In these days of whistlestop tours and hurried sightseeing, it’s so easy to focus on seeing everything while at the same time seeing nothing in depth. Mass tourism, the rise of budget airlines, cruises and a quick fix mentality has meant we so often get just a brief glimpse of a destination rather than becoming truly immersed in it. By contrast, back in the days of the Grand Tour, the pace of the journey allowed travellers to explore other cultures and develop interests, often connected to art, history and natural wonders.
On a positive note, while the Grand Tour was largely the preserve of the young and privileged, today many of us are lucky enough to have the freedom to seek meaningful, slower travel in our 60s and 70s. And in Sicily, where dramatic landscapes and a complex history have shaped the food, art and architecture, exchanging the whistlestop tour for some slow travel and memorable experiences will certainly make your trip more meaningful.
Staying in one or two locations in Sicily rather than moving on every day or two is the first step in really bonding with a place. Embrace the rhythm of local life and relish the simple pleasure of watching daily life unfold around you...