THE 2018 COLLECTION HAND-PICKED VILLAS, APARTMENTS & HOTELS IN SICILY

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1 THE 2018 COLLECTION HAND-PICKED VILLAS, APARTMENTS & HOTELS IN SICILY

2 A warm welcome from Sicilian Places Welcome to our new and exciting summer 2018 collection. A holiday to Sicily is a rewarding prospect for many reasons, and throughout this brochure we aim to showcase the very best of this beautiful Mediterranean island. You ll find a fantastic selection of hotels, villas, houses and apartments throughout this brochure, all of which are hand-picked by our experts, so that no matter which accommodation you choose, you re sure to receive a superb holiday experience. Sicily is an island of many gems, including incredible historical sites, authentic Sicilian towns and striking, untouched coastline and that s just the beginning. As a specialist tour operator, we use our expertise and passion for the destination to help you craft your perfect holiday, providing plenty of choice and flexibility. We offer daily flights, the choice of six UK departure airports and a fantastic selection of properties, which for 2018 sees four, extraordinary new hotels. We hope that our new brochure will inspire you to visit Sicily, or encourage you to speak to a member of our knowledgeable reservations team they re always on hand to help answer any questions you may have. So, whether you re in search of a romantic break, a family holiday or something in-between, you ll find your ideal escape with Sicilian Places. Dario Traetto Sicily Product Manager Contents INTRODUCTION 5 Benvenuti in Sicilia 6 The regions of Sicily 8 What to expect in Sicily 10 Things to see & do 12 Beaches 14 Why book with Sicilian Places? OUR PROPERTIES 16 Taormina & The North East 32 Val di Noto & the South East 50 Southern, Western & Northern Sicily FURTHER INFO 64 Self-drive touring 66 Flights 67 Car hire & transfers 68 Things to know before you go 71 Insurance 72 Terms and conditions 74 How to book All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our terms and conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: Our ATOL number is We are also members of ABTA and AITO, the AITO quality charter is on page Map of Sicily Serenity Holidays Ltd, Registered in the UK number Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AN. Copyright 2017 Serenity Holidays. All rights reserved. Thanks to Photography: Piers Golden, Shutterstock & The Sicilian Places Team. Front Cover: lapas77 Shutterstock, kubais Shutterstock Design: Design Studio, Serenity Holidays Print: Linney Group Copyright 2017 Serenity Holidays. All rights reserved. 2 For more information or to book online visit Tonnara di Scopello mrgb Shutterstock

3 VLADJ55 Shutterstock Anna Lurye Shutterstock Rolf E. Staerk Shutterstock BENVENUTI IN SICILIA An island rich in cultural and historical allure, as well as stunning natural beauty and proud identity, Sicily is a destination guaranteed to captivate all who explore its shores. Welcome to Sicily, an island of many wonders at the cusp of two continents. As a native it never fails to impress me with its hidden coves, aloof mountains and ancient sites. Sharing my passion for it with guests wishing to explore the island is incredibly rewarding. Daniela - Sicily Resort Representative The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is where Africa meets Europe nowhere is quite like Sicily in its mix of cultures and people. This is largely down to the vast array of civilisations that have left their mark on the island, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Spaniards and even the Normans. It s safe to say that there is something about this island that attracts visitors The island is blessed by a wonderful climate, defined by long, hot summers, best enjoyed on some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean, featuring long stretches of golden sand, idyllic pebbly coves and striking volcanic shores, lapped by unbelievably clear aquamarine waters. If you re not here for the beach, there s a staggering amount of history to be discovered in Sicily, including sites of national and international importance. It s all so accessible, including the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites that populate the island: The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, the Villa Romana del Casale, the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, the city of Syracuse and the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna and the most recent listing Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale. The Sicilian people are incredibly welcoming and proud to share their beautiful island with you. They ve been poured from a melting pot of a dozen cultures, representing three continents, and their characters are said to be as varied and complex as their ancestry. One thing that the people of Sicily all have in common is the love of a good party, with any excuse being found for a celebration, both religious and secular. This is the reason for the island s long and memorable events and festivals calendar, showcasing the colour and character of the island and its people. Italian is the official language of Sicily, however, when chatting amongst family and friends, Sicilian is commonly used, in fact, Sicilian is said to be a language in its own right, rather than a dialect of Italian. It has always been a spoken language rather than a written one, and by the 17th century it was the language of the people rather than the nobility, the latter speaking a dialect of Italian. Following Italy s unification in 1861, Italian became the official language. Despite this, Sicilian lived on, even against the efforts of the national government to extinguish it. Over the course of its rich history, so many famous Mediterranean and African culinary traditions have been absorbed into the local gastronomy. Byzantine, Arabic, French, Spanish and South Italian influences are all evident, resulting in a diverse cuisine that can be simple and hearty or complex and refined, delicately flavoured or richly spiced. There are many local specialities that simply have to be sampled. With a wealth of art and archaeological gems, historic cities, medieval towns and villages, superb food and the most stunning natural beauty, a holiday to Sicily will surprise, reward and delight you. Antonio Danna Shutterstock 4 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

4 THE REGIONS OF SICILY Trapani Favignana SCALE Marsala Mazara del Vallo San Vito Lo Capo Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro SS kms Palermo Airport Fly from: Gatwick Heathrow Buseto Palizzolo Segesta Selinunte miles WESTERN SICILY Menfi Sciacca Monreale A19 Riserva Naturale Orientata Pizzo Cane SS118 Parco dei Monti Sicani SS386 PALERMO SOUTHERN SICILY Agrigento SS640 6 For more information or to book online visit E931 Cefalù A19 SS117 SS113 Collesano Parco delle Madonie NORTHERN SICILY Caltanissetta Gela Enna Comiso Airport Fly from: Birmingham SS117 Piazza Armerina E45 Marina di Ragusa Capo d Orlando Parco Naturale dei Nebrodi Riserva Naturale Orientata Bosco di Santo Pietro Taormina Steve Bower Shutterstock Mount Etna K. Roy Zerloch Shutterstock Ragusa Favara Ragusa SS575 Modica Scicli SS417 SS115 Marina di Modica Linguaglossa Parco dell Etna A19 Lipani Floridia Noto Vulcano SS185 NORTH EAST SICILY Taormina Giardini Naxos Riposto Zafferana Etnea CATANIA SOUTH EAST SICILY Milazzo Savoca Catania Airport Fly from: Gatwick Manchester Birmingham Luton Bristol Syracuse Messina TAORMINA & THE NORTH EAST Mount Etna Etna is Sicily s mother figure, dominating the north east with her presence. Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and some of the best Sicilian wines are produced from grapes grown from her fertile volcanic soils. Taormina Dating back to the 4th century BC, Taormina is an eclectic mix of old and new. A chic resort, it s arguably the most enchanting town in Sicily. Beautifully restored medieval buildings line narrow, winding streets, meandering through the old town, passing under ancient gateways and through picturesque piazzas, each with a smattering of street musicians and artists. Taormina has a great choice of bars and restaurants, along with exclusive designer boutiques and luxury jewellers. Savoca An authentic village 25km outside of Taormina, Savoca boasts many ancient churches to explore. The main square, Piazza Soffia, has superb views over the countryside and sea, and is also home to Bar Vitelli, famous for featuring in The Godfather. NORTHERN SICILY Palermo Home to historical gems such as the magnificent Cathedral di Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly the finest Norman building in Sicily, the island s capital offers plenty of opportunity for exploration. Visit the charming old town, a variety of colourful markets and the open-air theatre, and spend time sampling the tasty street food for which the city is famed for. Just north of the city you ve also got the alluring soft sands of Mondello Beach. Cefalù Heading east, the picture-postcard town of Cefalù is one of Sicily s most well-known resorts. Comprising of narrow, cobbled streets, an impressive cathedral and a long sandy beach, it satisfies many a holiday-maker. Monti Madonie A natural park with excellent hiking routes and historic hilltop villages, it s an area also known for its excellent traditional restaurants. For the adventurous, enjoy mountain biking and horse riding. Heading further east, explore Parco Naturale dei Nebrodi, a vast region of forest and mountain pastures, with many remote areas. VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST Syracuse Syracuse is a must-see for those visiting Sicily s south east. It can be roughly divided into three parts; the modern town with its seaside promenades and broad avenues, the ancient Greek and Roman city at the foot of Monti Iblei, and the island of Ortigia, home to narrow streets, baroque churches and large piazzas. Be sure to pay a visit to the remarkable Piazza del Duomo a masterpiece of baroque architecture lined with restaurants and cafés and a spectacular cathedral. In 1693, a devastating earthquake destroyed much of Sicily s south-east region. Towns were rebuilt from scratch, sometimes in new locations, and redesigned according to baroque town planning, including most notably the charming towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa. Ragusa Ragusa is a food lover s delight, particularly famed for its gastronomy, producing some excellent cheeses and wine. The older part of the town, Ragusa Ibla, boasts baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, where wonderful views of the surrounding valleys await. Noto A small, beautiful town filled with baroque architecture. Try the delicious gelato, and wander down the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the central piazza, where you ll spot the grand cathedral. Modica Modica is famed for producing cheese and chocolate, and you ll find many shops selling these delightful treats throughout the town. San Pietro and San Giorgio churches are worth visiting, both stunning examples of baroque architecture. SOUTHERN SICILY Enna A hilltop town in the heart of island completely untouched by tourism, Enna boasts a stunning medieval centre and wonderful panoramas of the Dittaino Valley. Close by are the marvellous 4th-century mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Agrigento An area of unspoilt coastline with beautiful, unique beaches such as the Turkish Steps; a natural staircase of bright white rock, plunging into the turquoise water. Further west, you ll find the Riserva Naturale Torre Salsa and the ancient Greek ruins of Eraclea Minoa. Agrigento is also home to the Valley of the Temples. The eastern zone is home to the bestpreserved temples; namely Tempio di Hera, Concordia and Ercole, the latter dating back as far as 6BC. Sciacca A town famed for its thermal springs and ceramics, Sciacca is a good place to stop for some sightseeing. Be sure to visit Piazza Scandaliato for lovely views of the fishing port and sea, the natural steam caves at Monte San Calogero and the numerous ancient churches. WESTERN SICILY Segesta Lured by its abundant fishing grounds, hillside vineyards and coastal salt pans, many invaders have left their mark here. Visit the ancient Greek ruins of Segesta, predominantly the Doric temple, and the amphitheatre, which can be found at the top of Monte Barbaro, 400m above sea level. Selinunte At Selinunte, you ll find magical historic sites and temples, the ancient city itself and the acropolis. Here and throughout the south-west of the island, there are many fine beaches. Trapani With its maze of narrow streets in its Moorish centre, Trapani showcases fine examples of baroque architecture, overlooked by the impressive medieval town of Erice. Marsala Famous for its wine, lovers of this amber nectar will enjoy visiting vineyards, and touring the wellknown wine cellars around the area. Mazara del vallo Founded in the 9th century BC, Mazara del Vallo is located along the left bank of the Mazaro River, offering a superb blend of art, history and culture, and home to Sicily s largest fishing fleet. Call the Sicilian experts on

