, olives, onions, nuts, tomatoes, eggplants and herbs. On your visit to Casa Bianca, an estate owned and run by a Sicilian contessa, you'll taste an authentic homemade Sicilian meal. You’ll discover the region’s delicious and varied flavors during your included family-style lunch.
Taormina Region3 nights - hotel info
Day8
The volcanic Mount Etna steals every scene in coastal Taormina
Breakfast
Greek theater ruins
Journey past the city of Catania and Mount Etna to Taormina, situated on the island’s northernmost point. A local guide introduces you to this scenic town perched high above the sea. Pass the Duomo, the Corso Umberto I and the Palazzo Corvaia, seat of the first Sicilian parliament. Then, visit the town’s 2nd-century Greek theater, whose stunning location overlooking the coast—with Mount Etna providing a natural background—reflects how seriously the ancient Greeks took the importance of drama. Performances are still held here today during the summer. This evening, you’re invited to our optional Traditional Sicilian Dinner & Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Sicilian Dinner & Wine Tasting $89* pp
Venture into the foothills surrounding Mt. Etna for dinner and a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Like Sicily itself, Sicilian cuisine has been profoundly influenced by the myriad cultures that have made this island their home.
Day9
What to see…palaces or the villages from The Godfather?
Breakfast
With a free day in the Taormina region, you might choose to visit the town’s 14th- and 15th-century palaces. Or, you could opt to take our Hidden Sicily excursion to delve into Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, two traditional Sicilian villages that served as sets for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather.
Optional Excursions
Hidden Sicily $49* pp
Delve into the traditional Sicilian villages that served as sets for Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. First, visit Savoca and tour the Church of St. Lucia and the Bar Vitelli. Walk through this medieval village and marvel at its 15th-century buildings and the city's panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea. Continue on to Forza d'Agrò, another “hidden” Sicilian village, where you'll visit the Church of the Annunciation. Please note: The order of villages visited is subject to change. In the event that the Church of the Annunciation is closed, it may only be viewed from the outside.
Day10
Beaches to cliff walks to mountains, beauty is in Sicily’s nature
Breakfast, Dinner
From magnificent beaches to cliff walks, spend another free day soaking in the Taormina’s region’s natural beauty. Alternatively, join a full-day optional excursion to explore the mountainous landscapes of Mount Etna. Dinner is included this evening.
Optional Excursions
Mount Etna $79* pp
Travel from Taormina to the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and highest active volcano. Here, a local guide will board your bus and you’ll ascend up to 5,000 feet, stopping at a scenic vantage point to snap photos and learn about the mountain’s long history of eruptions, as well as its native flora and fauna. Continue up to 6,600 feet, where you’ll have free time to walk among the volcanic craters and peruse the mountainside shops before sampling local delicacies at an included three-course lunch. Please note: Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Temperatures on the mountain are cool in the summer and can be quite chilly the rest of the year.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $409*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and vibrant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day11
Day12
Follow the footsteps of Caesar (or the beat of your own drum)
Breakfast
Spend a free day in Rome however you choose. Take in all the art and architecture, from relics of Caesar’s reign to treasures of the Renaissance. Or, you could join today’s optional sightseeing tour of Vatican City, featuring visits to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Opt to end the day at Dinner with Tenors, an evening of food and live opera music.
