Small Group | Off the Beaten Path | Authentic & Immersive
GUESTS
5 - 7 total
FROM
$2200
DATES
2023: APRIL 21 - 24
2024: APRIL 26 - 29
DAYS
4
Pre-book for 2024!
MIGRATION TO MAZARA

ABOUT THIS TRIP
Get off the beaten path to experience the unexpected in this 4-day journey through a corner of Sicily that overflows with ancient history and unique cultural influence. Based in the home of Italy's largest Arab community, we'll wander the Casbah streets, day trip to a breathtaking village, learn about the fascinating layers of history, cook Sicilian seafood, and more!
HIGHLIGHTS
IMMERSE
yourself in a multi-cultural hub where Northern Africa meets Sicily.
EXPERIENCE
Sicilian salt pools where the Tyrrhenian Sea has provided livelihood for generations.
CONNECT
with history as you wander stone streets of an ancient mountain-top village.
LEARN
how to prepare a Sicilian seafood meal.

Step into Italy as if you're a Local.


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Who your small group trips for?From solo travelers to groups of friends or couples, our small groups of 7 travelers are made of all ages (18 or above). We enjoy becoming a little community as we slurp through plates of pasta and laugh trying to pronounce Italian words. Our guests understand that travel in Italy can hold unexpected surprises and they’re up for going with the flow, trusting that we know the best place to be at any moment. They’re open-minded, love trying new things, and are accustomed to toeing the boundaries of their comfort zone for the rewarding experiences that lay just outside it. Our trips attract those who appreciate creativity and the arts, nature, meeting locals, and seeing things outside the guidebook that might not be luxurious but are authentic and genuine. All ages above 18 are welcome and we encourage the cross-generational exchange that occurs. A strong effort is made to make everyone feel part of the group no matter what age, race, gender, sexual preference, or hair-do! Our off-the-beaten-path, immersive and laid-back travel style isn’t for everyone. If you're not sure let's chat about it!
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Are flights included?International flights are not included in the trip cost. We may be able to help you research the best flights for your needs, just ask! For full details on what's included, head to Upcoming Trips, select the trip you're interested in, then click the button to "Get the Detailed Itinerary". Or simply Get in Touch!
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I have to cancel the trip. Will I get a refund?Our small group trips are carefully budgeted for 7 participants and we're making payments for the trip long before you book your spot. This means we have to adhere to a strict Cancellation Policy in order to maintain cost effectiveness for everyone. However, we require you to purchase travel insurance in an effort to provide some protection from potential losses should you need to cancel*. Please take a look at our Cancellation Policy for more info. *It is up to you to make sure your travel insurance policy includes trip cancellation coverage. Click here for Travel Insurance info.
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Do I need travel insurance?Yep, Travel Insurance is required to join our small group trips. If you're doing custom trip planning, you can opt out of travel insurance, but we highly recommend protecting your investment with insurance. Please click here for our guidance on travel insurance!
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Do I need a visa to visit Italy?Typically, for tourism purposes, many visitors to Italy don't require a visa for short stays (less than 90 days) if they are from countries with visa-exempt agreements, such as the US. This website can help you understand if you need a visa or not. Need help? Simply reach out to our team, we would be happy to help guide you!
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Do you provide a packing list?What to pack for your trip depends on the season and region you'll be visiting. Your trip leader will send you suggestions and a packing list before your trip. You can check out our blog posts about packing: Your Packing Guide for Fall in Tuscany Spring in Italy Packing List How to Pack for a Spring Trip to Tuscany How to Organize Your Suitcase for Stress-Free Travel
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Can you make one of your group tours private?Absolutely! We offer Custom Trip Planning and can use one of our existing trips as the base for your private trip which we'll then customize together.
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What are the group sizes of your small group tours?While most tour companies boast small group sizes of 14-30 people, Creative Edge Travel small group tours have a maximum of just 7 guests. This allows us to have more immersive access into the culture, whether it's visiting our artisan friend in their studio or dining in a tiny "trullo" house. It also gives you more personalized attention and freedom to enjoy the trip the way that suits you best!
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Is there a single supplement?If you'd like to have a private room, yes, there is a single supplement. Otherwise you can share a room to lower your cost! Most tours will automatically match you with a roommate if you book a Double Room and aren't bringing your own travel partner along to room with. If you do not wish to share, simply upgrade to a Single Room which will be private. Some tours, such as Secrets of Southern Italy, do not offer the possibility to be matched with a roommate as it's not possible to have separate beds in those B&Bs. When deciding whether or not to share a room, please consider what would create the best possible experience for you and others rooming with you if you know that you snore, need more personal space, or are a light sleeper. We do our best to match you with someone we think you’d be compatible with, but we of course cannot guarantee you will get along. You will never be matched with someone of the opposite sex. Email questions to sierra@creativeedgetravel.com
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What if I don't want to travel with a group?No problem! We also offer Custom Trip Planning for a day-by-day itinerary arranged especially for you. If you are planning your own trip but are looking for a few unique experiences to add to your itinerary, take a look at our Italy Immersions!
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Add our Discovering Authentic Sicily trip for a full Sicilian Immersion!
PERKS




