Best things to do and visit in Sicily with Valerio Travel

A tour around Sicily offers you different types of experiences and emotions: beaches, volcanoes, natural parks and a trip across its millenary history made by ancient Romans and Greeks.

Where is the Sicily island?
Sicily is the biggest island in the Mediterranean sea, at the south of Italy.

How to reach the island?
There three possible ways to arrive in Sicily:

Airplane: There are two main airports in the cities of Catania and Palermo.
Boat: Use the strait of Messina in Calabria.
Train: Use the Eurostar trains that link Rome, Milan and Naples with the cities of Sicily (Catania, Syracuse, Palermo, Messina).
How to get around the island?
You can get around by train, bus or car.

Trains connect the main cities (Messina, Palermo, Catania, Syracuse).
Buses have departure centers in the main airports and the railways stations.
By car, using the freeways, A18 Catania-Messina, A19 Catania-Palermo, A20 Messina-Palermo.
What are the best things to visit?
The city of Agrigento, on the southwest coast, with its Greek temples.
The beach resort of Cefalu, seaside town at the east of Palermo.
The city of Enna, 1000 meters high city, the highest in Europe.
The village of Erice, a little medieval town.
The mountain Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.
The town of Marsala, the heart of wine production.
The city of Palermo, the capital of Sicily.
The temples of Segesta with some excellent Greek ruins.
The city of Syracuse, on the southeast coast, with its Greek theatre.
The little village of Taormina, with a beautiful Roman-Greek theatre.
The Alcantara Gorges, a natural park in a volcanic river.
The Nebrodi Park, a natural reserve full of forests.
The Aeolian islands, seven little island of Volcanic origin.
The city of Catania, a mix of historical evidences, churches and museums.
What are the best beaches to choose?
Mondello Lido, near Palermo.
Mortelle, near Messina.
Spiaggia Sabbie Nere (Vulcano island), a "Black Sands Beach" in the Aeolian islands.
Lido Mazzarò (Taormina), the best summer resort of Sicily.
Marina di Ragusa, on the southeasters Sicily.
What are the best activities?
There are different activities like Trekking, Wine tours, Bicycle trips, Sight-seeing, Winter sports on the Etna mountain, horseback ridings, scuba diving and much more. It depends on your budget and the period you choose: in the summer months the best things to do are swimming the in the waters of the coast; in the autumn months the best activities are trekking on the Sicilian natural parks; in the winter the queen is Mount Etna where there is skiing, alpine skiing and much more.

Top B&B in Sicily: Palazzo Del Sale in Siracusa, Ortigia

PALAZZO DEL SALE:

Salt or" white gold" as it was formerly known is where the name of this building derives. It is the place where Bartolo the salt seller man used to live. He would sell open bags of salt by the ounce and also parafin for lamps. The high ceilings and walls of stone embedded with inserted details in a unique and pleasant style, give an origional feel to the place. Each of the 7 rooms are furnished with beautiful original articles.The bedrooms are spacious and original. The bathrooms are comfortable and are made with strikingly original local materials, such as lava stone and terracotta, taking on strong characteristics from the Sicilian landscape.This charming boutique hotel is located in the historic centre of Ortigia, just a few paces from Piazza Duomo (Cathedral square). This is superb starting point for a walk around in the breathtaking atmosphere of Ortigia Island. Circling "Palazzo del Sale" you can find all the most interesting sights, such as, The Fountain of Aretusa, Castle Maniace, Piazza Duomo, with its splendid cathedral and all the most important churches of the city. You can finish your day with a "sunny walk" along the Lungomare prommenade, which circles the whole island.