Must be booked 70 days before departure
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Sicily. Be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Palermo and depart from Catania (or Rome on the tour extension). When you first arrive in Palermo, a Go Ahead representative will meet you at the airport. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival. Included transportation is by private motor coach. In your free time, most of Sicily’s locations are best accessed on foot. Local city buses in Palermo and Syracuse can break up periods of walking. Taxis are also useful, particularly in connecting downtown Syracuse (where most hotels are located) to the island of Ortygia (where most shops and restaurants are). In Taormina, local buses connect the beachfront city of Naxos to Taormina proper. You can also ride a funicular up to Taormina’s city center.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Currency
The euro is the currency you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/ credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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- Photo Reviews
Tour of Sicily
We recently went on the tour of Sicily which began in Palermo and ended in Taormina. First lets get the bad part out of the way. The flights over and back were horrendous. Previously we have always had non stop flights to Europe but, with this trip we were routed through JFK which was horrible. It would have been much better to have a nonstop to Rome, or even Milan, than to go through JFK. The hotel in Palermo wasn't a good one. We stayed at the President Hotel. It had a view of the docks, not exactly picturesque, and the quality of the rooms was one step down from a Motel 6. This was a last minute hotel change that, we hope, GAT has learned is not one to put their groups up in again. Now the good...the wonderful...the picturesque. The tours we went on, provided and extra, in Palermo were wonderful. The beauty of Monreale, the Palantine Chapel and the Duomo of Palermo were all breathtaking. Our Saturday night Fish Dinner was tons of fun and really let us experience the fun of a night out in town. Our excursion to Segesta and Erice was amazing. The views from the amphitheater in Segesta were breathtaking and having lunch in Erice when a cloud settled over the medieval town was enchanting. As a photographer I had been looking forward to visiting Agrigento and my first Greek ruins. I was not disappointed! It was fascinating to hear all about these temples from our very entertaining local guide as well as enjoy their immense beauty. Then we were onto the Villa Politi and Siracusa. The Villa is amazing. Downtime at the hotel is usually nothing to be excited about but the Villa is so beautiful that lazing on their verandas, having "happy hour" near the Winston Bar or dining in the gorgeous ballroom was something to look forward to and enjoy. Our day on Ortigia Island was also something we will always remember. This incredibly picturesque island town was wonderful to just walk around and enjoy the shops, the restaurants and the beauty that waited down every street and alleyway. A real highlight of our trip. While in Siracusa we also did an extra trip out to a Contessa's Manor House. The word picturesque doesn't do it justice. The vine and bougainvillea covered barns and outbuildings were stunning. Food was prepared in a real stone oven and we were served family style comfort foods including the best meatballs any of us had ever tasted! We were given free roam of the property for the entire time we were there and I have to say, it was amazing. When we arrived in Taormina we visited the hilltop part of town before settling into our beach cliff side hotel later in the day. Roaming and shopping these streets, enjoying the Greco-Roman ruins, lunching at the same place that Tennessee Williams enjoyed so much was a real treat. After checking into our modern and very comfortable hotel overlooking the sea we went for an extra excursion to a wonderful Mt. Etna winery and had an incredible dinner filled with great food, wonderful wines and a family type welcome. The views from this property make the tour worth it but the wine was worthy of quite a few bottles finding their way back home with us! Lastly we took the Mt. Etna tour and the Hidden Sicily tour. The former was up to the volcano and we got to see where the flow met the buildings about 20 years ago, enjoy the presently dormant craters and the unique beauty of Spring at the top. The latter treated us to two wonderful small towns, one known for the footage shot of The Godfather in the 70's and one known for its Almond Wine. Both were a true pleasure to explore for us and, especially for me as a photographer. As always, the comfort of the bus, not worrying about how to get there or how to get back, the skill of the driving, was wonderful. But, once again, we were treated by a very friendly and gentlemanly driver in our Salvatore. Our guide was warm and kind as well as being funny and knowledgeable and many of us were very happy to bring home happy memories and photographs with Stefania. While we may never visit Sicily again...there are so many other places to see first!...we really did enjoy this, our third tour, with Go Ahead.
fine title
Our tour director was fantastic.
Above and beyond
Stefania, our tour director, exceeded all expectations. not only did she shepherd us thru every difficulty She arranged additional experiences for the. Group and bought us little treats so we could literally savor the favors of Sicily as well as figuratively . Plus, when we got to Rome way ahead of when the rooms would be ready she took it on herself to show us how the transit stem worked and she went with us to Trevino fountain and pantheon, not as a guide but as a friend.then the next day she worked with each person who was not taking the company side trip to Vatican on our plans suggesting route changes nice cafes and more for our day. Wonderful young woman. Would only recommend the tour if Stefania is the Tour leader
Sicily
My daughter and I had a great time and Go Ahead was very good as usually except for first Hotel in Palermo. That hotel is a mistake to use and except for the trips around that area we were not impressed. The excursions were a delight but Palermo it`s self is a dirty (make that very dirty ) city. The rest of the trip was wonderful . The extra trips such as the dinner at the Manor house/the winery dinner was soooooo tasty. The wine I brought home from Barone Di Villagrande winery is great and the best I have ever tasted. The second hotel was a dream come true. The Grand Villa Politi in Siracusa is a grand villa alright. I suggest you go on-line and look at it to believe how beautiful. Food for breakfast was just perfect. Something I cannot say about the first hotel. Our tour guide was great. She knew her job and took good care of us. Giving those taking photo`s the time needed to get that great shot. But most of all she knew when to let us rest on the bus. I have had guides that all I could think was`Please shut up so I can take a nap" after a long walking tour. I love this tour company and will be doing another I am sure. This was my 3rd trip with them. Last comment is our driver Salvatori. Amazing driver. We felt safe with him because he really knows his job.
