Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
ZMSL
Start City:
Catania
End City:
Palermo
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
8 days
Age Requirement:
15+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
12
Physical Rating:
2 - Classic
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Apr 29, 2024 | Monday, May 06, 2024 | $2,750 | Get Quote | |
| Thursday, May 09, 2024 | Thursday, May 16, 2024 | $2,858 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, May 27, 2024 | Monday, Jun 03, 2024 | $3,208 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jun 03, 2024 | Monday, Jun 10, 2024 | $2,970 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jun 10, 2024 | Monday, Jun 17, 2024 | $2,970 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jun 17, 2024 | Monday, Jun 24, 2024 | $2,858 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jun 24, 2024 | Monday, Jul 01, 2024 | $2,858 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jul 01, 2024 | Monday, Jul 08, 2024 | $2,750 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jul 15, 2024 | Monday, Jul 22, 2024 | $2,750 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Jul 29, 2024 | Monday, Aug 05, 2024 | $2,750 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Sep 02, 2024 | Monday, Sep 09, 2024 | $3,028 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Sep 09, 2024 | Monday, Sep 16, 2024 | $2,970 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Sep 16, 2024 | Monday, Sep 23, 2024 | $3,150 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Sep 23, 2024 | Monday, Sep 30, 2024 | $2,858 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Sep 30, 2024 | Monday, Oct 07, 2024 | $2,858 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Oct 07, 2024 | Monday, Oct 14, 2024 | $2,750 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Oct 14, 2024 | Monday, Oct 21, 2024 | $2,750 | Get Quote | |
| Monday, Oct 21, 2024 | Monday, Oct 28, 2024 | $2,750 | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Calling all sun-seeking adventurers. Dramatic cliffside villages, Sicilian sunshine, clear waters and delicious seafood are all waiting for you on an 8-day trip through this unique region of Italy. From the volcanic valleys of Mt Etna to the timeworn streets of Syracuse and the Baroque wonders Ragusa, get ready to discover the varied sides of Sicily. Plus, take a step back in time as you explore the ruins of the Valley of the temples, and learn of the rich anti-mafia history of Palermo. Get lost in the charm of Sicily; eat good food, soak up the Mediterranean sun, learn of the incredible history in this region and get closer to nature.
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Day 1
CataniaBenvenuto! Welcome to Sicily. Your adventure will begin in the ancient port city of Catania on Sicily’s east coast. Your trip will officially kick off with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, why not take a wander around the city at your leisure. Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna which can be seen from well over half of the city – truly a sight to see, you might just like to traverse the cobblestone laneways that give glimpses of the epic volcano towering above. And if you get time, be sure to take a visit to Catania’s wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, which features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. You could even check out the weekday fish market that sits in the southwest corner of the square – it’s an entertaining yet rowdy spectacle to observe.
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Day 2
SyracuseToday it’s time to come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, we’re taking a day trip to drive up Mt Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Drive up the northern flank of the volcano and strap on your walking shoes for an easy walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove (Bull Valley), a valley formed when the original crater of Etna collapsed. This is Etna’s largest valley, where many lava flows can be seen, one on top of the other. At an altitude of approx 2,000 metres, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Who else can say they’ve walked into the crater of a volcano? Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana, a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After we’re throughly explored Etna, we’ll hit the road to Syracuse where your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the most interesting parts of the city. The evening is yours to explore, or chill out, as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
SyracuseWake up without an alarm today, you’ve got the day at your leisure to explore Syracuse however you like. Perhaps, wander through the streets and check out the crumbling building facades and balconies supported for centuries by a host of stone lions, tigers, bears, dragons, moors, satyrs, devils, angels, kings, paupers, wenches and cherubs. Perhaps take a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for a scenic view of the walled off cityscape. Or, you may want to participate in an optional visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Site – known as one of the world’s finest. Alternately, we’re sure you could fill your whole day just wandering aimlessly through this fascinating city, stopping by cafes, restaurants and perhaps grabbing a granita in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Noto/Ragusa/AgrigentoAfter breakfast today we’re setting our sights for the city of Agrigento. But first, there’s one quick stop along the way that simply can’t be missed – Noto, a small slightly less-known town with limestone buildings that dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. Our next stop is the ‘new’ baroque city of Ragusa that was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, resulting in two vastly different sides to the same city. After exploring the tangled alleyways and baroque palazzi, travel on to the final destination for today, Agrigento. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy some free time. Maybe find the historic center that extends up the Colle di Girgenti hill including Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria, where there’s a panoramic view over the valley (Valley of the Temples) and the sea for sunset. Plus, be sure to try the famous gelato pecorino in one of the local cafés and patisseries.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
Valley of the Temples/MarsalaYou’ll take a step back in time today as you explore the nearby Valley of the Temples. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Try to nab a window seat today, along the way you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour in the Valley of the Temples, you’ll head on to Marsala a coastal town in the west of Sicily.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Erice/PalermoToday you’ll set your sights on Palermo, but not without a few scenic stops along the way. First up, we’ll explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice (located more than 750 metres above sea level). Despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, there are plenty of beautiful buildings in this town, each showcasing architectural styles from a varied history. Before you get back on the road, be sure to pick yourself up a Genovesi – a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta cream. With a belly full of sweets, we’re on our way to the capital of Sicily – Palermo. On arrival in Palermo the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. You might like to wander the labyrinth of small alleyways, buzzing colourful market squares and winding roads. Or, check out some of the main monuments like the 12th century cathedral in the old heart of the city.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
