Authentic Sicily

Included:
(Based on Customized Experience)

NOT INCLUDED - OPTIONAL ADD ON
Airfare - Inquire with your Travel Expert

NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare
Travel Insurance
Passport fees, Visa fees, immunization costs
Local departure taxes (when applicable)
Expenditures of a personal nature
All Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of the itinerary
Souvenirs
Gratuities for services and experiences
Early check-in or late-check out from hotels
Personal charges: Laundry, phone calls, SIM Cards Room Service
Anything that is not specified as included
City/Hotel tax Approximately 6 Euro per room, per night

~~~~

Itinerary subject to change
All tours and entrance fees are included / All taxes are included
Maximum 2 travelers per room
All prices are expressed in US dollars.
Prices are dynamic in nature, subject to availability
     and subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

The offer is valid for the remaining balance of the Land Package only, after any other discounts or promotions have been applied.  The discount does not apply to the Booking Fee, Add-On Purchases, or Donations. The rebate will be refunded to the original form of payment used for the Travel Experience purchase. Please allow 14 business days for processing.

The panoramic position of the Hotel Ariston & Palazzo Santa Caterina is one of the most beautiful on the Ionian coast of Sicily.
Located at the foot of the magnificent Greek Theatre of Taormina, the hotel boasts an incomparable view that goes as far as the coasts of nearby Calabria.
The proximity to the historic center of the fascinating Taormina (about 400 m) makes this structure the ideal base for those who want to discover the historical and naturalistic beauties of the city.  It has a terrace with sun loungers and umbrellas, swimming pool with Jacuzzi, grill for lunch and restaurant for dinner which will be on the terrace during the summer.

A few steps from the historic center of Ortigia, in an ancient building totally renovated, the Hotel Livingstone was born, which thanks to its strategic position and its breathtaking 360-degree views, represents one of the most sought after and exclusive accommodation facilities in Ortigia

The central location, in the heart of luxury shopping, business, and entertainment and a few steps from the historic center, make the Politeama hotel the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a holiday in Palermo or for those traveling for work.

Elegance and atmosphere combined with comfort and relaxation for a stay in the city center in a historic hotel that does not forget its past and is projected towards the future. The familiar and elegant environment at the same time and the new services offered will provide unique emotions among the pampering of our staff.

Please consult with your Travel Concierge prior to booking your flight or if you require assistance booking your flight

$269 - Travel Agent, Service & Account Management Fee. This fee is non-negotiable and non-refundable. 

Be prepared with travel insurance coverage through Travel Guard. Plans can include coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption and more and include emergency travel services so you can be sure that Travel Guard has an insurance plan that meets your traveling needs. Travel Guard is available to assist 24 hours a day.  

Travel Guard's Trip Insurance Plans provide valuable coverage at an affordable price and includes an early purchase benefit of a waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion and Cancel for Any Reason option,  if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

Your travel insurance will need to cover medical expenses that could arise while traveling abroad. In the case of a Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need to make sure that it covers you for medical evacuation too.

Unexpected injuries and doctor visits need to be covered, and emergency evacuation expenses should you need to be airlifted to a medical facility. Those situations are rare, but they do occur, and you need the proper insurance.

When purchasing travel insurance, it is important you understand exactly what it does and doesn’t cover. Most basic plans will offer basic protection for trip cancellation, lost bags, and delayed flights.

However, if you need coverage beyond that (medical expenses, evacuation, etc.) then you’ll likely have to purchase a higher-tier policy.

It’s important that whatever policy you choose also covers high altitude activities. That isn’t the case with every insurance plan, so be sure to ask for it specifically.

We highly recommend you add the Adventure Sports Bundle to your insurance package if you are running a marathon, climbing a mountain, scuba diving, etc.  Add the adventure sports bundle to ensure you are covered. 

XE-perience currencies on the go. The XE Currency app - Everything you need for international currencies. Download Xe Currency Converter: for Android HERE  and for iOS HERE

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of a travel adapter, which is a device that simply allows you to plug any US electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

Type C travel adapter plugs for use in European countries such as Italy, Iceland, Greece, France, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Netherlands, Turkey and more.

