FAQ - Sicily's Wines & Foods Tour

1. How do I meet up with the group?

The tour begins in Taormina with dinner on October 2, 2008. Taormina is less than one hour from the Catania airport which offers frequent connections to Rome, Palermo, and other major European cities. As participants will be arriving on different flights each participant will be responsible for making their way from the airport to Taormina.. If you need assistance with an airport transfer, we will be glad to arrange it.

2. Who are the people I can expect to be my fellow travelers on the tour?

Our groups are composed of people from diverse occupations, singles & couples, men & women, a mix of young & old, well- seasoned international travelers as well as novices. All have a common interest in food & wine. Many participants on our tours are repeat clients. In addition, each tour participant is a non-smoker.

3. What types of accommodations will be used?

The following properties are examples of the lodging that will be used. Note that many of these do not accept tour groups, so we are fortunate to be able to experience them.

Elegant, aristocratic 19^th century villa built by a noble family. Surrounded by lush gardens, this small boutique hotel offers luxurious décor throughout in the Sicilian style. And, panoramic vistas of the sea abound. All 21^st century creature comforts are present including a swimming pool, air-conditioning, a spa, jacuzzi’s & the Internet.

19^th century tastefully renovated mansion which has been converted to a 4 star hotel. Located in the historic center of a World Heritage UNESCO town, the hotel offers elegant rooms filled with handmade wooden furniture. The hotel has a fully-equipped private beach nearby. Wine-Knows has leased the entire property.

Centuries old private olive estate producing award-winning extra virgin oil. Nestled in the olive groves and flanked by tropical trees and palms, the beautifully restored property is decorated in rustic elegance with with original family pieces. Guiseppe and Silva, the owners of the estate, will be present and provide a unique view into Sicilian culture. Wine-Knows has booked the full estate.

Peaceful country bed and breakfast that has recently been created from a former farm. The property offers large rooms decorated in a simple elegant decor with antiques and attractive country-styled pieces. The property has gorgeous views of the surrounding vineyards, olive groves, and the ancient temples of Selinunte, one of Sicily’s greatest archeologist sites.

4. Is airfare included?

Group airfare has purposefully not been included to allow maximum flexibility in arrival & departure options. You may go early & stay over after the trip concludes. Wine-Knows Travel, Inc. provides land only arrangements and does not provide airfare.

5. What clothing should I bring?

The tour will be business casual. Men need to bring a sport coat (tie optional) for the more formal restaurants, & women should plan a similar level of attire for these evenings. Bring non-skid shoes for visits to wineries...they will be finishing harvest operations & floors will be wet & filled with a variety of equipment which can cause safety hazards. Also, pack a swimsuit as most of our hotels have a pool, and most stops will be close to the Mediterranean Sea.

5. 6. What are my options as a single traveler?

The price is based upon double occupancy. Should you wish to share a room, every attempt will be made to find you a roommate (most of the time we have been quite successful in doing so, however if we are unable to find you a roommate, you will need to pay the single supplement of $730 US. Triple rooms are available at a discount---please call for pricing.

7. How much free time will be available?

We have provided free time as detailed in the itinerary. Furthermore, it is not mandatory that you attend all of the planned experiences, although most of our clients do! This is your trip---if you would rather sleep in, shop, or simply chill out at a sidewalk café, then do it!

8. Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. We accept payment through PayPal (PayPal.com). Since PayPal charges us a fee of 2.9%, this fee must added to the cost of the trip.

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