38 bus and tour operators set out with Schön Touristik to explore Sicily for their clients. The conclusion drawn by the participants of the fam trip: This destination offers the right thing for a large variety of travel interests – from Palazzo feeling to the rustic flair of rural life.
The group experienced a quantum leap in regards to travel weather, with the rainy Stuttgart sky turning into T-shirt weather in but a few hours. They were further awaited by the blooming flora of Sicily, a delight for group travelers on their way south from the chilly Germany. “Among the participants were many operators who already had a distinct interest in the destination and were in the planning stages. They sought to discover one or the other icing on the cake for their groups“, Johannes Schön, director of Schön Touristik, explains.
After a visit of the dome of Monreale, the group set its sight on the highlights of Palermo. „This is much more beautiful than we thought“, several tour operators expressed, pleasantly surprised. Among the venues visited were the Capella Palatina and the seat of government, after which tour guide Calogero led his group through the Ballarò market with all its temptations. Delivering imperial flair, a living Contessa and “aristocratic” winetasting, Palazzo Conte Federico was an outstanding experience – this attraction is a component exclusive to Schön Touristik.
Agriturismo – simply rustic!
The group encountered impression after impression throughout the following days: Up-country, they discovered the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Villa del Casale and its delicate floor mosaics. “Rustic, simple, tasty” was the comment on the subsequent lunch at an Agriturismo, a typical Sicilian farm with horse breeding. Agrigent and its “Valley of Temples” gave a glimpse of what the island has in store fans of culture. Enna, the “Navel of Sicily” and Syrakus proved no less historically significant. No wonder Archimedes was so comfortable here that he could think of nothing but the much quoted “Stand out of my sun…!”
Active travel: Touring Etna and Lava Hikes
The Schön Touristik group dedicated a very special day for Mount Etna. Here, they explored the northern slope, which is less well known among tourists, and ventured on a helmeted descent into a lava grotto. The contrast of black lava, white birches and green trees experienced by the participants in the subsequent hike through the lava fields was “simply amazing”. Afterwards, the group enjoyed a typical Sicilian meal at an Agriturismo, praised by many as the “highlight of the day” – this, again, demonstrated Schön Touristik’s aptitude for delivering handpicked tour components in line with its motto of “authentic, creative, a worthwhile experience”. The day proceeded relaxedly with a promenade through the quaint Taormina and a visit of the little village of Cefalù – the island and its wonderful views made for a great calling card.
All these impression made it clear: There is something here for every kind of group interest – and Schön Touristik will see to anything that is not (yet) there. This holds true for important supporting factors, as well, such as the notedly polite and knowledgeable tour guide and the group friendly hotel sector. The members of the fam trip are now spoiled for choices: “There are already plans for several hiking trips and a special Agriturismo tour. We are also in the process of developing several Sicily tours for arrival by airplane,” Johannes Schön explains excitedly.
