Sicily in Depth

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to a local airport* (will not be offered if group air is from Harrisburg International Airport)
• Roundtrip airfare between local international airport and Sicily, Italy 
• Roundtrip transfers- airport/hotel
• Seven-night hotel accommodations
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach with WiFi
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Services of a professional Insight Vacations Travel Director & Driver
• Gratuities for the Insight Vacations Travel Director & Driver
• Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, 4 Dinners with Wine
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager
   

Highlights

Welcome Dinner
Syracuse's Paradise Quarry
Valley of the Temples
Palermo
Palermo Cathedral
Dine around option in Palermo
Erice
Olive oil and wine tasting in Trapani
Cefalu
Taormina
Palazzo Corvaja
Farewell Celebration Dinner

Itinerary

Thursday, August 3: Depart Central, PA for Sicily

Transfer by motorcoach from Central, PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Catania airport in Sicily. 

Friday, August 4: Arrive in Sicily

On arrival at Catania airport, transfer to your hotel with time to settle in before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: Mercure Catania Excelsior (Dinner with Wine)

Saturday, August 5: Ancient Syracuse

Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse's Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. Continue to the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying "Eureka!". Continue around the southeastern corner of Sicily to Ragusa. Hotel: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa (Breakfast)

Sunday, August 6: Explore the Valley of the Temples - Palermo

Journey along the southern coast of the island, past the oil producing town of Gela to Agrigento. Join a Local Expert to explore the Valley of the Temples, Sicily's finest Greek sanctuary. Especially impressive is the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. Hotel: Hotel Palazzo Sitano, Palermo (Breakfast, Dinner with Wine)

Monday, August 7: Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans

Explore Palermo with an Insight Choice. Visit the spectacular Arab-Norman Cathedral of Monreale or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively Vucciria Market. This afternoon, visit Palermo Cathedral which has been altered many times over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, each with their own ambience and cuisine. (Breakfast, Dinner with Wine)

Tuesday, August 8: Exploring Erice

Wind your way up to the charming hilltop walled town of Erice. Walk through the labyrinth of quiet alleyways, past medieval churches and enjoy sea views from the gardens next to the Castle of Venus! At a farm near Trapani, sample some of the freshest olive oil produced on the island and savour a tasting of Sicilian wine, followed by a light lunch of delicious local produce. Back in Palermo the evening is at your leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch with Wine)

Wednesday, August 9: Cefalu and the Taormina Riviera

Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfil a vow made by Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour. Hotel: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina (Breakfast)

Thursday, August 10: Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe

Your hotel faces east, so early risers may experience why D.H. Lawrence christened this "The Dawn Coast of Europe." After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro overlooking the lonian Sea and the peak of Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and absorb the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll on to the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina's grandest building and further along the elegant Corso Umberto, the Piazza IX Aprile offers panoramic views. At a local restaurant, rejoice with your new-found friends over your Celebration Dinner of delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine, accompanied with exquisite Italian wines. (Breakfast, Dinner with Wine)

Friday, August 11: Depart Sicily and Travel Back to Central, PA

With fond memories of your time in Sicily, transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA (Breakfast)

Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation. 

Activity Level: 3

This tour requires moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required for this trip. As of the printing of this brochure, all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone (not included in the price of the trip). Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information. 

Additional vaccinations and travel requirements may be required. As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. 

Payment

A deposit of $200 per person will confirm your reservation.  Final Payment is due to AAA by  May 18, 2023.

Cancellation Penalties:

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus…

From December 1, 2022 - June 5, 2023-  $200 per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From June 6 - July 19, 2023-  30% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From July 20 - 27, 2023-  50% per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees 
From July 28 - August 3, 2023- 90% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
After August 3, 2023-  NON-REFUNDABLE
 

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator.  Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure.  Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed.  Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance.  Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only.  Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent.  AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for Sicily in August average in the mid 80s with cooler evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended.

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed.  You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat.  Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport. 

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance.

GRP2123

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AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler’s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.