Sicilian Carousel Tour – 7N/8D Catania-Taormina

The Sicilian Carousel Tour offers an exciting 7-night, 8-day journey through the heart of Sicily. Starting and ending in Catania, this immersive experience promises to unveil the rich cultural tapestry and stunning natural landscapes that make this Italian island so captivating. With a focus on UNESCO sites, local culinary delights, and world-renowned wine tastings, the tour provides travelers with an authentic glimpse into Sicilian life. Priced from $2,117.08 per person, the tour includes comfortable accommodations and the expertise of English-speaking guides, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of this fascinating destination. What hidden gems and unexpected delights await those who embark on this Sicilian Carousel?

Key Points

• The Sicilian Carousel Tour is a 7-night/8-day trip starting and ending in Catania, with visits to UNESCO sites and immersive culinary experiences.
• The tour offers accommodation in 4-star hotels and a wine resort, with 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners included in the package.
• Transportation is provided via a deluxe motor coach or minivan, and the tour is guided by an English-speaking escort and local guides.
• Entrance fees to select attractions are not included in the tour price, and guests should factor these costs into their overall travel budget.
• The itinerary is subject to potential modifications due to public events, holidays, or weather, and a minimum number of participants is required for the tour to proceed.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sicilian Carousel Tour, a 7-night/8-day excursion starting and ending in Catania, is priced from $2,117.08 per person and is exclusively available for small groups of up to 20 participants.

This English-language tour features a range of UNESCO-recognized sites, including the Val di Noto towns, the Valley of Temples, Mount Etna, and the Arab-Norman Palermo itinerary.

Accommodation includes 6 nights in 4-star hotels and 1 night in a wine resort, with 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts provided.

Transport is by deluxe motor coach, and for smaller groups, a minivan with an English-speaking driver.

The package also includes a tour escort, local guides, and a whispers kit for groups over 10 passengers.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors can explore the Catania fish market to enjoy authentic Sicilian life during the tour.

They’ll also discover UNESCO sites like the Val di Noto towns of Ragusa and Siracusa, the Valley of Temples, and the Arab-Norman Palermo itinerary, including the Cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù.

The tour includes a panoramic view of the Messina Strait and free time in each city for shopping or walking.

Guests will enjoy a street food lunch in Palermo, a cheese and Sicilian products tasting in Ragusa, and almond pastries in Erice.

The tour also features a wine tasting and light dinner in Marsala, as well as visits to local wine cellars.

Accommodation and Meals

Guests will enjoy 6 nights in 4-star hotels and 1 night in a Wine Resort during the tour. Upon arrival on the first day, they’ll be welcomed with a complimentary drink.

Throughout the journey, 7 breakfast meals are included, as well as 2 dinners in Catania and Ragusa. Travelers will also have the opportunity to savor local delicacies, such as a street food lunch in Palermo, a cheese and Sicilian products tasting in Ragusa, and almond pastries in Erice.

Plus, they’ll partake in a wine tasting and light dinner in Marsala, all while exploring the region’s cellar visits. These accommodations and culinary experiences aim to immerse guests in the authentic flavors and hospitality of Sicily.

Transportation and Guides

For transportation, the tour utilizes a deluxe motor coach with free Wi-Fi, and for groups of 8 or fewer, a minivan with an English-speaking driver is provided.

An English-speaking tour escort accompanies the group, and local guides are used as necessary to enhance the experience. The tour also includes a Whispers kit for groups over 10 passengers, ensuring everyone can hear the guide clearly.

Porterage at the hotels is included, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the journey.

The transportation options and guide services are designed to provide a comfortable and informative experience for all participants, enabling them to make the most of their Sicilian adventure.

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Included and Excluded Costs

The tour rate excludes certain costs, such as transfers to and from the starting point, entrance tickets to sites and museums, city taxes payable directly at the hotels, beverages beyond water during meals, and any other unspecified items.

While these additional expenses aren’t included in the package price, they provide guests with the flexibility to customize their experience. Some key excluded costs include:

• Transfers in and out of the starting point

• Entrance fees to various historical sites and museums

• City taxes that must be paid directly at the hotels

• Beverages beyond water during included meals

• Any other unspecified items not mentioned in the tour inclusions

This allows guests to budget appropriately and focus on enjoying the authentic Sicilian experience.

Important Considerations

Travelers should keep a few important considerations in mind when booking the Sicilian Carousel Tour.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to have comfortable shoes, as the itinerary involves extensive walking through historical sites and picturesque towns.

Entrance fees for the various attractions, such as the Siracusa Neapolis, Agrigento Valley of Temples, and Palermo’s Santa Caterina Church, aren’t included in the tour price and need to be paid directly at the sites.

Plus, city taxes payable at the hotels aren’t covered by the package.

It’s important to note that the itinerary may be subject to changes due to public events, holidays, or weather conditions, and the tour requires a minimum number of participants to proceed.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees for the various attractions on the Sicilian Carousel Tour, such as the Siracusa Neapolis, Agrigento Valley of Temples, and Palermo’s Santa Caterina Church, aren’t included in the tour price and must be paid directly at the sites.

These fees can add up, so it’s essential to factor them into your overall travel budget.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the key entrance fees:

• Siracusa Neapolis: €13

• Agrigento Valley of Temples: €13

• Palermo Santa Caterina Church: €3

• Monreale Dome: €4, plus €5 presale fees

Knowing these costs upfront can help travelers plan their spending and avoid any surprises during the tour.

Itinerary Changes

Itinerary changes may occur due to public events, holidays, or weather conditions, as outlined in the tour details.

Travelers should note that a minimum number of participants is required for the tour to proceed, and changes to the travel program may happen with 15 days’ notice prior to departure if this requirement isn’t met.

The tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary as needed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

While the planned itinerary is comprehensive, unexpected circumstances could necessitate modifications.

Guests are encouraged to stay flexible and open-minded, as the tour’s adaptability is part of the authentic Sicilian experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Spending Money Should I Budget for This Tour?

Travelers should budget extra spending money to cover entrance fees, city taxes, meals and beverages not included in the tour price. Generally, an additional $50-$100 per day is recommended for a tour of this nature.

Is Travel Insurance Recommended for This Tour?

Travel insurance is generally recommended for tours, as it can protect against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost/stolen belongings. The tour operator may be able to advise on suitable insurance options to consider for this specific tour.

Can I Extend My Stay Before or After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can typically extend their stay before or after the tour. Tour operators generally allow for this flexibility, providing options to book additional hotel nights or private transfers. However, availability and pricing may vary depending on the specific tour.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The average group size for this tour is up to 20 people. The tour is exclusively for small groups, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience during the 8-day journey through Sicily.

Are Discounts Available for Solo Travelers or Seniors?

The tour details do not mention any discounts for solo travelers or seniors. Pricing appears to be a standard per person rate, with no special offers indicated for individual bookings or select age groups.

Recap

The Sicilian Carousel Tour offers an immersive 7-night, 8-day journey exploring the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Sicily.

Priced from $2,117.08 per person, the tour includes accommodation, daily breakfasts, select dinners, and visits to UNESCO sites, local culinary experiences, and wine tastings.

All experiences are facilitated by an English-speaking tour escort and local guides, ensuring a memorable exploration of authentic Sicilian life.

You can check if your dates are available here: