Q. WHAT IS ESCAPE TO SHAPE?

ESCAPE TO SHAPE offers vacations combining comfort, culture & fitness at unique locations around the world. A traveling spa, our trend-setting locations change throughout the year and provide guests the opportunity to discover the history, people, food and natural wonders of various cultures while toning the body and meeting new friends along the way. A combination of places of cultural interest, along with luxurious accommodations, delicious food, Vinyasa flow yoga classes (unless otherwise specified), hikes and other physical activities and cooking lessons, ESCAPE TO SHAPE is ideal for solo travelers as well as for couples.

ESCAPE TO SHAPE takes the planning and stress out of your holiday, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy.

Q. WHAT DOES ESCAPE TO SHAPE- SICILY INCLUDE?

Priced at $3500 US per person, ESCAPE TO SHAPE-TAORMINA, SICILY includes:

• Seven-nights luxury accommodations, based on double occupancy (we can pair you with a roommate if traveling solo), in an exclusive private villa nestled between the majestic Mt. Etna, the fragrant lemon orchards, the picturesque Mediterranean Sea and the charming Taormina historical center. Private rooms available at a supplemental cost.
• Delicious & healthy meals reflective of the region & the season- Sicily has long been known for its culinary delights. Your week with Escape To Shape will provide you with plenty of fresh seafood, organic chicken, local fruits, cheese and vegetables, home made pasta, Sicilian favorites and desserts made the Escape To Shape way.
• Daily yoga, hikes throughout the Sicilian countryside & fitness classes
• A guided hike with a Vulcanologist up Mt. Etna (the only active volcano in Europe)- conditions permitting!
• A guided historical tour of both Catania & Taormina - tours include the history, culture, architecture and ruins of the area.
• Wine tastings at the vineyards of Mt. Etna
• Cooking classes on how to prepare Sicilian favorites back at home- the healthy, Escape To Shape way. Recipes such as Pasta al la Norma, Ricotta Ice Cream, Pistachio & Ricotta Ravioli
• Italian language lessons
• One massage
• Round trip ground transportation from the Catania Airport to the Villa
• Tax

Shorter programs available, PLEASE INQUIRE.

Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The price for a six night stay is $3500 US. This rate includes everything listed above and is based on 2 people sharing a room (we can pair you with a roommate).

There is an extra charge of $1300.00 US for a private room.

If you would like to extend your stay, additional nights are $500.00 US per person/per night (based on double occupancy, includes accommodations, classes, meals and tax). Extra nights are based on availability.

The above rate does not include airfare to Catania, Sicily or alcohol. Gratuity is at your discretion.

Q. CAN I COME FOR LESS THAN 7 NIGHTS?

Three, four, five & six night programs are offered within our seven night programs, based on availability. Prices are as follows and include accommodations (based on double occupancy), meals, activities, classes, one massage, excursions, round trip ground transportation to/from the airport/villa.

• 3 nights- $1500.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 4 nights- $2000.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 5 nights- $2500.00 US per person, double occupancy
• 6 nights- $3000.00 US per person, double occupancy

Q. WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?

Vincenzo Bellini Catania International Airport. We are located 25 minutes away from the airport by car.

Q. HOW CAN I GET TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT?

Round trip ground transportation from the Catania Airport to the villa is included in your stay. Look for the ESCAPE TO SHAPE sign as you exit the airport. We will send you a reminder a week prior to your departure.

Q. WHAT CURRANCY IS ACCEPTED IN THE AREA?

Dollars and Euros are accepted as payment upon checkout, as are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. The official currency in Sicily is the Euro, which is needed for any purchases you may make in the towns. You can exchange money at the airport, and there are ATM's readily available throughout the towns as well.

Q. WHAT TIME IS CHECK IN & CHECK OUT?

We aim to be as flexible as possible. The first group activity begins with lunch on the first day, and the program ends after breakfast and the morning workout on the last day. We realize that flight times vary so we work with your schedule as much as possible.

Q. WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

Wondering what your healthy, nutritious Sicilian diet will consist of? We use only natural, unprocessed, chemical free food in order to ensure that you fuel your body with the very best. We provide meals that are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, while low in fat and calories. The meal plan consists of whole grains, fresh fish and shellfish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, traditional Sicilian and North African dishes and desserts, all prepared the ESCAPE TO SHAPE way- flavorful yet low fat and low calorie! Every dish can be prepared vegetarian as well, upon request.

Sicilians will never let you go hungry, and ESCAPE TO SHAPE will never let you eat unhealthily, which makes for delicious yet guilt- free snacks and meals throughout your stay. And no Sicilian vacation would be complete without wonderful Italian coffee (decaffeinated and a variety of teas available as well) and delicious Italian wines (optional). See below for a few sample days of eating & drinking.

SAMPLE 1

BREAKFAST - Fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, tea & coffee.
LUNCH - Baby spinach salad with grilled shrimp & pine nuts.
COCKTAILS ON THE TERRACE - Italian wines & cocktails, prosciutto & melon, chucks of Parmesan cheese, olives.
DINNER - Grilled eggplant & zucchini, pasta alla norma (traditional homemade pasta with eggplant).
DESERT - Grilled figs with sweet ricotta & honey.

SAMPLE 2

BREAKFAST - Poached eggs with homemade whole wheat toast, fresh fruit, coffee & tea.
LUNCH - Falafel served on whole wheat pita-bread w/ yogurt and garlic sauce, Greek salad with feta and tomatoes.
SNACK - Iced ginger &green tea granita (Granita is a traditional Sicilian treat of sweetened shaved ice. The green tea & ginger adds a healthy Escape to Shape twist).
COCKTAILS IN THE ORCHARD - Italian wines and cocktails, tomatoes, mozzarella and basil on whole wheat crostini, olives and arancini (traditional Sicilian snack of rice balls stuffed with cheese and pistachios).
DINNER - Grilled fish with Pantelleria salad (Pantelleria is a small Sicilian Island located off the south west coast of Sicily. Due to it's proximity to Tunisia, couscous and other North African dishes are very prevalent throughout Sicily. This delicious salad combines whole chunks of potato with olives, capers, onion, tomato and olive oil).
DESERT - Bite sized chocolate souffle.

SAMPLE 3

BREAKFAST - Fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, tea & coffee.
LUNCH - Seared tuna salad.
COCKTAILS BY THE POOL - Italian wines and cocktails, artichoke leaves with yogurt lemon dip, nuts and olives, hummus and pita bread.
DINNER - Homemade pistachio and fresh ricotta ravioli - a traditional dishes of the Island.
DESSERT - Lemon gelato - another refreshing Italian tradition

Q. ARE ADDITIONAL SPA TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?

Yes. One massage is included in your stay with us. You can pre-book additional massages on the REGISTRATION form. Additional massages are $85.00 per hour. We also offer manicures, pedicures and facials using all natural ingredients. Ask for a spa menu prior to arrival to pre-book.

Q. IS IT MANDATORY TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ESCAPE TO SHAPE ACTIVITIES?

This is your vacation, and while we encourage everyone to participate in everything, if you decide to opt out of any activity, it is completely up to you. There is no pressure or competition to participate, just healthy, fun and interesting options every day.

Q. IS ESCAPE TO SHAPE GOOD FOR THE SOLO TRAVELER?

YES! ESCAPE TO SHAPE was created with the solo traveler in mind. Meals are served communal and you can be as social or as private as you like. Most of our guests make friends and keep in touch with each other and are completely comfortable being on their own. This is also a very safe place to travel as a solo man or woman. That being said, couples will also love this trip and we have a few suites that are especially ideal for couples!

