The Best of Sicily May, 2018 10 Day History & Culture Escorted Tour

Here it is "The best of Sicily 10 day Historical and Culture Escorted Tour"

Our tour starts and ends in Sicily allowing for a true taste/flavor of the island.

When: Evening flight departures on 5/26/18 and return on 6/5/18.

We Chose “THE SICILIAN” 10 Day Tour with Globus. This Brand also includes Cosmos; we have traveled with both in the past and have enjoyed great tours. Globus is a class above Cosmos.

UPDATED: SALE EXTENDED TO 12/11/17. COST: LAND ONLY: $2,069.00 per person based on a double if deposited by 12/11/17. After 12/11/17 cost is $2299.00 per person double occupancy.

Single supplement rate of $448.00, with very limited singles available No triple/or quads available on this tour.

FOR RESERVATION FORMS EMAIL: suesmeetup@agirlsgottago.com

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, DEPOSIT SECURES YOUR RESERVATION. IF YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GOING WE RECOMMEND YOU SEND IN YOUR DEPOSIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ONCE 40 SPOTS ARE FILLED THE EVENT WILL THEN BE WAITLISTED. WAIT LIST: A DEPOSIT & RESERVATION FORM SECURES YOUR SPOT ON THE WAIT LIST. If wait list does not clear, deposit is refundable.

If you have traveled with Cosmos/Globus and are a member of their Journeys Club you will receive an additional 5% off the land package. If booked by 11/27 $1,965 based on a double and after 11/27 $2,184 based on a double.

PAYMENT INFORMATION:

A non refundable deposit of $250.00 per person is required to secure your spot.

Second payment of $400.00 due November 10.

Third payment of $400.00 due December 10st

Fourth payment of $400.00 due January, 10th

Fifth payment of $400.00 due February 10th

Remaining Balance is due on March 10th .

TO REQUEST RESERVATION FORMS PLEASE EMAIL: suesmeetup@agirlsgottago.com

WE NEED A MINIMUM OF 30 to secure our own bus. If we do not reach 30 we will be with other passengers outside of our group.

THIS DOES NOT include airfare.

UPDATE 11/8/18 Related to AIR:

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE SECURED GROUP AIR SPACE ON LUFTHANSA FOR OUR TRIP TO SICILY! LUFTHANSA IS ONE OF ONLY 2-3 AIRLINES THAT OFFERS SERVICE FROM BOSTON TO SICILY. LUFTHANSA WAS NOT ABLE TO OFFER US GROUP SPACE FOR OUR RETURN DATE OF JUNE 4TH. SO IN ORDER TO SECURE, A GROUP AIR BLOCK WITH GOOD FLIGHTS ON A REPUTABLE AIRLINE, WE WILL BE SHIFTING THE DATES OF THE TRIP TO MAY 26, 2018 DEPARTURE FROM USA TO JUNE 5, 2018 RETURN. WE HOPE THAT SINCE THE CHANGE IS JUST DEPARTING AND RETURNING 1 DAY LATER, THAT EVERYONE ALREADY SIGNED UP CAN STILL JOIN US. The cost of the Lufthansa Group flights will be $1359.00 per person. The flights will be booked via a consolidator vs Globus as Globus quoted us $1845.00 for the same flights. Because of this, airport transfers will be an additional cost of $40.00 per person roundtrip if booking the air block ( no brainer when you compare $40.00 vs $486.00 more J). If you book flights on you own, the transfers will be $60.00 per person roundtrip. Also, the airfare will need to be paid by check. All payments made on the group block flights will be NON REFUNDABLE. A $200.00 deposit required to secure a seat on the group air block. Second payment of $250.00 will be due December 10, 2018 Third payment of $250.00 will be due January 10th, 2018 Fourth payment of $250.00 will be due February 10, 2018 Fifth payment of $250.00 will be due March 10, 2018 Balance due April 1st, 2018 All payments made on the airfare will be NON REFUNDABLE. These dates coincide with the land package payment dates. Checks should be made payable to A Girl's Gotta Go LLC and mailed to PO Box 425761, Cambridge MA 02142. Deposits must be received no later than February 16, 2018 to secure a seat on the group block If you are purchasing the Globus Travel Protection, it will cover the airfare under the same policy terms. Preassigned seats are not available for the group block. Special requests will be noted, but not guaranteed. If you have not yet deposited, the 10% early savings expires 11/27 so make sure to send in your forms before then! Due to the limited air service to Sicily securing a group air space was a bit challenging. One main reason is due to the uncertainty of the status of Alitalia, the main airline of Italy. Without going into too many details, last spring Alitalia announced they would run out of funding by this fall. The Italian government had decided not to invest anymore in the airline long-term so the airline is up for sale. For the time being, the Italian Government did extend a loan to Alitalia until they are able to find a buyer. They have several airlines interested BUT we are not sure if they are sold if the new owners will keep the same service to the same cites. We also do not know how long the Government funding will last. Due to the uncertainty of their status we did not want to commit our group to Alitalia. Also, we are looking into a pre-trip to the Amalfi coast. We hope to have more detail next week to share. Thank you all for your patience. It's going to be a great trip! Kind Regards, Stacy Evos President & Co Founder A Girl's Gotta Go 617-314-7266 www.agirlsgottago.com (http://www.agirlsgottago.com/)