5 WHAT TO EXPECT IN SICILY AVERAGE MONTHLY HIGHS C AVERAGE DAILY SUNSHINE HOURS Andrea Izzotti Shutterstock Marcin Krzyzak Shutterstock CLIMATE With its long, hot summers, Sicily has many months of truly fabulous weather for holidaymakers to enjoy, and the best time of year for visiting the island depends very much on what you intend to do during your stay. If it s the sun, sand and sea you re in search of, from May to October the weather is warm enough to swim from the many beautiful beaches found around Sicily s stunning coastline. Wild flowers start to bloom in early spring, especially by the coast, as the temperatures begin to rise, and yet the highest peaks of Etna, Nebrodi and Madonie will still be covered in snow. In April, as the days grow longer, warmer and dryer, the bravest might even take a dip in the sea, though the waters are still bracing. By May, there is very little rain and the sea and air temperatures are steadily rising, and June is the perfect time for walking in the higher mountains, as temperatures continue to rise. In peak season, glorious temperatures both in and out of the sea bring locals and visitors flocking to the coast. There s virtually no rain across the island, however, the cities can be humid. In August, the beach resorts are even more crowded and the heat can be oppressive, but there are still quiet stretches of coast that remain virtually deserted, and the cooler, higher, interior of the island remains a pleasant escape route. September sees the temperatures drop a little, yet the sea remains delightfully warm and the crowds begin to disperse. Apart from the occasional coastal storm, the weather is lovely, though the end of the month tends to be a little cooler and wetter. FOOD Sicily is renowned for its wonderful food, stemming from the quality of the ingredients, which are, wherever possible, locally grown or reared. The ingredients also tend to follow the seasons, making them particularly fresh and tasty. Think plump olives, sun-ripened tomatoes, nuts and mushrooms, succulent meats, tasty cheeses and a bountiful supply of fresh fish and seafood; not to mention the full-bodied wines made from grapes grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. The other single major factor that has greatly influenced the cuisine of the island is the absorption of some of the world s most famous culinary traditions. Countless cultures that have governed the island throughout its turbulent history, including the Arabs, French, Spanish and of course, the Southern Italians, resulting in a colourful and varied cuisine. Just a few of the top dishes to look out for include: Pasta con le Sarde a pasta dish served with sardines, anchovies, wild fennel, sultanas, pine nuts and a pinch of saffron; Sicilian ingredients with a touch of the exotic. Then there s the Spanish influenced Impanata di Pesce Spada - swordfish pie - and the Arab influenced, Cùscusu - made from pellets of couscous steamed over fish broth and served with prawns or small fish. Sicilian desserts are also legendary, the most famous being Cannoli - a fried tube of pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese, decorated with candied fruit and chocolate. On a hot day, try a refreshing Granita - a simple mix of granulated ice with sugar and fresh fruits, invented in Sicily but now popular throughout Italy. Vegetarians are well catered for on the island too, and a Sicilian favourite to look out for is Pasta alla Norma - made with fried aubergine, tomatoes, salted ricotta and herbs. WINE Sicily is one of the oldest wine producing areas in the world. Today, Sicily s wine scene is flourishing, with many fine wines being produced throughout the island, with numerous tasting opportunities presenting themselves to holiday-makers. Sicily is perhaps most famous for Marsala, a fortified wine from the west of the island. It was first produced in the late 19th century and was an immediate hit. There are three different levels of sweetness, and it is best paired with cheese or dessert, or enjoyed as an aperitif. Nero d Avola is an important Sicilian red, named after the town of Avola. Fruity and rich, the best of this wine is produced in the Syracuse region and is an ideal accompaniment to meat dishes. For Chardonnay grapes, Sicily has the perfect environment, and today, most vineries produce high quality Chardonnay, a wine which is great with fish or as an aperitif. Passito di Pantelleria is an excellent sweet wine made from dried grapes and grown on the island of Pantelleria, perfect when paired with a dessert. In addition to the familiar Italian favourites, Limoncello, Anisette and Amaretto, Sicily produces some excellent and unique liqueurs including Ala, made in Casteldaccia near Palermo, and Averna, made in Caltanisetta and Fichera. Grappa, a fragrant, grape-based brandy is also a popular digestif, after a hearty Sicilian meal. NIGHTLIFE A typical way for an Italian to spend an evening is chatting with family and friends over a leisurely meal in a restaurant or pavement café, something that certainly holds true for Sicily. If you re after something a little livelier, Palermo, Taormina, Syracuse and Catania all have a great choice of bars and clubs, as well as restaurants. SHOPPING & MARKETS In Sicily s large cities you ll find the usual chain stores, however, independent Sicilian shops and market stalls are far more interesting places to shop. The colourful outdoor markets can be reminiscent of an Arabic souk, in fact, some of these markets are held on the very same streets today as they were in the 10th century. They should be enjoyed with all your senses, and the many gastronomic delights you ll find here make great souvenirs. While the most famous are in Palermo and Catania, almost every town and neighbourhood has its own mercato (market) held once a week. GETTING AROUND Hiring a car is the best way to get out and about in Sicily, giving you the freedom to explore the island at your leisure. By car, it only takes a few minutes to escape from the tourist hotspots into the untouched countryside, either along the spectacular coastline or into the mountains. The island is dotted with historic towns and villages that are a delight to explore, as are the numerous archaeological sites. There are good quality motorways linking the main cities, as well as dual carriageways and a few toll roads. The smaller roads tend to be narrower and winding, but consequently offer some spectacular views. There s a train service around much of the island, but it s not always a convenient option compared to a car. Many towns and villages are served by a network of buses. Timetables however are not always adhered to and services on a Sunday tend to be somewhat restricted. The blue buses run between cities, while the orange buses provide a more local service. 8 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

6 THINGS TO SEE & DO IN SICILY An island blessed with stunning natural beauty, incredibly dramatic landscapes, beautiful coastline and some captivating history, there s plenty to keep you occupied in Sicily. No matter how many times you set foot on this diverse island, you ll always discover something new and fascinating. Here are some of the top places to explore and festivals to visit in Sicily. Valley of the Temples silky Shutterstock Zingaro Nature Reserve Kubais Shutterstock Teatro Massimo Aleksandar Todorovic Shutterstock TAORMINA Dating back to the 4th century BC, the town of Taormina offers an eclectic mix of old and new. A stylish resort, though unashamedly touristy, it boasts beautifully restored medieval buildings set on winding streets. The famous passeggiata along Corso Umberto (the main street in the town) and the stunning Greek Theatre, which holds an impressive programme of events during the summer, are among Taormina s most memorable features. SYRACUSE A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Syracuse has many attractions, but the absolute gem for us is the stunning cathedral on Piazza del Duomo. This café-lined piazza is on the island of Ortigia, famed for the enchanting cobbled streets and many baroque churches and piazzas that define it. VAL DI NOTO Eight locations in the south-east of Sicily make up the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto: Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Modica, Noto, Catania, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa and Scicli. Listed as one of Sicily s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the area is home to this series of highly picturesque towns, composed almost entirely of baroque churches, palaces and houses. VINEYARDS In recent years, Sicily has become renowned for its quality wine production, and with more vineyards than any other region in Italy, there are many delicious wines to choose from. Wine tasting and vineyard tours can be found in most areas, and if you re a real wine fan, don t miss out on sampling some of the superb wines produced on the slopes of Mount Etna, or enjoy a stay at La Foresteria Planeta Estate (pg 58), located amongst the Menfi Vineyard. VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE, PIAZZA ARMERINA The most remarkable Roman ruins in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this grandiose 4th-century Roman villa is home to one of the finest floor mosaics in existence. THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES, AGRIGENTO The Valley of the temples, or Valle dei Templi, is home to some of Sicily s most impressive Greek ruins, and indeed, some of the best preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. In particular, the must-see Concordia Temple is a remarkably intact structure, especially considering it was built in 430BC. It s no surprise that the valley, which is the largest archaeological site in the world, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. PALERMO Palermo is a fabulous ancient city packed with historic buildings, theatres, museums and art galleries, as well as an excellent shopping scene and some sensational street food. The 12thcentury Arab-Norman features and the Cathedral Churches of Monreale and Cefalù were named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, the island s most recent UNESCO addition. MARKETS You can t leave Sicily without experiencing one of its vibrant and colourful markets. Some of the best on the island include Palermo s Mercato di Ballarò, filled with every food imaginable, and Catania s La Pescheria, a lively morning fish market behind the Piazza del Duomo. NATURE RESERVES Sicily has an immense natural heritage and boasts four regional parks and 76 nature reserves. In addition to the Etna National Park, Alcantara River Park is another natural gem, offering spectacular gorges formed in basalt rock. Vendicari Nature Reserve near Noto is home to numerous species of wild birds during the migration season, such as flamingos, while the Zingaro Nature Reserve contains a variety of rare plants. We recommend a walk along the trail inside the reserve that leads to the beautiful Uzzo Beach. MOUNT ETNA Mount Etna is one of Sicily s most famous landmarks. The largest active volcano in Europe and Sicily s highest peak, Etna dominates the landscape on the north-east coast. A tour up to the craters or even the summit area is a must. THE ISLANDS Sicily s 14 offshore islands are all quite unique, in temperament and appearance. There are essentially four groups of islands, all of which are accessible by ferry or hydrofoil. These include the archipelago of seven, UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands, located off the north coast of Sicily, Ustica and the three Aegadian Islands to the west, the three Pelagie Islands, and Pantelleria, Sicily s largest offshore island and a volcanic outcrop that is best known for its white-domed lava rocks and dessert wine. FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MAY Infiorata di Noto, Noto Held every year on the third Sunday in May, witness a series of beautiful and intricate flower tapestries presented along one of the town s most important streets, Via Nicolaci. MAY Sagra delle Teste di Turco, Scicli, Ragusa Held on the last Saturday in May, this is a celebration of the liberation of Sicily in 1091, following the Norman victory over the Arabs. Sample the town s traditional cake, known as Turks Head, and enjoy a glass of local wine. MAY TO JUN Teatro Greco, Syracuse One of Sicily s most prestigious cultural events each spring is the Greek Theatre Festival. At sunset, a classical Greek comedy or tragedy is performed, transporting audiences thousands of years back in time. JUN Inycon a Menfi Wine Festival, Menfi A chance to sample some of the most famous Sicilian wines in one of the most important wine-producing towns on the island, as well as attend workshops. JUN TO SEPT Teatro Antico, Taormina The busy summer schedule at the Greek Theatre in Taormina, with its extraordinary backdrop of Mount Etna, includes the annual, star-studded Taormina Film Festival, operas including Don Giovanni, Carmen and The Barber of Seville as well as rock concerts. JUL Festa di San Calogero, Agrigento A week-long festival celebrating Saint Calogero who saved Agrigento from the plague. Takes place from the first to the second Sunday in July. JUL Sagra dell Olio, Furnari Locals and visitors alike tuck into local produce including olives, olive oil, bruschette and wine while enjoying the live music of this lively festival. JUL Festino di Santa Rosalia, Palermo A three-day festival celebrating Santa Rosalia, Palermo s patron saint, believed to have saved the town from the 17th-century plague. The highlights are the parade with the saint s relics, the traditional street food of the city, and the fireworks. JUL & AUG Sagra del Pesce, Giardini-Naxos Taking place in the port each weekend throughout July and August, this Fish Festival includes folklore, music and delicious fresh fish dishes, all washed down with local wine. AUG Palio dei Normanni, Piazza Armerina A medieval pageant celebrating Count Roger s capture of the town from the Moors in Featuring a parade and a jousting event between the four districts of the town. AUG Festa di San Salvatore, Cefalù Held over a few days during August, this is a celebration of Cefalù s patron saint, with processions, great food and the odd glass of wine. AUG Sagra Delle Melanzana, Milazzo An annual aubergine festival held over two evenings, with folk music, dancing and the chance to sample a wonderful variety of dishes based on one of Sicily s favourite ingredients AUG Ypsigrock Festival, Castelbuono A unique outdoor indie-rock musical festival held in Castelbuono s medieval castle, having previously featured the likes of The Vaccines and Crystal Castles. SEPT Sagra della Salsiccia, Aragona A three-day festival celebrating sausages and the local patron saint, Vincenzo Ferreri, authentic food stalls, wine tasting, fairground rides and live music all play a large part in this event. OCT Ottobrata Zafferanese, Zafferana Etnea This famous fair is held every Sunday throughout October promoting folk traditions, crafts and local produce from the Mount Etna region, in the historic centre of the village. 10 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

