Treasures Of Sicily

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  mavis tyas

  TREASURES OF SICILY

  

  Written May 2013

  A good introduction to a fascinating Island. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Visiting the cathedral at Monreale.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Salvos is a lovely man. A font of knowledge on volcanology, flora and foods on Sicily. If he could not immediately answer a question he was able to research and let us know later.

  He took us to markets, deli's and restaurants where we could enjoy a variety of Sicilian foods and wines.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I was pleased that I took walking boots for Etna and the Zingaro reserve for although the climbs are easy the terrain is hard on the foot and thinner soles would be very uncomfortable.

  This trip visits well appointed hotels so a hairdryer is not necessary but you could make room in your case for some prettier clothes for the evenings.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  In the planning stage we wanted a trip that included Monreale and climbing Mount Etna was just a bonus.

  However in the end we thoroughy enjoyed the huge Etna Reserve and the archeogical sites of Siracusa, Agrigento and Selinunte. The wine tasting event was very diferent to what we expected but most appreciated.

  We really enjoyed the walk on the Zingaro reserve but would have preferred to walk the whole length and possibly miss out Segesta, but we appreciate that may not have suited the whole group.

  One of the highlights of the trip was the evening meal at the Baroque town of Noto - the ambience was fabulous, as was the food. However the highlight of the whole trip for us was the visit to the cathedral at Monreale. We knew it was the one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture in the world but it was the completeness of the mosaics that truly blew us away. We would have loved a whole day there but would not have missed the tour of Palermo. Erice and Cefalu are delightful as is the more touristy Taormina.

  So much to see and so little time - we will have to go back!

   

   
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  Barry Ellis

  TREASURES OF SICILY

  

  Written May 2013

  The visual impressions and photographic opportunituies were, for me, the highlights of the trip. The local guides were without doubt very knowledgeable but there was too much to take in. I would have preferred a balance of guide information and the opportunity to view the visual specatcles in our own time. It was very much an action packed holidy. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  This would have to be the superb visual impact of the town of Modica below us and on the hillside as we approached it in the minibus on the main road over the ravine. Sadly for me there was no opportunity to take a photograph but the image is firmly implanted in my mindseye. Otherwise the stunning scenery and architecture.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent in all respects. He was very sociable, had a warm sense of humour and he did everything to make our holiday informative and thoroughly enjoyable.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This is a must for anyone wanting to take in most of what Sicily has to offer, which is substantial, but be aware we were "on the go" for most of the time to complete a substantial itinerary.

   
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  Marie Pope

  TREASURES OF SICILY

  

  Written October 2012

  An amazing introduction to what Sicily has to offer. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Sunset walk in the valley of the temples Agrigento - and the local guides' knowledge of how the area had been and continues to be shaped by distinct cultures.

  The view over San Vito Lo Capo when approaching through the Zingaro reserve.

  Monreale cathedral and the guide Elizabeths' passion for sharing the space.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Salvo Currenti was an attentive leader who ensured a balance of inclusion while making sure there were times for personal space.

  Salvos' choice of drivers and guides to complement his knowledge base was excellent and it was apparent that he had used local people and family run businesses. 

  Salvos' passion for Sicily and pride in the way it's growing was evident but, not detrimental.

  When we return to Sicily we will be enquiring as to what day trips Salvo runs with a view to joining those of interest.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  There are a couple of days long travel and this can be draining but, to see as much of Sicily as planned there is no other way really.

  Salvo remained attentive and willing to answer questions about the landscape (without being overbearing or preachy or information overload.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The accomodation was very good indeed but, we stayed at 3 hotels with pools and didn't get the chance to use or chill out by them ! Again this was due to the amount of sights covered so not sure how you'd get round that one.

  The 2 nights in the Posta Hotel in Palermo and Salvos choice of restaurants (Sant Andrea in particular) were a highlight of the trip for me.

  I would highly reccomend this trip to friends and family with similar interests.