Sicily
The trip and experience over-all was positive. I would recommend less time be spent in Palermo. The hotels we stayed in would not turn on their air conditioner until 1 May. The hotel in Palermo was very very hot and there was a lot of outside noise that kept several members of the tour awake. Information regarding location of customs at airports and the process to go through security etc would be helpful before leaving the U.S.A.
Just Right!
Right length and itinerary. Right mix of guided sightseeing and free time. Right Tour Director and Bus Driver.
Lovely country
We went to Sicily to see the country's famous Greek and Roman sites, but we found much more. The countryside is beautiful, graced by rolling hills with vineyards and orange and olive groves. We visited scenic little mountaintop villages, like Taormina and Savoca, as well as the more modern Palermo and Catania. We ate really well too, with the accent on pasta, seafood, gelato, and cannolis. The historical sites included really well preserved Greek and Roman theaters, glittering gold mosaics in the church of Monreal, and the famous cave called the ear of Dionysus. Our tour guide, Carmelo, was one of the best we've had in all our travels--knowledgeable, personable, and very efficient. He made himself available at all times, even giving out his phone number so we could contact him in case of emergency. While we were on tour, he gave us the option to add three additional tours, which added even further to the depth of the trip. This was our fifth Go-Ahead tour, and we'd never before been offered additional optional tours while on the trip, so we appreciated that extra effort by Carmelo. This was also the first time that on every included tour, we were given what Carmelo called "whisperers" --electronic receivers with earphones we could wear, so that the guides could talk into a mike and we could hear them from a distance, eliminating the need to gather closely around the guides to hear their commentary. This greatly increased our ability to hear the guides and allowed us to do what we prefer, explore the sites and still hear the guides' explanations. We thought every tour guide was excellent, except one, a woman who spoke with a heavy Spanish accent that we had a hard time understanding. She even apologized for her accent at the start of the tour, so even she knew her English was not very good--and she was right. Another guide spole really clearly and was knowledgeable about the sites, but he walked very quickly up some steep hills, so some of the group had a hard time keeping up. He was not careful to make sure that everyone was with him as he continued from place to place, so a few people got left behind the group and had to find their way back at the end of the tour. Our hotels were acceptable, but they each had some problems. The hotel in Palermo was pretty and modern, with a great breakfast spread, but it only had 2 elevators, which were tiny and slow. The hotel in Siracusa was old and scenic, but its breakfast was not as good and, as one woman on our tour found out, its old bathrooms were not the safest. The hotel in Taormina had a great location on the beach, had a convenient shuttle van to take us into town, and our room had a beautiful beach view, but our room smelled of sewage and the water in the shower and sink never got beyond chilly. Also, I wish we'd been told that some of the hotels had swimming pools, so we would have come prepared with swimsuits. Overall, a very enjoyable tour.
Sicily
Our trip to Sicily and Go Ahead were much more than I anticipated. Our tour director, Rita Baimonte, was absolutely outstanding in her interpersonal and organizational skills. She arranged extra optional trips that were super and her talks were "just enough" to keep us interested and from becoming bored. The other guides, with the exception of the professor in Siracusa, were also excellent. The Siracusa gentleman just didn't have the right amount of enthusiasm in his voice. It became apparent he was enthusiastic about some of the sights in Ortiega and his presentation improved as we went along. The optional trip;s were all worth the money and the hotels were great. As I said all was more than we anticipated since we have previously traveled with more upscale tour companies. The only bad experience was the airport during our return. It's obvious Go Ahead brought us much too early because that worked best economically for your company. We were on line before earlier flight travelers which resulted in Alitalia continuing to move them forward of we who wound up standing in line for 1 and 1/2 hours. It was a terrible experience and both Alitalia and Go Ahead need to make improvements. There is no reason to bring a full bus load (you combined pieces of two tour groups) to the airport before the desks are open & two & one half+ hours before the flight. Did not leave pleasant memories in many minds.
Sicily: A Cultural Journey
The tour of Sicily was excellent. Rita our tour director and Salvatore our main driver went out of their way to make the trip comfortable, memorable, and successful. I can't say enough about how our group was treated, the local guides, the sites included - all provided a great overview of the island. A great trip for anyone who would like to experience Sicily and its culture.
Grazie Rita
Not being an experienced traveler, I appreciated the secure and safe manner in which Rita maintained the integrity of the group while taking into consideration us “slower” walkers and offering additional services as needed so all could participate at each tour venue. In addition to the aesthetic nature of the tour, Rita’s lyrical presentation of the Sicilian culture and countryside made me very proud of my heritage. In addition, her procuring a trip to my ancestral village with a competent and wonderful driver/guide on short notice made an exceptional an memorable moment for me.
