Travel FAQs - Tour of Sicily, Your Sicilian F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions

FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions: While Sicily is an amazing place to visit, it is far from perfect. Our location in the south of Italy perhaps makes us, along with people from the "south" all over the world, a little bit more laid back.

We suggest you surrender yourself to the leisurely pace of life in Sicily.

These questions and responses reflect conditions and circumstances that you may encounter in Sicily. Here we present observations regarding inter-cultural differences (eating differences, for example)

Contents

Independent Tours FAQ

GENERAL FAQ:

How do I convert the Tour Price to my own Currency?

Is Chat & Tour a Tour Operator?

Where can we Exchange our money?

Are there ATMs available?

Are Credit Cards easily accepted?

Are Travellers Cheques easily accepted?

Do I have to pay TIPS or GRATUITIES?

What kind of Cloths should I bring?

Which kind of Footwear do you recommend?

Do you recommend a Sunhat and Sunscreen?

How can I use my cell phone in Italy? Or how can I phone home?

What do you recommend for my safety?

Approximately at what time can I start the Hotel Check in?

Can I have Shopping Information?

Is it a problem to find snacks?

Can you recommend your tours for people with difficulty walking?

What can I do for special allergy, vegetarian or religious requirements?

What about Kids? Do you recommend your tours for kids?

What is the difference between Lunch and Light-Lunch in Sicily, Italy?

How do I convert the Tour Price to my own Currency?

Our Services are quoted in Euros. We recommend using this website http://www.xe.com to convert our quotes in Euros to your own currency.

Is Chat & Tour a Tour Operator?

Chat & Tour Srl is an authorized Tour Operator, Incoming Department and Incentives Specialist that works on behalf of TRADIZIONE TURISMO.
Tradizione Turismo, our Company has a Full Travel Agency licence, recived from Sicilian Tourist Board Nr. 996/VII/Tur since 30 April 2001
Tradizione Turismo by Chat & Tour S.r.l. is an allied ASTA TOP Member; Has a TID Iata, ENIT allied company; NTA Member, Site Member.

Since there is relatively little opportunity to exchange money during the trip (unless you travel alone), it is advisable to arrive with a supply of Euros to avoid any inconvenience.

Where can we Exchange our money?

Most banks in the U.S. are able to exchange your money before leaving for Sicily. (Other countries may have this same option available).

Money can be exchanged in Catania & Palermo airports and in the cities of Palermo, Catania, and Taormina. Ask your Tour Director or Hotel Desk for more information immediately upon arrival in Sicily.

Are there ATMs available?

ATM's are available in all towns and cities.
There are also ATM machines next to every bank while you are on the tour.

Note: While you may use your American ATM card in Italy, you are allowed to withdraw only smaller amounts (usually about €200) because it is a foreign ATM card. So don't panic if you're trying to withdraw your daily maximum and it is refusing your request! (Simply try withdrawing a smaller amount).

Are Credit Cards easily accepted?

Yes, in the large shops and restaurants. Some little shops or bars prefer payment in cash.

Note: Credit cards most widely accepted here are Visa and Mastercard. Some localities do not accept American Express. Cards such as Discover are not accepted anywhere.

Are Travellers Cheques easily accepted?

Do I have to pay TIPS or GRATUITIES?

Tips or Gratuities are never included in our trips.

The suggested amount for the Tour Director is Euros 5,00 per day and for Bus Drivers Euros 2,50 per day. Local Guides usually receive Euro 1,00 per sightseeing.

If you are booking an Independent Tour and you will use a Driver-Escort, please be so kind as to considerer tipping (out of appreciation) based on the efficiency and service you receive.

Gratuities in restaurants are never included in the bill. The Cover charge is not a tip. If paying with credit cards in Italy, please pay your tip separately in cash to the waiter and this should be 10% of the total bill.
The use of public toilets requires a payment to the attendant of Euro 0,30 cents (where applicable). Public toilet charge Euros 0,50 cents.

