Stephen Larcombe, one of KE's Adventure Travel Consultants has just returned from our new Walking the Islands and Volcanoes of Sicily 8 day adventure. Read about how he "let go" below.

It’s late afternoon - which means it’s too late for a cappuccino in Sicily. I have just walked round Catania before the evening meal with the rest of my group. Whilst I stroll through the beautiful ancient cobbled streets, looking for a nice café where I can sip an Aperol spritz and savour a granita, it suddenly dawned on me I was leaving Sicily tomorrow.

I have been so consumed in the beautiful islands I have stayed on, the fresh food and the slower pace of life, that I had actually forgotten what day it was! I lifted my arm to check my watch and noticed I wasn’t wearing one. I had subconsciously let go of the fast-paced life that we all lead and had begun to relax during this holiday.

This was my first time in Sicily, and having travelled to northern Italy in the past, I thought I knew what to expect. Well, I could not have been more wrong. Sicily and the Aeolian Islands feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Rome.  All of the islands that we had the pleasure to visit have their own unique qualities and beauty. From sitting in the hot springs on Vulcano and having the feeling that the island is alive and rumbling underneath you, to watching the volcanic eruptions on Stromboli, add to this the stunning turquoise sea and wonderful Mediterranean weather and you do feel like you are being engrossed in natures beauty.

This holiday has a perfect balance of semi-challenging walks blended with some amazing activities. In particular, the wine tasting on Salina was a major highlight for me. It’s easy to paint a picture for you; the sun was setting as we sat in the garden of the family-run winery which is built amongst the green hills of Salina, with the turquoise sea shining below. The relaxed atmosphere coupled with the passion that the owner Andreas has for his wonderful array of wines is truly infectious! We listened to interesting information about each bottle of wine, were poured a glass and then left to enjoy it, along with our stunning surroundings and some delicious accompanying snacks. The same scenario followed for the next bottle - and the next and so on!

Although this was my first time to Sicily and the Aeolian islands, it will certainly not be my last.

A presto Sicilia

Inspired by Stephen's adventure? Take a look at KE's Walking the Islands and Volcanoes of Sicily holiday.