Welcome to the briefing evening for the Geography Tour to Sicily

1. Welcome to the briefing evening for the Geography Tour to Sicily Tuesday 29th April 2008

3. Day One – Saturday 24th May 2008 Travel Day • Meet at School at 3 a.m. (YES, 3 a.m.!) Coach leaves at 3.15 a.m. sharp. • Flight Ryanair FR3916 departs London Stansted Airport at 06:10hrs • Flight FR3916 arrives Palermo Airport at 10.10hrs (Italian time) • Italian coach departs Palermo Airport for Piazza Armerina Guided Tour • Arrival at the Hotel Solemar

4. Flight Information Airline: Ryanair Flight Number: 3916 (Outward flight) 3919 (Return flight) Luggage Allowance: • Checked Baggage Allowance: 15kg • Cabin Baggage Allowance: One piece of hand luggage no more than 10kg. Maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm Security restrictions mean that no liquids greater than 100ml may be carried in hand luggage. Liquids (including creams, gels, pastes and aerosols) less than 100ml may be carried in hand luggage if they are carried in a single transparent re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm. No sharp objects (scissors, tweezers etc) may be carried in hand luggage.

5. Documents Needed • An EU Passport or necessary visa • An European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – available from the Post Office All documentation will be looked after by allocated group leaders

6. Hotel Solemar Via Lungomare 98030 Sant’Alessio Siculo From UK: (0039) 0942 75 61 41 (USE IN EMERGENCIES ONLY)

8. Day Two – Sunday 25th May 2008 Full Day Visit to Mount Etna Volcano Cable car, 4x4 Jeep and guide

9. MOUNT ETNA

16. Day Three – Monday 26th May 2008 Morning: Visit to Giardini Naxos Late morning: Visit to the Alcantara Gorge Afternoon: Visit to Taormina

17. GIARDINI NAXOS

20. ALCANTARA GORGE

24. TAORMINA

28. Day Four – Tuesday 27th May 2008 Full Day: Visit to the Island of Vulcano

29. AEOLIAN ISLANDS: VULCANO

39. Day Five – Wednesday 28th May 2008 Travel Day Morning at leisure on the Hotel’s beach Hot lunch before departure 13.00hrs Departure from the Hotel Solemar for Cefalu Flight Ryanair FR3919 departs Palermo Airport at 21:10hrs Flight FR3919 arrives London Stansted Airport at 23.15hrs (UK time)

40. CEFALÙ

43. Food and Drink • Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. • First meal included: dinner on evening of arrival • Last meal provided: lunch on day of departure • Provision for meals on each journey required • Boys will need to purchase their own drinks at meal times. • Any special dietary needs will be catered for (however, it would be advisable to supplement this with snacks).

44. Money • Current exchange rate of around 1.3 Euros to the Pound. • We recommend that your son brings a maximum £20.00 per day (for food, drink and souvenirs). • Your son should bring Euros rather than Stirling. • Bring money in a sealed envelope with your son’s name and the amount written on the front (this will then be kept in the hotel safe when not needed). Your son is responsible for the money he carries with him. You might like to specify an amount for each day.

45. Safety • Do not take expensive items. • Do not leave valuables in your room. • Zip money away in an inside pocket or bring a money belt. • Do not dangle cameras on wrists. • Give money to your group leader sealed in an envelope with your name on it. • Fasten all bags. • Remain in groups of no less than three. • Always be aware of the allocatedmeeting point. • Do not stray off paths. • Follow all instructions from members of staff.

46. Clothing Weather: average temperature for Sicily in May is 18 0C. http://weather.yahoo.com – Europe / Italy / C / Catania / 0C. This will give you the 5 day forecast. • A water proof jacket • Walking shoes/boots (in a plastic bag) • A couple of warm jumpers • Sturdy shoes or trainers • Comfortable casual wear • Spring/Summer clothing (i.e. T-shirts) • Swim wear and towel for visit to the mud baths • Beach towel

47. Essential Items • Camera / batteries / charger • Adapter plug • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, towel) • An ample supply of medication • Food supplements (if required) • MP3 player • Mobile phones optional • Sun cream (at least SPF 15) / sun hat • Day rucksack / bag (to carry packed lunch, camera etc)

48. Medication / Personal Information Please ensure that you have checked the form given to you on arrival. IF THERE ARE ANY AMENDMENTS REQUIRED, YOU MUST RETURN WITH THE AMENDMENTS THIS EVENING. • You must advise Mr Enright if your son’s medical needs change before the trip. • Ensure that your son has an adequate supply of medication with him (Teachers are not authorised to give out any medication, including headache tablets).

49. Emergencies • In the event of an accident, contact the numbers given in the booklet. • Please use these emergency numbers sparingly. • Boys will have free time in the evenings during which they will be able to telephone home. • Mobile phones require ‘roaming’ facility to be activated. Check with provider about call charges. Please ensure that your son has sufficient credit if he has a ‘pay as you go’ mobile.