ACCOMODATION DETAILS:

•7 spacious and comfortable bedrooms(Double, Triple, Quadruple, Suite with Terrace)
•Buffet continental breakfast included
•Room Facilities: Air conditioning/heating, En suite bathroom with shower,hair-dryer, Satellite Sky/ TV, mini bar
•All rooms differ in style, layout and detail.
•Large, tastefully decorated living room with a reading corner
•Communal cooking space
•Internet access
•Private parking area (local charge)
•Bicycles and sun terrace
LOCATION DETAILS:

•Restaurants and shops 1 min walk
•Beaches 20 min drive
•Catania airport 50min drive
•Palermo airport 3hr drive
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Accomodation as stated in a double room, buffet continental breakfast, 1 Dine-around in a local restaurant, emergency number at Euros 200,00 in Medium season (16/03-15/04 & 28/06-30/07 & 21/10-02/11/2010 - Not in Easter and Bank Holidays)- Price per person in euros based on 2 sharing

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Flights, Transfers, Car Hire and Travel insurances.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If cancelled up to 7 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged; If cancelled later, the first two nights will be charged; In case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged

PAY IN RESORT PROPERTY:

Palazzo del Sale is a "ValerioPayInResortProperty"

The deposit payable to Valerio Travel Italy will secure your booking. The balance will be paid at the property on check-out - Room supplements & Reductions (see below)

Please send an email to our dedicated local sales staff for a different quote, your preferred travel dates and lenght of stay!

Valerio Travel Blog: www.valeriotravel.blogspot.com

Top Apartment in Sicily: Apartment Il Pescatore in Taormina

APARTMENT IL PESCATORE:
Antonio is the name of the owner of this lovely one bedroom apartment located on the stunning beach of Mazzaro', a short ascend by cable car from the hill-top town of Taormina. This is a 40 square metres apartment located in one of the most evocative areas in eastern Sicily, Taormina. From the balcony you can enjoy the view of the town. the Beautiful island and its natural researve.
The apartment is located next to the beach of Mazzaro' and you enter tha house through a staircase of 50 steps followed by a 300 metres driveway. The bedroom, like the entire apartment is furnished with care and attention by antonio's wife and boasts a spacious open plan living/dining room with TV and equipped kitchen.

ACCOMODATION DETAILS:
•Living/dining/kitchen area with 4 hob, gas coocker, fridge-freezer, oven, washing machine
•Open plan double bedroom (no door), shower room with hairdryer, iron and iron board
•Air-conditioning/heating (payable locally)
•Panoramic sea views
•Apartment Il Pescatore is located on the first floor of a typical Mediterranean building.
•Access to the apartment is on foot only and via a large number of steps
•Car hire available with parking 5min walk (payable locally)
•Welcome Hamper on arrival
LOCATION DETAILS:

•Located on the beach of Mazzaro'
•Restaurant and shops 5min walk
•Taormina cable car stop to town centre 5min walk
•Mount Etna 1hr 10min
•Catania centre 45min drive
•Siracusa 1hr20 drive
•Catania airport 40min drive
•Palermo airport 2hr 50min drive
•Trapani airport 3hr 55min drive
ACCOMODATION ONLY OFFER:

7 nights stay in Apartment Il pescatore for 2 guests with welcome hamper included at Euro 620,00 in low season(01/04/2010-31/05/2010).

Cancellation Policy:

42-29 days: 20%

28-15 days: 40%

14-0 days: 80%

Contact our dedicated sales staff for a different quote, for booking car hire or private airport transfer, your preferred travel dates and lenght of stay!

Valerio Travel Blog: www.valeriotravel.blogspot.com

Top Hotel in Sicily: Eremo della Giubiliana near Ragusa

HOTEL EREMO DELLA GIUBILIANA:

Formerly an Arab fortress, a convent and ancestral home, this old country-house has the dignified bearing of another age. Full of character, its thick stone walls enclose a palm-shaded courtyard and a garden scattered with olive and almond trees. The restaurant serves wonderful Ragusan cuisine and the bedrooms are furnished in typical Sicilian style.The lovely hotel is located only a short trip to the Baroque town of Ragusa and the lovely beaches of Punta Secca and DonnaLucata are 20 minute drive away.

