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Rosie asks:
"What are some must-see places in Sicily? Do you see any travel offers for Sicily?" |
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| CLARA'S ANSWER Although we don't sell travel products, we can start you on your path to planning your adventure to Sicily.
Do you picture yourselves on a guided tour that includes motorcoach transportation, hotels, and some meals? |
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Guided tours range from just a half dozen guests and up to 50. TourRadar lets you filter just what you want out of a guided or independent trip. For instance, a semi-private 8-day Sicily Food & Wine Tour (including hotels & 6 meals) starts in Catania and ends in Palermo with transportation in a Mercedes Minivan. Per person rates are from $2,800 based on double occupancy (October departure). Included are airport transfers, walking tours, cooking classes, wine tours, street food tours and more.
A self-drive vacation lets you explore at your own pace. With this package, DERTOUR backs you up with expert advice and support during your trip. Pick up your rental car in Catania and drive a circular route that ends in Palermo. Per person rates start from $1,330 and include 10 nights in mid-range and upper mid-range hotels with daily breakfast (and 4 dinners). Another source, Italy Trails, handles all the planning from a planned route, accommodation, local recommendations, logistics, and provides you with a smartphone with integrated navigation and a direct support line. You have total freedom with expert backup whenever you need it. You design just what your interests are, such as food, history, beaches, wine, adventure, relaxation, and an itinerary will be built for you.
Renting a car gives you access to hidden gems and nature reserves far from touristy sites like the sister villages of Petralia Soprana and Gangi (deep in the Madonie Mountains); however, driving and parking within historic city centers are notoriously difficult and stressful. You can drive the Sicily coastal road in as few as 13-16 hours (800 miles). But to make your journey enjoyable, give yourselves at least 10 days for a less stressful experience. This guide from Along Dusty Roads might help you to decide if a road trip is the way to go.
You could skip the hassle of driving and travel between major cities by train. The Sicilian railway network covers the nine provinces, including the train connections between Palermo airport and the city center. The regional trains in Sicily are operated by Trenitalia, the main train company in Italy. Other services include the Circumetnea trains – the local trains that connect the towns around Mount Etna, and the underground networks of Catania and Palermo. Learn more about train travel in Sicily and book routes at Trainline.com. The man in Seat61 shares the details of how to get to Sicily from Rome or Naples (an option). And The Wandering Redhead suggests a perfect two-week itinerary without a car. RailBookers.com offers a 7-day Taste of Sicily package that includes two nights (each) in Catania, Palermo, and Taormina with per-person rates from $1,360. Included are rail tickets, private market and food walking tour in Catania, a hop-on-hop-off pass in Palermo, food market tour and cooking class in Palermo and Taormina, and private car transfers from airport to hotel in Catania, and from Taormina to Catania airport.
Here's an info-packed local's guide to travel in Sicily. To book activities and experiences, see the most popular half-day to multi-day tours at GetYourGuide.com.
Airfare is not included in the tour examples.
Delta Air Lines offers nonstop flight service between New York-JFK and Catania at round-trip rates from $930 Basic, $1,150 Main Classic and $1,550 Comfort (based on late Oct., Nov. travel). Round-trip fares from Atlanta range from $1,000 Basic Economy to $1,700 Comfort Class. You can fly into Catania and out of Palermo with a combination of Delta's SkyTeam members, such as KLM and ITA Airways.
TravelLeaders.com can point you to a Sicilian travel specialist to help plan all or part of your trip to Italy. An agent can save you both time and dollars. Be sure to ask if the agent charges a flat planning fee, an hourly rate, cancellation fees, or if they rely primarily on commissions from suppliers. |
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