ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

FITNESS LEVEL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

At Hosted Holidays, we want every guest to have a safe, relaxed, and rewarding travel experience.   To help ensure this, we kindly ask that you confirm at the time of booking that you are physically fit and able to take part in activities in the itinerary.

This tour is designed to be enriching, scenic, and immersive, combining guided visits with some leisure time. Moderate physical activity is involved, including walking on uneven surfaces such as ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, and some stairs. You should be comfortable walking for up to two hours at a time and able to manage occasional steps without assistance.

While the pace is generally relaxed, some days include longer excursions or standing during guided tours. A moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy the experience. While the tour uses private air-conditioned coaches for intercity travel, many key attractions—especially in historic towns—are only accessible on foot.

 If you have mobility challenges, vision impairments, or use mobility aids such as canes or walkers, we recommend discussing the tour suitability with your travel advisor before booking. While efforts are made to accommodate varying needs, this tour is not recommended for travellers with significant mobility limitations.

 Our experienced tour leaders are trained to accommodate a range of abilities within the group. However, if they believe that a particular activity may present a safety risk to you or others—or may impact the overall enjoyment of the group—they are authorised, in line with our Booking Conditions, to advise you to skip that activity. These decisions are never made lightly, and your wellbeing is always our priority. Please note that if you are asked to sit out part of the tour, refunds are not provided, and any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement when travelling with Hosted Holidays. Your policy must cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations or delays, and lost or stolen luggage. We recommend organising insurance at the time of booking to ensure you’re covered immediately for unforeseen circumstances. Ensure your insurance is valid for the entire duration of your trip and carry both printed and digital copies for easy access.

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUITTE

Sicily:

• It’s customary to greet with a friendly “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” depending on the time of day.
• Modesty is appreciated when visiting religious sites—cover shoulders and knees.
• Don’t order a Cappuccino after midday – it is simply not done!

Malta:

• Maltese society is respectful and conservative—modest dress is expected in churches.
• A handshake is the common form of greeting.
• English is widely spoken, but a simple “Grazie” (Thank you) is always appreciated.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passports

All information provided is based on Australian Passport holders only – please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible if you are travelling on a different passport.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Europe. This is a strict requirement for entry.
• Ensure you have at least one blank page for stamping—this is required for the entry visa.
• All Australian nationals require a European Travel Information and Authorisations System (ETIAS).  This authorises a stay in Europe of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Hosted Holidays will apply for this prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that you print and bring a copy of the ETIAS approval notice with you. 

 FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Sicilian and Maltese cuisines offer a rich variety of fresh, flavourful dishes, including seafood, pasta, and local specialties like Marsala wine and Modica chocolate. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please ensure that you have advised your travel agent via the booking form, well in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs throughout the trip. All requirements will be passed onto our venues and catered for to the best of their ability.

MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for Italy and Malta; however, travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations. Consult your GP about travel-related vaccinations or any concerns, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Medical facilities are of good standard in cities but more limited in rural areas.  Basic over-the-counter medications (e.g., for motion sickness, headaches) should be brought from home.  Be sure to bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications, in original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your GP on letterhead listing your prescribed medication.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

 With a mix of sightseeing, coastal strolls, and cultural visits, packing smart is key to enjoying your journey through Sicily and Malta. May in the Mediterranean is one of the best times to visit.  Days are mild to warm, and evenings are generally comfortable and cool.  Pack light but practical. Bring layers to adapt to changing temperatures, particularly in the evenings.

To ensure a comfortable and respectful journey, here's what we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable walking shoes (non-slip, supportive)
• Light jacket or sweater for evenings
• Casual daytime clothing
• Smart casual outfits for dinners
• Modest clothing for religious sites (shoulders/knees covered)
• Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Light raincoat or compact umbrella
• Power adapter (Type C/F, 230V) and power bank
• Swimwear (for hotel pools or beach stops)
• Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip + extra in case of delays)
• Copy of prescriptions (in case refills are needed)
• Over-the-counter medications:
•     Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
•     Anti-nausea tablets (for ferry to Malta)
•     Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts
•     Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
•     Motion sickness tablets (for ferry ride or coach travel)
•  
• Small first-aid kit: Band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipes/cream
• Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes
• Copies of passport, insurance & key documents

CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

Sicily (May): 17°C – 25°C (mild to warm days, cool evenings)

Malta (May): 18°C – 26°C (sunny and pleasant)

Rainfall is minimal but pack a light jacket or umbrella just in case.

