18 Day Nonna's Southern Italian Road Trip with Sicily

• 17 nights in 4-star hotels
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
• Internal flight from Rome to Palermo
• Coastal boat tour along the Amalfi Coast
• Visit to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
• Wine tasting with light lunch in Marsala
• Mount Etna excursion
• Dedicated private transportation throughout (excluding the internal flight)
• Fully escorted by English-speaking tour leaders with local guides at key sites
• Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary

• Sulmona – Confetti Museum visit
• Costa dei Trabocchi – Dinner on a traditional trabocco
• Trani – Harbour and waterfront visit
• Alberobello – UNESCO World Heritage trulli district
• Ostuni – Old town visit
• Puglia – Olive oil tasting at a local mill
• Lecce – Guided Baroque city walking tour
• Lecce – Ceramics and pottery workshop
• Otranto – Old town visit
• Matera – Guided Sassi walking tour
• Civita – Guided Arbëreshë village tour and pasta demonstration
• Calabria – Regional wine and produce tasting at a local farm
• Riviera dei Cedri – Half-day coastal excursion
• Campania – Buffalo mozzarella farm visit and tasting
• Paestum – Guided ancient Greek archaeological site tour
• Amalfi Coast – Ferry and coastal boat tour including Positano
• Pompeii – Guided archaeological site tour
• Anagni – Villa Papale visit
• Palermo – Guided walking tour
• Monreale – Cathedral visit
• Erice – Medieval village visit
• Marsala – Historic cellar visit and wine tasting
• Agrigento – Valley of the Temples
• Ragusa Ibla – Baroque old town visit
• Noto – Baroque town visit
• Siracusa – Ortygia Island visit
• Mount Etna – Volcano excursion
• Taormina – Hilltop town visit

Please note: All add-ons, including upgrades, pre/post accommodation, and optional tours, are subject to availability until confirmed by our operators. We recommend waiting for final confirmation of all itinerary components before making irreversible bookings like flights.

Upgrades
Not available

Airport Transfers
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellersWhen booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,000.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. 

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available

Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation, which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list.
If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in; however, this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.
Note: If you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.

Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. These must be booked at least 70 days prior to departure.

To make your own way to your hotel from the airport, it is recommended to use taxis booked from an official taxi booking desk at the airport, or alternatively you can use ride share apps such as Uber.
If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance.

Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.

Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.

When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.

Welcome Meeting Instructions
You are welcome to arrive at any time on Day 1 of your tour in Rome and the day is at your leisure.
On Day 2, your tour leader will host a welcome meeting before the day's activities commence. Please ensure you are on time. Your tour leader will share the meeting time and location with you at the hotel.

On Day 12, after your internal flight from Rome to Palermo, you will be met in Palermo and joined by a new tour leader and a new group of fellow travellers for the Sicily portion of your journey. A second welcome meeting will take place that evening prior to your welcome dinner. Some travellers from your Southern Italian leg may not be continuing on the Sicily portion.

In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it is essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative so they can take immediate action to address the problem and minimise any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

If your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction, please request that the matter be escalated to their direct manager for further assistance.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this information on arrival during your welcome meeting.

Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.

If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.

Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am–12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments exploring the area, or speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost payable directly.

Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber or Didi. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.

Tour Suitability

• This tour includes considerable walking on uneven surfaces, including cobblestones in historic centres such as Rome, Lecce, Matera, Ragusa Ibla, Noto and Siracusa. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Some sites involve stairs and steep climbs — including the Sassi of Matera, Erice's medieval streets, and Mount Etna. If you have mobility concerns or a fear of heights, please consider this carefully when assessing the tour.
• Mount Etna excursions are weather dependent and the altitude reached (up to approximately 1,800 metres) may be affected by conditions on the day. Cooler clothing is required for this excursion regardless of season.
• The Amalfi Coast boat tour is weather dependent and may be substituted with an alternative coastal experience in the event of unfavourable conditions.
• Italian summers (June to August) can be extremely hot, particularly in Sicily, Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. Travellers should evaluate whether this season is suitable for their personal heat tolerance and pack accordingly with sun protection and hydration in mind.
• Many of our tours are the combination of several smaller journeys. You may join a group where some travellers have already been together prior to your arrival, or some of your fellow passengers may be travelling onwards when your tour comes to a finish. If you'd like more information on alternative tour options or extensions, please feel free to contact us.

Country Specific Notes 

This combined tour visits mainland Italy (Lazio, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia) and the island of Sicily. While Sicily is part of Italy, travellers will notice a distinct regional identity, dialect, cuisine and pace of life compared to the mainland. 

Visas & Entry Requirements

Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here: 

https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information 

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while traveling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

Child Policy

This tour is suitable for adult travellers. Please contact our Customer Support team if you are considering travelling with children, so we can advise on suitability and any age restrictions.

