Sicily Adventure Planner

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Welcome information

About this trip

Come explore Sicily with Us!

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is just off the “toe” of Italy’s “boot.” Its rich history is reflected in sites like the Valley of the Temples, the well-preserved ruins of 7 monumental, Doric-style Greek temples, and in the Byzantine mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, a former royal chapel in capital city Palermo. On Sicily’s eastern edge is Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes.

 

Travel Insurance

We have seen first hand the need for travel insurance. Whether it be flight cancellations, theft, sickness, or pandemic issues, we now require each guest to purchase this. It is a very affordable and could save you a lot of headaches! MoreAdventures uses InsureMyTrip, however, please use which ever company you are comfortable with. Please make sure you fully understand your coverage to ensure all aspects are covered. Our guides will need this information for confirming your hotel accommodation.

Packing List

This is just a guide- more information to come

START WITH THIS CLOTHING PACKING LIST:
THE BASICS

  • Lightweight clothing that can be layered
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • T-shirts and tank tops (be respectful of the culture you are visiting)
  • Pants and/or shorts
  • Belt (check out this one for a ingenuitive money protection option)
  • Socks (wool socks are best for hiking and camping)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Rain jacket, windbreaker, or umbrella
  • Pajamas/sleepwear
  • Underwear
  • Sunglasses and glasses case
  • Dresses and/or skirts
  • Jewelry (organize in a small cube or sac)
  • Hat or sun visor
  • Scarf or bandana
  • Swimsuit or swim trunks (consider a clean/dirty organizer)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Travel speakers
  • Travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs
  • Electric converters and adapters
  • Travel apps that will help with language, directions, money conversion, and digital journaling

You’ll want to pack smart (not lots of) clothing options if your trip will take you to a variety of places, or conversely if you will be navigating off the beaten path. Having a packing list with several options doesn’t mean you’ll need to over-pack. (And in fact, you shouldn’t.) Just pack smart. Include clothing that can be worn on your daily adventures and then dressed up slightly with a different pair of shoes and a scarf. Maybe a dress that becomes a skirt, or comfortable travel pants that can be dressed up for a day at the market. Also, consider clothing with SPF or mosquito repellency if you’ll be in environments where that would be beneficial.

PACK YOUR TOILETRY BAG
If you’re carrying on, keep your toiletry bag light and TSA-compliant. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule makes it easy to remember: liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, and they must be stored in one quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. To make this as easy as possible for you, we have a toiletry set that includes four 3-ounce silicone bottles in a quart-sized clear pouch that’s wipeable and has a water-resistant zipper.

HERE’S A COMPLETE PACKING LIST OF TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TOILETRY CASE:
THE TOILETRY BAG BASICS

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
  • Hairbrush or comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner (Dr. Bronners is a good option all-in-one option for hair care, face wash, laundry, and more.)
  • Sunscreen and face lotion with SPF
  • Makeup packed in a washable sac
  • Face wash and/or makeup remover wipes and Q-tips
  • Nighttime moisturizer/lotion
  • Lip balm with SPF and lipstick or lip gloss
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Extra contacts, solution, and contact case
  • Glasses and prescription sunglasses
  • Prescription medication with the label/script so that you can refill if needed and not be questioned by TSA.

TOILETRY BAG EXTRAS

  • Cologne/perfume
  • Personal mini mirror
  • Hair products like hairspray, hair gel, and beard oil
  • Clothesline and detergent
  • Shaving kit and extra razors
  • Sewing kit/clothing care kit, stain remover
  • Facial tissues and/or toilet paper
  • Travel Towel
  • Nail clippers and tweezers (optionally, scissors, which must be in checked luggage)

 

As soon as you decide to travel internationally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for comprehensive information on travel vaccines, medicines, and local travel advice. Whether you decide to get vaccinated or not is your decision, but many vaccinations require administration two months before travel begins. So get informed! And if an emergency does happen, here’s everything you should know about travel clinics and handling medical emergencies abroad.

