It is your responsibility to read and understand the Terms and Conditions, and how they may affect your tour.

 

This agreement supersedes all previous oral or written communications, representations, or agreements between the parties and applies to all tours organised by Mangiare Plus Pty Ltd and sold on this website.

 

Our Contract

All bookings are made with Mangiare Plus Pty Ltd (ABN 63 131 127 681/005) (us/we). By booking a tour with us, you are deemed to have agreed to these booking conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us) and your booking will be accepted by us on this basis.

 

Making Your Travel Plans

Because we limit our group tours to a restricted number of attendees, to ensure a more personal and intimate experience, our tours will only go ahead if we reach a required minimum number of guests.

 

1. Your tour will be confirmed when minimum numbers are reached, at latest by the final balance payment date 120 days prior to tour departure. If a tour is sold out, you can assume it is going ahead.

2. If we cancel the tour, a full refund will be issued. Should the tour be rescheduled to another date, you can choose to allocate any payments you have made to secure a spot on the new tour dates.

3. We advise that you do not book your flights until the tour has been confirmed in writing by us. We cannot compensate for travel arrangements booked before the tour has been confirmed.

4. Extra time in a destination outside of the tour start and end date, is at your own expense. If you arrive before or after our designated check-in has been arranged, we can provide suggestions for ways to enjoy your time.

5. Passports must have a minimum of 6 months validity at the time of departure from Italy per Italian government requirements however we recommend ensuring there is 6 months validity remaining on your passport. Please make sure you check your current passport and renew it if necessary.

6. Visas may be required for entering Italy and are at your own expense. Please check the relevant Italian government resources for current entry requirements.

7. It is your responsibility to research the visa and passport requirements for Italy and coordinate your visa within the appropriate times required by your local embassy. We are unable to provide any refunds if you are denied entry to the country.

8. We recommend that you review information issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by visiting their website at www.smarttraveller.com.aurelating to our tour destination.

9. If a tour is priced in a currency different to that of your own, or if we provided estimated amounts in your local currency, please be aware that currency fluctuations may affect the final converted price in your currency. We do not have control over worldwide currency fluctuations, and monitoring this will be your responsibility. Payments are due in the currency quoted on this website.

 

Payments

Sicilian Threads tour payments are split into 4 instalments: a deposit to reserve your spot on tour and a final payment for the balance or a payment plan as below.

 

Deposits

A 15% deposit is required to secure your place on the tour.

 

Balance

The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to departure.

 

Payment Plan (Optional)

Alternatively, participants can opt for a payment plan:

• 15% deposit to secure a spot

• 30% due 120 days before departure

• 30% due 90 days before departure

• 25% due 60 days before departure

 

Cancellation and Refunds Policy

No one books a tour to Italy with the intention of cancelling, but unexpected events do occur. Our cancellation policy is in place to help guests, our local partners and us through expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.

In the event of a tour cancellation, we do not recommend you purchase non-refundable airline tickets.

 

Cancellations Initiated by You

Cancellations must be received in writing to info@sicilianthreads.com and will be subject to the following:

• If you cancel your tour up to 120 days prior to the start date, you will receive a full refund minus a 250 EUR per-person service fee (to cover credit card fees and other non-refundable costs associated with your booking)

• If you cancel your tour between 119 and 61 days prior to the start date, a 50% refund applies

• If you cancel your tour within 60 days of the start date a 100% cancellation fee will be incurred

If you cannot make a tour, you may transfer your booking to another person of your choosing, provided this is requested in writing no later than 30 days prior to departure. In that case, we will be transferring any payments you’ve made to that person, and the new assigned guest will be responsible for making any pending payments. You will be responsible for recovering any monies already paid from the guest yourself. If you transfer your booking to another person, you remain jointly and severally liable for all outstanding payments until the full tour cost has been received. The replacement guest will be responsible for making any pending payments, but if they fail to do so, you remain responsible for ensuring all amounts due are paid in full.

 

Cancellations and Refunds After Tour Commencement

No refunds or credits will be issued for failure to attend or failure to complete the tour, or for arriving late or leaving early. If you arrive late to a tour, any costs required to reach the location where the rest of the group is at the time of your arrival will be at your expense.

