Myths & Mysteries of Sicily: As Above/So Below - May 2020

We will tour the magnificent archaeological park of Selinunte in southwestern Sicily. The scope and size of its temples will take your breath away while the Sanctuary of Demetre Malophoros will inspire. 

Contact Allison Scola by email at AllisonScola@ExperienceSicily.com or call 646-281-4324 to register or for more information. 

Tony Allicino has been a practitioner of shamanism since 1997 and has taught shamanism workshops, retreats, and led rituals at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY, The Open Center, Shantigar, Journeys to the Soul, Spirit Hollow, Kirkridge, Easton Mountain, Menla House, Dawn Manor, and Shamanic Fire Reiki.

He has studied shamanism traditions with Michael Harner, Sandra Ingerman, Tom Cowan, Christina Pratt, Nan Moss and David Corbin, Uncle Angaangao, Ailo Gaup, and indigenous shamans of North and South America and Nepal; ecstatic dance and movement with Gabrielle Roth, Emilie Conrad and Alessandra Belloni; and tai chi and qigong with Sharon Smith and Juan Li.

A participant of indigenous Sacred Dances throughout the United States, he is a Grail Reiki Master, a graduate of Sandra Ingerman’s Teacher Training Program, a member of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Society of Shamanic Practice (SSP), and a founding member of local Shamanic Drum Circles. He directed LaGuardia Community College’s Center for Complimentary and Alternative Health (2005-2009); coordinates SSP Northeast 2016-2018 Shamans Gathering, and is an SSP Shamanism Without Borders Community Leader. Tony lives in New York City where he hosts a monthly Drum Circle, teaches classes and works with clients.

Allison Scola has been traveling to Sicily regularly since 1996, when at 24 years old, she met her grandmother's sister and her children and grandchildren for the first time. Since the moment she stepped off the train at Palermo's Stazione Centrale, her life has not been the same: she fell in love with Sicily and Sicilians.

Combining more than 20 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, and performing arts with her deep knowledge of Sicily's culture, history, and hidden corners, Allison created Experience Sicily in 2013 with her Sicilian cousin and now business partner Evelina Buttitta. Together, with the mission to delight discerning travelers seeking authentic, locally-seasoned experiences set alongside the region's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Allison and Evelina create unique, personalized itineraries and multi-sensory, small-group tours with the aim to delight their clients with optimal hospitality and service.

ExperienceSicily.com has more than 3000 posts about Sicily written by Allison and covering her travels throughout the region. 

• The tour officially begins with your transfer from Catania Fontanarossa Airport on Mon., May 25, 2020 and officially ends with a group transfer to Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport in Palermo on Sat., June 6, 2020.
• Flights from the U.S. will depart the night before our tour begins (on May 24, 2020) and will arrive the morning or early afternoon of May 25, 2020. Our first group event will be meeting at Catania Fontanarossa Airport on Mon., May 25, 2020 for transportation to our first hotel. Please plan accordingly. The official conclusion of our tour on June 6, 2020 is with check-out of your hotel in Scopello/Castellammare del Golfo, and a group transfer to Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport.
• IMPORTANT: Fly into Catania airport and out of Palermo airport.

• Tour price includes costs for all excursions, planned entertainment and ticket prices, tour transportation, and all but nine meals (Includes all breakfasts, nine lunches, and six dinners). Consult day-by-day descriptions for details. 
• The trip price is for double occupancy and does not include airfare. There is a single supplement fee of $950. If you wish to share a room with someone, we will try to match you with another single on the trip.
• Tour price does not include international airfare, travel insurance, mini-bar purchases, room service, or personal purchases and gifts.
• The meals included in the tour price include 2 glasses of wine and/or soft drinks per meal. If you wish to enjoy additional wine or other alcoholic beverages beyond this allotment, you are welcome to purchase them separately from the group’s bill.
• The cost of this tour does not include travel insurance; however, it is highly recommended that you purchase a comprehensive plan to cover the costs of your airfare, tour, loss of luggage, and medical expenses. Please ask us for quotations for insurance. Experience Sicily can advise and assist your purchase of travel insurance, providing you with competitive quotations. 
• Gratuities are included. Any additional recognition of our drivers, hosts, and guides is at your discretion.

• The boutique nature of this itinerary means that it is subject to change as we get closer to departure. Our objective is to include activities and events that are tailored to our guests’ interests. Therefore, in most cases, changes will enhance your experience, as it is our mission to provide you with the most memorable experience in Sicily.
• Details about our accommodations will be released once you have paid in full. All information will be emailed to you about 30 days before departure. A complete, printed trip packet with preparation information will be sent via post.
• Sicily is a large region that requires significant driving. It is also very mountainous and, as a result, has many winding roads. We have designed the itinerary to break up the driving as much as possible, but on some days, long drives will be necessary. If you suffer from motion sickness, please bring motion-sickness medication with you. Please alert Allison Scola as to what will make you most comfortable.
• You must be in good physical health to enjoy this tour. Although we will not be engaging in physically rigorous excursions, there is a significant amount of walking on various surfaces and types of terrain as well as standing for extended periods of time, especially at archaeological sites. NB Slower travelers may have to self-elect to refrain from various activities so not to inhibit the rest of the group's enjoyment. If you require a cane or similar instrument to walk, please alert Allison Scola prior to registering for the tour. 
• Please inform us in advance regarding any dietary restrictions, food allergies, physical limitations, and other personal concerns.
• Photographs or, in some cases, videos of participants of Experience Sicily may be used for educational and promotional purposes by Experience Sicily. Participants expressly consent to this manner of promotional use when reservations are completed.
• Experience Sicily appreciates constructive criticism and feedback. If you have any suggestions or issues while on the tour, please approach Allison Scola privately to discuss thoughts and solutions.

Responsibility Statement

Scola Communications Solutions, LLC d/b/a Experience Sicily (“Experience Sicily”) acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Experience Sicily, its respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person performing these services. Experience Sicily does not accept responsibility for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, labor strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided.Experience Sicily is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/trips it arranges. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects. 

Once you express interest in registering for this tour, a Welcome Letter will be sent to you that explains our cancellation policies and other important notes to consider. 

Contact Allison Scola by email at AllisonScola@ExperienceSicily.com or call 646-281-4324 to register or for more information.