Like many other Mediterranean destinations, the temperature in Sicily in August feels very hot and dry; average highs range from 80°F to a sizzling 95°F.

Italian is the official language of Italy, and 93% of population are native Italian speakers. Around 50% of population speak a regional dialect as mother tongue. Many dialects are mutually unintelligible and thus considered by linguists as separate languages, but are not officially recognized.

Here are some helpful phrases:

• Yes – Si – See
• No – No – Noh
• Please – Per favore – Pehr fah-voh-reh
• Thank you – Grazie – Grah-tsee-eh
• You’re welcome – Prego – Preh-goh
• Cheers! (To your health) – Salute! – Sah-loo-tay
• Excuse me (for attention) – Scusi – Skooh–zee
• Excuse me (to pass by) – Permesso – Pehr-mehs-soh
• Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? – Parh-la een-glay-zeh
• I don’t understand – Non capisco – Non kah-pee-skoh
• I’m sorry – Mi dispiace – Mee dees-pyah-cheh
• Good morning (formal) – Buon giorno – Bwohn-johr-noh
• Good afternoon (formal) – Buona sera – Bwoh-nah-seh-rah
• Good night (formal) – Buona notte – Bwoh–nah–noh–teh
• Hi / Bye (informal) – Ciao! – Chow 
• Good bye (formal) – Arrivederci – Ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee
• My name is … – Mi chiamo – Mee kyah-moh
• What is your name? – Come si chiama? – Koh-meh see kyah-mah?
• Pleased to meet you – Piacere – Pyah-cheh-reh
• How are you? (formal) – Come sta? – Koh-meh stah?
• Good thank you – Bene grazie – Beh-neh grah-tsee-eh

Genuine comfort comes from letting your feet do what's natural: bending, flexing, moving, feeling. Xero Shoes let them do that.

Female Urination Device

Reusable Silicone Female Urinal Foolproof Women Pee Funnel Allows Women to Pee Standing Up, Women's Urinal with Drawstring Bags is The Perfect Companion for Travel and Outdoor.  For any outdoor activity, You can fold the female urinal device into the drawstring bag and carry it around. so easy and convenient, does not take up space.With it, you no longer have to worry about the dirtiness of public toilets.Highly recommended for all women who travel.  Keep in it a pouch along with Cottonelle Flushable wipes, Wet Ones or Wet Wipes, Travel Soap Sheets, and any other item you may need when using the restrooms.

Amazon Purchase
$12.99

Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets for Hand Washing - (300 Sheets) Orange, Tea Tree, Lavender Portable Travel Soap Sheets, Dissolvable Camping Mini Soap, Portable Hand Soap Sheets

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘: Light, small, and portable soap sheets for hand washing offer discreet and convenient to use as hiking soap, camping soap, and family travel soap. Alternate to soap bars, these portable mini soap sheets are safe and useful for school trips and are ideal camping toiletries. A perfect paper camping for traveling.

𝗙𝗢𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧: These foaming hand soap refills form a light lather that dissolves quickly and prevents dry hands. Naturally moisturizing portable hand washing soap is gentle on the skin while potent on the toughest of dirt and contaminants.

𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 & 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚: This mini soap is small in size yet huge in functionality. This travel soap can be used on all bodies, at any time. Kids-friendly and suitable for all skin types, our natural hand soap with potent plant extracts is family-safe, wholesome, and leaves no residue.

𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦𝗘: Take a foaming paper soap sheet in your hands. Add water and rub your hands to form a lather. Rinse, dry, and enjoy clean hands.

𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧-𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚: Earth-friendly packaging of our foaming and convenient hand soap refills allow for worry-free disposal while outdoors; An excellent planet-saving alternative to plastic soap containers.

AMAZON PURCHASE
$11.99

This Trip Is Non-Refundable

Cancellations must be received by email.  If a cancellation is made 60 days before the departure date, a travel credit will be issued to the individual traveler. Cancellation fees will apply: initial deposit, booking fees, donations, late fees, reinstatement, and any additional fees as stated on the specific registration. Other nonrefundable fees may be incurred from, and not limited to, the Hotel, Airline, Ground Transportation, and other service providers that override TBOG Travel's cancellation policy and can be up to 100% of the booking cost, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Cancellations made within 61 days of the departure date are non-refundable and not eligible to obtain a travel credit.

