A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip
Stellavision is headed to sea alongside the Cheeky Chef, Linda Sarris! This tour combines a nautical adventure with cultural and culinary exploration in a hard-to-reach island paradise. Setting sail from Palermo, Sicily we’ll be floating our way through the Aeolians, a group of volcanic islands off the northeast coast of the main Sicilian isola. Picture yourself chasing sunsets by sea, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing in turquoise waters, complete with a private chef. As we dock at four different islands throughout the week, we’ll hop on land to show you the best spots, enjoy meals by locals and meet some very special island friends. Ready to come aboard?
At A Glance:
Tour Dates:
June 8 - 15, 2024
Tour Length:
8 days & 7 nights
Where We Go:
Palermo, Sicily + Aeolian Islands: Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli
Price: (USD)
$6995: single occupancy
$5195: double occupancy (how to get this rate here). Limited double occupancy available: first come first serve.
Itinerary please!
Just take me to straight to the good stuff.
Weather:
In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea in summertime, expect very hot days (avg. 30 ° C / 86° F) with many hours of daylight. On our boat the refreshing sea and mother nature’s breeze are our only air-conditioning but there is shade to be found on board.
Meet Your Host / Chef
We’re setting sail with The Cheeky Chef: Linda Sarris
Let’s Talk.
Boat life is the best but quite different from a vacation on land. Here are all the details about what to expect and what to consider before booking.
Only 7 spots available… is one of them yours?
“Italy has many pleasures to offer but none so sublime as traveling with a group of kind, curious, progressive, badass [people]… seeing the country through your eyes was profound”
— Sara B.
“Exploring the Aeolian Islands is a treat. Traveling by boat, even better! Dive into the sea as soon as you wake up, island hop to a new destination each day, dine under the stars, wander through the small port towns, and feast on local specialties. It's the dolce vita... Sicilian-style.”
- Linda Sarris aka The Cheeky Chef
Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo to Lipari
Our tour starts with a very exciting meetup in Palermo, Sicily where your Stellavision Guide will be on hand to ease the transition from the Italian mainland to Sicily to the islands off the island: the Aeolian archipelago. Together we’ll journey on the hydrofoil fast ferry towards Lipari, taxi from the ferry port to the yacht harbor where our pair of private catamarans are docked (each catamaran has its own professional captain and we’ll be exploring the islands in tandem all week!)
After your journey you’ll have time to settle into your private cabin and meet the rest of your crew: our boat Captains who will give us the 411 on life at sea and Linda Sarris, our Sicilian Host and Private Chef. Your Stellavision guide not only meets you in Palermo but stays aboard for week-long TLC.
And then - of course you’ve earned an aperitivo spread! Tonight we’ll be getting to know our group with welcome bites, drinks and dinner on-board. Benvenuto! Welcome to your nautical vacation.
Day 2: Lipari to Salina
After breakfast on-board we’re off! It’s time to get those toes (and everything else!) into the turquoise of the Mediterranean. Not long after, we'll stop in our first spectacular swimming spot where you can enjoy Caribbean-esque clear waters. Linda is already prepping a buonissimo lunch to be enjoyed all together while still in Lipari before moving towards the island of Salina. Here, we dock in the main port of Santa Marina where we'll have time to head out to explore the lush green island. Thanks to freshwater sources, Salina is uniquely lush even among the "seven sisters". From olive groves to grapes, olive oil, capers and the colourful prickly pear cacti, we’ll take in the tropical paradise.
We’ll be chasing the sunset and enjoying a golden swim this evening! There will be time to freshen up before we dock on shore for a gorgeous dinner. After a seafood supper, the night is yours. There will be plenty of time to wander the sweet enclave of Porto Santa Marina for a digestivo or cocktail, some late night shopping, a hot shower… choose your own adventure.
Day 3: Salina to Panarea
Good news pals - the nights we sleep in port you can take advantage of the expansive and lovely shower facilities on dry land! (You have a private shower on board, but it’s defo smaller.)This morning we’re having our first traditional Sicilian breakfast: coffee and sweets! We’re headed to our favorite local bar for cappuccino, granita and cornetti before we link up with Flavia, a local resident and friend who will be unlocking the secrets of these volcanic islands for us. After lunchtime on board you’ll pick your pleasure: a deep relax and sunbathe? a dip in the water? shopping and wandering in the town of Panarea (we can never decide whether it’s island chic or isola cute - you tell us!) This evening’s sundowner is an epic one as we head for finely-crafted aperitivo cocktails and nibbles at the island’s coolest sunset-watching spot. Vibes? next level. VIP? you know it.! Volcanic Stromboli will be puffing in the distance. Our progressive dining continues with Sicilian sushi and as we take the water taxi back to the boats for the night, you never know - there might just be a midnight spaghettata in store. In Panarea, we'll sleep in the bay, under the stars at anchor. Side by side, swaying with the sea.