Do tip taxi drivers about one euro, more if it was a longer trip.

What kind of Cloths should I bring?

Pack essentially for ALL TOURS.
Women should avoid bare arms and shoulders in Churches (scarf or stole recommended). Dress for hot conditions although light rainwear and warm jacket for the evening when tempertures can drop (especially in November-April). Anyone intending to visit Etna or the Mountainous sides of Sicily should bring warm clothing and hiking boots or other sturdy shoes, as snow is a common occurance.

Which kind of Footwear do you recommend?

Comfortable walking shoes and sandals. Hiking boots if planning on doing any hiking/Mt. Etna.

Do you recommend a Sunhat and Sunscreen?

Sicily isn't known as the land of the Sun for nothing! We would definitely recommend sunhats/sunglassees/sunscreen during the peak season and especially in the summer months of June, July, August when the sun is most fierce.

We also strongly recommend bringing a two liter water bottle, small flashlight, as well as insect repellant.

But most importantly, don't forget your bikini or swimming suit!

How can I use my cell phone in Italy? Or how can I phone home?

• To have your country cell phone operate in Italy, contact your local cell phone company.
• Phoning from a hotel room can be costly, as you will usually be charged for local calls as well as for long distance, even though you use a credit card or call “collect”.

• To avoid extra charges, we suggest using a pay phone, phone card or mobile cellular phone. You can also purchase a LOCAL pay phone card while in Italy.
• To make a call within Italy, dial the complete area and city code and then the phone number.
• To make an international call from Italy, dial 00, and then the country code, followed by the area/city code & then the number. (For example, dialing the U.S. would be: 001 212-555-6666)
• The area code for Italy is 39.

What do you recommend for my safety?

These are our general recommendations for ALL types of travel world-wide....it's what we do when we travel!

These are a MUST:
-Be careful with your purse and wallet. Pick-pocketing and purse-snatching can happen anywhere, especially in crowed places, such as famous monuments, restaurants, bus stops (on buses), and railways stations (on trains).
-We advise you to not give money to beggars, as this is a common distraction for someone else to snatch your valuables.
-Do not carry all your money with you when leaving for sightseeing or strolls. Deposit part of your money in the hotel safe in your room or in a special belt around your waist.
-Have handy telephone numbers of your banks and credit card companies in the event of stolen or lost credit cards.
-Make two photocopies of important documents, such as your passport, tickets and vouchers. Keep one copy with you in a separate place and leave another copy with someone at home.
-Keep a photocopy of your Passport apart from your Passport (in your hotel safe, for example).

At approximately what time can I check-in to the Hotel Check?

Your room will generally be ready and available to you at approximately 2PM. If you like, you can ask the hotel to hold your luggage until the time of check-in. Hotel check-out time is usually between 10AM and 12noon.

Can I have Shopping Information?

Yes of course.
-Shops are generally closed from 1:00PM to 4:00PM and close approximately at 7:30-8PM.
-Do ask about a VAT (value-added tax) refund when you purchase more than 155 euros of goods in one store. If the store participates in the 'Tax Free for Tourists,' you can get the tax, called the IVA, refunded at the last European airport on your journey.
-Keep your Currency Exchange forms if you plan to change money back to another currency.
-Ask for a receipt of your bills from the shopping establishments. By Italian Law, you must obtain them before leaving the premises. Do keep track of your purchases, as Customs will ask you about them when you return to your country.

Is it a problem to find snacks?

It's easy to find snacks (gelato, sweets, panini) around town, usually in what Italians call the Bar (no, it's not just for alcoholic drinks! It's for espresso, drink, and snacks). Snacks can also be found in Bakeries (Panificio) or grocery stores (Supermercato).

If you want to use restaurants, however, they are open certain times of the day: 12:30 PM until 2:30 PM and from 7:00 PM until 10:30 PM.