If TBOG Travel cancels a reservation before the commencement of the trip, TBOG Travel shall have no responsibility beyond the issuance of credit for the monies paid related to the trip that TBOG Travel canceled without offsetting cancellation fees imposed by TBOG Travel or third-party vendors.  Example:  Reservations in arrears for 91 days will be canceled automatically for non-payment.  Any monies paid will be forfeited and not refunded.  Where TBOG Travel incurs any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for that fee or charge.

Travel Credits can be used to purchase other specific TBOG Tour the World Travel Experiences.
Travel credits issued from travel booked:
     For 2024, travel will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2025
     For 2025, travel will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2026.
     For 2026, travel will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2027.
You are responsible for any additional cost if you choose a TBOG "Tour the World Travel Experience" that is more than your travel credit. If the new Travel Experience is less than the travel credit, a future travel credit will be issued for the difference.

TBOG Travel reserves the right to restrict any changes to a reservation. All changes are subject to availability. Please note that changes to the overall party size, date, or location may change the rate. For your peace of mind, we recommend the purchase of travel insurance. TBOG Travel partners with Travel Guard to offer travel insurance protection. AIG underwrites Travel Guard insurance policies.

Please note: These policies are subject to change at any time.

By booking with The Black Onyx Group, you acknowledge and accept the following terms and conditions: 

Agent  
- The Black Onyx Group, LLC (or any affiliated entities) acts solely as a travel agent. We sell travel-related products from various transport and accommodation service providers, including airlines, coaches, rail and cruise line operators, and hotels. 
- The Black Onyx Group's obligations to you include booking travel on your behalf and arranging relevant contracts between you and the travel service providers. 
- We are not responsible for these services and do not have the authority to make any warranties or representations regarding their quality. A request cannot be guaranteed. 
- All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability these service providers impose. 
- You understand that your legal recourse lies against the specific provider, not The Black Onyx Group LLC.

Liability
- We constantly strive to ensure your arrangements are satisfactory. However, we cannot accept any liability of any kind, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, for the actions, omissions, or defaults, whether negligent or not, of these service providers over whom we have no direct or indirect control.
- In situations where liability cannot be excluded, such liability is limited to the value of the purchased travel arrangements. We are not liable for any consequential losses or damage.
- We do not accept any liability in contract, tort, or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense, or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or any other event beyond our control or not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part.
- We cannot control and will not be responsible for bodily injury, property damage, or other loss caused by factors beyond our control, including but not limited to flight delays, airline turbulence, transportation accidents, war, terrorism, weather, quarantine, illness, government restrictions, regulations or actions, mechanical failures, acts of God, fires, earthquakes, floods, climate anomalies, civil unrest, strikes, riots, theft, disease, pandemics, epidemics, accidents, or failures related to public internet, telecommunications lines or facilities, or third-party technology systems, other unforeseen circumstances, or any other causes beyond our control, including your physical, medical, or mental disabilities, failure to obtain valid travel documents, or failure to follow travel instructions. Under no circumstances shall The Black Onyx Group, LLC, be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damage arising from the above.

Deposits
- A deposit will be required at the time of booking.  All deposits are non-refundable for changes of mind or cancellations.

Passport
- All individuals leaving the United States must possess a valid passport. You are responsible for ensuring that you have valid travel documents, including, but not limited to, passports and visas that comply with the requirements of immigration and other government authorities at every destination. 
- Any fines, penalties, payments, or costs incurred due to documents that do not meet those authorities' requirements will be your sole responsibility.

Non-Transferable
- Documents issued are non-transferable. These documents may include, but are not limited to, airline tickets, hotel vouchers, tour vouchers, or any other document that confirms an arrangement with a service provider.
- These documents may also be subject to conditions such as, but not limited to, being nonrefundable, non-date-changeable, and subject to cancellation or amendment fees.

Payment & Credit Card Transactions
- If, for any reason, a travel service provider cannot deliver the services you contracted for, your remedy lies with the provider and not with The Black Onyx Group, LLC.