We do not issue refunds for any part of the tour not used, including (but not limited to) meals, activities, or any other services.

 

Sicilian Threads tours have been designed as fun filled, interesting and diverse itineraries, although we are very flexible and you are welcome to take time off from the tour whenever you like. The itinerary events that you opt out of are non-refundable and cannot be taken at another time.

 

Cancellations Initiated by Us

We reserve the right to cancel tours with inadequate participant interest, in which case your deposit will be refunded. Notification of cancellation for this reason will occur a minimum of 60 days before tour departure date. As mentioned above, we cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations before your tour has been confirmed.

 

Travel Insurance

Because refunds are made available only per the policy outlined above, and we are unable to make exceptions for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies, we require all guests to take out comprehensive travel insurance to compensate in case of unexpected cancellations. Insurance should cover you for both travel cancellations, and medical emergencies in Italy.

 

Because medical emergencies can be costly, all guests must hold travel insurance that includes international evacuation coverage. You should book a policy as soon as the tour has been confirmed.

 

It is also recommended that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out to cover your property for the duration of the tour.

 

We will request proof of your travel and medical insurance details no later than 30 days before departure. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the cancellation of your booking without refund.

 

Prices and Surcharges

Sicilian Threads tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our tour prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions, and availability. There is a chance that different passengers on the same tour have been charged different prices.

 

If you like the price you see on our website, then your best option is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply. The most up-to-date pricing is available on our website.

We reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 45 days before departure due to unfavourable changes in exchange rates, transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances, we will be responsible for any change in the exchange rate representing 5% of the tour price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the tour price, you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund.

 

A surcharge applies to all payments made by credit card.

 

Timely Payment

Timely payment is key for the tour to go ahead as planned and for our local partners and agents to be able to guarantee accommodation and activities. We reserve the right to cancel a booking without refund should the final payment deadline not be met.

 

COVID Policies

All guests must comply with Italian regulations with respect to vaccinations and face coverings at the time of their visit. You can check this Italian Government website for more information.

 

If the tour must be postponed based on border closures or COVID-19 restrictions in Italy, a credit for your deposit will be issued to be used for the postponement date of the same tour.

If the tour happens as scheduled, but a guest decides not to attend based on any other reason than a country’s border closure, then the regular cancellation policy (stated above) will be maintained. If a country only closes its borders to citizens from certain countries, and the tour goes ahead, the regular cancellation policy will be maintained, and your travel insurance is where you will seek compensation.

 

Testing Positive to COVID while on tour

Should you present flu / COVID like symptoms while on tour, you will be required to take a COVID test and present the results to your tour host.  If you test positive for COVID while on tour with us, you are required to follow Italian government protocol for quarantining. In addition to any local requirements, COVID‑positive tour members are required to leave the tour and may not rejoin, for the safety of the group. You will also need to cease in-person contact with other tour members, including travel partners who are remaining on the tour; and avoid public areas of our accommodation when the tour group is present.

 

General Health and Wellness Policy

The health and wellbeing of all our guests and staff is of utmost importance to us. If you feel unwell, please let your host know and they can assist with accessing treatment options.

We require all guests to consider the health and well-being of fellow guests if they display cold / flu / virus symptoms and isolate as appropriate.

 

Tour Itinerary and Inclusions

We provide all tour participants with itineraries prior to booking and departure. The boutique nature of our itineraries means that they may be subject to changes, updates and additions as we get closer to departure. Any changes would reflect the goal of enhancing your tour experience.

 

Photography / Videography

We aim to make our tours as special as possible, and some tours may include a photographer who will take candid photography throughout the tour at no extra cost.

1. You understand that some of our tours may be accompanied by a photographer / videographer who will be taking candid photography of the group.

2. A selection of these images may be shared with the group after the completion of the tour for use on social media. You may not sell or otherwise use any of the images taken by us or our photographers or videographers for commercial purposes.