Slower-paced & stress-free travel
Unique experiences crafted directly with locals to highlight the authentic culture.
Exclusive group of just 5 - 7 like-minded travelers.
Plenty of free time to do your own thing.
Explore places that tourists have never heard of.
Thoughtfully crafted with extensive research in the area for genuine & meaningful connection with locals.
INCLUDED
3 nights' accommodation in a private room
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners including wine, and 1 aperitivo
Carbon Footprint Offset: A donation will be made to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions and improve daily life in impoverished areas.
Transportation + Private Driver
Flight Expert to research and book flights
Pick up from Palermo, Departure Transfer to Palermo Airport
Trip Leader fluent in English and Italian
Tips for the driver & guides
Pre-Trip Prep: Cultural and Italian language guidance, packing tips, and additional resources to fully connect you with what you'll experience! Local recommendations in each location.
All Activities
Walking Tour of Mazara del Vallo
Walking Tour of Erice
Visit to Salt Pools
Fish Market Tour
Sicilian Seafood Cooking Class
Special Goodbye Dinner
Free Time for Your Own Discoveries!
EXCLUDED
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Flights: We'll help you find the best flights for your dates, free of charge!
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Some Meals: Meals not described in the itinerary. (We believe scoping out your own hole-in-the-wall is part of the experience and we leave room for that!) Our included meals are so abundant that guests usually stick to gelato or something light when a meal is not included.
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Incidental Expenses: A/C or Heat may cost extra. Additional services you order such as massages or additional alcohol not already included etc will be at your own expense.
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Mandatory Travel Insurance: Note that "Cancel for Any Reason" policies must be purchased 14-21 days after your first payment towards your trip, so this is the first thing you'll want to take care of after paying your deposit!
From $2,200 USD per person
WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Active travelers who want to access authentic
Italy without the logistics.
Who is this trip for?
Our travelers want to leave the crowded tourist paths behind, without spending weeks researching. They want to connect with locals, but don't have years to perfect a new language. And while they love back roads and hidden villages, they're not up for the hassle and risk of driving a rental in a foreign country.
Our travelers are warm. They’re curious. And they want to see Italy with open hearts, open minds, and without the growl of a giant tour bus announcing their arrival. They are immersion seekers who want to step into the everyday life of authentic Italy!
Sound like you?
Our travelers are generally 45 - 65 years old but we also get adventurers in their 30's or into their 70's or 80's! We welcome everyone 18+!
The Important Details
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This trip involves walking on uneven ground for over an hour.
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Please note that you'll need to carry your own luggage up and down stairs at hotels and across cobblestone.
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The longest drive will be about 2 hours, but we'll take breaks when needed.
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Wifi is available in all locations but connection may be not be as strong as what you're used to.
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Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you let us know well in advance.
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Travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Covid regulations change rapidly and may require additional booster shots, wearing masks, and testing.
NEXT CHANCE TO GO:
April 21 - 24, 2023
Click Here to Pre-Book for 2024!
Starting from $2,200 USD per person
Reviews
At Creative Edge Travel, we believe every journey should be meaningful. It should teach you about the authentic local culture and a bit about yourself, too. That's why we push the boundaries of the typical Italian tour and add our own creative edge. We design our experiences with individual locals in off-the-beaten-path places to give you a culturally-immersive adventure.
Each activity is an opportunity to learn about both the beauty and the challenges of everyday life in Italy. Whether it's exploring a village with a local grandpa as he shares his stories growing up there, or learning traditional music and dance at a historic masseria, expect a deeper travel experience.
This also means that sometimes reasonable flexibility is required on your part. There's no science to getting a 90 year old Italian grandpa to show up on time, you just take what you get and roll with it! If you're the type of traveler who can stay flexible and relaxed knowing no matter WHAT you do, it's going to be awesome, then you're a great fit for this trip!