Traveling to Sicily is part of the adventure, but here's a Jet Lag Survival Guide: US → Sicily, Italy. BEFORE YOU FLY: • 🕰 Shift your schedule: 3–4 days before departure, go to bed & wake up 30–60 min earlier each day. • 🌞 Morning light: Get sunlight earlier in your day to help your body clock adjust. • 💧 Hydrate: Drink extra water in the days leading up to your flight. ON THE PLANE: • ⏱ Change your watch to Sicily time when you board. • 💤 Sleep on Sicily’s schedule: Use a mask, earplugs, and a travel pillow. • 🍽 Light meals: Avoid heavy carbs & alcohol — they make jet lag worse. ONCE IN SICILY: • 🌅 Soak up the morning sun to reset your internal clock. • 🚶 Stay active — walking outdoors helps beat fatigue. • 🥗 Eat on local time — your stomach helps your body adjust. • 😴 Stay up until bedtime (short 20–30 min nap max if needed). RETURNING TO THE STATES: • 🌞 Get afternoon light to help your body clock shift later. • 😌 Adjustment is faster: expect 2–4 days max. 💡 WEDDING TIP: If possible arrive 2-3 days before the wedding so you’re energized and ready to celebrate but don’t worry — the celebration won’t start until you’re ready to enjoy it!

Yes! If you plan to drive in Sicily, an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country driver’s license is recommended. It makes car rentals easier and keeps you on the right side of local laws. You can visit any full-service AAA branch, apply in person, or apply by mail. You'll need a completed application(download online), two passport-sized photos (available at AAA), a valid driver's license, and a $20 fee (check or money order). AAA is one of only two authorized private entities in the US to issue IDPs. Please note: You don't need to be a AAA member to obtain an IDP from them.

Cards are accepted in many places, but it’s preferable to obtain cash through your bank at least a week ahead, so try to take out euros(€) if possible — handy for taxis, small shops, markets, or tips. Please note: tips are not required, but if you feel like spreading some extra love, 5% at restaurants is typical.

We recommend arriving with plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the surroundings before the ceremony. Exact timing details will be shared closer to the wedding day.

Ortigia (Ortygia), the historic heart of Syracuse in Sicily, is a food lover’s dream—fresh seafood, traditional Sicilian flavors, vibrant markets, and unforgettable pasta dishes. Here’s a curated list of must-try foods and the best places to enjoy them: EAT LIKE A LOCAL IN ORTIGIA: Pasta alla Norma – A classic Sicilian dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and ricotta salata. Arancini – Crispy fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, cheese, or pistachio and béchamel. Sea Urchin Pasta (Ricci di Mare) – A delicacy on the coast—rich, briny, and unforgettable. Fresh seafood – Grilled octopus (polpo), red prawns, and tuna are all staples. Swordfish Involtini – Thin swordfish rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and pine nuts. Caponata – Sweet and tangy eggplant dish served as a starter or side. Cannoli & Granita – Because no Sicilian trip is complete without them. Try pistachio or almond granita with a warm brioche. Lemon and pistachio everything – From desserts to pasta to liqueurs, embrace the local flavors. TOP RESTAURANTS: 🍷 Don Camillo: Elegant, romantic, and a local institution. Go for their seafood tasting menu or tuna tartare. Perfect for a special dinner. 🍝 Sicilia in Tavola: Small, popular, and packed with flavor. The sea urchin pasta and shrimp ravioli are standouts. Book ahead! 🍋 Apollonion Osteria da Carlo: Fresh fish and Sicilian classics in a laid-back setting. Try the grilled octopus or pasta with clams. 🍽 Osteria da Mariano: Charming and tucked away. Known for its pasta alla Norma and lemony bottarga spaghetti. 🥂 Trattoria La Foglia: Delicious comfort food and a warm, welcoming vibe. Great for families or groups. 🧺 Fratelli Burgio (in the Ortigia Market): Perfect for a light lunch or aperitivo. Grab a board of meats, cheeses, and olives and enjoy outside with a glass of wine. SWEET STOPS: ☕ Bar Sicilia: Known for its granita and brioche—great morning or afternoon stop. 🍰 Pasticceria Artale: Fresh cannoli filled to order. Pistachio or ricotta are both winners. 🌿 Café Minerva: A peaceful courtyard for coffee, cocktails, or a light bite.

Italian is the local language, but many people speak at least some English—especially in tourist-friendly areas. Still, a smile and a few polite phrases go a long way! Italians appreciate the effort, and you might make a new friend or two. 🇮🇹 Your Italian Survival Guide: Here’s a handy little cheat sheet for your trip—and for toasting with us at the wedding. GREETINGS & POLITE WORDS: Ciao – Hi / Bye (super casual and friendly!) Buongiorno – Good morning / Hello Buonasera – Good evening Arrivederci – Goodbye Per favore – Please Grazie – Thank you Prego – You’re welcome Scusi / Mi scusi – Excuse me / Sorry DINING & DRINKS: Il conto, per favore – The check, please Delizioso! – Delicious! Salute! – Cheers! (for toasts—perfect at the wedding!) GETTING AROUND: Dov’è…? – Where is…? Quanto costa? – How much does it cost? Vorrei… – I would like… Andiamo! – Let’s go! JUST FOR FUN: Che bello! – How beautiful! Fantastico! – Fantastic! Bellissimo! – Gorgeous!

Yes, we'll accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs-please let us know in advance on the wedding evite.

Sicily has 3 associated plug types: type C, type F and type L. Type C. Type C has two round parallel pins. Type F. Type F has two round parallel pins and one hole above them, plus two grounding clips. Type L. Type L has three round pins in a line. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.