  • First aid kit (bandages, gauze, adhesives, etc.)
  • Personal prescriptions (copies of scripts)
  • Pain and fever relievers (also children’s strength if you are traveling with kids)
  • Thermometer
  • Cold medicines and throat lozenges
  • Diarrhea/laxative medicines
  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Allergy medicines
  • Hydrocortisone cream/antibacterial ointment
  • Multivitamins
  • Sunburn relief
  • Insect repellent/mosquito net/sting reliever
  • Motion sickness pills or bands
  • Altitude sickness pills (if you are planning to hike in higher altitudes)
  • Eye drops
  • Moleskin
  • Medicines and vaccinations specific to the region/activity

ADDITIONAL HEALTH ITEMS

  • Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
  • Prescriptions in the original packaging (you’ll want to make sure you have these in your carry-on bag just in case something were to happen to your checked luggage)
  • Sleeping medicines
  • Glasses and glasses case (email yourself a copy of your prescription, just in case)

Travel Tip: Your under-the-seat bag can hold a lot! Some travelers can even pack an entire trip in a small bag—at the very least learn how to put your under-the-seat bag to good use when packing for international travel.

PREPARE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM CARRY-ON BAG
The next thing you’ll want to do is prepare a packing list especially for your personal item carry-on bag with anything that you’ll want with you on the flight. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have an outfit (or two) and a few essential toiletries in your personal item just in case your luggage is lost.

If you’ll be traveling around to multiple destinations, make sure this small bag has items to keep you comfortable on any train, boat or bus rides. It’s always nice to have a bag that’s easy to access so you don’t have to get into your luggage each time you need your eye mask. But remember, you’ll be carrying all of this, so keep it light.

We recommend you consider using a small daypack, shoulder bag , or waist pack as your personal carry-on item. Here are some good things to include in your carry-on bag packing list:

TECHNOLOGY

  • Mobile device and charger
  • Laptop, iPad, or E-reader and charger(s)
  • Headphones (consider noise-reducing headphones if you’re sensitive to sound)
  • Camera and GoPro/video camera, memory card, and chargers
  • Electrical converters and adapters

TRAVEL COMFORT, ENTERTAINMENT, AND INFORMATION

  • Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs
  • Travel journal and pen (it’s awful when you forget your pen!)
  • Books and magazines
  • Deck of cards and travel games
  • Chapstick and lotion (t’s dry up there)
  • Water bottle (you’ll need to fill it up once you get through TSA)
  • Guide books, travel guides, maps, language guides, etc. (if you will need any of these upon arrival at your destination, put it in your carry-on)

COLLECT IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, CASH, AND CREDIT CARDS
Start by collecting all of your important documents in a travel document organizer. (This travel organizer holds a passport, ID, credit cards, coins, documents, a boarding pass, and a pen!) By bringing all your important information together, will help ensure you have everything you need to get from one place to the next.

Not sure what you need? Here’s your international travel checklist, document-wise:

  • Passport/visa(s)
  • Personal ID/Student ID card
  • Frequent flyer card(s) and other loyalty program card numbers (ex: hotel chains and AAA)
  • Cash and credit card(s) (call your credit card companies before you travel to inform them of your travel, otherwise they might turn them off to prevent perceived fraud. Also, consider how travel hacking can save you money on the road!)
  • Health insurance cards/document(s)
  • Travel insurance information
  • Reservations and itineraries (print them and save them electronically for easy access)
  • Hotel and/or tour contact information
  • Transportation tickets (plane, train, bus, car, etc.)
  • Emergency contacts and important addresses
  • Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet
  • Guide books and maps

Travel Tip: As soon as you book a trip, it’s a good idea to double-check that your passports and IDs aren’t expired and that they will not expire while you are traveling internationally. You’ll also want to inform your bank if you’re traveling abroad so they don’t assume fraudulent activity and freeze your credit card. Also consider emailing yourself a copy of your passport, driver’s license, medical cards, and itinerary, so if anything happens to them you’ll be able to access them online.

Transportation / Accommodation information

Transportation

Private transportation from Catania Airport hotel. 

  1. UNAHOTELS One Siracusa: +39 0931 411355, [email protected]
  2. Hotel Villa Carlotta: +39 0932 604140, [email protected]

Important Forms

Training

No training is needed for the adventure, however we will be walking a lot. 