3. In attending a tour with an accompanied photographer, you agree and acknowledge that your image and likeness may be used in future promotional material, by Mangiare Plus Pty Ltd, and our partners, suppliers and agents. You also agree to grant us a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, re-use, distribute, display, create derivative works from, and reproduce any images, photos, or videos (whether directly or through a photo sharing service) in any medium, including but not limited to print, electronic media, or Internet, free of charge and without right to inspection, for any purpose, including to promote and publicize our products and services worldwide. If you do not wish for your photos or video to be taken, please let us know before your tour via email to info@sicilianthreads.com.

 

Accommodation

All accommodation has been carefully selected for quality, comfort, and location. Room size, layout, views, and bathroom facilities may vary between rooms and properties. Such variations are normal and do not constitute grounds for compensation.

 

Accommodation is offered on a Double Room (two guests sharing one room) or Single Occupancy Room (one guest per room) basis.

 

· Double Rooms are priced per person based on two guests occupying the room.

· Single Occupancy Rooms are limited and subject to availability. A single supplement applies and is payable at the time of booking.

 

Guests may request a room upgrade. All upgrade requests are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Where an upgrade is available, any additional cost will be added to the total amount payable by the guest.

 

Solo travellers will be allocated a Single Occupancy Room and charged the applicable single supplement. Room sharing between solo travellers is not offered.

 

Every effort will be made to accommodate guests travelling together and wishing to share a room, provided this is requested at the time of booking. Such requests are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

 

Families travelling with a child or third guest may request an additional sleeping arrangement (such as a rollaway bed, sofa bed, or alternative room configuration). These requests are subject to availability, cannot be guaranteed, and may incur additional charges.

 

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accommodation matches the itinerary and meets expectations, hotels may make operational changes outside our control. We are not responsible for variations made by accommodation providers, including room allocation, bed configuration, or facility availability.

 

Guests are responsible for the safety and security of their personal belongings throughout the tour. Any costs incurred due to damage, loss, or excessive cleaning requirements relating to a guest’s accommodation will be charged directly to the guest.

 

Special Requirements

We are committed to making our tours accessible to as many people as possible and will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, medical conditions and other needs of our guests.

 

By joining our tours, you agree to notify us of any requirements before reserving a spot so we can confirm that your needs will be met within the limitations of the itinerary, the destination and the tour style.

 

You also understand that some types of tours may require a minimum level of fitness or mobility or may not easily accommodate dietary requirements due to the limited choices at the destination or the culinary focus of the tour. For this reason, vegan dietary requirements cannot be guaranteed or accommodated.

 

We will endeavour to discuss viable options with you prior to reserving your spot and provide you with the most accurate information available to us for you to make an informed decision.

By joining our tours, you also state that you know of no physical or mental condition that would create a hazard for you or others or affect other people’s enjoyment of the tour.

It is important to note that Italy does often require travel along winding roads if you suffer from travel sickness.

 

We reserve the right to refuse participation, remove you from the tour, or decline future bookings if we believe your physical or mental condition may endanger yourself, other guests, or staff, or if it may negatively impact the enjoyment of the tour for others. No refund will be provided in such circumstances.

 

Waiver

By booking and participating in a Sicilian Threads tour, you acknowledge and agree that you do so at your own risk. You voluntarily participate in all activities undertaken during the tour and accept responsibility for any risk of injury, illness, damage, loss, or death that may result. You also agree to be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage you cause to other participants, third parties, or property during the tour.

 

Mangiare Plus Pty Ltd coordinates the arrangements for the tour as specified in the itinerary, which may include transportation, meals, accommodation, and activities. These services are provided by independent third parties such as hoteliers, transport operators, guides, and other service providers who are not under our direct control. While we take reasonable care in selecting reputable providers, we accept no liability, whether in contract or negligence, for any accident, injury, sickness, death, damage, loss, delay, cancellation, failure to deliver services, partial or inadequate delivery of services, disappointed expectations, or additional expenses arising from the actions or omissions of these third parties, their employees, agents, or representatives.

 

All coupons, vouchers, receipts, and tickets issued by third-party providers are subject to the terms and conditions of those providers, which may limit or exclude liability for death, personal injury, delay, and loss of or damage to baggage, and are governed by the laws of the country in which the services are provided.

