The hikes, accommodations, meals and logistics were all memorable and well thought through, but it was the leaders and fellow group members who made the difference. We enjoyed getting to know our fantastic, engaging leaders and all of the interesting, friendly people we traveled and hiked with. The Mt. Etna hike is not to be missed. We're first-timers who will book with Backroads again.

Sicily has always been on our travel wish list and we finally went with Backroads. As always, the leaders, Alessandro, Martin and Luca were fabulous. They crafted wonderful, enriching experiences for us no matter what the level of hiking ability. So if you want a trip with beautiful hikes, phenomenal food and wine, lovely people, Sicily is for you! And with Backroads you can hike as much as you want in extraordinary scenery like on Mt. Etna OR if you want to enjoy the infinity pool sooner, have an earlier happy hour and eat a bit more cannoli, then you can do that as well. It is a special place and much better seen through the leadership of Backroads!

From the moment we met Marion Choupot to the day we had to say goodbye, it was evident we were in extraordinary hands. Our walking trip of Sicily was just my partner (Rosemary) and myself; this required Marion to do everything, and she did it superbly. What truly set Marion apart was her infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for us. Marion exuded a deep knowledge of the land, culture, and language. She has a genuine passion for sharing the beauty of this glorious region. Marion's expertise and professionalism were evident in every aspect of our journey, her meticulous attention to detail and her keen eye for our safety and well-being. Marion went above and beyond to ensure every moment was enriching and enjoyable! She effortlessly created an atmosphere where we felt valued and our enjoyment was paramount. Whether it was offering historical insights about the places we visited, recommending local delicacies to try, or simply sharing stories during breaks. Her solo leadership was instrumental in turning a great trip into a truly exceptional one!!! Marion is a standout leader in the world of guided travel experiences. I look forward to my next adventure with Backroads, knowing that with leaders Marion Choupot, I'll be in the best hands. With gratitude to Marion ~ Paula B.

From the moment we met Marion Choupot to the day we had to say goodbye, it was evident we were in extraordinary hands. Our walking trip of Sicily was just my partner (Rosemary) and myself; this required Marion to do everything, and she did it superbly. What truly set Marion apart was her infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for us. Marion exuded a deep knowledge of the land, culture, and language. She has a genuine passion for sharing the beauty of this glorious region. Marion's expertise and professionalism were evident in every aspect of our journey, her meticulous attention to detail and her keen eye for our safety and well-being. Marion went above and beyond to ensure every moment was enriching and enjoyable! She effortlessly created an atmosphere where we felt valued and our enjoyment was paramount. Whether it was offering historical insights about the places we visited, recommending local delicacies to try, or simply sharing stories during breaks. Her solo leadership was instrumental in turning a great trip into a truly exceptional one!!! Marion is a standout leader in the world of guided travel experiences. I look forward to my next adventure with Backroads, knowing that with a leader like Marion Choupot, I'll be in the best hands. With Gratitude ~ Paula B.

What a lovely experience in Sicily with expert, supportive, and simply wonderful guides. The accommodations exceeded our expectations, the food was delightful, and our trip leaders were so friendly and kind..we loved it all. Hikes on Mt. Etna and around Cefalú, and Taormina were so memorable, and the local experts and guides enhanced the trip.

Didn't have to make one decision except whether i wanted meat fish or veggies for a meal! The guides were amazingly knowledgeable. Several times special guides were brought on board to address the specifics of our hiking. One 80 yr old member of our group had some issues with balance and distances and Backroads accommodated him fully. He had a separate guide and walked as far as he could. Yet he started with us each day and ended with us. Backroads was better than a "10"! I look forward to booking with them again.

The leaders, as always were great, the scenery was stunning, and of course the food was amazing. The highlight is hiking Mt. Etna with a local guide - so very memorable and different from any place I've ever been.

Great hotels,food and guides with a wonderful mix of interesting guests and perfect weather - great time and great memories. The guides were passionate and caring and were always there to help. Don't miss this trip

This was my first Backroads trip and I very much hope it will not be my last. I enjoyed every moment. I felt spoiled at every turn. The scenery was amazing. What fun to hike Mt. Etna, traipse past vineyards and see ancient ruins. The trip leaders were always "on" and looking out for my every need. There were so many little surprise - a cappuccino here, a snack there. Cool cultural experiences and fun activities like pizza making. Every detail was well thought out to maximize enjoyment and adventure.

Loved everything about this trip! The trail experiences were varied and really gave you a beautiful insight into Sicily. There were lots of cool excursions, such as pizza making, tour guides explaining the volcanos, etc. The Backroads guides totally made the trip the fun and exciting experience that it was. Highly accommodating, entertaining, and supportive. The hotels/resorts were all breathtaking! Two were ocean front and the other was a villa in the countryside of the vineyards. The food was delicious. Turned out better than I expected. Highly recommend.