Sicily food vacation in Italy

Planet

Accommodation & meals:
During this trip we stay in accommodation that is locally run (sometimes family run) and staffed with people from the surrounding areas, which has a positive effect on employment levels and economy in the region. Most lodgings are located in proximity to the town centers and the UNESCO historic site we visit, which reduces further the need for carbon producing transfer vehicles on the trip. Lunches and dinners are mostly taken in local restaurants or cafes, so that clients can enjoy various local authentic delicacies and at the same time support numerous local businesses.

Community & Culture:
On this trip there are plenty of opportunities for clients to support local enterprise. On day two we visit Palermo, this city is ranked amongst the best in the world for street food. The local guides encourage clients to try different local specialities and therefore support business in the community. On day 3 a cookery lesson is led by a local chef in Trapani allowing clients to practise and taste traditional recipes. In the afternoon we move onto Marsala to enjoy some of the best wines from this region continuing to support communities in Sicily. Day 6 is another opportunity for clients to experience local traditions. In Modica we visit a traditional chocolatier and in Noto we sample granita and brioche.

Environment:
Sicily is renowned for its delicious food. The local guides encourage clients to try as many different dishes as possible, supporting businesses which prepare food from locally sourced ingredients; very little is imported from abroad therefore having a positive impact on the environment.
Group size: This small group tour has a maximum of 18 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people.

Activity:
We try to operate on a ‘leave no trace’ basis, which involves being vigilant with proper disposal of waste and being sure to leave any flora, fauna and historical sites undamaged. By using local drivers for transfers, local restaurants and small shops, we make daily contributions to the economy and the community. Using local guides also has the mutual benefit of creating employment opportunities in the region, whilst clients have the advantage of in-depth expertise of the country.

UK office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

People

A Fair Deal:
Employed staff members are predominantly indigenous to the area thus contributing towards the unemployment problem in the surrounding villages. Employees receive training to become guides on the river through a comprehensive training course which includes practical assessment and written exams set by local authorities. The leaders will give a briefing on Responsible Tourism issues to help you understand how you can help reduce your impact and maximise the benefits to the local community from your visit.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.