We have been allotted 40 spots, again, SINGLE rooms are very limited, first come first serve with deposit on the singles, don't miss out book now!

We will do our best in assisting you with finding a roommate, if you are interested in a double. We offer meet and greets and posting on the Meetup site, if you are looking for a roommate, attending the meet and greets are your best opportunity in finding a roommate.

NOTE: There is a chance that you may not have a roommate if we have an odd number of members, or if some of the ladies book singles. If that occurs and you still want to attend you may have to wait until someone else joins the tour. Just something to think about, especially if you book late, the later you book the harder it will be to find a roommate.

If you book a double room and your roommate cancels you will be responsible for finding another roommate, we will try our best to assist you in finding one but no guarantees, if you cannot find another roommate , you will be responsible for any additional fees.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Due to this being an exclusive group trip, the penalties are follows on the tour:

Between now and 115 days prior to departure (1/30/2018): Deposit is nonrefundable plus additional penalty of 20% of total paid.

Between now and 75 days prior to departure (3/10/2018): Deposit is nonrefundable plus additional penalty of 30% of total paid.

From 74 days to 50 days prior to departure (3/11/18-4/4/18): Deposit is nonrefundable plus additional penalty of 50% of total paid.

From 49 days to 31days prior to departure (4/5/18-4/23/18 – Deposit is nonrefundable plus additional penalty of 75% of total paid.

Within 30 days of departure (4/24/18): 100% NON REFUNDABLE.

Insurance: $229 per person. Insurance premium is always non-refundable. If you include the insurance premium with your initial deposit, preexisting medical conditions will be covered. If you choose to include the premium with your final payment, preexisting medical conditions are not covered. This insurance is for cancellations for medical reasons only. Airfare will be covered whether flights are booked with Globus, booked with group or booked independently.

TOUR DETAILS: BEST OF SICILY:

Your 10-day Italy tour of Sicily is packed with architectural treasures that have withstood the ages. You’ll begin your tour with guided sightseeing in Palermo’s ornate city of piazzas, markets, and churches.

You’ll relish the baroque style of the city’s historic sites, and savor authentic Sicilian culinary specialties that have been handed down for generations. From panelle, arancini, and cannoli – to almond biscuits and Marsala wines – your escorted tour of Sicily is an epicurean’s dream when it comes to cuisine. You’ll also be treated to a tasting at Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory.

As you tour the perimeter of the beautiful island of Sicily, you’ll also enjoy a cruise to the small island of Motya for a museum tour, as well as escorted tours through Sicily’s centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the elaborate Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina.

From palaces to churches, you’ll encounter ancient works of art, architecture, and archaeological treasures. You’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with its Greek structures that have endured 24 centuries, the iconic St. George Cathedral and Ibla district of Ragusa, and the adorned tiled Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte in Caltagirone.

