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news and special offers
| >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPECIAL OFFERS<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< |
| Last minute availability in Sicily : |
Villa I Dammusi – one bedroom villa, located near Noto in the Province of Siracusa. Available from 7th September 2008 for one week. Discounted weekly price £530 , based on two people sharing the accommodation (usual weekly rate is £830) Villa Collina – three bedroom villa located near Ribera in the Province of Agrigento. Available from 6th September 2008 for one week. Discounted weekly price £395, based on up to six people sharing the accommodation (usual weekly rate is £675) Villa La Cava - a two bedroom villa with private swimming pool, located near Noto in the Province of Siracusa. Available anytime from 10th September 2008. Discounted weekly price £830 , based on up to four people sharing the accommodation (usual weekly rate is £1,235)
Please contact Open Sicily on |
| Apartment Caterina - Discount for July and August |
Apartment Caterina
This delightful Apartment is located in the heart of Taormina, can accommodate up to four guests and offers a double bedroom, two bathrooms, a lounge-diner and a kitchen. A balcony provides outside space and offers stunning views of the town and the Ionian Sea. Catania airport is approximately 40 minutes drive from the accommodation.
Usual cost: £880 per week (2 guests) Discounted cost: £750 per week (2 guests) |
| Villa with private pool - Discount for September 2008 |
This three-bedroom villa offers a relaxing and peaceful retreat. It is situated in the area of “Belvedere” which is in the province of Siracusa and despite being centrally located and therefore close to the sights and attractions of the main town, it is only 5km away from sandy beaches. The villa itself has been decorated and furnished to a good standard and offers all modern comforts including two bathrooms and air-conditioning throughout. It is surrounded by a large secluded garden and a private swimming pool with jacuzzi.
(Week commencing 30 August & 6 September 2008) Usual cost: £2175 per week Discounted cost: £1945 per week
(Week commencing 13 September and 20 September 2008) Usual cost: £1945 per week Discounted cost: £1700 per week |
| Apartment Caterina - September Discount |
Apartment Caterina
This delightful Apartment is located in the heart of Taormina, can accommodate up to four guests and offers a double bedroom, two bathrooms, a lounge-diner and a kitchen. A balcony provides outside space and offers stunning views of the town and the Ionian Sea. Catania airport is approximately 40 minutes drive from the accommodation.
Usual cost: £755 per week (2 guests) Discounted cost: £650 per week (2 guests) |
| Villa Gioia - Discount between 6 September - 25 October |
This elegant villa is located on the North East Coast of Sicily and boasts a fantastic sea view with the Aeolian Islands as a backdrop. The villa is split into two - the main part offers a large lounge, 3 bedrooms, a kitchen and 2 bathrooms. The smaller part of the villa offers a lounge/kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Catania airport is approximately 90 minutes drive from the villa whilst Palermo airport is a little over two hours.
Normal price £2000 Discounted price £1680 |
| Palazzo del Sale - Special discount for all Off Peak bookings |
Bed and breakfast located in the heart of Ortigia, the historical centre of Siracusa and approximately 1 hours drive from Catania airport Each room has been individually styled and includes satellite flat-screen television, internet access, air-conditioning, mini-bar and an ensuite bathroom. There is also a communal lounge, kitchen area and terrace.
Usual price £72 per night (standard double room) Discounted price £63 per night (standard double room)
Usual price £95 per night (double room with terrace) Discounted price £68 per night (double room with terrace) |
| Giuggiulena B&B - Special discount for all Off Peak bookings |
Offering some of the best sea views to be found in Siracusa, this B&B has been recently renovated and decorated to a high standard to provide extremely comfortable B&B accommodation. It has a stunning location overlooking the sea and offers six B&B rooms, a communal lounge, sun bathing roof terrace and private access to the sea.