 

By accepting these Terms & Conditions at the time of booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this waiver and that you are responsible for exercising due care and judgement at all times to ensure your own safety and the safety of your fellow travellers.

 

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Mangiare Plus Pty Ltd, its directors, employees, partners, agents, and suppliers from any claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your actions, omissions, conduct, or breach of these Terms & Conditions during or in connection with your participation in the tour.

 

Legal Matters, Alcohol and Drugs

You must comply with all applicable Italian laws and regulations, including any public health requirements in place at the time of travel. You are also responsible for any injury, loss, or damage you cause to other guests, third parties, or property while participating in the tour. Failure to abide by this provision may result in immediate termination of your tour without a refund or other liability by us, our local partners or agents.

 

We do not tolerate drug use of any kind during our tours, and we require responsible alcohol consumption, for your safety and that of those around you.

 

Smoking is not allowed in any Sicilian Threads booked transport, hotel rooms, restaurants, or as advised by local authorities or laws.

 

Authority on Tour

The decision of the individual tour leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any guest or staff member participating in the tour. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a tour leader or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the tour leader may direct you to leave the tour immediately with no right of refund. We may also decline to accept future bookings from you. You must always comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange, and drug regulations in Italy, and you also agree to travel in accordance with responsible travel guidelines.

 

Force Majeure

In case of a Force Majeure event, we are not responsible for performing our obligations and will not be responsible for any resulting damages.

 

A Force Majeure Event is any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including without limitation acts of nature, terrorist activities, insurrection, explosion, flood, earthquake, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, civil disturbance, labour strikes, requisition, pandemics, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.

 

If we, or a Force Majeure Event, affect our partners or agents, we, or our agents, may vary or cancel any itinerary or activity without any obligation or liability.

 

Claims and Complaints

We are committed to creating and delivering extraordinary experiences. However, if any issues arise during a tour, you agree to notify the tour leader as soon as possible so we can find a satisfactory solution that works for everyone.

 

You agree to send all your complaints in writing by email to info@sicilianthreads.com along with any supporting documentation.

 

In booking a place on a Sicilian Threads tour, you agree to both our Terms and Conditions, listed on this page, as well as the Terms and Conditions of any local tour operator for your specific tour, and any individual activity or accommodation provider. Such tour, activity or accommodation provider may issue their own specific terms and conditions separate to what is contained in these Terms and Conditions, and it is your responsibility to read and understand their specific policies.

 

Our Website

We make every effort to ensure all information displayed on our site is accurate; however, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor are we able to guarantee that the site is free of errors or faults. We reserve the right to change information displayed on our site and withdraw offers on our prices (including these terms and conditions) at any time without notice to you.

 

Disclaimer

This Disclaimer operates in addition to the Waiver above and further clarifies the limits of our liability.

 

Mangiare Plus Pty Ltd and all our representatives (hereinafter referred to as “agents”), act only in the capacity as agents for the guest in all matters connected with travel, sightseeing journeys and transportation.

 

You agree that as agents, we are held free of responsibility for any damage occasioned by any cause, in particular:

· For any damages or expenses or inconveniences caused by late departures, change of schedule or change in activities caused by reasons beyond our control

· For loss or damage to baggage or any of the participant’s belongings

· For personal injury, death, accident, delay, loss, damage, irregularity, or property damage arising from force majeure. We are also not responsible for any other losses or damages incurred by any participant due to delays, itinerary changes, or the acts (including negligence) of any transportation, accommodation, or sightseeing provider, or any other person or entity delivering services connected with this journey.

 

Participants agree that all disputes between Participants and Mangiare Plus Pty Ltd shall be governed by the laws of the State of Queensland, Australia. Participants agree to mediate all disputes prior to the instigation of any litigation.

 

In the event of any litigation between the Parties to this agreement involving their respective rights or obligations, such litigation shall take place in the State of Queensland, Australia.

 

All prices quoted are correct at time of publication, include the cost of operation of the journeys, and are subject to currency changes.

 

 

Last updated: 10 December 2025