1. Venue Information

Astoria Palace Hotel
Via Monte Pellegrino, 62
90142 Palermo, Italy

2. Getting to Palermo

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• By Air

• Falcone & Borsellino Airport (PMO) – 25 km from the hotel.
• Travel time: approx. 35 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle.
• Special Summit Shuttle: Complimentary airport transport will be provided for attendees arriving between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm on the official arrival day on October 16th 2025 and 11:00 am on the official departure day on October 20th 2025. Details on meeting point will be shared closer to the date.

Other Transport Options:

• Taxi: Available outside arrivals; approx. €35–€45 to the hotel.
• Shuttle Bus: Prestia e Comandè service runs every 30 minutes to the city center; from there, a short taxi ride to the hotel.
• Car Rental: Available at the airport.

• By Train

• Palermo Centrale is the main station, with connections from major Italian cities.
• From the station, take a taxi (approx. 15 minutes) or bus to the hotel.
• Book tickets: www.trenitalia.com
  

3. Transportation in Palermo

• Buses: AMAT operates city buses; tickets available at kiosks or on board.
• Taxis: Available at stands, hotels, or by phone; ride-share apps are limited.
• Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the hotel.

4. Visa & Entry Requirements

• Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Some travelers will require a Schengen Visa.
• Check if you need a visa: www.schengenvisainfo.com
• Invitation Letters: Email a copy of your passport bio-data page to [EMAIL] to request an official invitation letter for your visa application.
• Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.
  

5. Local Information

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Weather in October: Average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 16°C (60°F). Light jackets recommended for evenings.
• Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
• Language: Italian (English might be spoken in hotels and tourist areas)
• Electricity: 230V, Type C/F plugs – bring a travel adapter.
• Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) / UTC+1
  

6. Health & Safety

• We recommend travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
• No specific vaccinations required for entry to Italy.
• Nearest hospital: Ospedale Villa Sofia-Cervello, approx. 10 minutes from the hotel.
  

7. Event-Specific Notes

• Summit Check-In: Hotel check-in will be coordinated together with summit registration. Upon arrival at the Astoria Palace Hotel, attendees should proceed to the Summit Registration Desk in the main lobby to complete both hotel and event check-in at the same time.
• Dress Code: Business or smart casual for sessions; formal attire for gala night.
• Cultural Tip: A friendly “Buongiorno” (Good morning) or “Buonasera” (Good evening) goes a long way in local interactions.