Pace

This tour category is: Lively

This tour covers a significant distance across mainland Italy and Sicily over 18 days, with regular hotel changes, full sightseeing days, and an internal flight at the halfway point. Most days involve early starts and 2–4 hours of walking, often on uneven hist

Activity and Mobility

This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5 – Balanced
This tour involves a mix of city walking, heritage sites with stairs, and some uneven and elevated terrain. Travellers should be confident on their feet for the full duration of the tour.

Activity snapshot

• Activity: Balanced, with a mix of historic centre walking, archaeological sites, hilltop towns and one volcano excursion.
  Typical walking distances: Approximately 2–5 km on sightseeing days, with some heavier days when multiple sites are combined (e.g. Pompeii, Matera, Agrigento).

Mobility requirements

• Mobility: Travellers must be able to walk unaided on uneven surfaces for extended periods, climb stairs, and board boats, coaches and a domestic flight without assistance.
  Walking Surfaces: Cobblestones, stone steps, ancient ruins, hill town inclines, volcanic gravel and rocky coastal paths.

Terrain & environment

• Expect a mix of urban historic centres (Rome, Lecce, Palermo), elevated hilltop and cliffside towns ( Erice, Taormina, Ragusa Ibla), archaeological sites with uneven ground (Pompeii, Valley of the Temples), and a volcanic landscape (Mount Etna). Several of these locations are not wheelchair accessible and have no step-free alternative routes.

As a general requirement across all of our tours, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your tour.

Group Size

Minimum: 10 people, Maximum: 25 people

Please note that on Day 12, your group composition will change. You will be joined by new travellers continuing only on the Sicily leg, and some travellers from the Southern Italian leg may not be continuing on to Sicily.

Escorted Style

This tour is fully escorted by multiple dedicated tour leaders who will accompany you throughout the tour. You will be met by a new tour leader in Palermo for the Sicily leg of your journey. The internal flight from Rome to Palermo on Day 12 will be unescorted. Your tour leaders will coordinate with each other to ensure a seamless transition.

Tour Type

Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Unwind in premium accommodations after each day filled with sightseeing alongside your dedicated tour leader, leaving you free to explore at your own pace during designated free time. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Visas (including ETIAS where applicable)
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Tipping
• Personal expenses
• Drinks with meals unless specifically stated as included
• City taxes payable directly at hotels
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Getting Around

While touring mainland Italy, you will travel by private coach. On Day 12, you will fly from Rome to Palermo on a domestic flight. In Sicily, you will travel by private coach. For some coach journeys, where applicable there will be comfort stops along the way where you can freshen up, stretch your legs, use the bathroom and often, purchase refreshments. Generally, lunch stops will be taken at rest stops as they can easily accommodate our groups.

The Amalfi Coast portion of the tour includes a coastal boat tour. Please note that boat operations are weather dependent and substitutions may apply.

Hotel Ratings

Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.

Accommodation Details
This tour features a curated selection of 4-star hotels across mainland Italy and Sicily. Each accommodation has been carefully chosen for its location, comfort and convenience, with the aim of giving you authentic experiences across each region.

Packing Essentials

• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good grip (essential for cobblestones, ruins and Mount Etna)
• Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm Mediterranean days
• A warmer layer for evenings, hilltop towns and the Mount Etna excursion
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella, particularly for shoulder season travel
• Modest clothing for church and religious site visits (shoulders and knees covered)
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Smart-casual outfit for dinners
• Travel adaptor (Italy uses Type C, F and L plugs, 230V)
• Personal medications in original packaging
• Day pack for sightseeing

Climate

• Spring (March–May): Mild and increasingly warm, with occasional rain. Pleasant in Rome, Puglia and Sicily; cooler at altitude on Mount Etna.
• Summer (June–August): Hot and dry across the south, often above 30°C in Sicily, Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. Coastal areas remain busy; Ferragosto (mid-August) is particularly crowded.
• Autumn (September–October): Warm days, cooler evenings, generally settled weather and excellent for sightseeing.
• Winter (November–February): The tour does not typically run in deep winter, but November can be cool and damp; pack layers and waterproofs.
• Mount Etna: Significantly cooler and more exposed than coastal Sicily year-round. Warm layers required regardless of season.

Currency and ATMs

The official currency throughout the tour is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available across both mainland Italy and Sicily, and major credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Small cafes, market stalls, rural bakeries and some family-run trattorias may be cash-only or have a minimum card spend, so it is sensible to carry a small amount of cash for daily expenses. Contactless payments via card or phone are widely accepted in cities.

Food and Allergies

Italian cuisine is regional, varied and one of the great pleasures of this tour. In Lazio and Campania, expect classic Roman pastas (cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana), pizza born in Naples, and the seafood and lemon-led cooking of the Amalfi Coast. Puglia offers orecchiette pasta, burrata, focaccia and incredible olive oil. Matera and Basilicata bring rustic country cooking, peperoni cruschi and slow-cooked meats.

