A Local Perspective: Rome to Sicily

Going to Sicily is better than going to the moon. -Gabriel Garcia Márquez

HIGHLIGHTS + HIDDEN GEMS OF A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE: ROME TO SICILY

This trip to Ireland is a 8-day journey with a local perspective from Rome to Sicily. Our adventure begins by exploring Rome via Vespa, a la Roman Holiday, discovering the twists and lesser-traveled scenic turns of the historical city and it's infectious sights and sounds. Visit the natural beauty of Villa Borghese and Gardens, as well as the classical wonder of the Sistine Chapel. Catch a glimpse of the stars with an evening tour of the Colosseum. Awaken your appetite with a walking food tour and private wine class, learning about the treasures of Italian food and wines. Travel south to the city of Palermo and discover more of the hidden wonder found in Sicilian cuisine. Like a local, travel along the coast via train to the charming town of Cefalú. Independently see the town via e-bike or by foot. Conclude your journey via train to the charming city of Taormina. Spend the day visiting Mt. Etna and experience a local opera in town. Savor Sicilian delicacies as you overlook the irresistible views of the Mediterranean Sea. This trip will give you an experience as only locals do--from their perspective.

 
 

A VISUAL OVERVIEW

Your Journey Map

 

Rome, Italy

Palermo, Sicily

Cefalú, Sicily

Taormina, Sicily

 

Rome to Sicily

 TRIP INCLUDES:

  • Accommodations

    • 7 nights in local/boutique accommodations per the itinerary

    Transportation

    • Pick up from Rome airport on arrival day

    • Transfer to Rome airport on departure day to Sicily

    • Pick up from Palermo airport on arrival

    • Train station transfers in Palermo, Cefalú, and Taormina per the itinerary

    • One-way train tickets from Palermo-Cefalú-Taormina per the itinerary

    • Airport transfer from Taormina to Catania on departure day

    • Private ground transportation between each destination

    Activities

    • Entrance fees & excursions per the itinerary

    • Exclusive private experiences/touring per the highlighted itinerary

    Meals

    • 7 daily full breakfasts

    • 1 lunch + 3 dinners

    • 2 cocktail receptions

    • Welcome and Farewell Dinners (beer or wine included)

    Additional

    • Bottled water in the transportation vehicles

    • Local private driver and guides throughout the program

    • All gratuities to local guides, drivers, and staff

    • Worldwide Willett professional travel advisor assisting you from booking to departure

    • Adherence to our Covid-19 Safety and Risk Framework

    • Small group experience, maximum 15 people

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • International Airfare (USA-Rome + Catania-USA)

  • Passport fees

  • Excess baggage fees

  • COVID-19 vaccination fees

  • Required Travel Insurance

  • Alcohol, unless specified

  • Additional meals, activities, and excursions not listed

  • Laundry, telephone calls, and other items of a personal nature

A DAILY OVERVIEW

 

Your Itinerary

**Meals provided are indicated as Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ROME

(A locally-run boutique 4* hotel in Rome)

  • Welcomed by your private guide and driver upon your arrival to the airport in Rome. Check into your historically charming and cozy boutique accommodations tucked in the local neighborhood of Trastevere. After settling in, meet your private Vespa driver for your tour of the city. Upon sunset, meander the streets as you take a guided night walking tour. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy independently.

  • Meals: None

DAY 2: ROME + ORVIETO

(A locally-run boutique 4* hotel in Rome)

  • Following a quiet courtyard breakfast, meet your host and walk to the local train station. Here, you will meet your guide and board the train for a day trip to the nearby town of Orvieto (approximately 1 hour ride). Upon arrival, take a private walking tour visiting Piazza Duomo, Torre del Moro and Il Labirinto di Adriano. Before your return, following your lunch at a local cafe, enjoy a bit of shopping in the town square. Return to Rome and your hotel for an evening of leisure.

  • Meals: B, L

DAY 3: ROME

(A locally-run boutique 4* hotel in Rome)

  • Today, soak in the sights and sounds of the beauty of Rome. Take in the splendor of the architecture and nature during an exclusive tour of the Villa Borghese and Gardens. After your independent lunch, continue to the Vatican Gardens and follow the sounds of the church bells to Michelangelo's beloved, Sistine Chapel. Following, enjoy a local cooking class as you prepare your dinner. Learn about and savor the wines that are prepared for you there. Conclude your evening with a guided night tour of the Colosseum underground. Witness the incredible architecture and night sky as the early Romans did as you witness the magnificence of this world wonder from a Roman perspective.