Usual price £72 per night Discounted price £68 per night |
| >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>LATEST NEWS<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< |
| New Self Catering Accommodation in Scopello |
Open Sicily can now offer a self catering option in the picturesque resort of Scopello in the Province of Trapani. Case del Baglio is located on the outskirts of Scopello and offers two bedroom apartments along with a private veranda. The accommodation is within two minutes walk from a sandy beach and also convenient for the Zingaro National Reserve, so ideal for couples or families. The accommodation is ideally located for clients flying into either Palermo or Trapani airports - both of which are under an hour's drive away. If you require confirmation of availability and pricing for Case del Baglio then please either submit an online availability request or contact an Open Sicily Travel Consultant on
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| New Self Catering Accommodation in Cefalu |
Open Sicily can offer two self catering options in the popular beach resort of Cefalu , which as located approximately an hour's drive from Palermo airport. Palazzo Santa Maria is located in the heart of the town, overlooking one of the principle piazza's and offers one bedroom apartments along with a private balcony and a communal roof terrace. The accommodation is also within walking distance of the sandy beach.
Residence Santa Barbara is located towards the outskirts of the town and offers one, two & three bedroom apartments, ideal for couples or families. All of the apartments offer a private terrace or balcony, many include sea views and there is also a communal swimming pool.
If you require confirmation of availability and pricing for either of these Cefalu options, then please either submit an online availability request or contact an Open Sicily Travel Consultant on 0800 083 9108, or if dialing from outside the UK, +44 208 144 9812.
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| Review Doug McKinlay's Trip to Sicily - The Times |
When Doug McKinlay of the The Times wanted to visit Sicily he turned to Open Sicily to assist him with choosing suitable accommodation. Doug wanted to stay in traditional Sicilian accommodation so choose various options from our Sicily farmhouse section. These included Baglio Fontana in Trapani Province, Baglio San Vincenzo in Agrigento Province & Sant’ Agata in Palermo Province. |
| Air Malta increases flights to Catania from Gatwick |
Air Malta will be increasing the number of direct flights between London Gatwick and Catania airport to five flights a week. This is with the addition of a Friday service which commences from 4th April 2008. Please refer to www.airmalta.com for details of availability and pricing or contact Air Malta on 0845 345 6045. |
| New Ryanair flight launched from Birmingham to Trapani |
A new Ryanair flight has launched between Birmingham and Trapani airport. This service offers twice weekly flights departing on Wednesdays and Sundays. Commencing 2 July 2008. |
| Open Sicily are now members of ABTOI |
Open Sicily are delighted to announce that they are now recognised members of ABTOI.
ABTOI (the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy) was founded in January 2005 and is supported by the Italian tourist board.
The aim of the association is to raise the profile of Italy as a holiday destination amongst the British public by offering them a “one-stop shop” for all their holiday needs where they can not only learn more about the country but also about the different companies that arrange holidays there. |
| Self Drive Tours of Sicily |
| An increasing number of our clients are looking for accommodation to enable a self-drive tour of Sicily. Set out below are a number of different accommodation recommendations that can be combined to create a tour of the Island.
Some of the sites worth visiting within the Province, include the Mediaeval hill-top town of Erice, the ancient theatre at Segesta, the Zingaro National Reserve, the coast and beaches near Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, the Egardi Islands (hydrofoil from Trapani) and the towns of Marsala and Mazara del Vallo.
Duca di Castelmonte - this farmhouse is located a few kilometres from Trapani and offers self catering apartments on a b&b basis. It acts as an excellent base for touring Trapani and also has a swimming pool and restaurant. Prices start from £56 per night based on two adults sharing an apartment on a bed & breakfast basis.
Some of the highlights in this Province include the UNESCO listed Valley of the Temples, the historical site of Selinunte, the Roman spa town of Sciacca and the lovely beaches near Menfi.
Baglio San Vincenzo - located in Menfi this farmhouse offers b&b accommodation and a restaurant. Prices start from £60 per night based on two adults sharing a room on a bed & breakfast basis
Attractions include the Villa Romana, one of the best preserved examples of a Roman villa in Italy. Other areas of interest include the hill top town of Enna and Caltagirone, the ceramic capital of Sicily.