7 BEACHES Finding the perfect beach in Sicily to suit you won t be a difficult task, especially if you know where to look. From fine stretches of golden sand and blissful bays, to idyllic pebbly coves and striking volcanic shores, you ll have plenty to choose from during a beach escape to Sicily. kubais Shutterstock Cefalù Antonino Gitto Shutterstock Isola Bella, Taormina Nikiforov Alexander Shutterstock Eugenia Struk Shutterstock Whether you fancy heading to the beach for a day or two, or want to book a dedicated beach holiday, Sicily is an ideal destination for lovers of the sand and sea. With its long hot summers, Sicily has a longer summer season than most other European resorts, making it a fantastic choice for a beachbased holiday. In the tourist resorts, you ll find a good range of facilities and water sports available; and with crystal-clear water in subtly changing shades of cobalt, turquoise and emerald, it s a favourite destination for diving, as well as snorkelling. Those who like to get more active on the water will find a great range of other water sports around Sicily s coastline, such as kayaking, surfing and sailing. So, no matter how you choose to utilise your time on and around Sicily s beaches, here are some of the top destinations to consider visiting BEACHES IN THE NORTH Mondello With pale, soft sand and crystal-clear shallow water, this beautiful crescent bay is the most famous beach resort on the island. Lying between two cliffs, Monte Gallo and Monte Pellegrino, it s 12km from Palermo s city centre and can be reached by a 15-minute bus ride, providing a welcome taste of the beach during a city break in the capital. It s a great family beach with a bustling, lively atmosphere and is popular with windsurfers and for snorkelling, and sunloungers, parasols and pedal boats are available for hire. Isola delle Femmine Located just west of Palermo, Isola delle Femmine is a beautiful beach with crystalline waters. White sand shelves gently into the sea, making this a great choice for families with young children hoping to paddle. Visitors to this beach will also enjoy fabulous views of a 16th-century watchtower, adding a touch of history to the scenery. Lungomare di Cefalù Lungomare di Cefalù is a beautiful 1.5km stretch of golden sand extending beside calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families. Sunloungers and parasols are available to hire here, and beautiful views of the town of Cefalù can also be absorbed from the sand. Campofelice di Roccella Located between Termini Imerese and Cefalù, this 10km stretch of beach alternates between pebbles and sand. Parasols and sunloungers are available to hire, and if you happen to be there as the sun is setting, look out for the unusual green tint in the sky known as the raggio verde. BEACHES IN THE NORTH EAST Isola Bella, Taormina The most famous of Taormina s beaches and one of the prettiest of coves, Isola Bella is joined to the little island of the same name by a thin strip of sand. Offering panoramic views and crystal-clear water, this very popular, pebbly beach is connected to the town by cable car (or some 300 steps if you feel fit!) and has sunloungers and parasols for hire. Giardini Naxos This beautiful and popular sandy bay, with some pebbly sections, is the largest stretch of beach in the area and boasts lovely views of Taormina. There s a good range of facilities with sunloungers and parasols for hire, while visitors can also enjoy a range of water sports, beach bars and restaurants. Aci Trezza, Catania Aci Trezza is a little seaside town home to the Cyclops Islands, rocky outcrops which can be explored by a canoe or pedalo. In the summer months, there are a few bars along the waterfront where you can enjoy refreshments, from breakfast though to drinks in the evening. The bars also provide the perfect vantage point for watching the sunset. BEACHES IN THE SOUTH EAST Fontane Bianche One of the best beaches in the region, Fontane Bianche is a 3km stretch of coast, 15km from the centre of Syracuse. With fine white sand, a gently sloping sea bed and warm, transparent waters, it is very popular with families. Sunloungers and parasols are available for hire here. Vendicari (Calamosche), Noto In the heart of Vendicari Nature Reserve, just 10 minutes drive from Noto, lies an 8km stretch of golden sand dunes, lagoons, cliffs and hidden bays. There are no sunloungers, bars or water sports here, but there are also no crowds, promising a quiet and peaceful beach experience. This beach is a truly wonderful place to swim and is well-suited to families, but be sure to take anything you might need for the day with you, such as water and sun cream. Sampieri A 3km stretch of fine golden sand dunes with a gently shelving sea bed and clear turquoise water, Sampieri is another alluring Sicilian beach. At one end of the beach, you ll find the atmospheric ruins of an old brickworks, making this a lovely, picturesque and interesting coastal spot. Marzamemi Tucked away in the south-east corner of the island, the quaint fishing village of Marzamemi offers a fine, powder-sand beach with brilliantly blue waters, as well as a selection of cafés and restaurants along the seafront. Pozzallo A popular seaside resort with several long, sandy beaches lined with cafés and restaurants, the water here is beautifully clean and clear. Pozzallo is a great spot for families due to its overall cleanliness, winning a number of Blue Flag awards for criteria such as safety, management and environment education. BEACHES IN THE SOUTH Scala dei Turchi Moving further west, just a 15-minute drive from Agrigento, the stunning white marlstone cliffs form a natural staircase, known as the Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps), leading to a beach of fine sand scattered with rocky areas where the water is of course, crystal clear. Eraclea Minoa Eraclea Minoa is well known for its gorgeous coastline, rich in amazing sandy bays and pristine waters. Eraclea Minoa also boasts a very interesting archaeological site where visitors can discover impressive findings from as far back as 320BC. BEACHES IN THE WEST Zingaro Nature Reserve Stretching along the coast for 7km between the lovely little village of Scopello in the east and near to San Vito Lo Capo in the west, this park and its surrounding areas are one of the most beautiful parts of Western Sicily. Here the coastline becomes rugged, rocky and spectacular, offering superb snorkelling opportunities. Mouth of the River Belice Nature Reserve A two-mile-long stretch of golden sand found in the Foce del Belice, one of the last remaining stretches of substantially untouched Sicilian coastline. The beach is well maintained, with boardwalk paths leading through pinewoods and across the dunes. 12 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

8 WHY BOOK WITH SICILIAN PLACES? With over 30 years experience offering holidays to Mediterranean islands, we endeavour to use our in-depth knowledge to provide the best possible service and most suitable holidays in Sicily for each and every customer. At Sicilian Places, we endeavour to utilise our destination knowledge to the very best of our ability, always with the aim of providing our customers with the perfect holiday experience, from the start of the booking process through to returning to the UK. Given the wide range of holiday providers available to those hoping to book a sunshine escape, we recognise that going the extra mile helps to distinguish us from our competitors, all the while benefiting those that choose to book with us. We feel there are many factors that set us apart from other providers, so we thought we'd share with you exactly what we offer and why you should book with Sicilian Places. PACKAGE HOLIDAYS We offer traditional package holidays inclusive of charter, scheduled or low-cost flights, as well as accommodation and car hire or transfers. Package holidays booked through a tour operator offer complete financial security and peace of mind. Prices displayed are per person and are based on the occupancy stated for other occupancies, please call our reservations team or visit our website. OUR FLEXIBILITY With over 40 hand-picked properties to choose from, as well as several flight options, we offer plenty of choice and flexibility for those booking a holiday to Sicily. We can arrange the perfect duration to suit your needs from a short weekend break to a much longer holiday. For the latest flight options and prices, please call us or visit our website. ACCOMMODATION ONLY We also offer you the opportunity to book the accommodation element of your holiday with us and arrange your own flights independently. You can find accommodation-only prices for each property on our website. As a fully bonded tour operator, our accommodation-only holidays are financially secured through our ABTOT membership. TAILORMADE HOLIDAYS If you d prefer to spend your holiday travelling the island rather than staying in one location, we can help you put together a personalised, tailormade, multi-centre or touring holiday to suit your particular choices and requirements. WE HAVE A REAL PASSION FOR SICILY Each member of our staff has a true passion for Sicily, often choosing to spend their own holidays on this diverse and beautiful island. Everyone at Sicilian Places is dedicated to sharing their knowledge and tips on all there is to do with Sicily, with everything from the best restaurants to dine at to the finest beaches to discover. YOU'LL ENJOY SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE Our in-house staff are dedicated to taking care of each and every one of our customers, their concerns and queries, and there's never too much to ask of our team. From the very beginning of the booking process to the moment you arrive back home after your holiday, our staff will always be on hand to offer as much or as little support as you need. WHAT ELSE DO WE OFFER? Welcome hamper at self-catering properties Free high chairs and cots for infants (linen not included) Child discounts at many hotels Competitive car hire prices including unlimited mileage plus free second driver Loyalty discount for previous customers Fully bonded with ATOL and ABTA for packages and ABTOT for accommodation only A dedicated blog and newsletter sharing endless information and news on holidays to Sicily PRICE GUIDES As our holidays are tailormade, we provide a guide price on each accommodation page. For the most up-to-date pricing information, please call our helpful reservations team who can search for the best available flight options to suit you. Alternatively visit our website,, where you ll find our latest prices and offers. HOTEL SPECIAL OFFERS Many of our properties offer early booking discounts. Please call our expert team for a quote or for the latest offers. OUR ACCOMMODATION We offer a growing portfolio of hand-picked quality holiday accommodation, ranging from simple apartments to idyllic villas with private pools, and family friendly hotels to boutique luxury. Chosen for their location, distinctive character and warmth of service, we have a range of hotels across the island to suit all tastes. Self-catering All our self-catering properties have individual character with different styles, furnishings and level of facilities. To give you an idea of the standard you can expect from each, we have grouped our properties into the following categories: Our Luxury Collection Sicily has many excellent hotels and villas, and we have chosen these properties specifically for their exceptionally high standard in service, comfort or facilities. Very Comfortable Furnished as a permanent or second home with many personal touches, fully equipped kitchens and a well-equipped gardens and outdoor areas. Comfortable Well decorated and appointed, with comfortable and functional furniture, personal touches and good kitchen facilities. Simple Properties furnished with the emphasis on holiday living, generally with practical, functional furniture and basic kitchen facilities. 14 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

9 CATANIA CATANIA AIRPORT Val di Noto & the South East FLORIDIA SYRACUSE Sicily s Val di Noto is a well-known region famous for its beautiful baroque towns, but you ll also find some superb stretches of coastline here, featuring long bays of deserted white sand. COMISO AIRPORT SCICLI Highlights RAGUSA MODICA NOTO MARINA DI MODICA Diego Barucco Shutterstock Dalibor Kastratovic Shutterstock Of the entire Val di Noto region, perhaps the best-known town is Syracuse. A place full to the brim with ancient historical gems, bustling piazzas and fragrant gardens, there s no wonder as to why it s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Once a great Greek city, the town and adjoining island of Ortigia boast some of the most impressive ancient Greek ruins in the whole of Sicily. Syracuse itself can be split into two distinct parts; the modern town with seaside promenades and broad avenues, and the ancient Greek and Roman city at the foot of Monti Iblei, where the impressive Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre can be found. The island of Ortigia is a jewel of its own, with its myriad of narrow streets, majestic baroque churches and café-lined piazzas. Ortigia island is linked to Syracuse by three bridges, and is the perfect place to explore on foot (as you can leave your car in the Molo Sant Antonio car park, just five minutes' walk from the remains of the Apollo Temple in the old town). As you walk down the main street, Corso Giacomo Matteotti, pass through Piazza Archimede to admire the fountain of the Roman goddess Diana, before moving onto the remarkable Piazza Duomo. Presenting a true masterpiece of baroque architecture, the piazza is lined with restaurants and bars serving traditional Sicilian dishes, and is home to a stunning cathedral, adapted by the Byzantines and Normans from a 5th-century BC temple to Minerva, goddess of wisdom. Discover Caravaggio s Burial of St Lucy painting in Santa Lucia Church in Piazza Duomo, or the Catacombs underneath San Giovanni Church, which are the most extensive in Syracuse. They re a little dark and spooky but well worth a visit; guided tours are available. A devastating earthquake in 1693 destroyed much of Sicily s south east; towns were rebuilt from scratch, sometimes in new locations, and redesigned according to Renaissance and baroque town planning. The most famous of these baroque towns include Noto, Modica and Ragusa, and each is worth visiting for their variety of beautiful churches, traditional cafés and mouth-watering restaurants. Modica is best-known for its production of cheese and chocolate, and there are many authentic shops where you can sample these delicious treats. On the south coast is Pozzallo, a seaside town and port boasting a historic centre and a modern town. It s a great spot for families in search of the beach due to its Blue Flag award, presented for its exceptional cleanliness. Just outside Pozzallo, along the coastal road towards Noto, you ll discover several secluded, unspoilt beaches and coves that provide an escape from the crowds in the main town. To the east of Pozzallo, Marzamemi is a lively resort, popular with the locals during summer evenings. Many bars and restaurants offer music until late, perfect if you want to experience an authentic Sicilian night out. The main square also has a lovely little church and hosts several weddings during the summer months, while there are also several concerts and shows held in the square. Syracuse Explore the main sites of the island Ortigia on foot, or absorb the magnificence of Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral. Boat trip Take an alternative view of the town from the sea, its 13th-century castle and the surrounding coastline with Etna as the backdrop. Beaches On the south-eastern tip of Sicily there are some stunning deserted beaches, where sand gently shelves into warm turquoise waters. Take everything you need including water and shade, for a perfect day out. Baroque towns Ragusa, Noto and Modica each have their own beautiful charm, views and an abundance of churches to discover. Driving Distances Catania airport > Scicli 128km (1 hour 30 mins) Comiso airport > Ragusa 27km (30 mins) Catania airport > Syracuse 60km (40 mins) Catania airport > Floridia 62km (45 mins) 32 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

10 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST SYRACUSE 3 BEDROOM VILLA SLEEPS 6 There's excellent outside space, and lazing by the pool and soaking up the sunshine is pure bliss. Joanne Mutton - Product Executive Villa Siracusa STYLISH DÉCOR SEA VIEWS LOVELY OUTDOOR AREAS Set amid the beauty of a nature reserve just a short distance from the historical city of Syracuse, Villa Siracusa is a magnificent and contemporary four bedroom property boasting a range of modern comforts and breathtaking style. This villa sleeps up to eight people, making it the perfect property for families or groups of friends looking to base themselves in an exciting location in Sicily. The four bedrooms are split across two levels, with three double rooms and a twin room, all boasting en-suite facilities and a light and contemporary design. A large and open modern lounge with striking stone walls opens out into a sleek and shiny kitchen, where an adjoining dining area enjoys views into the verdant garden. Villa Siracusa still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, most notably in the form of an indoor sauna; the perfect place in which to relax before cooling down in the inviting swimming pool. Here the outdoor area comes into its own, featuring a dining table, sofas and various sunloungers from where you can enjoy a stunning sea view. Syracuse is a fascinating city well worth exploring. From the grandeur of Piazza Duomo to the fascinating ancient Greek Temple, you ll benefit from having one of Sicily s most alluring destinations on your doorstep. The prices below are for three bedrooms only, if you would like to book the fourth bedroom, please call our reservations team for prices. STANDARD: VERY COMFORTABLE Welcome pack BEACH: By rocks 200m, sandy beach 6km RESTAURANTS: 800m SHOPS: Syracuse 12km MAIN TOWN: Syracuse 12km AIRPORTS: Catania 70km, Palermo 300km LAYOUT First floor: Large lounge with kitchen and dining area, double bedroom with en-suite facilities including shower and hydro-massage bath, double bedroom, shower room. Ground floor: Sauna, shower room, double bedroom with en-suite shower room, double bedroom with en-suite shower room (available on request and at extra cost). FACILITIES Private pool (12m x 4m, 1m-2m depth), external shower, barbecue, dishwasher, washing machine, oven, two fridges, microwave, CD player, DVD player, two televisions, hairdryer, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, parking. Private chef also available at a supplement. Fair usage of electricity is included, see page 69. Prices based on 6 sharing, including flights, 2 x group B car hire and a welcome pack. 34 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