PalermoWake up excited and ready to explore the beautiful city of Palermo. You’ll have the option to visit nearby Monreale this morning, situated in a panoramic position above Palermo with fantastic views over the city and the sea. You’ll get a chance to visit the cathedral here, described as one of the ‘wonders of the medieval world’, and climb to its roof. Alternately, you might like to take a free morning to wander the city at your own will. In the morning, you’ll take part in a walking tour with a local guide where you’ll uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria, Beati Paoli Square and more all have a rich history in civil mobilisation – plus, they are known to serve delicious street food. Dig in! You’ll get a chance to meet shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists. This evening, perhaps share a bite to eat and toast to the week that was with your group before the adventure comes to an end tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
PalermoYour adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore more in Palermo we can arrange additional accommodation on request (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast
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- Mt Etna - Day Trip
- Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Noto & Ragusa - Day Trip
- Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
- Erice - local sweets tasting
- Palermo - Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
Meals
7 Breakfast(s) Included
Style: Original
Health and Safety Protocols for Intrepid Tours
Protection against COVID-19 as well as other transmissible diseases requires enhanced protocols in hygiene and sanitation. We will put in place additional measures, in line with government health advice and with global health authorities (including the WHO and CDC) to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Hand Hygiene
Handwashing is one of the most important safety measures to prevent the spread of
disease. Intrepid will actively reinforce its importance by:
- Implementing a handwashing policy that dictates when, how often and for how long all staff, leaders and crew must wash their hands on-trip.
- Promote the importance of hand hygiene to customers through signage and online customer material.
- Contract suppliers that have hand hygiene protocols in place
- Contract suppliers that provide hand sanitizer in public places (where applicable)
- Educate staff, leaders, crew and suppliers on the importance of hand hygiene via training.
Respiratory Hygiene
Practicing good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of disease by reducing the
number of droplets in the air when you sneeze or cough. Intrepid will:
- Actively reinforce its importance to customers through signage and online customer material.
- Educate staff, leaders, crew and suppliers on the importance of respiratory hygiene via training.
- Contract suppliers who have respiratory hygiene protocols in place.
Masks
In addition, in areas with high community transmission and/or places that are difficult
to maintain physical distancing, we recommend the the following at-risk people also
wear them. Intrepid follows the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that
masks should only be used as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy and that the
use of a mask alone is not sufficient to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Physical
distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene must also form part of the
strategy.
Medical/Surgical Masks
On our trips, regardless of destination, the following people must wear
medical/surgical masks:
- Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 regardless of whether or not they have been tested yet.
- People caring for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases (outside of hospitals/clinics).
In addition, in areas with high community transmission and/or places that are difficult to maintain physical distancing, we recommend the following at-risk people also wear them.
- People over 60
- People with underlying health conditions
- Provide medical/surgical masks as part of the First Aid Kits carried by leaders.
- Educate leaders, crew, staff and customers on the correct method to wear, handle and dispose of a mask.
- Require all customers, leaders and staff to comply with any local regulations or requirements that require the use of a mask in public or in certain places
Fabric Masks
Intrepid follows the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that it is not
necessary for the public to wear fabric masks generally.
However in certain circumstances, in places where community transmission of COVID-19 is high and/or physical distancing is not possible (e.g. on public transport, in shops or in other confined environments) then a fabric mask can be a useful barrier to prevent the spread of virus.
Fabric masks be purchased commercially or handmade and are generally not standardized like medical masks. Fabric masks should:
- Cover the nose, mouth, and chin
- Be secured with elastic loops or ties
- Include multiple layers
- Be washable and reusable.
Sanitation
Protection against COVID-19, as well as other transmissible diseases, requires enhanced sanitation processes. Intrepid will take the following measures:
- Require all suppliers to detail their cleaning and sanitation protocols
- Audit/monitor all suppliers on their cleanliness and sanitation.
- All cleaning and disinfecting products must be approved by health authorities (e.g. WHO).
- All rooms must be thoroughly cleaned between guests with all high touch surfaces in shared areas regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Hand sanitizer should be available in public areas.
- There must be a process in place for customers to escalate any concerns regarding hygiene or sanitation.
- Staff must be trained and able to answer questions regarding safety protocols in place.
- All tents must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between use.
- If staying at a campground, ensure all bathrooms are well stocked with hand soap and paper towels. If the area is remote, with limited facilities and/or minimal staffing, then customers should be informed to bring their own hygiene equipment.
- All mini buses, transfers, charters, overland trucks must be thoroughly cleaned between guests with all high touch surfaces in shared areas regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Hand sanitizer should be made available
- Close top bins with bin liners should be available on board and disposed of at every stop
- Must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day
- Tables and chairs must be disinfected after each guest use
- Avoid buffets where possible. If buffets are used, prevent customers from handling food and operating machines (e.g. self-serve coffee stations)
- Either disinfect shared use objects (e.g. table salt) between guest use. Where possible, Intrepid will try to source safe alternatives to single serve packaging.