Can you recommend your tours for people with difficulty walking?

Yes and No.
Sicily is a great and amazing island BUT it is full of steps and hills, esecially to view many of the archeaological treasures.
Honestly, it is very difficult for people requiring wheelchair services to enjoy the highlights on our tours. It really is too difficult for them, even if they have an assistant.
What can I do for special allergy, vegetarian or religious requirements?

You must advise us at the time of booking!
This is the only way to avoid misunderstanding and mistakes for meal choices, that could be potentially dangerous or offensive.
In the Sicilian cuisine, we eat many vegetable dishes, fried food, fish, meat, chicken and pork. We have a wide variety of cuisine and we are usually able to accommodate your special requests while still allowing you to enjoy traditional Sicilian foods.

Italian Law states that we cannot share your personal information about such requests with anybody other than the restaurants with whom we are arranging meal services.

What about Kids? Do you recommend your tours for kids?

It depends which kind of tour you are looking for!!!!

If you are looking for historical, archaeological or gastronomic tours ... our opinion is that you will bore your kids to to death!

If you would like to have a tour that satisfies all of your needs ... please get in touch with us for a suggestion. Keep in mind that a bored kid will also drive YOU nuts and ruin the trip (this is a Mom speaking from experience!)

What is the difference between Lunch and Light-Lunch in Sicily, Italy?

Don't worry, light lunch doesn't mean a small panino to get you through the day! In Sicily, where food comes first, a light lunch refers to a 2 course meal with no beverages included while a regular lunch is a 3 course meal with no beverages included. Don't worry, you won't go hungry in Sicily!

ESCORTED TOUR FAQ:

-What type of Properties do you usually use for your Tours?

-Are all costs included in the tour rate?

-What is the group size for each tour?

-Are all the departures guaranteed?

-In your Escorted Tour, where I will meet the Tour Director? And at what time?

-In case I will confirm with you the airport arrival transfer, where I will meet the driver?

-Do you guarantee Sea View Rooms on your Tours?

-How can I plan meals not included in the Itinerary? Will I have enough time for meals on my own?

-Will I have time for shopping during your tours?

-Do you organize a "Seat Rotation" for your tours?

-I need to have the first seat in the motor coach. Can I obtain it in advance?

-Can I use the toilet on the Long Distance Coach?

-Can you provide one of your Escorted Tours for a Group or an Incentive?

What type of Properties do you usually use for your Tours?

We clearly specify the properties used for each tour in the specific tour details viewable by following the link for each tour.
Properties used range from moderate to first class to boutique ...it really depends on the tour. On some of our tours, we also offer the option to upgrade your room.
Feel free to ask us a suggestion before starting the booking confirmation: asking us is the only way to adapt the properties/Tours to your needs.

Are all costs included in the tour rate?

You will find more details regarding what is included and what is not included in the Tour Details. Refer to each tour's details to have more specific information about what is included and excluded in the price for each tour.

However, please notice that personal expenses are not included. Additionally, we recommend planning some extra money to cover meals not included in the tour price, optional sightseeing, souvenirs, personal items, etc.

What is the group size for each tour?

Usually, our Tours are a Small Size with a maximum of 25 people signed on. BUT we also offer tours with maximum group sizes of 20, 16, and 12 ...it all depends on which tour you are looking for.

Again, you will find this information inside the specific details for each tour.

Are all the departures guaranteed?

Several of our tours have the departures GUARANTEED but not all of the tours.

We strongly recommend clicking the link to each tour to verify which are the guaranteed tour departures and which are the guaranteed tours with a specific, set minimum of people signed on.

Guaranteed, for us, means that we must have a minimum of 2 people signed on: this is because the departures are calculated on double/twin occupancy. Regardless ...even if you are 2 single travelers vacationing together on the same date/tour, even if you need single room occupancy, we will be able to run the tour for you.

In your Escorted Tour, where I will meet the Tour Director? And at what time?