Trip Outline and Itinerary

Day 1 – Explore on own

Transfer from Airport

Upon arrival, you are met by your private driver, who transfers you to the hotel in Syracuse for check-in about 1 hour away from airport.

Private transfer from Catania airport to hotel

Day 2 -Trekking on Pantalica & Anapo Valley

Today, we’ll have our English-speaking guide and depart for Pantalica, one of the most fascinating places in eastern Sicily.

This large area features pristine nature, breathtaking panoramas, and ancient archaeological remains. The Valle dell’Anapo Nature Reserve includes dramatic canyons carved by the Anapo River and its tributaries. Established in 1997, the reserve stretches between Sortino and Ferla in the province of Syracuse. The plateau formed by the Anapo River and the Calcinara stream, called Pantalica, was home to an important indigenous settlement during the late Bronze Age. This settlement built its necropolises along the sheer cliffs of Pantalica, consisting of thousands of tombs carved into the rock between the 13th and 8th centuries BC.

Pantalica has four main entrances: two on the plateau (Ferla and Sortino sides) and two providing access to the valley. Archaeology enthusiasts should start at the Ferla gap, beginning at “Sella di Filiporto” to see the first necropolis and the remains of the prince’s palace, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also explore the late antique Byzantine village remains and three rock-cut oratories with ancient frescoes: San Micidiario, San Nicolicchio, and the Oratory of the Crucifix. From here, you can walk down to the Calcinara stream.

After the tour, we will drive you back to Syracusa.

 

Transfer from Syracuse to Ragusa (5 hour minibus transfer with winery visit)

Day 3 – Olive Oil Farm

DAY 3 – Discovering flavors of olive oil

In the middle of the morning meet your English-speaking Tour Leader and depart for an amazing and ancient Olive Oil Farmhouse.

Upon arrival visit the olive grove: description of the territory, the cultivars (Tonda Iblea, Siracusana, Nocellara, Biancolilla, Ogliarola) and the harvesting techniques (hand-burnishing, combs, etc.).

Visit the eighteenth-century farm and the “Olive Oil Room” with a description of the entire production process (Collection/transport of the olives, Washing, Hammer crushing, Graming, Centrifugation, Storage, Bottling).

Olive Oil Tasting of three different Olive Oils produced by the farm. Then enjoy a three-course lunch with mineral water and local wine included.

After lunch, we will drive you back to Siracusa.

Hotel Breakfast Included

Day 4 – Mt Etna with Hiking and Wine Tasting

In the early morning (approximately 7:00 am) meet your English speaking Tour Leader and departure for Mount Etna, a beautiful Volcano rich in sounds, perfumes and colors. Upon arrival at “Piano Provenzana” (1.800 mt) jump on a 4×4 bus and reach a high mountain slope framed by magnificent views of lava and volcanic sand along the rift created by the 2002 eruption.

Here we will walk on the edge of the 2002 craters and see how a volcano is created. From here the breathtaking view embraces the Gulf of Taormina, the Bay of Naxos, the Strait of Messina and Calabria and the Nebrodi mountain range, you can admire the most evocative panoramas in the world, apparently lunar landscapes created by multiple eruptions laterals along the north face of Etna. We continue by our off-road vehicle up to an altitude of 2.900 metres, the North-East crater (where the volcano observatory is located) dominates the area.

From this point the climb on foot will begin on a path surrounded by volcanic waste and bombs. The total difference in altitude is 300 meters until you reach the panoramic point, at an altitude of 2.900 metres. There we will stop to admire the grandeur, uniqueness and processes of the volcanic environment, combined with the spectacle of the panorama enjoyed from the roof of Sicily (visibility may vary depending on meteorological or volcanic conditions). In good weather you can see both the “Leone” and “Bove” valleys, the majesty of the North East and the South East. The tour ends by going up Piano delle Concazze and then descending to Piano Provenzana again.

Upon arrival in Piano Provenzana meet your private driver and reach a Winery for light lunch. After lunch we drive you back to Siracusa Runs from May to October.

Hotel Breakfast Included

Day 5 – Departure Syracuse to Ragusa

Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Syracuse.