Sicily is a cuisine in its own right — heavily influenced by Arab, Greek, Norman and Spanish history. Expect arancini, pasta alla Norma, swordfish, fresh ricotta, cannoli, granita, Marsala wine and pistachios from Bronte. Street food in Palermo (panelle, sfincione, pane con la milza for the brave) is a highlight.
For those with dietary restrictions, vegetarian options are plentiful — pasta, pizza, antipasti and vegetable side dishes are widely available. Vegan and gluten-free options have improved significantly in recent years, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas, but can be more limited in smaller towns. Coeliac travellers should be aware that flour-based products are everywhere; let us know in advance so we can flag this with your tour leader and partner restaurants.

While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of culinary offerings in Italy and Sicily. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Guide or Local Guide will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your tour. For those with a particular food allergy, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Guide will endeavour to advise the main ingredients in the dishes consumed. It is, however, still your responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any problematic ingredients.

Local Customs

Italians value courtesy, presentation and personal connection. A simple buongiorno (good morning) or buonasera (good evening) is appreciated when entering shops, cafes and restaurants. Greetings between acquaintances often involve a light kiss on each cheek; a handshake is appropriate in more formal or first-time encounters.

Religion plays a strong cultural role, particularly in the south and in Sicily. When visiting churches, cathedrals and religious sites, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove hats, and keep your voice low. Photography is sometimes restricted, especially during services.

Meals are social and unhurried — lunch is typically taken between 1pm and 3pm, and dinner rarely starts before 7.30pm or 8pm. Coffee customs matter: cappuccino is generally a morning drink, while espresso is enjoyed throughout the day, usually at the bar standing up.

Dress Code

Italians tend to dress smartly even in casual settings, and travellers are encouraged to pack accordingly. Lightweight, breathable clothing works well for the climate, but please ensure shoulders and knees are covered when visiting churches and religious sites — this includes Monreale Cathedral, Palermo Cathedral, and churches throughout Rome, Puglia and Matera. Beachwear should be confined to beach and resort settings.

A smart-casual outfit is recommended for evenings and included dinners. Comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes are essential — heels and brand-new shoes are not suitable for cobblestones or ancient sites.

Responsible Dining

Avoid consuming endangered species or items harvested unsustainably. Be respectful of local customs and food practices, and always tip fairly to support local workers. Responsible dining helps protect the environment and promotes the well-being of local communities.

Tipping

Tipping in Italy is not as heavily expected as in some other countries, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small tip of a few euros or rounding up the bill is customary. Many restaurants apply a coperto (cover charge) or servizio (service charge) directly on the bill — where this is the case, additional tipping is not expected.
For your Tour Leader and local guides, tipping is at your discretion and is a thoughtful way to acknowledge exceptional service. Your Tour Leader can provide guidance on local tipping customs during the tour.

Peak Travel Times

Peak travel times in Italy are primarily influenced by the warm Mediterranean climate, summer holidays, and major cultural events. The most popular time to visit is from June to September, with July and August the busiest months. Ferragosto (15 August) is a major Italian public holiday and popular destinations — including the Amalfi Coast, Puglia and Sicily — can be significantly more crowded and accommodation rates higher.

Shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October offer a more relaxed experience, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and generally better availability.

Major cultural events that affect visitor numbers include Easter week, the Festino di Santa Rosalia in Palermo (July), the Taormina Film Festival (June/July), and harvest season in Sicily (September/October). Mount Etna may also experience visitor surges during volcanic activity events.

Safety and Security

Italy is generally a safe country for travellers. As with any popular tourist destination, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas — particularly Rome and Naples train stations, busy market streets in Palermo, and on public transport. Keep valuables secure, use a money belt or cross-body bag, and be mindful of your belongings at busy tourist sites.

We recommend keeping a photocopy of your passport separate from the original and storing important documents securely. If you encounter any issues during your tour, please inform your Tour Leader immediately.

Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time.

Apps to Download

Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, where the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on Wi-Fi. We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour.

Itinerary Changes

Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your trip! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our trips. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-trip cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.

If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.

Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it. 

Health, Wellness & Fitness Requirements

All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. If we find that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations

We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.

Open communication helps us ensure your trip is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible. 

Information for CPAP Users

If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping trips, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs. 

Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your trip.

Documentation

Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list. 

Official Travel Advice

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:

• Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
• Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
• Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
• America: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
• Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
• India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:

• Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
• Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
• Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.

By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.

Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook

During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.  

We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip!

Travelling in a Group

Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please ensure that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip before departure.

Community Guidelines

Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options.

Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs Guide

While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire trip, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

Coach Transportation

The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.

While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries,  we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.

For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach.

Staying Connected

If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM may be possible as a final option. 

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential trip information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.

Post-Tour Feedback

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth trip survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your trip has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved.

This is a Land Only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.