11 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST FLORIDIA 4 BEDROOM VILLA SLEEPS 8 Villa Viancu ECO-FRIENDLY STATE OF THE ART DESIGN SUPERB POOL & GARDENS We re sure you ll be impressed with Villa Viancu, with its mix of style, unique architecture and contemporary design. Blending harmoniously with its surroundings and designed to respect the environment, Viancu uses modern technology to give guests an extremely comfortable stay. The interior of the property is stylish and modern with four en-suite bedrooms, an airy lounge with a suspended fireplace, cinema room and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Large bay windows open on to the inviting terrace and pool where you are bound to spend most of your time. Set in immaculately kept gardens and surrounded by olive trees, it is the ideal spot to soak up the Sicilian sunshine and make the most of outdoor living. If you can tear yourself away from the pool, there is so much to explore in the local area from the historic city of Syracuse with its ancient Greek ruins and the chic cobbled streets of Ortigia, to the stunning baroque towns of the Val di Noto and the picturesque beach of Fontane Bianche. Villa Viancu is the perfect choice for a family or group of friends looking for a taste of pure luxury in a truly Sicilian setting. In addition to the four bedrooms there are also two further suites on the lower floor available at an additional cost: Suite 1 with two single beds, a living area with kitchenette and shower room, a small terrace. Suite 2 with a double bed, a living area with kitchenette and a shower room. STANDARD: THE LUXURY COLLECTION Welcome pack Midweek cleaning BEACH: Fontane Bianche 14km RESTAURANTS: Floridia 3km SHOPS: Floridia 3km MAIN TOWN: Syracuse 16km AIRPORTS: Catania 70km, Palermo 300km LAYOUT Ground floor: Lounge, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, double bedroom with en-suite facilities including bath and hydro-massage shower, two double bedrooms with en-suite shower, twin bedroom with en-suite shower. Lower ground floor: Fitness room, cinema room, two extra suites as mentioned. FACILITIES Private pool (18m x 6m, depth 1.2m-2.5m), external shower, barbecue, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, oven (electric) gas stove, fridge, freezer, television, ipod dock, home theatre, Sky card (no sport channels), CD/DVD player, safe, Wi-Fi, table tennis, under floor cooling, Private chef available at a supplement. Fair usage of electricity is included, see page 69. Prices based on 8 sharing with flights, 2 x group C car hire and a welcome pack. This villa is very sleek and modern, and ideal if you're searching for a luxury getaway with family or friends. Becky Dorey - Sales Consultant 36 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

12 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST MODICA 5 BEDROOM VILLA SLEEPS 10 A super stylish villa, soaking up the uninterrupted sea views from the huge terrace is incredible. Dario Traetto - Product Manager Villa Luci D'Oro SUPER STYLISH LUXURY VILLA OVERLOOKING THE SEA If you re a family or group of friends looking for a stylish villa with stunning views and beaches close by, Villa Luci d Oro is sure to tick all the boxes. Benefiting from a breathtaking seafront position in charming and beautiful Marina di Modica, you re just 30m from rocky coastline or 600m from the sandy beach, both ideal places to top up your tan. You d be forgiven if you d rather spend your time relaxing at Villa Luci d Oro, as its large private pool is particularly inviting, and the panoramic terrace is a wonderful place to lose yourself in a great book, or simply take in the surrounding vistas with a refreshing beverage in hand. Each of the five bedrooms at Villa Luci d Oro boast an en-suite shower room, and are all decorated in a stylish fresh fashion, much like the rest of the property. This villa also has the added benefit of a wellness area with a sauna and Jacuzzi, so you can achieve complete relaxation during your holiday here. If you want to head out and explore the local area, you re just 1.7km from the restaurants at Marina di Modica, or you can choose to hop in the car and head to Modica itself. A place filled with moreish chocolate shops, beautiful baroque architecture and charming cafés and restaurants, you ll get the chance to experience some of Sicily s most alluring characteristics. STANDARD: THE LUXURY COLLECTION Welcome pack Midweek cleaning BEACH: Rocky 30m, Sandy 400m RESTAURANTS: 1.7km, Pozzallo 6km SHOPS: Pozzallo 6km MAIN TOWN: Modica 20km AIRPORTS: Catania 130km, Palermo 350km LAYOUT Ground floor: Lounge, kitchen, double bedroom with en-suite shower, twin bedroom with en-suite, sauna, Jacuzzi, terrace. First floor: Lounge/diner, kitchen, wc, double bedroom with en-suite, twin bedroom with en-suite, terrace. Second floor: Double bedroom with en-suite, small sitting area, terrace. FACILITIES Private pool (12 x 5m depth 1.5m), barbecue, outdoor shower, washing machine, stove, oven (electric), fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, safe, two televisions, satellite receiver, CD/DVD player, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning. Private chef also available at a supplement. Fair usage of electricity is included, see page 69. Prices based on 10 sharing, including flights, 2 x group D car hire and a welcome pack. 38 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

13 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST SCICLI 4 BEDROOM VILLA SLEEPS 8 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST NOTO 3 BEDROOM VILLA SLEEPS 6 Villa Scurata FANTASTIC COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS SPORTS COURT STANDARD: VERY COMFORTABLE Welcome pack Named after the spectacular sunsets that can be enjoyed from its grounds, and perched above the baroque town of Scicli, Villa Scurata is a beautifully converted stone house commanding panoramic views over the Val di Noto. Set amongst olive and carob trees and with a scattering of nearby houses, the villa offers a superb setting for a true Sicilian getaway. The interior is spread over three floors and decorated in a minimalistic style. With a light and airy feel, it features a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, a second smaller lounge room with a bar and four double bedrooms. Outside, the well-tended gardens encircle a large swimming pool, spa area with hot tub and sauna, and a private sun-kissed terrace where you are sure to embrace the typically Mediterranean al fresco living. There is also a separate fenced sports court for racket sports, kick-a-bouts and games. For those who wish to venture out, the magnificent baroque towns of the Val di Noto are only a short drive away, as is the chic beach resort of Marina di Ragusa and the golden sands of Donnalucata. "Very spacious and attractive. Nice pool and good tennis court." Ms Froggatt - Guest BEACH: Donnalucata 7km RESTAURANTS: 2km SHOPS: 2km MAIN TOWN: Scicli 2.5km, Ragusa 30km AIRPORTS: Catania 130km, Palermo 290km LAYOUT Ground floor: Large lounge with kitchen/dining area, double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, laundry room. First floor: Living room with bar, double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, terrace. Second floor: Two double bedrooms, bathroom. FACILITIES Private pool (12 x 6m, depth 1.5m), barbecue, sauna, Turkish bath, hot tub, external shower & changing room, sports court. Dishwasher, washing machine, gas stove, oven (electric), fridge, freezer, microwave, CD/ DVD players, Hi-Fi, five televisions, satellite channels, safe, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning. Private chef also available at a supplement. Fair usage of electricity is included, see page Prices based on 8 sharing and includes flights, 2 x group C car hire and a welcome pack. Casa Marino PANORAMIC TERRACE RIGHT NEXT TO THE SEA Casa Marino is a charming seafront house beautifully positioned right next to the sea. Carefully decorated, the open-plan style interior is a perfect mix of traditional and original features and bright, contemporary modern touches. Just open the doors to let the sea breeze in! Outside there is a surrounding 80m 2 terrace, part covered with seating and dining table to enjoy sea view dining, plus some small grassed areas with sunloungers to relax on. The quiet village of Calabernardo has a couple of restaurants and a grocery shop, with Lido di Noto only 4km away with shops, restaurants and a large beach. The historic baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only 8km away and the nature reserve of Vendicari is only 10km away. The historic town of Syracuse with its piazzas and ancient ruins, and Ragusa with its love of street food and gastronomy are also in the area for a day of sightseeing, plus the town of Scicli (for Inspector Montalbano fans) making Casa Marino an excellent base for exploring this amazing part of Sicily. This is an idyllic location; so close to a natural stretch of the island s south-east coastline hear the waves lapping, relax and make the most of the sea air... STANDARD: SIMPLE Welcome pack BEACH: By the sea, sandy beach 20m RESTAURANTS: 200m, Lido di Noto 8km SHOPS: Lido di Noto 8km MAIN TOWN: Lido di Noto 8km, Syracuse 38km AIRPORTS: Catania 85km, Palermo 315km LAYOUT Lounge, dining room, kitchen, double bedroom with en-suite shower room, double bedroom, twin bedroom, two shower rooms, terrace with covered seating area. FACILITIES Barbecue, outdoor shower, outside laundry area, 80m 2 terrace, 200m 2 of private gardens, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer, gas stove, oven (electric), microwave, two televisions with satellite receiver, CD/DVD player, air-conditioning/heating in bedrooms, parking, Wi-Fi. Fair usage of electricity is included, see page Prices based on 6 sharing and includes flights, 2 x group B car hire and a welcome pack. 40 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

14 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST MODICA 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT SLEEPS 2 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST MARINA DI MODICA 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS SLEEPS 4 Apartment Romantico STUNNING CENTRAL MODICA LOCATION ROOFTOP VIEWS STANDARD: COMFORTABLE Welcome pack Apartments Macchia Mare PERFECTLY POSITIONED BY THE SEA MINIMALISTIC STYLE STANDARD: SIMPLE Welcome pack Set in the heart of the beautiful town of Modica, Apartment Romantico is in an authentic, refined and charming building boasting one of the city s best locations. The apartment is the perfect retreat for anybody hoping to immerse themselves in the character and identity of Modica, its location peering out over the rooftops and alleyways of the city s old Cartellone quarter and evoking a sense of historical significance which resonates effortlessly throughout the property. The décor inside is tasteful and attractive. Natural tones add to an elegant refinement throughout the interior, and features such as vaulted ceilings and ceramic tiling lend a sense of tradition. An open and light living-dining area and adjoining kitchen comprises the core of the property, with a private balcony providing the perfect spot in which to enjoy your breakfast, peering out over the rooftops of historical Modica. There is an incredible range of historical and cultural attractions to discover across Modica, from the striking cathedral and the beautiful Church of San Pietro to the city s famous cheese shops and chocolate heritage. There are also a number of nearby places in this area that are well worth exploring during your holiday, such as the unforgettable baroque town of Noto and the inviting beach at Marina di Modica. BEACH: 20km RESTAURANTS: In Modica, 200m SHOPS: In Modica, 500m MAIN TOWN: In Modica AIRPORTS: Catania 130km, Palermo 300km LAYOUT Lounge with kitchen/dining area, double bedroom, shower room, balcony. FACILITIES Washing machine, CD/DVD players, gas stove, oven (electric), fridge, three televisions, ipod dock, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning. Public parking area nearby (payable locally). Fair usage of electricity is included, see page 69. Set in a little block of just seven apartments right next to the sea shore, our two apartments (one on the lower floor and one on the upper floor) both enjoy views of the sea from their private terraces. Perfectly positioned, the sandy beach of Marina di Modica is just 100m away. These simply furnished seaside apartments are decorated in a modern minimalistic style, creating a bright and airy feel. The table and chairs on the terrace provide an al fresco dining area with a view and the sea breeze to keep you cool. Out and about, aside from being steps from the beach, the apartments are only a 200m stroll away from the piazza where you will find a delicatessen and a handful of restaurants. Further afield, you can head up to beautiful Modica, known for its chocolate shops and pretty rooftops, or the baroque towns of Ragusa and Scicli for some architectural sightseeing. And, with the historic buildings and churches of Noto and Syracuse also nearby, Apartments Macchia Mare make for an ideal base for exploring this excellent and interesting region of Sicily. BEACH: 100m RESTAURANTS: 150m, Modica 20km SHOPS: Modica 20km MAIN TOWN: Modica 20km AIRPORTS: Catania 130km, Palermo 350km LAYOUT Lounge/kitchen/dining area, shower room, covered private balcony/terrace, double bedroom, twin or bunk beds in the second bedroom as below: Apartment 4 is on the lower floor with twin beds in the second bedroom Apartment 7 is on the upper floor with bunk beds in the second bedroom. FACILITIES Washing machine, fridge, freezer, gas stove, oven (electric), LCD television, satellite receiver, Wi-Fi, parking. Air-conditioning/heating 70 per week payable locally Prices based on 2 sharing, including flights, group B car hire and a welcome pack Prices based on 4 sharing, including flights, group C car hire and a welcome pack. 42 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

