Sis-cilian Food Tour 2027: Know Before You Go
Nov 4, 2026
Your answers for Sis-cily 2027 (October 22–30, Palermo to Catania), plus our best advice on the travel we don't organize: flights, airport transfers and arrival timing.
Before you go
Do I need a visa? No. U.S. passport holders can enter Italy without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Two EU border systems (EES and ETIAS, below) are worth knowing about.
How long does my passport need to be valid? We recommend at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. The Schengen minimum is 3 months after departure, and the passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, but a longer buffer avoids problems with airlines. If yours is close, renew it now.
What is the EES, and will it slow me down? Since April 10, 2026, the EU's Entry/Exit System has been fully operational. On your first entry into the Schengen area, border officials take your photo and fingerprints, which replaces the passport stamp. Registration takes about a minute per person, but queues at big airports were long in the first months. If you connect through another European airport (Rome, Frankfurt, Paris and so on), that is where you'll clear the border, so we suggest a layover of at least 2–3 hours.
What about ETIAS? ETIAS is a short online travel authorization (about €20, valid 3 years, tied to your passport) that U.S. travelers will need once it launches. As of late October 2026 it is not in operation, and the EU has not announced a start date. We'll update you well before final payment on August 23, 2027. If it is live by October 2027, apply only on the official EU website (travel-europe.europa.eu); look-alike sites charge extra fees.
Should I make copies of my passport? Yes. Keep a paper copy and a photo on your phone, stored separately from the original.
Do I need travel insurance? We strongly recommend it, and it is not included in the trip price. A good policy covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage and flight delays. Look for medical evacuation coverage, because your U.S. health insurance likely won't cover you abroad. Buy it soon after your first trip payment: some benefits, like pre-existing condition coverage, only apply if you buy within a short window. Our suggestions are International SOS, BCBS and Faye, and we're happy to help you compare.
Should I tell my bank and phone carrier? Yes, both. Ask your bank about travel notices and foreign transaction fees, and check your carrier's international plan or an eSIM before you leave. Make sure WhatsApp is installed and your account is active, since that's how we'll reach you during the trip. Download offline Google Maps for Sicily before you leave home.
Getting there and home
We don't book flights or airport transfers, but we're happy to advise.
Which airports should I use? There are direct flights from JFK and Newark (EWR) to Catania (CTA). Our trip starts in Palermo (PMO) and ends in Catania, so another option is to book a round trip into Rome (FCO), fly with a smaller regional airline from Rome to Palermo, and fly out of Catania. Book once your deposit has secured your spot, and consider a changeable fare.
When should I arrive? Day 1 is Friday, October 22, and our welcome dinner is that evening. We suggest arriving a day or two before the trip begins (October 20 or 21) so you can get used to the time change and settle in. We're happy to provide hotel information, but we don't make the bookings, so you'll book any extra nights yourself.
When should my flight home leave? Day 9 is Saturday, October 30. Book a departure from Catania mid-morning or later, since our last dinner together is the night before.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel? We suggest taking a taxi from the stand outside the airport. We'll send hotel addresses before the trip.
If several sisters land around the same time, we'll set up a thread in our WhatsApp group so you can split a taxi.
What if my flight is delayed and I miss the start? Don't panic. Message us on WhatsApp as soon as you know. Day 1 is arrival and the welcome dinner only, so you won't miss a tour. We'll share the hotel address so you can make your own way and join the group at dinner.
What's the time difference? For the whole trip, Italy is 6 hours ahead of New York and 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles. Italy's clocks go back on October 31, the day after we finish. To fight jet lag, get outside in daylight on Day 1 and try to stay up until evening.
Can anything disrupt flights? Sometimes, ash from Mt. Etna briefly closes the Catania airport, and strikes and weather can cause delays too. That's one more reason to buy travel insurance and to leave a comfortable buffer for any connection on the way home.
Do I need to rent a car? No. All local transportation during the trip is included, and driving in Sicilian city centers is stressful.
Money
Are ATMs easy to find? Yes. ATMs (called bancomat) are common in Palermo, Cefalù, Catania and Noto. Use bank-affiliated ATMs when you can and skip standalone machines in tourist areas, which tend to charge high fees. If an ATM or card reader offers to charge you in dollars, choose euros.
Should I exchange currency here or there? If your bank can order euros for you, do that before you leave. If not, withdraw from an ATM on arrival. Exchanging cash dollars for cash euros is not recommended because the rates are poor.
Do I need cash, or are cards accepted? Most restaurants and shops take cards, but small purchases (under about €10), market snacks, street food and small cafés often prefer cash. We suggest starting with €100–150 in cash. A card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money.
How much should I budget for meals that aren't included? We cover two meals a day, so you only need to plan for one. Our rough estimate is €15–25 per person for lunch and €30–50 for dinner, and much less for street food. Many restaurants add a small cover charge (coperto, usually €1–3 per person), which is normal.