Q. WHAT IF I AM NOT IN THE BEST FITNESS SHAPE?

Not a problem at all, as our program is designed to accommodate all fitness levels. Each class is challenging and offers you an opportunity to return home lighter and leaner. Additionally, our teachers and trainers are happy to work with you individually to help you reach your fitness goals.

Q. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN MY STAY?

Airfare is not included, nor are extra spa services, or additional excursions or alcohol. We offer an all-inclusive alcohol plan of $20.00 US a day.

Q. WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?

We source out and establish relationships with the best doctors, dentists and hospitals in the area to ensure that if you do need medical attention for any reason, you will be in safe hands.

Q. DO WE HAVE INTERNET ACCESS?

If you bring your own laptop with wireless access, we do have wireless available in the common areas of the villa.

Q. DO CELL PHONES WORK IN SICILY?

Yes, US and European carriers do work in Sicily. You will need to make sure you are set up for international roaming by your service provider in advance.

Q: HOW CAN I SETTLE MY BILL WHEN I DEPART?

Cash (Euros & US dollars), Traveler's Cheques and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted. A 5% service charge will be added to all bills paid by credit card. This service fee only applies to your incidentals bill, not to your registration payment.

Q. DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR?

No. We take you to all the 'must see' locations. Additionally, taxi's are readily available should you need them at any time.

Q. DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

Yes. All Non- EU citizens MUST have a valid passport. If you are an EU citizen, you will need a valid ID card-the one you use to travel within the European Community, or a passport.

Q. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO GET THERE?

Useful links for flights from the US to Catania, Sicily. You may even try using airline miles - this is a great time of year, and a great reason, to use them.

It's quite simple to reach Sicily from within Europe. All the major European airlines fly to Catania, either directly or with a stop-over in Milan or Rome. Some low-cost carriers operate service to Catania as well. Please check with the airlines directly to confirm routes and rates.

FROM THE UK TO CATANIA, SICILY

It's very easy to get from the UK to Sicily. Below you will find some useful links. Please check with the airline directly to confirm rates.

There are many daily flights to Catania from the Italian Mainland. Below you will find some useful links. Please check with the airline directly to confirm rates.

Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

Yes, we have two- a very friendly, yet aloof, dog & cat!

Q. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

While we cannot predict the weather, it is usually sunny and comfortable during the day (high 70's), with cooler temperatures at night. October & November can be a bit rainy, although most rainfall is experienced in the northern corner of Sicily. Fall is beautiful in Sicily, with a sensational arrange of colors. The prickly pears, oranges, lemons, pomegranates and mandarins are all in season.

See www.weather.com for current forecasts.

Q. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE OF YOUR GUESTS?

Our guests range in age as well as fitness levels. On average, our guests are between 35-50, but we do attract younger and older guests as well. As long as you are open to traveling, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, exercising and sleeping/dining in luxury, ESCAPE TO SHAPE is for you!

Q. I HAVE A FEW EXTRA DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER MY STAY AT ESCAPE TO SHAPE - SICILY. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Sicily is a very diverse island, offering a variety of interesting places well worth a day trip or more. From the Aeolian Islands, to the beach town of San Vito Lo Capo, the exclusive island of Pantelleria, the countryside of Corleone, Piazza Armerina with its' UNESCO Heritage site middle of the 4th Century AD Villa Romana del Casale, the capital city of Palermo to breathtaking ruins of Agrigento's The Valley of the Temples to scuba diving in the blue waters of the Pelagic Islands, there is something for everyone.

Q. WHAT TO BRING?

You can be as casual or as formal as you like. Remember, every day will include exercise classes, cocktails and dinner in unique locations around the towns or villa.

A few things NOT to forget:

• Valid passport- for all non-EU travelers, otherwise a photo ID
• Comfortable athletic shoes
• Worn in hiking shoes
• Workout clothes- bring some clothes you can layer for the hikes
• A few sweaters/pants for the evenings
• A hat to protect you from the sun while hiking
• Personal toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Camera
• Converters for electrical outlets.