We provide this information when we issue the vouchers.
We usually arrange the meeting point for the first day of tour in the hotel lobby at 7:30PM.
This is also a nice way to meet the other people on the tour before the Welcome Dinner begins.

If I decide require the airport arrival transfer service, where will I meet the driver?

Upon arrival in Sicily, you must proceed through passport control (if you arrive from an international flight) and collect your luggage inside the customs area.
OUTSIDE OF THE CUSTOMS AREA, you will find the driver waiting holding a sign with your name.

Do you guarantee Sea View Rooms on your Tours?

Only if this is clearly specified under the 'Rate Includes' description of the tour.

For most of our tours, this is an extra fee and we cannot guarantee it.

If a Sea View Room is a MUST for you, please ask us about it at the time of booking. We will be happy to specify the supplement you have to pay to obtain this service.

How can I plan meals not included in the Itinerary?

Will I have enough time for meals on my own?

The Tour Director will provide suggestions for the best restaurants or trattoria where you can enjoy your meals not included in the tour.

In case you would like to organize the meals not included on your own...you can do so and the Tour Director will arrange the logistics for you.

Will I have time for shopping during your tours?

It depends on the tour.
Usually, the Tour Director tries to satisfy these requests ....but it depends on different factors like traffic and available time.

If 'shopping' is a MUST for you, please be so kind as to ask us to suggest the best tour for you. We can also recommend booking pre- or post-nights to allow for shopping time.

Do you organize a "Seat Rotation" for your tours?

No we don't. And we don't reserve the seats in advance.

I need to have the first seat in the motor coach. Can I reserve it in advance?

No you can't, BUT if this request is because you suffer from motion sickenss, feel free to explain your needs to the Tour Director. He is here to help you.

Can I use the toilet on the Long Distance Coach?

No, our apologies.
Even if the big sized coaches have a toilet YOU CANNOT USE IT.
This is because in Southern Italy & Sicily there are no waste recepticle sites, meaning even if only 2 people use the toilet, things will start to smell making your entire coach trip unpleasant!

We understand that for senior citizens this is a really important service, but we must respect the quality of the tour. We do our best to allow for adequate bathroom breaks for long distance coach trips. We do this by stopping every hour and a half at highway rest areas to allow clients to use the toilets.

Can you provide one of your Escorted Tours for a Group or an Incentive?

Yes, of course! We are able and willing to customize everything to your needs. We can upgrade properties to luxory or deluxe OR, if you have a low budget, we can keep the same itineraries while modifying the properties in accordance with your budget and needs.

We are here to satisfy you.

SHORE EXCURSIONS FAQ:

-Our ship docks outside of your Excursion hours, can we still book the Excursion?

-Are Your Shore Excursions Private?

-Why we have to choose Your Excursions rather then the Cruise Excursion?

-If we are staying in a Hotel, can we book one of Your Excursions?

-How many people can join Your Excursions?

-Where will I meet your staff at the harbor?

-If I'm interested in of your shore excursions, what do I have to do?

-Are you able to customize one of your shore excursion for a group or an incentive?

Our ship docks outside of your Excursion hours, can we still book the Excursion?

Whenever possible, we are happy to organize our Shore Excursions to fit your particular schedule. Please contact us to see if we can arrange the Excursion you're interested in for your particular docking hours.

Are Your Shore Excursions Private?

Yes, they are. Our Company only provides Private Shore Excursions. It means that your excursion with us is exclusive for you, your family, friends, or group.

Why should we choose Your Excursions rather than the Cruise Excursion?

Because we are Sicilian and we know our Land! And for us, clients have a full name, not just a reservation code, meaning we really care about providing you with a personalized, quality experience.
Most Excursions sold on Cruise ships are big group sized and you are herded along with the rest of the group instead of really being able to enjoy the sights.
Our Tours are Private and can all be customized (based on similar Itinerary). You will be able to decide where to spend your time sightseeing, shopping, or beach combing. All with the assistance of your Driver Escort.