Beaches and outdoor cafes are starting to come alive, but without the peak summer crowds.

MONEY MATTERS

The currency used in both Sicily and Malta is the Euro (€). The rate of exchange fluctuates however as a guide $1.00 AUD equates to approximately .56 Euro.  It is recommended to check the exchange rate closer to departure.

ATMs & Credit Card
ATMs are widely available in both Sicily and Malta.  Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most restaurants, shops and hotels. Smaller stores and rural areas may be cash-only, especially for small purchases so it is recommended to carry some cash.

Spending Money During Your Trip:
Spending habits vary by traveller, but you should allow enough cash for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, optional excursions, laundry, or personal expenses during your free time. While some expenses can be paid by card, smaller purchases and tips are best handled in Euro.

Gratuities:
Gratuities for included activities and meals are already covered in your Hosted Holiday, however, tips for optional tours or personal services are at your discretion. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up or leaving 5–10% at restaurants is customary.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Power outlets in both countries use the European standard Type C or F plugs (two round pins) with a standard voltage of 230V —bringing a suitable adapter is essential to keep your devices charged throughout the trip.  Consider bringing a power bank for electronic devices while on the go.

Staying connected during your trip is easy, as most hotels, cafes, and public areas in Sicily and Malta offer reliable Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is generally strong, but signal strength can vary in remote locations or older buildings. If you’d like consistent access to data and local calls, you can easily purchase a local SIM card or eSIM on arrival at the airport or from major telecom providers. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Your Emirates Airlines economy ticket includes 23kg of checked baggage per passenger, plus one piece of cabin baggage up to 7kg.

SAFETY

Sicily and Malta are generally safe destinations but, as with any travel, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Tap water is safe to drink in most places, but bottled water is widely available. Please advise your Tour Host of any medical conditions or mobility concerns prior to departure.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, cash and other valuable items. Please leave other valuables, such as jewellery, at home. Most accommodations provide safety deposit boxes, an excellent way of storing your valuables. We also advise you to keep a photocopy of your passport, separate from your actual passport, when you travel.

A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your Host will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. You should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions, which do not form part of the trip you have booked with Hosted Holidays. We can offer assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Hosted Holidays, nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organise these.

As in all countries, taking photos of police stations, border crossings, immigration controls, army barracks, military personnel or checkpoints, airports or political demonstrations is never a good idea, often illegal, and very likely to land you in trouble with the authorities.

Swimming and other water-based activities are always undertaken at your own risk.

Please also note that your Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FUN FACTS

• Mt. Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and Europe’s highest.
• The Valley of the Temples houses some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside Greece.
• Malta's Ġgantija Temples are older than the pyramids of Egypt!
• Modica’s chocolate is made using an ancient Aztec method introduced during Spanish rule.
• Mdina, Malta’s “Silent City,” has served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. 

  HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Carry Euro (€) cash for small purchases; cards are accepted widely in larger towns.
• Wear comfortable shoes – cobblestone streets and archaeological sites are common.
• Carry small change for public toilets.
• Always have bottled water and sunscreen during sightseeing.
• Try local dishes! Sicilian arancini and Maltese rabbit stew are must-tastes.

Note: All information provided is intended as a general guide only and is correct at the time of preparation. Conditions, timings, prices, and inclusions may change without notice due to factors such as weather, operational requirements, or local regulations. Hosted Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for variations beyond our control. We recommend checking closer to departure for the most up-to-date details, and please be aware that all optional activities are subject to availability and minimum participant numbers.