Throughout  your tour of Sicily you will be able to discover beneath the Sicilian sun, explore a diverse array of architectural styles and learn how a wide variety of cultural influences have converged to shape Sicily’s unique character.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Palermo

Fly through the night to Sicily.

Day 2 - Palermo

Touch down in Milan or Rome. Then fly to Palermo, Sicily’s capital and chief port. 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 acquainting yourself with Palermo. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow
travelers.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Palermo

This morning, you’ll have a guided tour of bayside Palermo at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. Pass the city’s palazzi, visit the Palermo Cathedral and see the Chiesa della Martorana. Pass through the Four Corners, where four Spanish Baroque palaces stand, and the so-called “Fountain of Shame.”Your tour then continues on to nearby Monreale for a visit to the town’s magnificent Norman cathedral, whose mosaics are comparable to the those of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Palermo cathedral, Chiesa della Martorana, Monreale

Day 4 - Palermo

You’ll find plenty of interesting possibilities for your free day in Palermo today. Visit the spectacular collection of art in the Galleria Regionale della
Sicilia, study the eclectic mix of architectural styles in the Duomo, shop amid 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 in Palermo! Alternatively, join an optional excursion to medieval Erice and Segesta.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 CAD

Erice & Segesta Stop is the ancient ruins of Segesta, founded by fleeing Elymians in the 8th century B.C. Here, you’ll view a magnificent Doric temple and a nearly intact ancient Greek theater. Next, visit the well-preserved village of Erice, perched on the summit of Monte San Giuiliano.

Day 5 - Agrigento

Travel south through the Sicilian countryside to Agrigento, whose history dates back to 580 B.C. As you approach, look for Agrigento’s temples on the skyline. This town has enjoyed prosperity ever since the days of trade with Carthage. On this afternoon’s guided tour, you’ll visit the legendary Valley of the Temples with its ancient monuments to Hercules, Juno, Jupiter and twins Castor and Pollux.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Valley of the Temples, Agrigento Greek Ruins

Day 6 - Syracuse

This morning, pay a visit to Piazza Armerina, a town famous for its Roman mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale. Arrive later in Syracuse (Siracusa), the wealthy and powerful heart of Greek civilization in ancient times.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Piazza Armerina

Day 7 - Syracuse

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.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 8 - Syracuse

Spend the day at your leisure 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 farm, owned and operated by a Sicilian contessa. Enjoy appetizers, a gourmet meal, desserts and a tour of the farm’s facilities.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Syracuse Greek Theater

$75 CAD

Sicilian Farm On your visit to Casa Bianca, a farm owned and run by a Sicilian contessa, watch as an authentic homemade Sicilian meal is prepared. Then discover the region’s delicious and varied flavors during your included lunch.

Day 9 - Taormina

Journey past the city of Catania and Mount Etna to Taormina, situated on the island’s northernmost point. A local expert 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 are invited to an optional evening of Sicilian cuisine.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Greek theater ruins

$59 CAD

Traditional Sicilian Dinner Learn about the flavors and food preparations that are traditional in Sicilian cooking as you savor a typical regional dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 - Taormina

With a free day in the Taormina region, you might choose to visit the town’s 14th- and 15th-century palaces. Or opt to take an excursion to explore Hidden Sicily. Visit Savoca and Forza D’agro, two traditional villages that have preserved their authenticity over the years.
Included meals: breakfast

$49 CAD

Hidden Sicily On today’s excursion, visit two traditional Sicilian villages that have been preserved in their authenticity over the years—including some places that inspired Francis Ford Coppola and The Godfather.

Day 11 - Taormina

Enjoy another free day reveling in the Taormina’s region’s natural attractions from the magnificent beaches to cliff walks. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the captivating mountainscapes of Mount Etna. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$79 CAD

Mt. Etna Travel from Taormina to the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and highest active volcano. Here, you’ll have a guided tour with the chance to hike on the lava dunes and crater-pocked landscapes. Lunch is included at a restaurant located on the mountainside.

Day 12 - Taormina

If you are not continuing on our tour extension to Rome, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport in Catania for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast
may not be provided.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 CAD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 CAD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 CAD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 CAD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

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 when traveling to Sicily. It is always advisable 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. 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 on “Scenes from Sicily” is by private motorcoach. 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

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy rather than in the United States, although it is 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 that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead 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.