Planning "Classical Sicily"
Air? We flew Chicago-Milan and then to Catania, the closest airport to Syracusa where the group would meet. flyCheapo shows many different airlines from all over Europe. Check Alitalia, Meridiana and Air Europe who all fly from Italy.
Trains? Catania is a 10-hour train ride from Rome (there are about eight a day), and once in Sicily, you can easily train to Palermo, Agrigento, Messina and Taormina. Most transport is very inexpensive.
Ferry? Ferries and hydrofoils cross the Straits of Messina from either Villa San Giovanni or Reggio di Calabria on the Mainland. The hydrofoil only takes about 25 minutes to arrive in Messina.
Weather? You don't want to go to Sicily in the summer...way too hot. But that's not a problem with this trip as Explore only schedules departures in the Spring and Fall. We chose an October departure.
Health? Absolutely no health issues to worry about in Italy. Except for over-eating and drinking.
Included in "Classical Sicily"? All hotels, tours with most entrance fees, transportation within Sicily, services of tour leader, breakfast throughout.
One of the reasons we keep coming back to Explore is the fact that only breakfast is included in the cost. It's nice to go out for dinner on your own after traveling with a group every day...a little alone time...and the freedom to chose what time you dine and at whatever restaurant catches your eye. The single people in the group almost always make arrangements to have meals together and never dine alone unless they prefer to.