ACCOMODATION DETAILS:

•19 rooms and suites, some rooms have a terrace or balcony
•Buffet continental breakfast included in the offer
•Room Facilities: Air conditioning/heating, En suite bathroom with shower/tub,hair-dryer, Satellite TV, internet connection, safe,mini bar.
•All rooms differ in style, layout and detail.
•Swimming pool (11x8, depth 0.4-2,6m) Open May to end September
•Restaurant a' la carte (payable locally).
•Bar, gardens
•Private parking area, no charge
•Excursions and cooking classes payable locally
LOCATION DETAILS:

•Restaurants and shops 15 min drive
•Modica centre 20 min drive
•Ragusa Ibla 15 min drive
•Santa Croce di Camerina 20 min drive
•Nearest beaches (Marina di Ragusa, Donnalucata) 20 min drive
•Catania airport 1hr 30min drive
•Palermo airport 3hr 30min drive
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Accomodation as stated in a classic room, buffet continental breakfast, welcome dinner (no drink included), emergency number at Euros 380,00 (01/03-01/04 & 7/04-29/04 & December 2010)- Price per person in euros based on 2 sharing

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Flights, Transfers, Car Hire and Travel insurances.

CANCELLATION POLICY:HIGH SEASON

For cancellations received up to 15 days prior to arrival, no cancellation fee. For stays up to 2 nights: from 14 days prior to arrival or in case of no show, 1 night penalty. For stays over 2 nights: from 14 days prior to arrival, 50% of the total room charge.

CANCELLATION POLICY: MEDIUM OR LOW SEASON

For stays up to 2 nights: up to 8 days prior to arrival, no cancellation fee. From 7 days prior to arrival or in case of no show 1 night of penalty. For stays over 2 nights:up to 15 days prior to arrival, no cancellation fee. From 14 days to arrival day or in case of no show, 50% of the total room charge. In case of early departure, the 50% of the cancelled nights will be charged as a penalty fee.

Child discounts, Room supplements & Reductions (see below)

Please send an email to our dedicated local sales staff for a different quote, your preferred travel dates and lenght of stay!

Valerio Travel Blog: www.valeriotravel.blogspot.com

Top Villa in Sicily: Villa Mediterranea (2-5 guests)

VILLA MEDITERRANEA:
Mediterranea is a small Sicilian house set in private grounds surrounded by pretty trees, flowers and plants. Situated in a residential district, close to the coastal town of Marina di Ragusa, this is a charming villa with a large outdoor pool and a very pretty covered terrace with delightful outdoor furniture, perfect for barbecues and days relaxing in the fresh air. Inside, the colourful Mediterranean palette is present in each room, which welcomes you with sunshine colours, hand painted Sicilian tiles, feature mosaics and vibrant blue shutters

ACCOMODATION DETAILS:
•3 bedrooms (2-5 guests)
•Ground floor: open-plan living/dining/kitchen area with hob, fridge, washing machine, Hi-Fi, shower room, double bedroom, terrace/patio
•First floor: 1 double bedroom, 1 single bedroom, shower room
•Air-conditioned
•Swimming pool 10m x 5m (depth 1.2m-2,10m) with hydromassage area � open approx. April to October
•Pool area shower room, Garden, terraces, barbecue.
•Security deposit (payable locally)
•Table tennis, boules, bar football available
•Welcome Hamper included in the offer
•Valerio Travel 24hrs Telephone service
LOCATION DETAILS:

•Beach 10min walk or 2min drive
•Restaurant 5min drive
•Shops 10min drive
•Marina di Ragusa 10min drive
•Ragusa Ibla 35min drive
•Santa Croce di Camerina 10min drive
•Catania airport 2hr drive
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Prices based on accommodation only:

* 7 night prices from euros 1000 to euros 1500
* 14 night prices from euros 1800 to euros 2800
Cancellation Policy:

42-29 days: 20%; 28-15 days: 40%; 14-0 days: 80%

Contact our dedicated sales staff for a different quote, for booking car hire or private airport transfer, your preferred travel dates and lenght of stay!

