Ready...Set...Go!
What to know before you go to 
Sicily

Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country.  If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured.  In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance.  Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance.  For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. 

Visa Information
US citizens need a valid US passport for entry into Sicily.  Make three copies of your passport.  Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other separately from your original.  Due to new airline regulations, a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.

Health Certificates
None required.  

Language Spoken
Italian

Currency
The currency in Sicily is the EURO.  Check the travel section of your newspaper or the Internet for the most recent exchange rate.  If possible, exchange a little currency at a US bank before you leave.  ATM machines are available in the major cities throughout Sicily. However, in smaller towns, ATM cards, traveler’s checks and credit cards may not be accepted.  Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in EURO ONLY - NOT US DOLLARS.

Using your ATM card overseas

“Your bank ATM card is a good way to get foreign currency at favorable exchange rate.

By using an ATM Card to obtain foreign currency you benefit from the wholesale rates available to banks.  These are better than the rates offered by change bureaus, hotels and businesses that will accept foreign money.

More and more ATM machines that accept U.S. cards are being installed around the world.  Before going overseas, you should check with your bank to make sure that foreign ATM machines will take your card.  Also, most ATMs outside the U.S. accept only four-digit numbers as PINs.  If your PIN uses letters or has more than four digits, you should change it.

Most ATMs outside the U.S. do not allow transactions with multiple accounts.  This means your transaction will be routed to your primary account.

Voltage
Electricity is 220 volts.  You will need to bring along the necessary converters to operate any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc. 

Medication
If you are required to take medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency.  Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you if your medication is lost.  All medication must be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications. 

Baggage Allowance
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera).  Be sure your luggage is clearly marked (using the baggage tags provided).  It is wise to also insert an index card with your name, address and phone number inside of your luggage. 

Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. 

Time Zone
Seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.

Climate

Palermo                Average Temperature          Average Rainfall

Jan - Mar                   50°F -59°F                       2.80 in.

Apr - Jun                    71°F - 77°F                      1.70 in.

Jul - Sep                     73°F - 83°F                       0.20 in.

Oct - Dec                   64°F - 55°F                       3.80 in. 

Pre-Flight
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.  In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788. 

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily. 

Never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short. Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them. 

Check-in time for international flights is normally two hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for international travelers. 

Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry.  To help avoid jet lag, limit caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Choose natural fruit juices and water instead.

What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion.  Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful.  Dress throughout is casual.  You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary.  Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings. There are a few other points to keep in mind. Italians don't usually wear running or exercise shoes (sneakers) outside the gym; American visitors to Italy are invariably identifiable by the large white sneakers they wear. Women should not wear shorts, or even sleeveless blouses, when they enter Italian churches. (In Italy, men rarely wear short pants.) You may notice that, in general, Italians dress slightly more formally than Americans and North Europeans.

A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella. 

Be sure to pack important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage.  Never pack these items in your checked luggage. 

Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry.  A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes. 

Do not over-pack.  Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. 

If you are traveling with a companion, consider cross-packing your clothing with them. Put half of your items in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa.  This will ease the frustration of lost luggage. 

Take along a small backpack.  When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, notebook and pen.  It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs. 

Don’t forget these travel sized necessities:  sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic “zip-locking” bags (for storing open bottles and containers. 

Purchase your film and batteries in the US.  Remember to bring extra for your video camera.

Tipping
A service charge is often added to the bill in hotels and restaurants.  However, if it is omitted, a tip of 10-15% is customary.  A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $2.00 per person, per day and a tour escort usually receives $3.00 per person, per day.  Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day.  Tip taxi drivers at least 10-15% of the fare.  This is simply a general guideline.  Tips and gratuities are earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner.

Meals
For meals that are not included, check with your tour group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range you are interested in).

What are restaurant, store and museum hours like?

Hours vary greatly from place to place. The most annoying aspect about Sicilian hours is the three-hour afternoon break from 1 till 4, when almost everything is closed except for a few restaurants. Early evening closings are another fact of life here; don't expect to find a supermarket open after 8 PM. Most pharmacies are also closed at night, though a few in each quarter have night schedules to accommodate emergencies. In August, many stores are closed in the afternoons, and some are closed altogether for at least two weeks of August.

In general, principal archaeological sites are open from 9-12 AM and 4-7 PM Monday through Friday, and 9-12 AM Saturday; summer hours may be longer. Museums are open from 9-1 Tuesday through Saturday, and some weekday afternoons. Some are closed Mondays. Many (but not all) churches are open in the morning from 8 till 12, and some are open after 4 PM. Most shops are closed Monday morning and all day Sunday but open 9-1 and again 4-7:30 on other days, including Saturdays. Restaurants such as pizzerias are open evenings from around 8 Tuesday through Saturday; many are closed Sunday and Monday. Some restaurants are open for lunch, too, usually from around 12:30 or 1:00. Don't expect to find too many all-night restaurants in Sicily.

Shopping
In general, we recommend that you purchase souvenirs and craft items, such as ceramics, at shops that specialize in the manufacture of these objects. A souvenir shop or stand that sells everything from porcelain to ceramics to medieval-style marionettes is not likely to have the selection and quality of items available from specialty shops that make the wares they sell. That said, there are some shops at Taormina and Monreale which retail the products of various manufacturers and offer a good choice of items.

The specialty guideline also applies to fashion items. A leather shop, even if it is not large, will offer a better choice and quality of merchandise than a department store that sells various items. In fact, specialty shops are the norm in Italy, whatever you're looking for, and the prices are usually good.

In Sicily
There are information centers in certain locations; in Palermo and Catania, for example, there are information booths at the airports, and in Palermo there are several in the city. At Palermo, Catania and Messina there are also information booths at the main train stations. Staffed by competent tourism specialists, these centers can provide you with up-to-date information on events, attractions and hours in these provinces.

In small towns, you may find a local information office called a "pro loco" which can provide you with news of upcoming local events, nearby sights, and so forth, though it is not likely that the pro loco's staff will speak English.