- If you paid The Black Onyx Group, LLC by credit card, you agree not to seek a chargeback for your payment to The Black Onyx Group, LLC.
- If your credit card or check is declined, you are responsible for promptly settling any amounts owed to The Black Onyx Group, LLC, via money order or another credit card.

Price Variations
- We reserve the right to change published fares in response to fluctuations in exchange rates or price increases by service providers.  All prices are subject to availability and may be withdrawn or altered at any time.

Taxes and Baggage Fees
- Baggage allowance and restrictions apply to all airlines. These can vary, so you should contact the airline you are traveling with for specific restrictions. Some airlines may charge fees for checked baggage.

Cancellation
- Please be aware that travel bookings are non-refundable and non-reroutable.
- Cancelled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100% of the booking cost, regardless of whether the travel has commenced.
- Where we incur any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for that fee or charge.

Travel Insurance
- We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance through our insurance partner, Travel Guard, to protect your travel investment.  

Health and Special Requirements
- Please advise your consultant of any special requirements you may have, such as special meals, medical requirements, and so on.

Refusal of Service
- Service providers reserve the right to refuse service to travelers for the following reasons: The traveler:
- Lacks proper documentation for the country of destination
- Has a contagious disease
- Is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics
- Manifests disruptive and/or unruly behavior

December 2024

THE BLACK ONYX GROUP, LLC PRIVACY POLICY
We will only collect personal information that is relevant for the purposes for which it is to be used. We will take reasonable steps to ensure that data is reliable for its intended use, accurate, complete, and current. We may use personally identifiable information in several ways, such as:

• To communicate with you about your account, or to communicate information about the Website.
• To build higher quality, more useful services such as by analyzing usage trends, and by measuring demographics and interests regarding specific areas of the Website.
• To provide you with prompt and effective customer service.
• To support the operation of the Website (such as account maintenance and record keeping), troubleshoot problems, resolve disputes, and to enforce our terms and conditions.
• To inform you about our services.
• Ancillary purpose such as any one or more of the following purposes:
  • Identification of fraud or error;
  • Regulatory reporting and compliance;
    • Developing, improving and marketing our products and services;
    • Servicing our relationship with you by, among other things, providing updates on promotions and services we think may interest you;
    • Involving you in market research gauging customer satisfaction and seeking feedback regarding our relationship with you;
    • To facilitate your participation in loyalty programs;
    • To analyze trends in sales and travel destinations;
    • For marketing activities; and
    • Internal accounting and administration.

Disclosure of personal information to Third Parties

We may disclose personally identifiable information about you to Third Parties as follows:

• With your consent.
• To facilitate a transaction or communication with a Third Party that you have initiated. 
• To our agents and advisors (such as our accountants or attorneys). We only disclose the personal information necessary for them to provide their services to you or to us, and only under strict confidentiality restrictions. 
• As we believe necessary to: (1) comply with law (including court and government orders, and civil subpoenas); (2) enforce or apply our terms and conditions and rules and regulations and other agreements; or (3) protect the rights, property, or safety of our users, or others.
• If you partake (or we reasonably suspect that you are partaking) in any illegal or potentially illegal activity. We may disclose personal information even without a subpoena, warrant, or other court order, to the extent we feel is necessary to inform and cooperate with law enforcement agencies or other appropriate authorities.
• In aggregated form, i.e., information about multiple users collectively without identifying any individual user, such as the total number of visitors to the Website each week.
  • Due to circumstances beyond our control. We shall take reasonable steps to protect the Information from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. We have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access or disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Despite the precautions we take to protect your personal information, the unfortunate fact is that there is simply no such thing as a perfect security system. Also, we have no control over the security of the internet in general. As a result, we cannot guarantee that unauthorized persons will never gain access to your transmissions or information, or that personal information will never be disclosed in ways not covered by this Policy.
• In connection with a transfer, reorganization or otherwise, to a successor-ininterest to our organization or its other material assets. When a Third-Party acts as our agent, we will ensure that the Third Party is willing to enter into a written agreement requiring the Third Party to provide at least the same level of privacy

December 2024