Solo-ish Sicily - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• How does this tour cater to solo travellers?

  This "Solo-ish" adventure is designed for single travellers and includes shared accommodation with someone of the same sex without a single supplement. There is an option to purchase your own room if preferred.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  You will be staying in hotels for 7 nights, typically small, family-run establishments. These may sometimes lack elevators or air conditioning, but fans are generally provided on hot nights. All are clean, safe, and centrally located.

• Can I get my own room if I'm a solo traveller?

  Yes, you can book the "My Own Room" option to receive a single room for all night stops, though please note single rooms in European hotels can sometimes be smaller.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Other meals are generally not included to provide flexibility in dining choices.

• What are the main cultural and adventure highlights of this Sicily tour?

  Key highlights include a hands-on Sicilian cooking class, a market tour, an aperitivo experience, a walk through the volcanic Crateri Silvestri on Mount Etna, exploring the ancient amphitheatre of Taormina, and orientation walks in historic cities like Syracuse and Palermo.

• What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will involve private vehicles, taxis, trains, and walking. Be prepared to carry your own luggage, as elevators are rare in European train stations and hotels.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The group will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip, along with local guides for specific city explorations.

• What is the role of the CEO and local guides?

  The CEO will manage the trip logistics, offer suggestions for activities, recommend dining spots, and introduce local contacts. Local guides are licensed to provide historical and cultural facts within specific cities, while the CEO provides orientation walks.

• What currency is used in Sicily and what payment methods are accepted?

  The currency in Sicily (Italy) is the Euro. Credit and debit cards (especially Visa, Cirrus, and Plus system cards) are widely accepted for cash advances at ATMs, but it's advisable to check with your bank regarding card compatibility and potential fees.

• Is tipping customary in Sicily?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% for wait staff, and €1-€2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-€5 per day is recommended, and for the CEO, €6-€8 per person per day is appreciated at the end of the trip.

• How much emergency money should I have access to?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent in Euro) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Are there any health considerations or required inoculations for this trip?

  You should consult with your travel doctor well before departure for up-to-date medical travel information and any required inoculations. Carrying a first-aid kit and hand sanitizers is recommended.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage is also highly recommended.

• What are the general safety recommendations for this trip?

  Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas. It's recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's best to travel in small groups and use taxis at night.

• Are there specific dress codes for visiting certain sites?

  Yes, shoulders should be covered when visiting churches and cathedrals in Italy. Your CEO can provide more specific advice.

• What is the minimum age to participate in this tour?

  The minimum age to join this trip is 18 years.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge, or your CEO can direct you to the nearest laundromat. It's advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to hand wash.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses, with 100% of donations going directly to these projects.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in small, locally-run hotels or pensions, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations. The start and finish hotels are often larger city hotels. These accommodations are clean, safe, and simple.

• Do the rooms have air conditioning?

  Most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Hotels will typically provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights if you ask your CEO.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers, or can I get my own room?

  We believe single travellers should not have to pay more, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Single travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops, but please be aware these rooms are often smaller and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. For other meals, flexibility is offered to choose where, what, and with whom to eat, though groups often dine together.

• What is the group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• Who will lead the group on this tour?

  The trip is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, along with local guides. The CEO will handle trip logistics, provide general information, and suggest local eating venues. Local guides will offer specific historical, cultural, religious, and social knowledge in particular cities, as CEOs are legally limited in providing historical facts in public places during orientation walks.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  The minimum age to join this trip is 18 years.

• What currency is used in Italy and what should I know about money exchange?

  Italy is in the Eurozone, and the currency is the Euro. Credit cards and debit cards are useful for cash advances, but remember to bring your PIN (many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs). Visa, Cirrus, and Plus system cards are widely accepted. Be aware that a fee usually applies when purchasing with a credit card.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used if circumstances outside of our control require a change to the planned route.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe; generally 10% for wait staff, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-€5 per day is recommended. For your CEO, €30-€40 per person, per week is a guideline for outstanding service.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour, unless specified for some combo tours. You should contact your airline for baggage allowances and check-in times.

• What are the visa and passport requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Visa requirements vary by nationality. Italy is part of the Schengen area, and with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the region.

• Are there any health requirements or considerations?

  Inoculations may be required, so you should consult with your travel doctor well before departure for up-to-date medical travel information. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements. Our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug.

• What are the general safety and security recommendations for this trip?

  We recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leaving expensive jewelry at home, and utilizing hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's advisable to stay in small groups and use taxis for night-time excursions. Swimming and water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• What are the rules regarding illegal drugs and sex tourism?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to our philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

• What is the local dress code when visiting certain sites?

  In Italy, shoulders should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. Your CEO can provide more specific advice.

• What are the main highlights of this Sicily tour?

  Highlights include diving into Sicily's cuisine with a hands-on cooking class, walking to Crateri Silvestri on Mount Etna, exploring the ancient theatre of Taormina, and orientation walks in the historic streets of Syracuse and Palermo.

• What types of transport are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, taxis, trains, and walking.

• What should I know about carrying luggage on this trip?

  It is essential to pack light and bring compact, lightweight luggage (a backpack or duffel bag is highly recommended over wheeled luggage). This is because elevators are rare in European train stations, hotels, and public places, and you will need to carry your luggage in and out of trains, buses, and up stairs.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by connecting local communities to tourism benefits. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower local people and protect the environment, with the tour operator being their largest corporate donor.