15 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST NOTO 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT SLEEPS 4 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST SYRACUSE HOTEL 97 ROOMS Grand Hotel Minareto 5 PRIVATE BEACH STUNNING VIEWS OF SYRACUSE WATERFRONT LUXURY Bed & Breakfast Half Board available The Grand Hotel Minareto offers a unique prospect being the only luxury hotel in the Plemmerio Marine Nature Reserve. It combines a spectacular setting with excellent service and facilities in stylishly contemporary surroundings. The promontory on which the Minareto sits is a thing of wonder, with swathes of lush carob, olive and palm trees giving way to hidden coves and crystal-clear waters not to mention the views beyond, across the water to Ortigia and the brooding drama of Mount Etna. There are two beach areas, one sandy cove and one rocky outcrop, readily equipped with parasols and sunbeds, so you can really make the most of the views and the cool sea breeze. And being a marine reserve, the opportunities for snorkelling really shouldn t be missed. All the bedrooms are elegantly furnished and well equipped, with private balconies making the absolute best of the dazzling surroundings. The hotel's restaurant, Nesos has the Titanic outside terrace for al fresco dining, offering a mix of Sicilian delicacies and Mediterranean dishes; the roof garden is particularly stunning throughout the summer months. There are also two bars where you can enjoy drinks by the pool or under the canopy of the stars on the Minareto terrace, plus a wine house offering a glass, or two! Out and about, the hotel operates a shuttle service and water taxi to the city of Syracuse, where you ll find countless layers of cultural history to pick through. You can also catch a boat (payable locally) to Ortigia, the old centre of Syracuse, a true sight to behold. BEACH: By the beach RESTAURANTS: On-site, Syracuse 9km SHOPS: Syracuse 9km MAIN TOWN: Syracuse 9km AIRPORT: Catania 67km FACILITIES IN HOTEL Swimming pool. Main restaurant Nesos and terrace restaurant Titanic (seafood). Two bars: Minareto and Poolside. Wine house, spa, gym, Wi-Fi in communal areas, bicycles, complimentary shuttle service to Syracuse, free shuttle bus to and from Ortigia with the option of a pre-bookable water taxi to the island of Ortigia (payable locally approx 20pp must pre-book), private section of beach. FACILITIES IN ROOM En-suite shower room, LCD television, safe, minibar, hairdryer, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning. Apartment Armonioso CLOSE TO NOTO SHARED POOL COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS Set amid the beautiful countryside on the doorstep of historical Noto, Apartment Armonioso (meaning harmony) is one of two apartments blessed by this stunning location, surrounded by wonderful nature yet near to some of Sicily s most alluring destinations. Armonioso is on the first floor, with a balcony which overlooks the green landscape, proving the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your day exploring some of Sicily s baroque treasures. The apartment itself features two bedrooms and two shower rooms. Recently built, you can expect a modern and stylish design, dominated by wooden floorboards, walls and beams, lending a natural and authentic character to the property. A spacious and airy open-plan living room and kitchen effortlessly pours out onto the balcony, equipped with furniture and a dining area, while the two bedrooms are also a good size. The apartment is well equipped with modern, comfortable features and outdoors there is a shared pool and sun terrace decked out with loungers and a barbecue. Armonioso s location is excellent for out and about opportunities without the need to stray too far from your base. The history and splendid baroque architecture of Noto is just a short drive away, while the beaches of the Vendicari Nature Reserve are just 10km away, for a beach day. STANDARD: COMFORTABLE Welcome pack BEACH: Sandy beach 6km RESTAURANTS: 4km SHOPS: 4km MAIN TOWN: Noto 7km AIRPORTS: Catania 86km, Palermo 320km LAYOUT First floor entrance. Open plan lounge/kitchen, double bedroom with en-suite shower room, a further double bedroom with twin beds on request, shower room, balcony, 30m 2. FACILITIES Shared pool (10 x 5m, depth 1-1.4m), washing machine, dishwasher, stove (electric), oven (electric), microwave, fridge, freezer, television, satellite receiver, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning/heating. Fair usage of electricity is included, see page 69. Deluxe room Prices based on 2 adults sharing a Classic room including flights, group B car hire and breakfast % DISCOUNT ON 14 NIGHT STAYS ON ACCOMMODATION ELEMENT OF PACKAGE Prices based on 4 sharing, including flights, group C car hire and a welcome pack. 44 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

16 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST RAGUSA HOTEL 17 ROOMS VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST SYRACUSE HOTEL 32 ROOMS Eremo della Giubiliana 5 HISTORIC CONVERTED MONASTERY EXCELLENT SERVICE Bed & Breakfast A stay at the Eremo della Giubiliana will make you part of this building s rich history, one which starts as far back as the 12th century amid the Hyblean plateaus of Southern Sicily. Beginning life as an ecclesiastical feudal hold of Renna, over the last 900 years the convent building has served as an Arab home, a defensive fortress and as host to the Knights of the Order of San Giovanni. Today, the building functions as a 5-star, luxurious hotel, though the heritage remains in the retention of authentic features. Ancient pitch stone features prominently throughout the building and its 17 bedrooms and suites, once serving as cells in the convent. Each bedroom is unique, and although they feature modern comforts such as televisions and airconditioning, they also have the old-style Sicilian furniture, iron beds and original household goods that define these gloriously authentic bedrooms. Local produce is an important concept at the Eremo, something experienced in the superb on-site restaurant, 'Don Eusebio', while a cooking course under the watchful eye of its head chef will teach you more about these local flavours. A prime location allows for exploration around the area, with the fascinating old city of Ragusa and the beaches of Marina de Ragusa within a short drive of the hotel. BEACH: 13km RESTAURANTS: On-site, 13km SHOPS: Ragusa 13km MAIN TOWN: Ragusa 13km AIRPORT: Catania 107km, Palermo 297km FACILITIES IN HOTEL Swimming pool, restaurant Don Eusebio, wine cellar The Crypt, bicycles, bar, Wi-Fi, parking, room service. Payable locally: culinary school, Asphodelus wellness area, laundry, baby-sitting. FACILITIES IN ROOM En-suite bath or shower room, satellite television, telephone, minibar, safe, air-conditioning. Comfort room % DISCOUNT 3 NIGHTS OR MORE ON ACCOMMODATION ELEMENT OF PACKAGE: EXCLUDES AUGUST STAYS Prices based on 2 adults sharing a Classic room including flights, group B car hire and breakfast. Deluxe room Hotel Borgo Pantano 4 RURAL LOCATION DELIGHTFUL RESTAURANT Located just outside the historic town of Syracuse, Hotel Borgo Pantano is a character property with a pretty, rural setting and friendly, welcoming staff. The hotel is a great base for couples looking to explore this beautiful part of Sicily, making the most of the owners expert knowledge of the area. The free-form pool is bound to be a real focus of your stay at the Borgo Pantano and it s a wonderful prospect: broad, open and surrounded by lemon trees, hammocks and sunbeds. Quite the place to spend the day, lounging, enjoying the odd drink or watching the sun set. Should you need some pampering, the hotel also has a wellness centre with a Jacuzzi, a sauna and specialist massages, featuring the likes of chocolate and almond oils. Named after famous Sicilian poets and artists, the 32 bedrooms are unique in style and elegantly decorated using Sicilian fabrics. The hotel's excellent gastronomic restaurant, Luigi Capuana, serves a range of Sicilian dishes prepared using locally-sourced produce. The restaurant terrace is a real delight as is the rich, delicious breakfast served every morning including home-made cakes, sweets and freshly squeezed Sicilian orange juice. During the summer you can enjoy lunch by the pool. In terms of exploring the local area, Borgo Pantano is ideally placed. You can easily get to the centre of Syracuse and the must see beautiful old town of Ortigia. The area of Val di Noto is also only a short drive away with its stunning baroque towns. Bed & Breakfast BEACH: 12km RESTAURANTS: On-site, Syracuse 7km SHOPS: Syracuse 7km MAIN TOWN: Syracuse 7km AIRPORTS: Catania 63km, Palermo 290km FACILITIES IN HOTEL Swimming pool, pool bar, gastronomic restaurant Luigi Capuana, wellness centre, fitness centre, indoor games room. Payable locally: tour guides, wine tasting, shuttle service, boat, raft and scooter rentals, baby-sitting. FACILITIES IN ROOM En-suite shower room, LCD television, DVD player, safe, minibar, hairdryer, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, air-conditioning NIGHTS FOR 6 ON ACCOMMODATION ELEMENT OF PACKAGE: EXCLUDES JULY AND AUGUST STAYS Prices based on 2 adults sharing a Classic room including flights, group B car hire and breakfast. 46 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

17 VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST ISPICA HOTEL 7 ROOMS VAL DI NOTO & THE SOUTH EAST NOTO HOTEL 22 ROOMS Relais Torre Marabino 4 SMALL CHARACTER HOTEL TRANQUIL COUNTRYSIDE SETTING Located amid stunning Sicilian countryside, an hour from Syracuse, and set within a historical stone tower dating from the 1500s, Relais Torre Marabino is as fascinating as it is elegant. In addition to its beautiful rooms and quality services, the hotel also specialises in agritourism, working with its organic farm which delivers local produce and renowned regional wine to the on-site restaurant. Within the walls of the beautiful hotel you ll discover many original features which maintain the building s distinctive character, while within the seven bedrooms, the original décor and furnishing continue to transport you to a bygone era. Each of the seven bedrooms are named after fine wines available from the hotel s cellar. Absorbing the breathtaking views across the Sicilian landscape from your room is the perfect way to start a new day, before heading for a generous breakfast on the patio in the beautiful gardens. The afternoon can be spent relaxing by the inviting pool or in the Jacuzzi, though others may feel tempted by a trip to the beach. The nearby town of Ispica is a must for some sightseeing, showcasing wonderful examples of baroque architecture. Bed & Breakfast BEACH: Pozzallo 5km RESTAURANTS: On-site, Ispica 5km SHOPS: Ispica 5km MAIN TOWN: Ispica 5km AIRPORTS: Catania 110km, Palermo 347km FACILITIES IN HOTEL Pool and separate whirlpool, gourmet restaurant La Moresca, breakfast terrace, organic farm, wine cellar. Traditional cooking classes available (payable locally). FACILITIES IN ROOM En-suite shower room, satellite television, minibar, airconditioning, safe, telephone, Wi-Fi. Masseria della Volpe 4 100% SUSTAINABLE HOLISTIC SPA GOURMET DINING Nestled in the Val di Noto countryside and just a 20-minute drive south west of Noto, Masseria della Volpe is a stunning property, perfectly in-keeping with its natural surroundings. Not only does this hotel have a strong and dedicated focus on wellness and the environment, but it s also 100% sustainable. This focus on ecological sustainability flows throughout the property and into the excellent on-site restaurant, Coda Rossa. Masseria s spa and wellness centre boasts an equally exclusive atmosphere, offering guests a treat of facilities such as a massage room, hot tub, ice fountain, hammam and bio sauna with Himalayan salts, along with a treatment list using pure and natural organic extracts, all reinforcing the hotel s philosophy. The bedrooms are stylish, using natural materials and tones to create a relaxing ambience, and handmade Sicilian effects and features add a welcoming touch of authenticity. The hotel s main terrace boasts beautiful vistas of the region s rolling countryside, and its grounds consist of colourful citrus groves, carob and olive trees, the fruits of which are of course very well utilised by the honoured chef to create the very best of local and Mediterranean dishes. Being close to some of Sicily s most impressive architecture and historical sites, days out to Ispica, Modica and Noto are highly recommended, and for a beach day, discover Lido di Noto or Calamosche, two beautiful sandy beaches both around 20km away. Bed & Breakfast BEACH: Calamosche 18km, Lido di Noto 23km RESTAURANTS: On-site, Pachino 16km SHOPS: Pachino 16km MAIN TOWN: Pachino 16km, Noto 20km AIRPORTS: Catania 102km, Palermo 329km FACILITIES IN HOTEL 20m swimming pool with shallow tanning area, gastronomic restaurant Coda Rossa, Terrace lounge bar, Belvedere panoramic viewing tent, wine cellar, 24 hour reception, small gym, small spa (max 10 guests at a time, free entry for 1 hour per day) featuring, massage room, bio sauna with Himalayan salts, hydro massage hot tub, Hammam, ice fountain and waterfall, volleyball and bocce court, heliport. Payable locally: Organic treatments, bicycle rental, tennis, daily excursions. FACILITIES IN ROOM LCD TV with satellite channels, climate control, Wi-Fi, stereo with connection port, minibar, double pillows, bathrobe, slippers, organic toiletries, professional hairdryer, walk-in shower, safe Prices based on 2 adults sharing a Superior room including flights, group B car hire and breakfast Prices based on 2 adults sharing a Comfort room including flights, group B car hire and breakfast. 48 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