You’ll travel to Syracuse – birthplace of mathematician Archimedes – for a guided sightseeing tour that includes the 5th-century-BC Greek theater. You’ll also enjoy seeing the Church of Santa Lucia – filming location of Michael Corleone’s wedding scene in The Godfather – then relaxing with a granita and brioche at a local bar.

Your Sicily tour package concludes on the beautiful Taormina Riviera with an opportunity to visit Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. A sumptuous meal will put the finishing touch on your beautiful Italy tour of the ancient island of Sicily – with new memories to cherish for years to come.

PALERMO

Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral and the Norman cathedral in Monreale; lunch at Focacceria San Francesco

ERICE

Visit the hilltop town and try the famous almond biscuits and Marsala wine

MOTYA

Boat cruise; visit museum

MARSALA

Visit a salt mill; dinner at a local restaurant

SCIACCA

Take pictures from the panoramic viewpoint

AGRIGENTO

Guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples

PIAZZA ARMERINA

Guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale

CALTAGIRONE

See the famous Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte

RAGUSA

Guided walking tour of the Ibla district, visit St. George Cathedral

MODICA

Chocolate tasting at the famous Dolceria Bonajuto; dinner at a local restaurant

NOTO

Guided walking tour, visit San Nicolò Cathedral

SYRACUSE

Guided visit of the archaeological site

CATANIA

See St. Agata Cathedral, Piazza Duomo, and Via Etnea

SAVOCA

See the Church of Santa Lucia; taste granita and brioche at Bar Vitelli

TAORMINA

Orientation, visit the Greek theater; farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Headsets throughout the tour.

Transportation:

Motor coach; boat cruise. Free Wi-Fi available on your motor coach and in most hotel lobbies.

MEALS

Full breakfast daily; one special lunch in Palermo; 6 three-course dinners with wine, including a welcome dinner in Palermo, special dinners in Marsala and Modica, and a farewell dinner in Taormina

ITINERARY

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY

Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Dinner

DAY 2 PALERMO

Guided sightseeing features the ornate Piazza Bellini, Capo Market, the baroque Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the CATHEDRAL. In Monreale, enjoy a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the 12th-century NORMAN CATHEDRAL, famous for its 50,000 square feet of precious byzantine mosaics. A lunch with Sicilian specialties like panelle (chickpea fritters), arancini (stuffed rice balls), and cannoli (fried pastry rolls with sweet ricotta cheese) awaits at the Antica Focacceria San Francesco restaurant.

Breakfast

Lunch

DAY 3 PALERMO–ERICE–MOTYA–MARSALA

Drive to Erice and follow your Tour Director for an orientation of this hilltop town, ending at the well-known Pasticceria Maria Grammatico to try out the traditional almond biscuits and Marsala wine. Visit a typical SALT MILL. Then, the highlight of the day: a BOAT CRUISE to the island of Motya for a perfect view of the lagoon and visit to the MUSEUM. Later, in Marsala, dinner with local specialties and couscous is served.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 4 MARSALA–SCIACCA–AGRIGENTO

In Sciacca, take pictures from the panoramic viewpoint before continuing to Agrigento. Here, your Local Guide will take you for a spectacular walk through the magnificent VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES. Even travelers who have visited Athens and Delphi are awed by the gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that miraculously survived 24 centuries of tormented history.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 5 AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–CALTAGIRONE–RAGUSA

Drive to Piazza Armerina for your guided visit of the VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world, including the famous “Bikini Girls,” discovered in 1960. Before arriving in Ragusa, stop in Caltagirone to discover the imposing STAIRCASE OF SANTA MARIA DEL MONTE, covered with different tiles in a beautiful pattern.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 6 RAGUSA. EXCURSION TO MODICA

Guided sightseeing features a walk through Ragusa's oldest district, the IBLA, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its beautiful palaces and churches. Walk through the Giardini Iblei, the pleasant public gardens laid out in the 19th century and then, visit the iconic baroque ST. GEORGE CATHEDRAL. Time on your own to further explore or maybe relax at an outdoor café! In the late afternoon, travel to nearby Modica with its steeply stacked medieval center and spectacular baroque churches. Wander along Corso Umberto I and stop at the famous Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily's oldest chocolate factory, for a TASTING. End the day with a special dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 7 RAGUSA–NOTO–SYRACUSE