  • Meals: B, D

DAY 4: PALERMO

(A locally-run boutique 4* hotel in Palermo)

  • Begin your Sicilian adventure. Awaken early this morning and meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight to the southern city of Palermo. Upon arrival, check into your boutique accommodation. After settling in, hop on the local bus and become acclimated with your surroundings as your guide gives you a brief tour of the city. Following, meet up with your private guide and food historian for a local food and wine walking tour. From the market to local restaurants, allow your palate to be opened to the culture of Sicily.

  • Meals: B, D

DAY 5: CEFALU

(A locally-run boutique 4* hotel in Cefalú)

  • Following breakfast, say adieu to the city of Palermo and with your host, make your way to the central train station. Here, you will board your train with your host and travel along the coast to the seaside town of Cefalú. This hidden Sicilian treasure is tucked along the coast with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and check into your local 4-star boutique seaside hotel. The afternoon is yours to embrace independently. Suggested activities include: a e-bike rental and ride through the town, a swim in the Mediterranean, a spa treatment or rest and relaxation by your seaside pool. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace as well.

  • Meals: B

DAY 6: TAORMINA

(A locally-run boutique 4* hotel in Taormina)

  • Today, meet your driver and board your train and continue to Taormina, the heartbeat of Sicily (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your charming boutique accommodation centrally located in the Old Town of Taormina. Gather this evening for cocktails and appetizers near the Taormina Amphitheater. Watch the sunset and gaze out toward Mount Etna and the Mediterranean Sea, as you sip on an Aperol Spritz and listen to the sounds of the people of Taormina. Enjoy the rest of your evening at your leisure.

  • Meals: B + Reception

DAY 7: TAORMINA

(A locally-run boutique 4* hotel in Taormina)

  • Adventure holds the day as you meet your guide and take a private half-day hiking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mt. Etna. Following, return to town where you may opt to take a dip in the sea or prefer to enjoy lunch and a nap in town. Either way, you will have a few hours of leisure. This evening, meet your exclusive guide for a food and wine walking tour. Learn about and savor some of the most exquisite cuisine in the city.

  • Meals: B, D

DAY 8: DEPART TAORMINA

  • Early this morning, you will meet your private driver and transfer to the Catania International Airport. Return home on your international flight. Welcome home!

  • Meals: B

 A PRICING OVERVIEW

Your Trip Price

*On group trips, you’ll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.

Your journey starts in Rome and concludes in Taormina.

Your Rome to Sicily quotation has been prepared for 8 days & 7 nights.

 

Terms & Conditions (Worldwide Willett, LLC)

Your Terms & Conditions will be enclosed in your Registration Packet upon sign-up. You may also obtain a copy by submitting a request to info@worldwidewillett.com.

Passport

If traveling internationally, you must be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months after the return from your trip.

Deposit (Pre-planned trips)

A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking. 50% of your balance is due 30 days following your confirmation (varies by destination). Your final balance is due 90 days prior to the trip start date (dependent on the trip). 

Rates + Fares

Rates quoted are accurate at the time of quotation and are subject to change until the program is confirmed. All rates are based upon official exchange rates that are guaranteed once programs are paid in full. Air quotes are based on current fares and are subject to change prior to ticketing. Rates are based on confidential tariffs and quoted for a complete program. No price breakdowns will be provided.

Payment

Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule. Payments will be invoiced via email for credit card or via check by mail.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified. In addition to the above, you will be liable for any non-refundable deposits paid to suppliers on your behalf. There is no refund for a partially completed tour or for unused services of any kind.

Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19

In the wake of COVID-19, Worldwide Willett, LLC has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates, should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.

Travel Insurance

The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Worldwide Willett, LLC. The coverage must have a minimum $200,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. Trip insurance information will be included upon your registration.

Airlines

Worldwide Willett, LLC has no control over any airline operations and is not responsible for schedule changes, delays or cancellations. Airline delays and any extra expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the airline.

Force Majeure

Worldwide Willett, LLC is not liable for acts of God, fire, weather, acts of governments or other authorities, wars, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist acts, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, dangers incident to sea, land and air travel and other similar incidents beyond its control.

Responsibility

Worldwide Willett, LLC is a Georgia-based corporation purchasing transportation, hotel and cruise accommodations, restaurants and other services from various independent suppliers not affiliated with Worldwide Willett, LLC in any way. Although Worldwide Willett, LLC chooses the best suppliers available, the company has no right to control their operations and CANNOT, THEREFORE, BE LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS which may occur due to (1) wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts of omission on the part of a supplier, its employees and others not under the direct control of Worldwide Willett, LLC, or (2) defects or failures of any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle or other equipment under the control of independent suppliers.

Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations

Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Travelers are also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Worldwide Willett, LLC does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.