18 SELF-DRIVE SELF-DRIVE TOURING TOURING Self-drive touring holidays offer fantastic opportunities for those who love to explore a variety of destinations, while still travelling at their own pace. See our sample itineraries for an example of the possibilities offered by a self-drive touring holiday. We ve highlighted some of Sicily s most rewarding locations, boasting incredible natural beauty, captivating ancient history and plenty of adventure. Twin or multi-centre holidays will also allow you to experience a variety of our fantastic properties. We would always recommend booking early to make sure you can secure your first choice of accommodation. Please visit our website for more information, /self-drive-tours. Explore the East Coast Discover the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage Sites PALERMO TAORMINA TAORMINA SYRACUSE RAGUSA MODICA SYRACUSE NOTO AGRIGENTO NOTO SYRACUSE Taormina coastline mrgb Shutterstock 7 NIGHT PACKAGE FROM 1299 Includes: return flights, 7-day car hire, and accommodation as stated. Valid on selected dates. Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a standard room and are subject to availability. 10 NIGHT PACKAGE FROM 1339 Includes: return flights, 10-day car hire, and accommodation as stated. Valid on selected dates. Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a standard room and are subject to availability. 14 NIGHT PACKAGE FROM 2039 Includes: return flights, 14-day car hire, and accommodation as stated. Valid on selected dates. Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a standard room and are subject to availability. Monreale Cathedral mary416 Shutterstock Discover historical Taormina and its beautiful natural surroundings 3 nights B&B Villa Angela 4*, Taormina Fly into Catania, located just to the south of the pretty town of Taormina, before spending three nights soaking up the history, culture and surrounding nature of the area, as well as taking a day to explore some attractions further afield. In the town itself, don t miss the incredible ancient Greek Theatre, offering a fantastic insight into the history of the area. Simply strolling around the streets of Taormina is a rewarding experience, featuring stunning medieval buildings, several boutiques and plenty of inviting eateries, while a day trip to visit the craters of Mount Etna is a must. Delve into the incredible history and culture of Syracuse 4 nights B&B Hotel Borgo Pantano 4*, Syracuse Syracuse is a fascinating city of history and architectural beauty, crowned by its famous archaeological zone and historic centre on the island of Ortigia. The city is listed as one of Sicily s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it s easy to see why, with its Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and archaeological treasures making it one of the most fascinating destinations on the island. Make sure you spend your four days here exploring, as well as getting a taste for wonderful Sicilian cuisine. Explore the magical history and breathtaking architecture of Syracuse 4 nights B&B Hotel Borgo Pantano 4*, Syracuse After arriving in Catania, begin your tour with four nights in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. You ll discover incredible historical landmarks here, including the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the city s stunning cathedral, as well as countless other architectural gems on the historical island of Ortigia. Marvel at the incredible baroque architecture enjoyed in the cities of Noto and Ragusa 3 nights B&B Relais Torre Marabino 4*, Ispica Spend the next three nights of your tour staying at the marvellous Relais Torre Marabino hotel, using your hire car to make day trips to both Noto and Ragusa, two of the most impressive locations in the Val di Noto. While in Noto, you can t miss the restored Cathedral of Noto, set in an impressive area of architectural triumphs. In Ragusa, more baroque architecture can be admired, while others will find great enjoyment in following in the footsteps of Inspector Montalbano, the subject of a hit television series largely based in this attractive little city. Gorge on chocolate and cheese while discovering stunning landmarks across Modica 3 nights B&B Palazzo Failla Hotel 4*, Modica (on our website) End your tour indulging in the culinary prowess and immense history of the city of Modica. There are countless landmarks to discover here, including the Church of San Giorgio, while others will be driven towards the incredible food, especially the chocolate, famed throughout Modica and easily sampled across a range of chocolate shops. Hit the capital, Palermo, for incredible Arab-Norman architecture and surrounding wonders 3 nights B&B Hotel Plaza Opera 4*, Palermo Fly into Palermo and explore the amazing cathedrals which are the headline act in this part of Sicily. Beyond Palermo, take time to encounter the cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalù. Head to Agrigento for a look at some ancient history 2 nights B&B Villa Athena 5*, Agrigento The Valley of the Temples is Sicily s most famous archaeological site, and is home to countless ancient Greek temples, all in Doric style, as well as some of the world s best examples of Greater Greece art. Explore the remarkable Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto 4 nights B&B Relais Torre Marabino 4*, Ispica Across the region of Val di Noto are towns and cities boasting incredible baroque architecture. Devote your four days here to discovering the beautiful buildings and landmarks of the likes of Modica. Peruse the historical streets of Syracuse 3 nights B&B Hotel Borgo Pantano 4*, Syracuse Filled with impressive architectural triumphs and incredible history, simply walking the streets of the island of Ortigia can easily warrant three days, such is the beauty of the buildings and monuments here. Stroll the charming streets of Taormina & discover Etna 2 nights B&B Villa Angela 4*, Taormina The final stop before your return flight from Catania will see you staying in the beautiful town of Taormina, with its charming character and impressive Greek Theatre. The town provides the perfect base for visiting Mount Etna, one of the world s most famous volcanoes. 64 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

19 CAR HIRE We are pleased to be working with Avis who will offer you a flexible and competitively priced car hire service in Sicily. Shutterstock FLIGHTS Due to the large number of charter and scheduled flights into the island, we offer you the opportunity to make your own travel arrangements, if preferred, or simply allow us to take care of it for you. Flights to Sicily are available from various UK airports and are operated by a number of carriers, flying into three Sicilian airports (see grid below for full details). Our expert team will inform you of all options and costs available so you can decide which itinerary best suits your requirements. Airlines regularly update their prices so until you confirm your booking, flight-inclusive holiday prices will be given to you as an indication only and supplements may FLIGHT ROUTE apply. You should be aware that if you arrange your own flights, it is your responsibility should you encounter any delays, cancellations or reschedules. If your flights have been booked by us, then we will deal with such issues as per our terms and conditions. Please note if we are required to purchase flights, and you cancel, any costs are non-refundable. FLIGHT SCHEDULE MON TUE WED CHILDREN AND INFANTS Infants aged under 2 on the date of return are not allocated a seat by the airline and must be seated on a parent s lap. Children 2 and over are allocated an airline seat. Should you require a seat for an infant, then this can be purchased. Flight No Flight THU FRI SAT SUN With little public transport on the island, hiring a car is the best way to get out and about, giving you the freedom to explore the island at your leisure. Also, most of our self-catering properties are situated in the countryside, away from beaches and main towns, making it essential to have a car on holiday. Taxis can be very expensive and taxi drivers generally don t speak English. The majority of our package holidays include car hire and we have assigned different car grades and numbers of vehicles to accommodate all guests and their luggage. If your package holiday includes airport transfers, or if you have booked accommodation-only and you wish to hire a car, prices are shown in the table below. Please ensure that your choice of car will be sufficient in size to accommodate all of your luggage. It's also important to bear in mind that there are a limited number of vehicles in Sicily, and car hire is in great demand in July and August particularly, so we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a full licence for at least 1 year. They will also need a valid credit card for security on collection of the car. WHAT S INCLUDED Unlimited mileage Two named drivers per car Collision Damage Waiver (Excess applies) Theft Protection (Excess applies) Air-conditioning Local taxes Car Hire Excess Insurance with T&G WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Child and baby seats: From 25* per day, payable locally Additional drivers Young driver surcharge (21-25): 22 per day plus tax, payable locally Hotel drop off and pick up One way rentals Fuel Avis Super Cover (including Super Collision Damage Waiver and Super Theft Protection) from 25 per day, payable locally. Not essential due to Excess Insurance being provided with T&G. * Some airlines can carry child and baby seats free of charge. Please call us for details. GATWICK TO CATANIA April - October PALERMO April - October HEATHROW TO PALERMO April - October BRISTOL TO CATANIA April - October BIRMINGHAM TO GRADE CAR MODEL OR SIMILAR NO OF PEOPLE & LUGGAGE PRICE PER WEEK LOW HIGH A Fiat 500 1x 1x B Lancia Ypsilon 3x 1x C Renault Clio 4x 1x D V W Golf 5x E Opel Astra 5x F Alfa Romeo Giulietta 5x CATANIA May - October G Mercedes Gla 5x COMISO May - October H Alfa Romeo Giulia Automatic 5x I Audi A3 Automatic 5x J V W Polo Automatic 4x 1x K Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 7x L Audi A6 Avant Automatic 5x M Renault Trafic 9x MANCHESTER TO CATANIA April - October LUTON TO CATANIA April - October Flight details are correct at the time of going to press, however if further flights become available they will be listed on our website. Flight supplements may apply and this will be advised to you at the time of booking. 66 For more information or to book online visit CAR HIRE EXCESS INSURANCE For all holiday packages that include car hire, we now provide Car Hire Excess Insurance as standard. This added protection enables you to claim back the cost of any excess charges that may be imposed should your hire car become damaged or stolen. This means that it is not essential to pay for Super CDW locally, saving at least 25 per day or 175 per week. For more details on the specifics of this insurance policy which is provided by our insurance partners T&G, please visit our website. Car models within a grade are shown as an indication and particular makes and models cannot be guaranteed. Low season: 01 Apr - 14 Jun; 1 Sep - 31 Oct. High season: 15 Jun - 31 Aug. Call the Sicilian experts on

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO silky Shutterstock ACCESS TO ACCOMMODATION BARBECUES COTS AND HIGHCHAIRS ELECTRICITY HOLIDAY QUESTIONNAIRE LANGUAGE Access to self-catering properties is from 4pm on the day of arrival, and on the day of departure the accommodation must be vacated by 10am. Please read your arrival instructions carefully. ADVANCE PASSENGER INFORMATION (API) Most airlines require us to collect Advance Passenger Information (API) for all passengers (including infants) flying to and from the UK. Before you travel we require full given names and surname, nationality, travel document type, travel document number, document expiry date, issuing country and date of birth. These can be added via our website or by calling us please note we cannot issue your travel documents without this information. AIR-CONDITIONING Energy on Sicily is very expensive, and some properties are metered for its use. As part of our Sustainable Tourism code we ask that airconditioning should be used sensibly, windows and doors should be kept closed and the unit turned off when guests are out. AIRPORT HOTELS, CAR PARKING AND LOUNGES We can offer a range of hotels with or without parking to suit all budgets located at or near your departure airport. For your convenience, we can also pre-book access to lounges at all our UK airports. To check prices please visit our website /holidayextras If a property has a barbecue, it will be mentioned in the property description. As the heat of the summer months can often provoke fires, please use barbecues sensibly. BUILDING WORKS Although minimal by Mediterranean standards, resorts will experience some building work from time to time and we will advise you prior to departure of any that we feel will impact on your holiday, as soon as we become aware. However, we are not always informed in advance of work carried out by third parties and have no control over their plans. We will endeavour to find alternative accommodation for you, although in some cases, particularly in high season, this may not be possible. CITY TAX Please note, a local city tax is payable on check out at most of our featured hotels. This will be detailed at the time of booking. CLEANING Our properties are cleaned for your arrival and bed linen, bath and hand towels are provided at the beginning of your stay. We ask our guests to do a minimal clean to include cleaning of surfaces, cleaning barbecue, clearing perishable food away and disposing of all rubbish, leaving all crockery washed up and put away before they vacate their property. Failing to do so may incur a charge for the additional cleaning required, which can be expensive. Foldable highchairs and travel cots are provided free of charge in our self-catering properties if requested at time of booking (unless otherwise stated in our brochure descriptions). Cots are not supplied with linen so please remember to take your own. Cots and highchairs can also be requested for hotel bookings, please note a small supplement may apply for this. DÉCOR As properties are generally Sicilian or Italian owned, the décor may reflect the local lifestyle and the owner s taste. A dining table and chairs can be given more priority than comfortable indoor chairs, as this is more in keeping with a Mediterranean outdoor lifestyle. Floors are generally not carpeted, and curtains are often decorative with shutters used to block out the light. Simpler properties can have basic kitchen facilities, should you have any special requirements please let us know. DOCUMENTATION, PASSPORTS AND VISAS Tickets and travel documentation are sent out 14 days prior to departure. For travel to Sicily, you will need a valid passport for all members of your family. If you are NOT a citizen of the UK, Ireland, another EU country, Switzerland, Canada or the USA, you may also need a visa (please contact the Italian Embassy for details). Please note we are also legally required to collect all passengers information before departure and tickets will be not be issued without this please refer to our Advance Passenger Information section for full details. For self-catering properties, a reasonable amount of electricity is included based on fair usage. Any usage above this amount is usually charged at 0.40 per Kwh and is payable locally. These charges are on our website, and detailed on arrival by the owner, and you can check your usage at any time during your stay. FLIGHT TIMES AND DELAYS Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all concerned, flights are delayed for reasons beyond our control. Airlines and flight times are sometimes subject to changes beyond our control, in which instance we will of course contact you as soon as we are advised. FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ADVICE The Foreign & Commonwealth Office produces up-to date travel information to help British travellers make informed decisions about travelling abroad. For more information, please see gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice HEALTH AND SAFETY The welfare of our customers is our prime consideration and we are committed to raising the standards of health and safety in our properties and to continue to identify areas where safety can be improved. General safety regulations do vary from country to country and are often less stringent than those that we have come to expect in the UK. Each property is unique and may have staircases, steps or drops and it is therefore important to be safety conscious. If you have any particular needs or concerns, please let us know at the time of booking. To assist us in ensuring standards are maintained and to help us improve our service, we would be most grateful if you would take the time to complete our online questionnaire. You ll receive the details in an post-travel. HOTELS Hotels on Sicily are graded under the Italian star rating system. Please note half board menus are often set with less choice than a restaurant, and tea and coffee-making facilities are not generally available in the rooms. HOTEL ROOM CHECK-IN The standard international practice is to let hotel rooms from midday to midday, however times do vary. Check-in times are usually between 2pm and 3pm, check-out times between 10am and 12 noon on the day of departure. WI-FI / INTERNET ACCESS More and more properties are now featuring Wi-Fi. This facility is indicated on the individual property descriptions. There are also internet cafés in most cities and larger resorts. Please note internet coverage and speed of connection may differ from the one you have at home, and may at times be limited or unavailable as a result of issues with the local network, which is out of the control of the owners and ourselves. Italian is the official language of Sicily, however, when chatting amongst family and friends, Sicilian is still commonly used, readily reverting to Italian to include non-sicilian speakers. A blend of Greek, Latin, Aragonese, Arabic, Lombardic and Norman- French, Sicilian can be said to be a language in its own right (rather than a dialect of Italian). It has always been a spoken rather than written language. LINEN In self-catering properties bed linen, bath and hand towels are provided on a weekly basis, and in most properties guests can expect beds to be made up on arrival. Please note that for multiple week stays, clean linen will be delivered each weekend, but the beds will not be made up. Please note cot linen is not provided. LOCAL LIFE, WILDLIFE & ANIMALS When our guests are on holiday, the local population will be going about their daily business: rural or village properties may have farming activities nearby, hunting and festivals going on nearby, over which we have no control. Some of our properties are located in the countryside, so indigenous animals and insects can be heard or seen at times. Guests should expect to hear dogs barking or a cockerel crowing at dawn this is part of the Sicilian way of life, unfortunately this is unavoidable and beyond our control. Mosquitoes, ants and other insects are quite common in the warmer climates and we strongly advise our guests not to leave any food uncovered or outside as this will attract insects, rodents and stray animals. 68 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