If we are staying in a Hotel, can we book one of Your Excursions?

Yes, of course you can book an Excursion even if you are staying Hotel. At time of booking, please advise us of the Hotel name so we can adapt the routing according to your needs. There is no extra charge for this option!!

How many people can join Your Excursions?

Our Excursions are all considerated 'Private'. It means that you will decide how many people are in your group. If you are individual travellers, you will find the rates inside the information for each excursion. If you are a group OR you would like to become a group, feel free to ask us for a tailored offer based on your needs. We are to cater to your requests.

Where will I meet your staff at the harbor?

Usually we arrange the meeting appointment at the Customs Hall.
This is the easiest way to find our staff (sometimes there are too many people at the port making it really difficult to find our staff even if they have the sign with the clients' name)

If I'm interested in your shore excursions, what do I have to do?

First, thank you for your interest!
-You must first verify which excursion you are interested in.
-You must verify docking information (estimated arrival & departure times)
-You must verify the correct docking port.

Then you are ready to book using our online reservation system.

Are you able to customize one of your shore excursions for a group or an incentive?

Yes, of course. We are able and willing to customize everything you need. We are here to satisfy you.

SELF DRIVE FAQ:

-Do Your Rates include the Car Hire?

-Do We have to respect the itinerary suggested?

-Parking fees are included in the Self Drive package?

-Where can I purchase a map of Sicily?

-What is the minimum age requirement for renting a car with your company?

-What if I rent a car with your company and need an extension/upgrade on the spot?

-Do I have to bring a credit card wtih me even if I rent a car from your company?

Do Your Rates include the Car Hire?

No.
Our rate only includes Hotel Accommodation, which is clearly specified in the 'What's Included' specification under the tour description details.

You must arrange your own car rental OR we can provide you with our rates for 2008, which you can find at the following site: http://www.tourofsicily.com/CAR2008.pdf Our Car Hire rates have ALL INSURANCES INCLUDED.

Do We have to respect the itinerary suggested?

Absolutely NOT.
As for Self Drive philosophy, you are free to decide what to see, what to do, what and where to eat. We only arrange the hotel overnights--and this is the only point you have to respect.

Parking fees are included in the Self Drive package?

No, you have to pay this extra fee directly on the spot.

Where can I purchase a map of Sicily?

You can ask the Car Hire Company for a map or buy it in any of the Major Sicilian shops or Airports.

What is the minimum age requirement for renting a car with your company?

You must be a minimum of 25 years old for all rental categories. This is not our policy, but rather the car hire company policy.

What if I rent a car with your company and need an extension/upgrade on the spot?

You can make this request directly at the Car Hire Company BUT it is not convenient for you.
This is because with us you will pay a 'Special Rate'. If you ask for these changes on the spot, your payment will be subject to local rates and taxes.
We strongly recommend planing your trip with us and asking for our recommendations on how many days to rent the car. This is for your convenience to help avoid charges on the spot.
Do I have to bring a credit card with me even if I rent a car from your company?

Yes, you MUST.
This is because a credit card is required by the Car Hire company upon pick-up.

PRIVATE TOURS FAQ:

-Is it possible to have a customized Itinerary?

-Are you able to customize one of your private tours for a group or an incentive?

Is it possible to have a customized Itinerary?

Yes, of course!
Under the 'Private Itineraries,' we can customize and modify your program as long as we respect the routing and excursion duration.

Are you able to customize your private tours for a group or an incentive?

Yes of course. We are able and willing to customize everything you need. We can upgrade the properties to luxory or deluxe OR, if you have a low budget, we are able to keep the same itinerary and modify the properties according to your budget and needs.

We are here to satisfy you.

INDEPENDENT TOURS FAQ:

-Are you able to customize one of your independent tours for a group or an incentive?

Are you able to customize one of your independent tours for a group or an incentive?

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