Sicily

Transfer time from Catania airport to our hotel is approximately 45 minutes.

You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting. All tours can be paid for in Euros and rates are approximate and subject to change. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. The following excursions are collective, for individual travellers who want to share the experience in a group. Etna and Alcantara Gorges 1900m  (min 10 pax) EUR 39.00 From Mount Etna to the Alcantara gorges, with this excursion you will discover ageological landscape absolutely unique in the world. Walking along the picturesque slopes of the highest volcano in Europe — which with its3350 mt. dominates eastern Sicily — among lunar landscapes and breathtaking views of the sea, we will reach the station of “Rifugio Sapienza”, at1900 mt. Here, with a short walk, you can admire the most recent lava flowsand the Silvestri Craters, no longer active. Afterwards we will reach the Alcantara gorges, a corner of paradise, where the encounter between the hot lava and the frozen water of the Alcantara River originated basaltic prism walls of rare beauty. Strongly advised to wear comfortable thick soled shoes, warm clothes and bring a windbreaker. Not suitable for people affected by asthma, heart condition, pregnancy and walking difficulties. Etna and Alcantara Gorges 3000m  (min 10 pax) EUR 109.00 From Mount Etna to the Alcantara gorges, with this excursion you will discover ageological landscape absolutely unique in the world. Walking along the picturesque slopes of the highest volcano in Europe — which with its3350 mt. dominates eastern Sicily — among lunar landscapes and breathtaking views of the sea, we will reach the station of “Rifugio Sapienza”, at1900 mt. Here, with a short walk, you can admire the most recent lava flowsand the Silvestri Craters, no longer active. Ascension by cable car up to 2500 mt. with the assistance of authorized Alpine Guides ofthe CAI (Italian Alpine Club), continuation on an off-road vehicle to the summit crater area, at about 3000 mt. Afterwards we will reach the Alcantara gorges, a corner of paradise, where the encounter between the hot lava and the frozen water of the Alcantara River originated basaltic prism walls of rare beauty. Strongly advised to wear comfortable thick soled shoes, warm clothes and bring a windbreaker. Not suitable for people affected by asthma, heart condition, pregnancy and walking difficulties. Etna Jeep excursion (min 4 pax,  wine tasting included in the rate) EUR 115.00 Departure by private jeep with driver, for an extraordinary excursion along Mount Etna slopes in and off road to live the experience of what happen during an eruption! The jeep will drive on road and off road throughout villages, wood and several lava flows and guest will travel around observing the mineralised ruins of the old houses and plants that surrounded it. The jeepride will reach 1800mt about (the total high of Mount Etna is 3300mt), where in2002 was the big eruption visible even from the satellites and was characterised by the opening of 23 craters. Hiking of about 40 minutes to visit Crateri Sartorius, a walking in the nature and in a volcanic landscape. In the afternoon, during the excursion, it will be arranged a stop in a modern private winery for a wine testing of Etna wine. Strongly advised to wear comfortable thick soled shoes, warm clothes and bring a windbreaker. Not suitable for people affected by asthma, heart condition, pregnancy and walking difficulties. Siracusa and Noto (min 15 pax) EUR 52.00 Discover two jewels of the south-east coast of Sicily: Syracuse – a city thatembodies the timeless beauty of the island – and Noto, a baroque architectural pearl, so beautiful that it almost looks like a movie set. Once in Syracuse, we will visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in Sicily, that includes the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the “Latomie del Paradiso” with the Ear of Dionysius. Afterwards we will reach the island of Ortigia, the historic centre of the city. Our walk winds along characteristic alleys that will lead us to the discovery of the Temple of Apollo, the Cathedral – built on the ancient Temple of Minerva (Athena) – and the Arethusa Fountain, a fresh water spring that forms a natural pool with papyrus plants. We will conclude our trip with the visit of Noto, which has been declared “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO for its beautiful palaces and baroque style churches. Suggested: hat, sun cream, comfortable shoes. Lipari and Vulcano (min 12 pax) EUR 73.00 Mini-cruise to discover two islands with unspoiled coasts of the Aeolian archipelago: Lipari and Vulcano, UNESCO “World Heritage Site”. From the harbour of Milazzo we will embark to reach Lipari, the largest of the “seven sisters”, with its lively port, pastel-coloured houses and a typical Mediterranean landscape. We continue our journey to the island of Vulcano, the second active volcan oof the Aeolian archipelago where, according to Greek mythology, the fire god Hephaestus, blacksmith of the gods, had his forges. Suggested : hat, sun cream, swimsuit, towel Panarea and Stromboli (min 12 pax) EUR 90.00 Mini-cruise to discover two islands with unspoiled coasts of the Aeolian archipelago: Panareaand Stromboli, UNESCO “World Heritage Site”. By bus we will reach the harbour of Milazzo to get to the first island Panarea, the smallest and most fashionable of the Aeolian Islands. The second part of our mini-cruise will take us to the volcanic island of Stromboli, with its steaming silhouette emerging from the sea. Here, volcanic activity has dug deep furrows and created beautiful black beaches. Back on board, before the sunset, we will admire one of the most evocative slopes of the island, the “Sciara del Fuoco”, a black road carved by centuries of pyroclastic eruptions. Suggested : hat, sun cream, swimsuit, towel   It is possible to organize private excursions. The private excursions should be booked within 2 days before. The price will be calculated at the moment of the booking.  

There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €15.00 per week. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.

Casual, cotton, lightweight daytime wear is the order of the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening, with the emphasis throughout being informal but with no shorts or vests in the restaurants in the evenings. Please note that it is recommended for the Etna excursion that you wear closed shoes, long trousers and have a waterproof jacket.

Please note that our hotel is spread out and there can be a lot of walking required between the rooms, restaurants, bars and pool.