Gigliotto - located near Piazza Armerina, this farmhouse offers b&b accommodation, has a swimming pool and a restaurant with an excellent reputation. The cost of the accommodation starts from £58 per night based on two adults sharing a room on a bed & breakfast basis.
Siracusa has a host of historical sites and nearby towns to see. The old quarter of the city is called Ortigia, whilst the archaeological park includes the ancient Greek Theatre, one of the largest examples outside of Greece. Other sites include Pantalica, the largest necropolis in Europe, the Baroque town of Noto and Cava Grande, an area of outstanding natural beauty located near Avola.
Palazzo del Sale or Alla Giudecca. Palazzo del Sale is a b&b located in the heart of Ortigia, the old quarter of Siracusa,
whilst Alla Giudecca offers self catering apartments on a b&b basis and is also located in Ortigia. The cost of the Palazzo del Sale is £65 per night based on two adults sharing the room on a bed & breakfast basis, whilst Alla Giudecca is £86 per night once again based on two people sharing on a bed & breakfast basis.
Mount Etna is perhaps the most popular attraction in the Province, which in addition to the actice volcano, also offers a host of towns and villages on the lower slopes with unique architectures and history.
Le Cisterne - this farmhouse is located close to the town of Adrano on the lower slopes of Mount Etna, but within the confines of the National Park. It also offers a swimming pool and a restaurant. The cost of the accommodation starts from £80 per night based on two adults sharing a b&b room, or £86 per night for an apartment.
The Province includes Taormina, one of the premier resorts in Sicily and offers some lovely beaches. It can also be a good base for exploring Mount Etna. The Aeolian Islands fall under the Province and offer stunning scenery and beauty along with crystal clear seas. All of the Islands are connected by an excellent hydrofoil service (originating from Milazzo), so it is possible to Island hop and see as many of them as you want.
Hotel Bel Soggiorno - this is a 3 star family run hotel located within walking distance of Taormina town centre. The cost of the hotel is £94 per night based on two adults sharing a room on a bed & breakfast basis
Hotel Signum is located on the Island of Salina. The cost of the accommodation starts from £80 per night based on two adults sharing a standard room on a bed & breakfast basis. Superior and deluxe rooms are also available.
In addition to Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily, the Province also offers the beach resort of Cefalu, the beautiful cathedral at Monreale and the Madonie Mountains.
Susafa - this farmhouse offers lovely b&b accommodation and has a rural location in the heart of the Madonie Mountains. The cost of the accommodation is £65 per night based on two adults sharing the room on a bed & breakfast basis.
The accommodation above is only used as a guide and numerous other options exist. Our Travel Consultants will be happy to discuss your own individual requirements.
Please be aware that the prices quoted are generally for off peak periods. Please refer to the full accommodation description on our website for other pricing periods.
Many of the farmhouses and hotels operate a minimum stay requirement. Generally single and two night stays cannot be facilitated.