Arrive in the baroque town of Noto, renowned for its beautiful historic center that was almost entirely rebuilt in the early 18th century following the 1693 earthquake. Meet your Local Guide for a walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire the magnificent architecture, and visit SAN NICOLÒ CATHEDRAL. Continue to Syracuse, birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes. Enter the ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE for a guided visit of the 5th century BC sparkling-white Greek Theater, the Garden of Paradise, the Ear of Dionysus, the Altar of Hieron II, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Cordmakers’ Cave. Tonight, join an optional dinner in the enchanting Ortigia district.

Breakfast

DAY 8 SYRACUSE–CATANIA–SAVOCA–TAORMINA RIVIERA

In Catania, see St. Agata Cathedral and spend some time on Piazza del Duomo and Via Etnea. On to the traditional village of Savoca. See the Church of Santa Lucia, made famous as a location for Michael Corleone's wedding in the movie The Godfather. Enjoy a granita and brioche at Bar Vitelli. Later, arrive at your hotel on the Taormina Riviera.

Breakfast

DAY 9 TAORMINA RIVIERA

In the morning, an exciting optional excursion is available to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Later, in hilltop Taormina, visit the ancient GREEK THEATER, dating back to the 3rd century BC, and in the evening, a farewell dinner awaits at restaurant Villa Antonio, an excellent way to say arrivederci, Sicilia!

Breakfast

Dinner

DAY 10 TAORMINA RIVIERA

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning (the nearest airport is Catania).

Breakfast

ACCOMMODATIONS

Note: Hotels may differ from those listed, but the accomodations selected are of equivalent standard. Hotels will be available in your final documents.

PALERMO ~ Marsala ~ agrigento ~ Ragusa Area ~ Syracuse ~ Taormina Riviera

PALERMO

GRAND HOTEL PIAZZA BORSA - SUPERIOR FIRST-CLASS

Via Dei Cartari 18 Palermo, Italy Free Wifi

Set in 3 historical buildings, including a beautiful 16th-century cloister, this upscale hotel has retained many original architectural details. There is a restaurant with a seasonal outdoor terrace, two bars and a fitness room, Free WiFi internet access is available in the lobby and Free wired internet access is available in the guest rooms. Hotel Amenities: Elevator,Business Center ,Beauty Salon, Spa Services, Free WiFi, Luggage Storage,Fitness Room, Dry Cleaning, Currency Exchange, Restaurant On-Site, Bar/Lounge, Parking/Valet.

Room Amenities: Air Conditioning (Seasonal), In-Room Safe, Wake-Up Calls, Hair Dryer , Window Opens, Television, Cable/Satellite, Internet Access, Non-smoking, Rooms, Air Conditioning, Climate Control, Smoking Rooms, Disabled Access / Rooms, Phone, Room Service, Mini-bar, Desk, Complimentary Toiletries

MARSALA

BEST WESTERN STELLA D'ITALIA - FIRST-CLASS

Via Mario Rapisardi 7
Marsala, Italy

Free Wifi

Set in a building dating from the 1870s, this 4-storey classic hotel is framed by ancient and magnificent aristocratic buildings. The external architectural features are typical of the area while the interiors are in Neo-classical style. A prestigious collection of contemporary paintings and sculptures is shown in the lobby. The bar is located in the elegant hall and provides snacks and drinks throughout the day. Internet access is available free of charge.