21 MONEY SMOKING TELEVISION The currency in Sicily is the Euro as in the rest of Italy. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but you should be aware that small shops outside the main towns might prefer cash. We have a no smoking policy in all of our accommodation and it is also forbidden to smoke in hired vehicles. Just as in the UK, a smoking ban in all public areas is now in place across the whole of Italy. As terrestrial signals in Sicily are generally very poor, some properties have satellite boxes. However, unless the owner has subscribed to a second provider, the only channels available will be in Italian. OCCUPANCY All guests must be named on the booking; please advise us beforehand if you are planning to have additional friends or family joining you a supplement for extra linen and additional cleaning may be required. Any occupant whose name does not appear on the invoice will be charged locally. Maximum occupancy cannot be exceeded as the properties are only insured for a certain number of guests. PRICES AND SURCHARGES Our prices are calculated using the exchange rate of 1 = 1.12 and are based on the cost of fuel as of 15th August If the value of the Euro or the cost of fuel rise, then unfortunately we may need to introduce a surcharge to cover the increased costs to us. In the event of any other security costs or taxes being levied, there may also be an increase in prices printed in this brochure, please see section 12 of our Terms and Conditions for more details. REQUESTS If you have any requests for your holiday accommodation or flights, please ensure they are requested at the time of booking; we will do our utmost, but a request cannot be guaranteed. If additional items or services are requested that are not advertised, please be aware that we will not have inspected these facilities. SECURITY DEPOSIT Some property owners require a security deposit to be paid in Euros on arrival to cover any losses, damages, breakages or extra cleaning which may occur. If the property you have chosen requires a local deposit, you will be advised of the amount at the time of booking. We ask guests to care for their holiday accommodation as if it were their own home and we require all guests to accept our travel insurance (which covers for some material damages) or make similar arrangements. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Sicilians are proud and passionate people who are keen to protect the environment and traditions of their island. We at Sicilian Places share the same view and strive to protect their enchanting culture, beautiful landscapes and varied wildlife. By opting in to our Carbon Offset Scheme, a donation of 3 per person will be invested into various projects including community tree planting, solar lighting and low carbon stoves in The Gambia which not only offers carbon benefits but at the same time economically supports rural villages. We are constantly looking at carbon offset opportunities in Sicily for the future. For more information about these projects and how you can help please go to /carbonoffset. SWIMMING POOLS Swimming pool details such as sizes, shape and depth (where known) are given in the facilities section for each property, please refer to each property or call our team if you require further information and we will check with the owner. Pools are generally fresh water and unheated though some are sea water, and only a few are equipped with pool covers or fencing. Weather permitting, all pools are open from the start of April to the beginning of October. Pools are usually maintained and cleaned by the property owners who will try to be as discreet as possible when working around the property. TAXIS Taxis can be expensive in the resort areas, please make sure you agree the fare before you set off. TELEPHONES As mobile phone coverage is good in Sicily, with the exception of some more remote or mountainous areas, most properties no longer require a landline. If you intend to use your mobile phone abroad, please ensure that it is registered for international use. TRANSFERS We are able to arrange transfers between the airport and our hotels instead of car hire. Some of our hotels include transfers instead of car hire due to their location. On some occasions these transfers are payable locally to the hotel or the driver we will advise you if this is the case. Please see our website or call us for more information. VILLA MAINTENANCE Staff at some properties live on-site and tend to the grounds and pool. We ask our guests to allow them reasonable access to the property and grounds, so these can be kept in good order. WATER As in most Mediterranean islands, water is in short supply in Sicily, so please use it sparingly. At times, water can be temporarily cut off as a result of high demand in the peak summer months. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink, although many people prefer to drink bottled water. WELCOME PACKS All our self-catering properties are provided with a welcome pack from the owner including basic breakfast provisions such as tea, coffee, sugar, UHT milk, water and fruit juice. All shops are usually open on a Saturday; the large supermarkets are open all day until 8pm whilst other smaller shops and services might close for lunch. Most shops close on Sunday except in high season when some supermarkets open in the morning. mato Shutterstock TRAVEL INSURANCE We believe that all customers who travel with us should be suitably insured for their own well-being. Our insurance is arranged by Travel & General Insurance company and is underwritten by UK General Insurance Limited on behalf of Great Lakes Insurance SE. Serenity Holidays Limited is an appointed representative of Travel & General Insurance Services Limited. Travel & General Insurance Services Limited and UK General Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our policy reflects the specific details of our programme, and is known to our resort staff who will then be more able to assist you in liaising with the insurance company in case of emergency. We are happy for you to arrange your travel insurance elsewhere provided the cover is comparable to our own. ADULT ADULT FAMILY* CHILD Up to 10 days days days *Family policy is valid for up to two parents or legal guardians, under 65, residing at the same address, who are married or living together as married, with up to 4 children under 18 normally residing and travelling with them. All amounts are maximum limits per person. 50 excess applies to most claims. The policy does not cover any pre-existing health conditions of the people travelling and other people upon whose health the trip may depend unless Healthcheck have been called on and they have confirmed cover in writing. Activities covered include walking, horse riding, mountain biking, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sailing, water-skiing and go-karting. The policy also provides cover where the claim is directly related to a conventional terrorist act and delays caused by volcanic ash. Full details of the policy will be sent with your confirmation invoice and includes a 14-day cooling off period wherein the policy may be cancelled without charge. Personal liability including rented property damage 2,000,000 Cancellation or curtailment 5,000 Emergency medical repatriation and associated expenses abroad 5,000,000 Personal accident 25,000 Personal effects 2,500 (limit 400 any one article) Personal money 500 Loss of tickets 1,000 Loss of passport 250 Legal expenses 15,000 Missed departure 1,000 Delayed departure For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