Valerio Travel Blog: www.valeriotravel.blogspot.com

Holidays in Sicily

AN INTRODUCTION TO SICILY

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, and the southernmost part of Italy, has had a remarkable history and many superb archaeological sites and beautiful buildings survive from the past. It also has lush sub-tropical vegetation around the coast, with wonderful mountain scenery in the interior. Sicily is famous above all for its Greek remains, only rivalled by those in Greese itself, including the superb temples at Agrigento, Segesta and Selinunte, and the spectacular theatres at Taormina, Syracuse and Segesta. Palermo has fascinating Arab Norman buildings, especially famous for their wonderful mosaics (which also decorate the cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù). Sicily has its own delightful Baroque architecture in the east and in the southeast corner of the island, where the towns were all rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693, resulting in the splendours of Noto, Ragusa, Militello, Catania and Acireale.
As many days as possibible should be devoted to the city of Palermo and its environs (notably Monreale). Selinunte may then be reached via Segesta and the west coast (Trapani, Erice, the island of Mozia, and Marsala), or, if you have very little time, direct from Palermo (in this case Segesta can be visited on a detour or in a day from Palermo). Agrigento, reached from Selinunte along the south coast via Eraclea Minoa, deserves a visit of at least two days. The numerous medieval hill towns and spectacular countryside in the interior of the island can be explored from Enna (reached via Caltanissetta from Agrigento). Piazza Armerina, with the famous mosaics in its Roman villa, and the ruins of Morgantina are between Enna and Caltagirone, another inland town.
In the southeast corner of Sicily are the fine Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica and Comiso. The exploration of Syracuse and its environs (the Castello Eurialo, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide and the necropolis of Pantalica) requires at least three days. Catania, which can be visited in a day, is a good centre for the ascent of Etna and a circular tour of the foothills. The road between Catania and Messina passes Giardini Naxos and Taormina, where at least one night should be spent. On the road along the north coast, Tindari and Cefalù should not be missed.
Acireale, Milazzo and Syracuse are ideal bases for spending a few days touring in eastern and central Sicily and they all offer excellent accomodation. The most spectacular farmhouses for a restful holiday are in the province of Messina, on the Nebrodi Mountains. This area is also very good for birdwatching.

The two main cities of Sicily, Palermo and Catania, after a period of decline in the 1960s and 1970s, have in the last few years become much more pleasant places to visit since the standard of living here has greatly improved. They are better kept and numerous restoration projects are in progress, more churches are open and there is more to do in the evenings. Palermo is a fascinating city with numerous large street markets in the old city centre, and Catania is a very elegant Baroque city which is awakening to new life after many years of shameful neglect.

The natural beauty of Sicily is at last being preserved; there are many wildlife reserves as well as several regional parks which ensure protection for Mount Etna, the Nebrodi Mountains and the Madonie Mountains and some of the most beautiful offshore islands; Ustica, the Aeolians and the Egadi islands. The Roman villa at Piazza Armerina, the temples of Agrigento, the Aeolian Islands, the Baroque monuments of Noto, Militello, Scicli, Modica, Caltagirone and Ragusa are all now recognised by UNESCO as world heritage sites.

The food of Sicily is extremely good and inexpensive, and Sicilian specialities ensure an interesting variety. The sweets and cakes, using pistachios, almond, paste and ricotta as basic ingredients, are particularly delicious, and ice cream is always superb. Excellent fresh fish is served all over the island. Sicily is catching up with the rest of Italy in the provision of good small hotels, and very good accomodation is now available in farmhouses and country homes all over the island. A recent law has made it possible for people to open their homes to guests on a bed-and-breakfast arrangement, and this is certainly one of the most interesting and rewarding ways of visiting Sicily, allowing closer contact with the Sicilian people.

Although Sicily has long been notorious as the birthplace of the Mafia, professional criminals who have subjected the population to a "protection" system, which has for years controlled almost every business transaction on the island, both private and state, it is necessary to emphasise that travellers to the island are in no way exposed to this problem. Sicilians are famous for their hospitality and extremely kind and helpful to visitors. Sicily is as safe a place to visit as any other part of Italy, if not safer. After the courageous stand taken by a number of Sicilians against the Mafia there are signs that it is fast losing two of its greatest strengths, its legitimacy and its invisibility.

Book your holiday in Sicily with Valerio Travel Italy!

Check our website www.valeriotravel.co.uk or call our sales department for a quote.

Valerio Travel - sicilia tour operator - beach holidays sicily

Valerio Travel - sicilia tour operator - beach holidays sicily