   
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  Rosalie Lang

  TREASURES OF SICILY

  

  Written October 2012

  Although the itinerary was a bit fraught (so much to see, so little time!) we were expertly guided by Salvo around the island & introduced to many archaeological & gastronomic wonders.  The group was a good mix & most of the accommodations comfortable (& in the case of San Vito Lo Capo nothing short of marvellous). 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Salvo surprised me by taking the bus off the autostrada in Termini Imerese so he could photograph me in the town my great-grandfather came from in the mid-19th century! 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Salvo was terrific -- knowledgeable, responsive, friendly, funny, really took care of us.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't put your luggage on the floor of the hotel in Noto.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It was a perfect trip -- perfect in being all too short.  I was proud of my heritage before on general principle, but I came away from this trip not only proud but a little in awe.

   
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  simon pugsley

  TREASURES OF SICILY

  

  Written May 2012

  Enjoyable trip of the old towns and villages of Sicily with nice walks, especially around Etna. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Highlight I would say is Monreale Cathedral, simply awesome inside. We also enjoyed 2 walks around Etna, included in the trip, at different points of South Etna while it puffed away above us. In the old towns it was great to have enough free time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying the views. The hilltop towns of Ragusa and Erica were particular favourites.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Fabio, was a very personable and knowledgable local guide. If you like food he's the man to guide you on local treats and good eateries. Fabios timings can be a little out. Its best to ask specifically "What time will we arrive at....." rather than how long it takes.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I know it says it in the itinerary, but you do need closed shoes for the Etna walk due to the fine lava granuals, and snow whilst we were there. I wore trainers which were fine. If you walk up around one of the cones, a walking pole is useful, but it will be the only time you use it.

  In most of the towns you aren't guided, but have free time to explore, normally 2 hours, so may be worth reading up on the towns before you go. If not, they are easily navigable and Fabio provided maps for each one anyway.

  If you are not on the group flight transfer from Taormina there is a good bus service (ETNA Buses) costing 7.50 Euros and takes 90 minutes to Catania airport. The hotel is below Taormina so you'll either have to drag your cases and use cable car or catch a taxi to the bus station which costs 15 Euros.

  At Monreale the local guide will offer you a 6 euro, 10 minute tour, of the cloisters. We decided to go to the public loo instead (50 cents). However next to the loos is a grill with an open view of the cloisters. So you maybe happy with this option instead!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We had 15 people on the trip and used 2 minibuses. They were very comfortable and ideal for Sicilys winding roads. Fabio always made sure information was relayed to you if you weren't in his bus. Aircon was no problem either.

  The villas in San Lito Lo Capo are superb. Out of the way but in a beautiful location. Wished we could have had more time to relax here.

  We had the pleasure of having Sue Bishop, photographer, on our trip. If you are interested in photography and Sue is on another trip, then I'd recommend going on that date. The trip is still run by the local guide but Sue is always on hand to give advice and discuss anything you wanted to know about photography. She encouraged your questions and prompted great in bus discussions and sharing ideas. Perfect combination.

   
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  sue bishop

  TREASURES OF SICILY

  

  Written May 2012

  This was a fabulous trip, with a well thought-out itinerary enhanced by a wonderful guide, a great group of people, delicious Italian food and beautiful weather.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There was a good variety of experiences, from visits to the archeological sites, to free time exploring towns and sampling ice cream in gelaterias, to an amazing walk on the slopes of Etna - and even a wine-tasting afternoon!  The landscape was beautiful, and very varied, and towns and villages were a delight with their cobbled streets and beautiful buildings.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader Fabio was first class - all the information we could want, and a great sense of humour as well! 

   
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  Brenda Smithwhite

  TREASURES OF SICILY

  

  Written May 2012

  A busy eight days going round Sicily, fascinating sights 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  No one particular moment, although my own personal guided tour of a church in Noto and getting a flower at the end made my day, the sights tend to merge into one after about 3 days!  Etna was very interesting, some great temples, pretty hilltop towns

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Fount of all knowledge, whether sights to see or sources of ice cream

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Some long days with only a little down time, ofthen we would have 60 or 90 minutes arriving in the hotel then out again, really just on the last day for those on the group flights, so not a holiday if you want to chill, meals can be cheaper than you think, drink bottled water, take lots of photos, good mix of guides to show us the temple area and exploring without guides, split over two minibuses, we mixed around a lot for the seating, also some good accomodation

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Sicily is a very interesting place and this is a good way to see it

   

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