22 TERMS & CONDITIONS Sicilian Places is operated by Serenity Holidays Limited. We are committed to a policy of fair trading and make every effort to ensure that you have an enjoyable holiday with us. Our terms of trade have been formulated as a result of our responsibilities under law and in no way affect your statutory rights as a consumer. We accept responsibility for the quality of the holidays we provide. Please read this carefully and keep with you on holiday as it sets out the basis of the contract between you and Serenity Holidays Ltd. We are a member of ABTA, membership number V5963. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA s code of conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract. Further information on the code and arbitration can be found at DATA PROTECTION When you make an enquiry or booking with us, information about you is collected. This refers to information such as your name, contact details, travel preferences and any special needs/disabilities or dietary requirements. By giving us these details, you consent for these to be used as necessary in processing your booking and complying with legal requirements (e.g. forwarding passenger lists to airlines). We may also use your details to send you future holiday brochures or advise of special offers from ourselves - should you NOT want to receive these, please tell us. Some of your information may be considered sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998, which will only be used when it is necessary for us to communicate your needs to a hotel or airline. For more information please refer to our Privacy Statement shown on our website www. We sell the following arrangements: Package Holiday A package holiday is a combination of at least two of the following services (a) transport, (b) accommodation or (c) other tourist services (not ancillary to any transport or accommodation and forming a significant part of the arrangements) where booked through us at an inclusive price. Accommodation Only If you book accommodation only through us, we will accept responsibility for your booking in accordance with the terms set out in the relevant sections below. As this is a single component, the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 do not apply. FINANCIAL SECURITY: If you book a package holiday through us the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this brochure. For packages that include flights we provide this security by way of an ATOL (number 1866) administered by the Civil Aviation Authority. When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package, you will receive a confirmation invoice from us (or via your travel agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser s Licence number [1866]. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be reassigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. For further information visit the ATOL website at The price of our air holiday packages includes the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Serenity Holidays Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are sold to customers outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland; 4. accommodation only bookings; 1, 2, 3 and 4 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK and Republic of Ireland are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays Ltd. 1. YOUR HOLIDAY BOOKING When making a booking you must be aged over 18 years and have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party our terms and conditions. All correspondence and documents are sent to the party leader who is responsible to us for all payments in respect of the booking. The contract is made on the terms of the information in this brochure, the details set out in the confirmation invoice. We agree that the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction and English Law applies (unless you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, in which case you can bring proceedings in your local court under Scottish or Northern Irish law, as applicable). Our confirmation invoice is our acceptance of the booking (as detailed therein), and the contract is made on its issue. We ask you to check the details and any anomaly should be reported to us or your travel agent immediately otherwise the details shown on the confirmation will be presumed to be correct. Certain components of a package are on request and subject to availability and therefore quotations should not be considered binding until the first confirmation invoice is received. All holidays and offers published in this brochure are subject to availability at the time of booking. 2. PAYMENT If you wish to confirm a booking you must pay the deposit of 20% of the cost of your holiday. Your balance will be detailed on your invoice and must be paid in full no later than 8 weeks before your departure, or your booking may be deemed cancelled and your deposits retained. In the event we need to book and pay for your flight at the time of booking, you will be quoted the cost of this before confirming your holiday and asked to pay for this sector in full, along with your deposit. It is at this time you will be advised whether the flight cost is non-refundable. If payment for your holiday is made by credit card a handling fee, currently 1.6% will be levied. Cheques should be made payable to Serenity Holidays Limited. 3. IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR BOOKING You will need to let us know as soon as possible either by telephone or in writing (or must ensure your travel agent does so on your behalf). Since we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the cancellation charges set out below will apply, calculated from the date on which we receive your notice of cancellation. You will then receive a cancellation invoice detailing any charges. NO OF DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE More than 56 days days 40% days 65% days 90% Less than 15 days 100% CANCELLATION CHARGE Loss of deposit The charges above apply to your total holiday price excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges or charges for goods sold and dispatched. Please note that charges may be higher than those shown where your travel arrangements have been confirmed to you as "non-refundable". The conditions of your travel insurance policy may allow a refund claim. Note: if any members of your party cancel, but the others still wish to travel, it may be necessary to re-calculate the cost per person based on the new party size as the accommodation will now be under-occupied. This may result in an increased amount per person payable to secure the original booking. 4. ACCURACY AND INFORMATION We have taken all care to ensure the information shown in this brochure is accurate. Incidental information (e.g. relating to local events or markets etc) is offered in good faith and we therefore ask that should this be important to you, you check the details independently. 5. CHARGES FOR NON-INCLUSIVE HOTEL ITEMS AND DAMAGES You enter into a separate contract with the hotel or residence for these items (e.g. parking, bar bills etc.) and agree to pay locally for any charges for items or services used by your party and not included in your holiday price. The accommodation we arrange for you can only be used by those people named on your invoice. You are not allowed to share the accommodation with anyone else or let anyone else stay there. 6. IF YOU REQUEST A CHANGE TO YOUR BOOKING All amendments to your booking, e.g. name changes, dates of travel or accommodation, will incur a charge, the amount of which will depend on the nature of the change and the time before the date of travel. This is in addition to any carriers alteration or cancellation fees as certain travel arrangements (e.g. the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets) cannot be changed after a booking has been confirmed and any request to do so is likely to incur a 100% cancellation charge. Note: Any changes made within 8 weeks of departure may be treated as cancellations and re-bookings. 7. IF YOU BOOK THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT We will assume that in dealing with us the agent is acting on your behalf in respect of any changes or cancellation to your booking. When you buy a flight-based holiday, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. When you buy a holiday not including a flight, all monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on our behalf at all times. 8. IF WE CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY Although it is unlikely, we may occasionally have to change your holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to change or cancel your booking. Most changes are minor and we will always endeavour to advise you or your travel agent of any such changes at the earliest possible date. Note: Any amendment or cancellation fees you incur in terms of other arrangements you have made with other providers under separate contracts are not claimable from us. Package Holiday: A change of airline, aircraft type, overseas airport of destination, travel timings by 12 hours or less and accommodation of a similar or higher standard in the same resort or region are classed as minor changes which do not entitle you to cancel or change to another holiday without paying our normal administration charges, and for which no compensation or refund is due. The carrier may occasionally have to change the type of aircraft used on a particular flight without advance warning. In such circumstances where you have booked and paid an additional seat supplement and such seat cannot be provided, then you will receive only a refund of the supplement paid. Occasionally, we have to make major changes to your travel arrangements or accommodation. A major change is a change made before departure, which, on the basis of the information given to us by you at the time of booking we can reasonably expect will have a major effect on your holiday. The following changes are examples of major changes: changing travel times by over 12 hours, your UK departure airport (excluding London airports), your holiday region, a change to a lower standard or type of accommodation or reducing the number of days holiday. If we have to make a major change or cancel your holiday we will tell you as soon as possible. Where possible, we will offer the following options: you can either a) accept the changed arrangements b) purchase another holiday from us at the advertised current selling price or c) cancel your booking upon which we will refund your monies in full and final settlement. If you have booked a Package Holiday, subject to the note below, irrespective of whether you choose a), b) or c) we will pay compensation as follows: NO OF DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE More than 56 days AMOUNT OF EACH FULL FARE PAYING ADULT Nil days days days 35 Less than 8 days 50 Accommodation Only: If we make a change to your accommodation and you don t want to accept it, you can take any alternative accommodation we are able to offer you (you will pay the increase in cost if the replacement is advertised at a higher price than your original booking, or receive a refund of the difference if it is less expensive) or a refund of the money you have paid to us. This does not apply where the change is not material. Examples of non-material changes include, but are not limited to, temporary withdrawal of facilities or seasonal unavailability of amenities. If we have to cancel your accommodation, again we may be able to offer you an alternative. If you accept it, you would pay the difference if it was advertised at a higher price than your original accommodation, or receive a refund of the difference if it was advertised at a lower price. Or we will refund the monies you have paid us for your accommodation. We will not be responsible to pay any compensation following a change or a cancellation by us. Applicable to Package Holiday or Accommodation Only bookings: Note: If a change or cancellation occurs because of circumstances beyond our control, for example war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, health risks, adverse weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports or ports, epidemic or pandemic illness and all similar situations we will have no liability to you. No compensation payments, expenses or any other sums, including the cost of securing alternative accommodation will be paid by us. 9. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT In the unlikely event you have cause for complaint during your holiday, please inform hotel or site management. If you do not then receive satisfaction before the problem substantially affects your holiday and within 48 hours, please call us in the UK, during office hours (9am - 6pm), on 0044 (0) Outside of these hours please call us on our emergency line 0044 (0) Depending on the nature of your complaint, we will try to solve your problem as quickly as possible or find alternative accommodation for you if deemed appropriate. It is unreasonable for you to take little or no action and wait until you return to complain and you must take reasonable steps to minimise the consequences of the problem. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract. If a problem cannot be resolved whilst you are on holiday, please follow this up in writing to our Customer Relations Department at our UK office, with any supporting evidence, within 28 days of your return from your holiday. If your complaint cannot be settled amicably between us, you may if you wish refer the matter to arbitration under ABTA s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is registered with the Government s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (please go to Alternatively, AITO s Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and amicable solution, but please be aware this scheme is not registered by the ADR. 10. OUR RESPONSIBILITY Package Holiday: If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However, we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of [3] times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: (a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and (b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions. You can ask for copies of the transport companies' contractual terms, or the international conventions, from our offices: Serenity Holidays Ltd, Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 7AN We do not accept liability for happenings or actions outside our control, e.g. delays to travel services, the temporary invasion of pests, the presence of indigenous animals or insects, government action, industrial disputes, damage or inconvenience resulting from the weather (e.g. drought conditions) or from acts of God, or your party s negligence resulting in loss or accident. If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances. If you have taken our recommended insurance cover, you must make an insurance claim in respect of any legal fees incurred abroad for that purpose, and if you have taken alternative insurance, you must do likewise under any Legal Expenses cover provided by it. You must also provide us with the confirmation from the insurance company of receipt of your notification to them of your claim. Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator. Accommodation Only: We have a duty to select the accommodation providers with reasonable skill and care. We have no liability to you for the actual provision of the accommodation, except in cases where it is proved that we have breached that duty and damage to you has been caused. Therefore, providing we have selected the provider with reasonable care and skill, we will have no liability to you for anything that happens at the accommodation or any acts or omissions of the provider or others. We also have no liability in the following situations: i. where the accommodation cannot be provided as booked due to circumstances beyond our control (see the Note in clause 8) ii. where you incur any loss or damage that could not have been foreseen at the time of your booking, based on the information provided by you. iii. where you incur any loss or damage that relates to any business activity. iv. where any loss or damage relates to any services which do not form part of our contract with you. If we are found liable to you on any basis, we limit the amount we have to pay you to a maximum of three times the cost of your accommodation. This limit does not apply to cases involving death or injury. 11. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY You undertake to exercise due and reasonable care in respect of your holiday accommodation and its contents, to leave it in a clean and complete condition, to respect local and on-site regulations and bye-laws, to limit party numbers to those on your confirmation, to remit payments as invoiced on or before the due dates, to indemnify us against all loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any act, default or omission of your party, and not to exceed the published occupation capacity of the accommodation. Any serious abuse of a property or its contents may render you liable to eviction without compensation. 12. PRICES AND SURCHARGES The price of our holidays was calculated using the exchange rate of 1 = 1.12 on the 15th August The prices shown within our brochure are a guide only and will vary depending on the time of year that you travel and the number of people occupying the accommodation. The current price of your holiday will be advised to you at the time of booking including the cost of any supplements or upgrades which you have requested. Regrettably there are rare occasions when errors do occur and in the event that an incorrect price has been given in error, any booking made based on this price, will not be valid. You will be advised of the mistake at the earliest opportunity and you will then have the option either to pay the correct price for the travel arrangements or to cancel and receive a full refund of any monies you may already have paid. Once you have booked your holiday we reserve the right to surcharge for cost increases due to government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed charges, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes, embarkation or disembarkation fees at airports, and exchange rates. Package Holidays There will be no charge within 30 days of your departure. We will absorb such increases up to 2% of your basic holiday price (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges). If the surcharge is greater than 10% of your holiday price you have the option of changing to another holiday that we offer (if we are able to offer an alternative you will not have to pay more, but if it is of a lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price) or you have the right to cancel (within 14 days of receiving surcharge notification), in which case we will refund in full all monies paid to us except insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes will have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place. Accommodation Only We reserve the right to pass on all increases. If we ask you to pay us any increases in taxes, similarly, if any taxes you have paid to us are reduced or abolished, you will be entitled to claim a refund. Such right shall not apply in respect of any surcharge paid in respect of aviation fuel costs. 13. TRAVEL SERVICES When you travel by air the relevant carrier s Conditions of Carriage will apply to your journey, some of which may limit liability or exclude liability in accordance with the relevant international conventions. Copies of the conditions are available for inspection at any ABTA travel agent or from us. Information given by us about such services is for guidance only and the carriers concerned accept no responsibility for our brochures. It is your responsibility to report promptly at the check-in times given by the carriers and with the appropriate valid travel documents (e.g. Passports), and we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by you if you fail to do so. Occasionally there are times beyond our control when a flight is delayed. We will work closely with the airline and our resort office to make sure any delay is as short as possible and that your overseas transfer and accommodation arrangements are changed if necessary. Our aim is to minimise the inconvenience of delays as far as possible. Under EU law you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delays to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Please note that reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in clause 8 if we change your holiday. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Passengers Advice and Complaints team at the CAA ( passengercomplaints@caa.co.uk website TRAVEL INSURANCE You agree to our requirement: at the time of booking your holiday you either accept our travel insurance or you or your travel agent make immediate alternative arrangements with cover at least to our own policy. 15. PHOTOGRAPHS General and unlabelled pictures are understood to illustrate a feature, the region, or the country, and not to have any specific connection with any accommodation shown on the same or other pages. The furnishings and design of a specific room type may differ to those shown in photographs. 16. YOUR HEALTH ABROAD EU Visitors to other EU countries are entitled to receive medical treatment under the state service providing they have a European Health Insurance Card (please be aware that this card may not cover all the costs involved). At the time of publication, there are no special health precautions recommended but for up to date information you should contact the Department of Health. We strongly recommend you take out personal travel insurance with adequate health cover to ensure you are fully protected should you become ill. 17. SWIMMING POOLS AND OTHER FACILITIES Where a swimming pool or other facility is referred to as being available for use, such availability is at the hotelier s discretion and is understood to be conditional upon temporary or unavoidable closure necessitated by: the hotels essential maintenance programme, accident, damage or malfunction of equipment, and in the case of swimming pools: compliance with any water conservation regulations imposed in times of drought, damage or malfunction of the mains water supply. 18. PASSPORT/VISA It is the responsibility of all customers to ensure they have a valid passport, and any required visa. For further information on passport and visa requirements, please contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at HOLIDAY PARTICIPATION Should anyone be refused admission to the flight or to the destination country by the airline or government authority due to the correct documentation not being in order then we are powerless to assist and cannot be held responsible. Any passengers considered being unacceptably under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be denied boarding to the aircraft or entry into the country. In these circumstances we shall consider the customer as having given notice of cancellation and be under no liability for any costs or charges incurred as a result of our doing so.customer as having given notice of cancellation and be under no liability for any costs or charges incurred as a result of our doing so. 72 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

23 Palermo Airport Fly from: Gatwick Heathrow Lipani Vulcano HOW TO BOOK Our expert team will take you through every aspect of your reservation; from your selected accommodation through to availability and pricing, so you re able to choose the holiday that is perfect for you. If you d like some time to consider your choice, we can hold your holiday on option for 24 hours, as long as your booking is made at least 8 weeks prior to the departure date. In order to secure the property of your choice, we recommend you book as early as possible. Our UK office hours are 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The office may be open later during peak times and may be closed during national and bank holidays. SICILIANPLACES.CO.UK You can check availability or pricing and book your holiday online, 24 hours a day. Not only will you find all the properties featured in this brochure, but plenty more too, with lots of information, more images and our most up-to-date offers. Our website is also regularly updated with additional new properties, as our collection is constantly growing. LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT Sicilian Places works with a select number of independent travel agents, who we feel offer the same high standard of service that we endeavour to provide. Bookings can be made with the travel agency where you collected our brochure. MAKING YOUR BOOKING Once you or your travel agent has confirmed your holiday reservation, we will issue a confirmation invoice by the following day. Please ensure that all details are correct and exactly as requested, and advise us or your travel agent immediately if there are any discrepancies (any changes at a later date may incur an amendment fee). PAYMENT On confirming your booking, we require a deposit of 20%, plus any insurance premiums. In addition, any flights which we may purchase and add onto your reservation must be paid in full at the time of booking. The balance must be paid at least eight weeks prior to departure. If we do not receive the appropriate payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and you ll be liable for cancellation charges in accordance with our booking conditions. Please make cheques payable to: Serenity Holidays Ltd and send to: Serenity Holidays, Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AN. Any monies paid by credit card are currently subject to a 1.6% charge to cover costs levied by the providers. There is no charge for debit card payments. FLIGHT DETAILS It s essential for some owners who meet guests at their properties to have an approximate arrival time. If you have decided to book your flights independently, please advise us of the details as early as possible. LOYALTY DISCOUNT Customers who have previously travelled with Sicilian Places, or sister companies Corsican Places and Sardinian Places in the last three years, will qualify for a discount of 25 per person when booking accommodation only, or 35 per person when booking a flight-inclusive holiday. This must be claimed at the time of booking. LATE BOOKINGS (within 8 weeks) For bookings made within eight weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Unfortunately, we cannot hold a holiday on option within eight weeks of departure. WHAT'S INCLUDED: Return flights from the UK for package holidays Car hire or return transfers for package holidays Accommodation as described Welcome pack in self-catering properties Airport taxes and duties WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED: Travel arrangements, car hire or transfers for accommodation only bookings Personal travel insurance City tax Security deposit if applicable Air-conditioning unless otherwise stated Accommodation for passengers not shown on your invoice Trapani Favignana Marsala Mazara del Vallo SCALE San Vito Lo Capo Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro SS113 Buseto Palizzolo Segesta WESTERN SICILY Selinunte kms miles AITO Charter Menfi Sciacca EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, 5113 finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct. Monreale A19 Riserva Naturale Orientata Pizzo Cane SS118 SS386 FINANCIAL SECURITY An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis. ACCURATE BROCHURE & WEBSITES All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered. Parco dei Monti Sicani PALERMO SOUTHERN SICILY Agrigento SS640 Favara E931 Cefalù A19 SS117 SS113 Collesano Parco delle Madonie NORTHERN SICILY Caltanissetta Gela Enna Comiso Airport Fly from: Birmingham SS117 Piazza Armerina E45 Marina di Ragusa Capo d Orlando Parco Naturale dei Nebrodi Riserva Naturale Orientata Bosco di Santo Pietro PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards. MONITORING STANDARDS AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM All members acknowledge the importance of AITO s Sustainable Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. CUSTOMER RELATIONS All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Serenity Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the Association, visit or call SS575 SS417 A19 SS185 Savoca Linguaglossa Taormina Parco Giardini Naxos dell Etna Riposto Zafferana Etnea SOUTH EAST SICILY SS115 Ragusa Noto Modica Scicli Marina di Modica ABTOT NORTH EAST SICILY Floridia Milazzo CATANIA Catania Airport Fly from: Gatwick Manchester Birmingham Luton Bristol Syracuse Messina The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Serenity Holidays Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are sold to customers outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland; 4. accommodation only bookings; 1, 2, 3 and 4 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK and Republic of Ireland are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays Ltd. 74 For more information or to book online visit Call the Sicilian experts on

24 We are an independent company where emphasis is very much on quality and service. We offer specialist holidays to other destinations and all provide excellent value and choice. The Gambia Experience gambia.co.uk Cape Verde Experience capeverde.co.uk Goa Experience goaexperience.co.uk Corsican Places corsica.co.uk Sardinian Places sardinianplaces.co.uk Sicilian Places Call our reservations team on: TRAVEL AGENTS STAMP (administration) for latest offers & availability: