After cruising for the last 20 years we decided it was time to see more of an area rather than just the ports areas of all the places that we have visited. We settled on a 17 day all inclusive tour with a company called Senior Discovery Tours. They are located in Toronto and everything is conducted by phone. We were a bit skeptical about not using a travel agent but it has worked out great.
The thing that we liked about this company (I am sure there are others) is that the price they quote is all in – air fare, transfers, meals, all tips, tours, taxes, etc. One price done! We know of others who have used this company and you get what is advertised.
This land tour has only 3 hotels for the 15 days that we are in Sicily. There are local tours every day with a few days of at leisure which suites us perfectly. The first 3 days are in Palermo, then 5 nights on the western side in Mazara del Vallo followed by 7 nights in the resort town of Taormina. The last 2 hotels look like seaside resorts. There are two optional side trips (one to to Mt Etna) that can be booked as an extra tour on one of the at leisure days.
With the central Mediterranean location, Sicily has been at the crossroads of the many cultures that have controlled the region. The area has seen many rulers from different cultures including Greeks, Roman, Norman, and Arab. This has resulted in a variety and mixture of ruins and architectural styles. A visit to the “Godfather” town, wineries, beaches, fishing harbours, islands, etc. are all on the tour list. It should be fun.
- We fly out on Sunday October 20th for the flight to Rome and then transfer for the second leg to Palermo. We retrace the route from Catania on November 5. I hope to report on each day. I try to post in the late evening each day. Sicily is 6 hours ahead of EST which means the posts should arrive some time in the evening.