- Staff must be trained and able to answer questions regarding safety protocols in place.
- Preferred: Provide hand sanitizer to guests at the door before entry
- All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guest us
- Staff must be trained and able to answer questions regarding safety protocols in place.
- Limiting the number of surfaces touched by large numbers of people helps prevent the spread of disease. Therefore, it is important to proactively move towards contactless or low touch solutions for travel. Intrepid will:
- Prioritise contactless/low touch as a key feature when sourcing new tech or solutions.
- Remove any paperwork required on the ground (e.g. signing forms, feedback cards)
- If details must be entered using a shared device (e.g. insurance details), then it must be disinfected between each customer. Preference is to move entirely to digital solutions.
- Accommodation should provide online check in (no paperwork)
- Contactless keys (e.g. QR codes)
- Contactless tech (e.g. lights)
- Online ticketing for attractions and transport
- Online payment
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is important in preventing the spread of COVID-19 as it can be
transmitted via droplets sprayed when coughing, sneezing, singing, yelling
etc…
Intrepid will take the following measures:
- Require all suppliers to detail their physical distancing protocols
- Follow local regulations and advice on the need for physical distancing.
- Intrepid operates product that is based on twin share accommodation and allows single travellers the chance to share accommodation with a stranger.
- We will continue to offer this as an option. Single supplements are available for single travellers who do not wish to share a room. We will work closely with accommodation suppliers to ensure increased availability of single rooms.
- Consider whether it is appropriate to offer single tents for solo travellers as customers will be much closer together than in a traditional room.
- Consider whether staggering meal times may reduce the number of people sharing a dining tent.
- Intrepid will consider the following factors when designing or amending transport options on trips.
- Local laws or requirements regarding physical distancing on transport
- Hygiene protocols of the transport provider
- Level of active community transmission in the destination
- Using designated seating on transport. Customers have assigned seats throughout the trip.
- If trip is longer than 15 minutes and air conditioning is available, it must be set to external airflow rather than to recirculation or windows should be opened for the duration of the trip.
- Designing or amending itineraries to reduce the duration of travel.
- Increasing the size of the vehicle, using multiple vehicles.
- Educate all leaders, crew, staff and customers to maintain a 1.5m distance wherever practical in public (e.g. queueing at a museum).
- Proactively design product to avoid crowds by visiting attractions at off-peak times.
- Proactively design product to avoid crowds on public transport or at airports where practical.
- Follow local regulations on table spacing and guest seating in restaurants. Wherever possible, try to ensure groups are sitting at their own table without strangers in restaurants.
- Proactively design product that focuses on experiences that assist with physical distancing (e.g. picnics over crowded marketplaces) if relevant for that destination.
Screening for COVID-19 helps isolate anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and stops the spread of disease. It is likely to become more common for future travellers.
Pre-Departure (Brand Material)
Customers should be informed as part of ‘Essential Trip Information (ETIs) or other similar trip notes if their trip is likely to include any of the following:
- Testing for COVID-19 before being able to pass through immigration and/or board planes.
- Negative test results to be uploaded for visa purposes.
- Thermal temperature checks in airports, train or bus stations, major hotels or attractions.
Pre-departure, all customers are required to fill out an online questionnaire (“self- declaration/assessment” form) to identify any high-risk customers before travel.
Extra qualifiers will be included to address customers with symptoms that can be contributed to pre-existing conditions (e.g. breathlessness to asthma).
Customers answering YES to any question should be removed from the departure and appropriate arrangements made.
COVID-19 Testing
Intrepid will not require a negative COVID-19 test as proof of health from customers or leaders at this stage unless it is required by local law or regulations.
This is partially due to the lack of availability of testing for people with no symptoms in many parts of the world and may change in due course.
On Trip
- Ask customers, leaders, crew and staff to monitor their own health
- Display appropriate signage on COVID-19 symptoms
- Educate leaders, crew and staff on how to identify COVID-19 symptoms
- Describe COVID-19 symptoms in group meetings
If customers, leaders or crew show symptoms of COVID-19 and are either unable to or unwilling to be tested, Intrepid reserves the right to remove them from our trips to prevent any risk to others.
Flexible Booking Conditions
Customers will be supported by flexible booking conditions to stay home if unwell or displaying symptoms
Flexible Work Conditions
Intrepid will support leaders and crew to stay home rather than lead a trip if they are unwell or displaying symptoms. Schedules will need to be created with back up availability of leaders/crew.
Data Collection & Health Tracking
Intrepid will assist government health departments in tracking and tracing any customers, staff, leaders, crew or suppliers at risk of contracting COVID-19 via exposure to a known case and/or outbreak by providing relevant details in line with privacy laws and regulations.
COVID Tracking apps
Intrepid strongly recommends that customers and staff download COVID tracking apps (e.g. COVIDSafe in Australia, StayHomeSafe in Hong Kong) to assist in reducing the spread of disease within their communities.
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