Rick Steves Sicily Tour

I didn't go on a tour to Sicily, I traveled there with a friend as a side trip from Malta. I can tell you that, given its size and attractions in every corner, 11 days is definitely not too much. A tour will only hit the highlights (and 11 days is really more like 10 because the official tour starts at dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day). I wouldn't be concerned about the length being too long. I would say that it's an easy place to travel on your own even exclusively by public transport, except that many Sicilians who are not young or in the tourist industry don't speak English (so knowing some Italian helps).

I took this tour March 2018.
It was NOT to long! Sicily is pretty large, and full of interesting sites. Eleven days just skimmed the surface. A great tour!

I’ve taken the tour and only wished it were at least 3 days longer. Sicily is fascinating with so much to see and experience. I also felt that of the 14 tours I’ve taken this was the one with the least non-planned free time. It seems like we were always doing something.

We've taken this tour twice (the itineraries were slightly different) and I can assure you it is not too long. On the contrary, we wished for more time at every stop (well, most of them) and have suggested that a few days be added. Take a look at the itinerary, then take a good look at a map of Sicily. Notice how much of the island is not even touched on the tour.

It's a good tour.

Joy,

I've taken the RS Sicily tour and it's definitely not too long. The tour covers a lot of territory and there were times I wished we'd be spending one more night in some places. There's lots to enjoy in Sicily so spending too much time there would not be a problem for me.

I have taken the RS Sicily tour. I'm not sure that I understand the question, but as far as I was concerned I saw a great deal of Sicily but not all of it by any means. I have never done a river cruise, but I can think of a few differences based on what I've heard about cruises.

-- You will have to change hotels, multiple times. On a RS tour, you'll need to be prepared to carry your own luggage to/from your bus that carries you from one place to another. There may be stairs in certain locations to reach your room, and you'll need to be prepared to handle this on your own. (There are other tour companies which offer different levels of service. Some require you to carry your own things. Some tours move your luggage for you. Picking a tour company that works for you means deciding what you want in a tour.)

-- You will be transported from location to location with the rest of your tour group. You are not required to be best friends with the rest of the people. You will need to notify your tour group leader if you decide to take off on your own. Sometimes taking off on your own isn't possible if your day trip takes you in another direction from the rest of the group. Distances matter in cases like this.
There is free time built into various locations, but as a general rule you'll need to be prepared to review the itinerary and see if it best fits what you want to see/do in Sicily. (This is the same for every tour group. A tour group affords you the convenience of arranged transportation and entrance to various sites, pre-arranged accommodations, some meals & an expert guide. But for me the key to picking the right tour/right tour company means being honest with myself about what I want.)

-- There will be times when the group has meals together. You're not required to eat with others, but you may need to share a table at certain locations based on size/time constraints. (RS tours have a 'no grump' policy. It's meant as humor, but it does reflect the overall RS tour experience. Packing a sense of humor and a willingness to experience new things makes any tour better.)

-- If this is your first trip to Italy, be sure to read up on the country. Sicily is unique in many respects, as all areas of Italy are unique. The base of Mount Etna was different (to me) from walking through the streets of Palermo.

I may not have answered your question, but I was trying to think about differences that I could imagine between a boat tour and a bus tour. I have traveled with multiple tour companies, including RS. My key is picking out what's the most important thing to see/do and then find the tour that reaches those places. I also read up on how the tours work, and I pick something that works for my travel style. I like having a private room & a private bathroom. I like having breakfast provided on each day. I like tours that offer local experts & local guides. RS tours offers all of these things, plus some unique features. Every tour company has unique features. Again, you have to compare tour amenities, price, and your own time constraints.

I hope you find a tour that works for you, whether it's RS or something else. I did find the RS Sicily tour to give me a comprehensive experience & met my expectations.

I too have taken the Sicily tour and agree that it's not too long. In fact, I spent a few extra days in Palermo before the tour to see some interesting sights not included (e.g. Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel) and could easily have spent a few extra days at the end. As others have said, Sicily is a big island and the tour only covers some of its highlights. Each area covered by the tour has its own distinct feel and so you won't be experiencing the same thing again and again.

I just finished reading all of your responses to my Sicily question. They've all been very helpful. Thank you all very much. Your information will certainly help my husband and me to make a decision.
We've never taken a guided land tour before. We have been spoiled on river cruises with unpacking one time! Thanks again. Happy travels!

I just finished this tour and would recommend at least 1-2 days before the tour in Palermo. The tour barely scratches the surface there and there's a lot more to see. Also, an extra day in Catania for same reason.

If you're really adventurous you might even extend the time and see areas the tour doesn't get to. I did before the tour and it was most satisfying.

Finally, as the itinerary indicates, this is one of Rick's most active tours. Plan on it. You'll do a lot of walking and being on your feet. It's all worth it of you're up to it.

We travelled on our own, then took a cruise, then 7 RS tours. We love the RS tours because of the attitude of other travelers, the small number of travelers, the expertise of the guides and local guides. Also, the no tipping policy, and having some free time. On the cruise we were always wanting to stay out in the evening at our stop, but had to reboard the boat on time. Love those evening strolls!
We have made some good friends on these tours and have traveled with some again.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a Great Time!
Mimi

Joy, perhaps you are thinking that there's not that much to see there, for 11 days. Oh my, that is not true! History? More Greek ruins than in Greece. Food? Great restaurants everywhere. Exciting contemporary life in old cities - you feel like you're in a movie set. The RS tour does a fantastic job of showing you a variety of interesting things, while also giving you the free time to explore on your own. That's the value of having a guided tour. You could visit all the places on the tour independently and not see half of what we saw. The tour provides efficiency, not hand-holding.

But do yourself a favor and get there at least one day early, or you will be too tired and jetlagged to start the tour. And maybe avoid July-August when it is really hot. Depending on where you live, a good flight itinerary can be a bit difficult.