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| Two New World Hertage Sites in Sicily |
Siracusa and the Necropolis of Pantalica |
| New airport opening in Sicily 2008 |
A new airport is being built in Ragusa (Comiso airport) and is projected to be operative in 2008. |
| Easy Jet launch new flight to Sicily (Gatwick/Palermo) |
Easy Jet has just launched a new daily flight (commencing 18 June 2007) from Gatwick to Palermo, please refer to www.easyjet.com |
| Ryanair launch new route to Sicily (Dublin/Trapani) |
Ryanair have announced that from February 2007 they will be launching a new direct service between Dublin and Trapani airport in Sicily. The service will initially be offered twice a week. For further information and flight details please visit www.ryanair.com. |
| Travel Map of Sicily |
Sicilian travel guide & map of Sicily Italy |
| Lonely Planet - Sicily |
by Alta MacAdam (Author), Sicily Macadam (Author) Comprehensive and detailed book that covers it all. Drawings of the greek temples of Agrigento, Selinute and Segesta. Maps of what the sites would have looked like. Explanations of the dozens of layers of history and conquest that is Sicily's legacy. 319 pages of well layed out information in a region by region basis. Good overview of transporation options and how to get to the more remote sites. Good color map section in the back. |
| Blue Guide to Sicily |
by Ellen Grady (Author) |
| Sicilian Wines |
Wines of Sicily by Kate Singleton (McRae Books) Wines of Sicily website Visit: www.winesofsicily.info |
| Open Sicily accept most major credit and debit cards |
Open Sicily can accept payment by credit or debit card including American Express. Please be aware that for credit card transactions a 2.5% surcharge is levied whereas debit card transactions are free of charge. |
| >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>UPCOMING EVENTS IN SICILY<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< |
| Flower Festival - May 2008 |
Every year the last week of May is dedicated to l'infiorata of the city of Noto, an event in which this year is affiliated with the national lottery ( the infiorata lottery of Noto ). This event Is one of the best events on the Island of Sicily.It came about 20 years ago when Gezanese and Noto artists met and it is right at Genzano in the Province of Rome that this beautiful picturesque Technique is developed.Corrado Nicolaci is the street in which l'infiorata is born, the impact is strong where the church of Montevergini is opposed to the Palace of Prince Nicolaci "Villa dorata" With balconies which have been defined as the most beautiful in the world. |
| Rail Tour around Mount Etna |
Circumetnea is a narrow railroad track operating since 1859 that goes around Mount Etna, among the lava trenches and citrus orchard, unravelling all its most peculiar secrets. It is a fascinating way to discover the imposing scenery of Etna and to explore the towns that for centuries have been perched on the slopes of the great volcano. On Sundays you have the option of taking a tour organized by the Etna Wine Route Association. A trip aboard an old 1937 railcar will get you to visit some wineries where you will savour Etna wines and other local products. Departure and journey termination is at Riposto. Travellers Information Center - info@circumetnea.it |
| Teatro Massimo - Palermo |
Palermo's famous Teatro Massimo is located in Piazza G Verdi, in the heart of Palermo. It offers visitors to the city the chance to experience classical opera, ballet as well as pop concerts. For this season's current schedule please refer to: www.teatromassimo.it or call on (0039) 091 6053111 |
| >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ANNUAL EVENTS IN SICILY<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< |
| Spring events in Sicily (Mar - May) |
Skiing on the slopes of Mount Etna - 22 Dec - 21 Mar Bread festival - Easter week Days of suffering - Easter week - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Devils dance - Easter week - Sunday Classic theatre in open-air greek theatre - May Egadi week - May Flower festival - May |
| Summer events in Sicily (Jun - Aug) |
International tennis tournament - June Strawberry and berry festival - June The Taormina Internation Film festival - June (tbc) Verdura festival - 25 Jun - 10 Aug (tbc) WOMAD Festifal - July (tbc) Festa di Santa Rosalia - July Pepper festival - July International Medieval and Renaissance Music week - July Festa di San Giuseppe - July Festa di San Giacomo - 24th & 25th July Wheat festival - 1st - 10th August |
| Autumn events in Sicily (Sep - Nov) |
Honey Festival - September/October Bread festival - September Sausage festival - September The Couscous Festival - 25-30 September Grape festival - September Horsemanship cup - September Bellini festival - Opera festival - September Etna wines - September Peach festival - October Extempora Antiques' fair - October 20th Century festival - October Ottobrata - local produce fair - October Religious music week - November |
| Winter events in Sicily (Dec - Feb) |
Handicrafts fair - December Festa di Santa Lucia - 13th December Christmas in Taormina - December / January Morgana festival - January / February Almond festival - February Carnival - 25-28 February Sausage, pastry and trout festival - February |
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Tel: +44 (0)870 111 8451
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September 8, 2008, 3:33 am |