Transfer from Syracuse to Ragusa (5 hour minivan ride)

Arrival Ragusa

Welcome to Ragusa, the gastronomy capital of Sicily!  Upon arrival to Ragusa you have a check in at the hotel.

Ragusa City Tour
Later you meet your guide and start your day with a local guide exploring Ragusa.

Ragusa Ibla is one of the most enchanting and picturesque hill towns in Sicily. The historical center is a labyrinth of crooked medieval lanes and offers its visitors a dive into the past. The city symbol is St. George’s Gate, a lovely Gothic gate which survived the 1693 earthquake.

The new baroque St. George’s Basilica and its square are the highlights of the town. The beautiful Ibleo garden is a corner of peace and a wonderful green oasis, ideal to relax and sit on one of the many benches for a while. Great views over the valleys around Ibla.

After the tour, your return to the hotel.

Hotel Breakfast Included

Day 6 – Tour and Explore

This tour begins and ends in Ragusa Ibla, forming a loop ride on asphalt roads where you can experience the stunning Ragusa countryside and visit two of its charming small towns.

Starting in Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its Baroque architecture, you will travel through the picturesque countryside landscapes. The first stop is Giarratana, the smallest town in Ragusa, known for its deep-rooted peasant and agroforestry-pastoral traditions.

Continuing the journey, you will visit Monterosso Almo, a town included in the circuit of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” before heading to Upper Ragusa, the modern part of the city. This tour offers a wonderful blend of historical, architectural, and natural beauty, making it an enriching experience for all participants.

Please note, however, that in the summer, riding a bike can be very challenging due to the extremely high temperatures.

Hotel Breakfast Included

DAY 7 – Chocolate of Modica

Learn more about Modica chocolate making tradition which counts more than 400 years. Visit a local chocolate factory* for a tasting and have a hands-on experience of the process of making this famous chocolate yourself.

When the class is over you take chocolate bars which you have just cooked as a tasty souvenir.

*Note: Food is not supplied by our company and cannot be customised. The menu and food selection is totally the discretion of the supplier.

Hotel Breakfast Included

 Day 8 – Departure Your trip

SERVICE INCLUDE > Private transfer to Catania airport After breakfast at your hotel, make sure you bookk yur flight leaving after 4 pm.

CHECK OUT, because it is time to say Arriverderci ” to Italy! Your English-speaking driver will accompany you to Catania airport for your flight back Home. We are sure you will have enjoyed your “Taste of Italy” and we sincerely hope to see you again soon for another delicious

What's Included

Activity transportation – Private transportation for all activities indictated in Itinerary

Accommodations

Meals – Meals indicated in the itinerary

Activities Listed on Itinerary

Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Meals and/or snacks not included above
    • Trip Insurance – Trip Insurance is NOT included and you MUST have it.
    • Any additional meals and beverage not listed
    • Personal Items
    • Taxes/fees not mentioned in itinerary.

MISCELLANEOUS

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount  for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides.

Cancellation Policy Reminder

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined accordingly:

For US Retreats:

  • A $499 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for domestic adventures

For International Retreats:

  • A $699 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.

Cancellation :Please understand that the Non-Refundable deposit  CANNOT be refunded due to the upfront costs we have to pay.

  •  If the cancellation occurs 176 days or more prior to trip start date, a refund will be issued in the way the funds were originally received, less the non refundable deposit.
  •  If the cancellation occurs 175 days or less prior to retreat start date, a credit to a future trip will be issued less the non-refundable deposit and $150 admin fee.
  • If a cancellation occurs within 90 days of adventure start date, a credit will be issued for 50% of the funds received, less non-refundable deposit and $150 Admin fee.
  •  If a cancellation occurs 89-30 days of an adventure, a 25% credit will be given to a future adventure.
  •  Less than 30 days prior to retreat start date funds are forfeited. No credits issued. Please let us know what your travel insurance company requires for reimbursement.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip, and fill any gaps that wouldn’t be covered by your primary health insurance or other insurance you may have. It’s not meant to be a substitute for health insurance and won’t cover non-essential overseas medical treatment, such as routine exams.

Travel Insurance by InsureMyTrip

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