Travel advice: self guided tours of Sicily

Hello friend,

I’m gradually working through your travel questions about Sicily.

It’s taking me a while, but I’m enjoying it.

Be sure to send any of your general questions to: sicilyinsideandout@gmail.com

Don’t expect detailed travel itineraries; let’s keep the questions nice and general.

And please send all questions via email as I will lose track if you ask them on any other of my social media.

I find it easier to keep track of them if they are all in my in box. Thanks.

I’m happy to point you in the right direction if you are planning a trip.

Here’s this week’s query.

Hello Rochelle,

Would you mind sending me some info on self-guided tours in Sicily.

K.

Hello K.

I’m not a tour organiser, but I have noticed how self guided tours have become popular over the past few years.

Basically how they work is that you contact a tour operator on the island, and they can put together an itinerary around your own personal budget, time and personal requests. You pick up a hire car and follow the itinerary at your own pace, which sounds like a great way of exploring the island.

I think it is important to have a car to get to some places, especially in the central provinces of Sicily where the train and bus service is very sketchy, difficult to negotiate or non-existent.

You do have to be aware that the traffic can be terrible in and around the major cities but once you get out on the autostrada it is much better.

The roads aren’t the best, you will find many places under repair or several lanes closed. Pot holes are a constant presence and the autostrada does charge.

Please be aware of people who want to charge you extra at the toll booths, they are people trying to rip you off. Do not pay more than displayed on the toll meters when you exit the autostrada.

Last year a friend recommended the company Dimensione Sicilia which is based in Catania and specialises in these tours. Still, there are many other tour companies around Sicily.

I hope this gives you a few exciting leads to follow.

Also, please excuse the delay in my reply, I got your question back in March, but since you wrote the question to me on Facebook, I forgot to reply on my blog (which is where I’ve been getting my queries).

Hopefully, this is still useful for you.

If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

I hope this is helpful, and enjoy your trip.

Buon Viaggio

Regards from RDB

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