Is tipping customary? It's appreciated but not expected the way it is in the U.S., with one exception: bus drivers and guides do expect a tip. If you enjoyed your meal, rounding up or leaving €1–2 per person is a kind gesture. For exceptional service, 5–10% is generous. You'll never offend anyone by not tipping, but you'll make someone's day if you do.
Do I need extra money for the optional Mt. Etna excursion? Yes. It's 200 euros per person and not included in your trip price. We'll share details on how to reserve it closer to the trip.
Food and dietary needs
What will we be eating? Sicilian cuisine reflects Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Spanish history, so expect regional dishes and pastries, raw and cooked fish, many types of nuts, arancini, granita, volcanic wines and fresh citrus. Food is the focus of this trip, and two meals a day are included. Horse meat is common in Sicily, but we won't have it at any of our group meals.
Can you accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets? Yes, but options may be more limited than you're used to. Let us know when you sign up and we'll do our best.
What about allergies? We'll do our best to accommodate gluten, nut and fish allergies, but we can't guarantee allergen-free meals or avoid cross-contact, and options in Sicily are more limited than at home. Nuts (especially pistachio and almond) and fish show up in many Sicilian dishes, and we visit a pistachio factory. If you have a serious or life-threatening allergy, please contact us before booking so we can talk through whether this trip is right for you.
I'm pregnant or I avoid raw fish. Is that a problem? Raw and undercooked fish and unpasteurized cheeses can appear on menus. Tell us in advance and we'll help you navigate each meal. Check with your doctor about the trip as well.
Is the tap water safe to drink? Tap water is generally considered safe in Sicilian cities, but many locals and visitors prefer bottled water, which is cheap and everywhere. Ask your hotel if you're unsure, and bring a reusable bottle.
When do people eat in Sicily? Sicilians eat really late. Lunch is usually 1–3 p.m., and dinner often doesn't start until 8-9 p.m. or later, so kitchens may be closed in the late afternoon. Grab a granita, arancino or pastry if you get hungry between meals.
During the trip
What app should I use for navigation? Google Maps. We'll share hotel addresses, meeting points and restaurant locations there, and we'll use WhatsApp to stay in touch.
How active is the trip, and is it accessible? Food is the focus, but exploring Sicily is active. Expect plenty of walking on cobblestones, uneven streets, hills and stairs, plus a full day on a boat. The pace is never overly strenuous, but this is a fast-paced itinerary: we change hotels as we go and use private transport daily. You'll need to be comfortable keeping up with the group on your own, without assistance. If you have any mobility concerns, please tell us before you sign up so we can talk through whether the trip is the right fit.
How much free time will I have? Plenty. You'll have a slow morning in Palermo on Day 3, and free evenings in Palermo, Cefalù and Catania on most other days. On those evenings you'll choose your own dinner spot, and we're happy to share our favorites.
What should I know about the boat day in Cefalù? We spend the morning of Day 4 on a boat tour and fishing trip, and whatever we catch is served for lunch. Fishing is optional, and someone has to soak up the sun on deck. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a windbreaker and soft-soled shoes, plus a motion sickness remedy if you're prone. The trip depends on sea conditions; if it can't go ahead safely, we'll adjust the plan together and let you know.
Tell me about the optional Mt. Etna excursion. On Day 6 you can go up Europe's highest active volcano (about 3,400 m, or 11,200 ft). The excursion takes about 2.5 hours and costs 200 euros, and your evening is free either way. You climb in three stages, following the Funivia dell'Etna "Tour 3000" route:
Cable car from the 1,920 m station up to the 2,500 m station. There's a snack bar and a panoramic terrace at the top.
4x4 bus from 2,500 m to 2,800 m. The buses seat 28 people.
Short guided walk with a volcanologist up to about 3,000 m to see the summit craters.
It isn't a true hike, but the walk is on loose volcanic ground at altitude, so take it slowly and expect to feel a bit out of breath. Wind, cloud or volcanic activity can limit how high the group goes or pause the cable car, and the guides make the final call on safety. We'll tell you as soon as we know if the plan has to change. If you have any mobility or health concerns, talk to us before you reserve.
What about the optional pastry tour? On the afternoon of Day 7, a local leads a pastry tour through Catania (cannoli, granita, brioche col tuppo and more). Wear stretchy pants. We'll share the cost and sign-up details closer to the trip.
Are there dress requirements for churches? Italy's rule is covered shoulders and knees, and the cathedrals in Palermo, Cefalù and Catania are popular stops. Carry a light scarf or a light button-up to wrap around your shoulders.
Can I opt out of any activities? Yes, with a heads up. All group activities are planned with everyone in mind, but we understand that rest days happen. If you'd like to skip something, tell us in advance so we aren't waiting on you. Refunds aren't available for included activities you choose not to join.
Who do I contact with other questions? Email us at info@sistercircletravels.com, and use WhatsApp once we're traveling.