Hotel Amenities: Parking/Valet, Bar/Lounge, Free WiFi, Business Center, Dry Cleaning, Luggage Storage, Elevator

Room Amenities: Room Service, Window Opens, Cable/Satellite ,Air Conditioning, Desk, Television, Phone, Iron/Ironing Board , In-Room Safe, Coffee Maker, Wake-Up Calls, Non-smoking Rooms, Air Conditioning (Seasonal), Mini-bar, Climate Control, Hair Dryer, Complimentary Toiletries, Disabled Access / Rooms, Alarm Clock, Smoking Rooms.Internet Access

AGRIGENTO

GRAND HOTEL MOSE FIRST-CLASS

Viale Leonardo Sciascia
Agrigento, Italy Free Wifi

Grand Hotel Mosè is an elegant 2-floor building entirely made of tuff stone, surrounded by a Mediterranean garden with swimming pool and located not far from the Valley of the Temples. The hotel opened in 1993 but it underwent a series of upgrades through the years, until a total refurbishment and expansion of its facilities in 2013. Its rooms are spacious and most of them come with a terrace. La Mimosa restaurant offers menus of local and international cuisine and during Summer meals are served by the pool. A bar for a quick snack or just an espresso is also available. Free Wi-Fi internet access available thoughtout the hotel.

Hotel Amenities: Pool, Free Wifi, Parking/Valet, Restaurant on-site, Bar/Lounge, Dry Cleaning, Ice Machine, Luggage Storage, Conceirge Desk, Elevator

Room Amenities: Mini Bar, Climate Control, Pay Movies, Wake-up Calls, Television, Complimentary Toiletries, Desk, Cable/Satellite, Internet Access, Room Service, In-Room Safe, Phone, Complimentary Newspaper, Hair Dryer, Window Opens, Air Conditioning, Disabled Access/Rooms, Air Conditioning (Seasonal), Non Smoking Rooms.

RAGUSA AREA

POGGIO DEL SOLE RESORT FIRST-CLASS

S.P. 25 Ragusa - Marina Di Ragusa - Km 5,700
Ragusa Area, Italy Free Wifi

Poggio del Sole Resort is beautifully situated in the hyblean landscape. Those buldings which were once parts of an elegant "masseria" now frame a tastefully and uniquely designed hotel with restaurants, bars and Spa. The hotel, in spite of its rustic location and origins, comes with all modern comfort and is elegantly embellished by a sober mix of contemporary and traditional sicilian furniture. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a lounge bar are also available.

Hotel Amenities: Restaurant On-Site, Bar/Lounge, Pool, Fitness Room, Concierge Desk, Hot Tub, Spa Services, Luggage Storage, Business Center, Parking Valet, Elevator, Free Wifi

Room Amenities: Wake-up Calls, Pay Movies, Television, Window Opens, Mini Bar, Non Smoking Rooms, Complimentary Toiletries, Room Service, Climate Control, Cable/Satellite, Internet Access, Phone, Air Conditioning (Seasonal) Disabled Access/Rooms, In-Room Safe, Air Conditioning, Desk, Hair Dryer.

SYRACUSE

MERCURE SIRACUSA PROMETEO FIRST-CLASS

Viale Teracati 20
Siracusa, Italy Free Wifi

The modern, comfortable Mercure Siracusa Prometeo offers 93 rooms with all the comforts. The hotel has a bar/bistro, a fitness room and a wellness center. In Summer a roof panoramic outdoor swimming-pool with a solarium area on the 6th floor will be available. Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property.

Hotel Amenities: Spa Services, Dry Cleaning, Hot Tub, Free Wifi, Pool, Restaurant On-Site, Elevator, Bar/Lounge, Fitness Room, Luggage Storage, Parking Valet.

Room Amenities: Desk, Iron/Ironing Board, Wake-up Calls, Room Service, Air Conditioning (Seasonal), Disabled Access/Rooms, Non Smoking Rooms, Mini Bar, In-Room Safe, Complimentary Newspaper, Climate Control, Phone, Coffee Maker, Cable/Satellite, Air Conditioning, Hair Dryer, Television, Window Opens, Internet Access.

Air Conditioning (Seasonal) Disabled Access / Rooms Non-smoking Rooms Mini-bar

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: A list of optional excursions will be available approximately 30 days prior to departure.

We recommend reading the country related information on the US Dept. of State www.travel.state.gov (http://www.travel.state.gov/) website to learn more about the destination we will be visiting and includes passport information, suggested vaccinations, travel advise etc.

AGGG and The Women’s Travel Group, is not responsible for any errors or omission within this posting.