Image courtesy of Giulia Re Callegaris
Day 4: Panarea to Stromboli
The day starts in Panarea, where we arrived yesterday. Water taxis will bring us to shore for breakfast in the harbour. This is the smallest and most stylish island with narrow lanes winding up from the port, golf-carts buzzing by, and bougainvillea cascading over the walls. You'll have time to shop in the local boutiques as well. In the early afternoon, our group is headed for lunch at our favorite (female-owned!) seafront restaurant on the island. After that, we’re setting off for Stromboli and there’s a spectacular night in store! She is the most mystical and dramatic island in the group, thanks to the active volcano, who has been erupting every 20 minutes or so, for the past 2,000 years. No biggie. During the day, even in the distance from Panarea, puffs of smoke fill the sky above Stromboli, but at night with zero light pollution the BIG show begins. After our afternoon swims we’ll be doing a nighttime cruise to the uninhabited side of the island to see the volcanic eruptions. We're talking bright, red lava exploding into the sky. As our catamarans bob in the open water, we can enjoy the most impressive view possible. We’ll have a pizza party while we enjoy the most impressive view possible. We will head back towards the main town and "park" our boats on a buoy for the night.
Image courtesy of @provincia_di_messina
Day 5: Stromboli to Salina
Buongiorno ! After a night in the middle of the Med, we’re having breakfast on board and a slow morning. Dip in and out of the water. Float on a floatie. Don a pair of goggles and fins to ogle what you can sea below the waves. Or just enjoy the book or tunes we recommend you bring along with you. Then, we’re having lunch on-board and sailing westwards, back to the multifaceted island of Salina where we absolutely need more time to enjoy all her pleasures. We’ll be raising a glass of local Malvasia vino to another delicious day in the Bay of Pollara where ‘Il Postino’ was filmed where we will sleep under the stars at anchor, with dinner on board.
If today’s description seems short, that’s cause we’re maxing the relaxing oggi!
Day 6: Salina
On days we’re in the port we get the pleasure of swapping our on-board showers (which totally do the trick) for longer and more luxurious hot shower facilities on terra ferma - solid land! After that moment, we’ll head into town for some last minute shopping (bank or pharmacy runs too) in Salina before we transfer to another village for our favorite pani cunzatu spot on the island. We arrive in style, via water taxi. Did you know that while all over Italy regional dialects can be found, Siciliano is its own language? That’s where the term comes from and this sandwich’s history is steeped in cucina povera - a poor man’s meal that is now deeply delicious and authentic. The "seasoned bread" is piled high with the freshest of ingredients. Sandwich meets salad, perfection.
We wouldn’t bring you to Italy without a vineyard visit would we?? We’re not playing around with this one… you’ll be doing a guided wine tasting at a seafront vineyard on a 5-star resort property where we’ll also be enjoying a gorgeous gastronomical experience: 5-course dinner alongside the vines. We’ll be docked in the port of Santa Marina overnight and we can point you in the direction of a few spots for drinks, walkable from the boat.
Day 7: Salina to Lipari
While enjoying breakfast on-board, this morning we journey to even more picturesque spots back in Lipari. By Day 7 you’ll be boat experts and deep into the flow of swimming and chilling that’s in store. Today’s lunch will be our final creation by the Cheeky Chef - savor it! But the bragging rights for the time you had your own kick-ass private chef for a week? Those last forever. We’ll be eating at sea to maximize your saltwater time and after our leisurely lunch we’ll transfer to another favorite swimming spot, one that can only be reached by boat. Tonight we’ll be celebrating our beautiful week together with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants onshore along with our charming captains, where the wines are natural and the Sicilian hospitality runs deep. We’re docked in the port of Lipari overnight so enjoy the long and luxuriant showers before tomorrow’s early travel day.
Day 8: Lipari to Palermo
This morning is an early start and brings the first goodbyes as we say arrivederci to our amazing catamaran captains. We’re headed from the yacht harbour to the ferry port where we’ll have a casual breakfast, suitcases in tow. And look - we gotta prepare you. That’s when the heartbreak starts as we bid a fond (but cheeky!) farewell. By 8am you will board the hydrofoil fast-ferry to see you comfortably back to Palermo. We’re honestly tearing up a little already.
As we deposit you back in Sicily’s capital city around midday the tour will end. But from hotel recommendations and Stellavision rates to more tips to explore Sicily or beyond, we’re here to finesse your final day/s in Italy. Until next time, we’ll leave you with an effusive Italian goodbye: Ciao amici, ciao amori, tanti baci!!!
Post-Tour FYI:
Our tour is 7 nights and 8 days. We will be traveling back to Palermo from Lipari on Day 8 of the Cheeky Sicilian Sailing tour. The drop-off point will be at the Palermo harbor around Saturday just before noon, at which point the tour will come to a (sniff) close.
We expect to arrive back midday but we want to ensure your flight turnaround is not rushed. We would strongly recommend that you plan on booking a departing flight that night (Saturday), on the following day (Sunday) or beyond. We’re here to help with your post-tour logistics, booking a hotel for Saturday (night 8) should you require one. Let us know what you need and we’re here to assist. Please note - any pre or post-tour fees are not included in the price.
What’s Included
Private en-suite Cabin
Our tour sets sail on two catamarans that will sail in tandem and dock together throughout. You’ll have your own private cabin (aka single occupancy) on one of the boats for 7 nights. Each cabin has a small bathroom. For more info about cruising on a Catamaran, your room and on board facilities, just click here. Traveling with your sister? Friend? Partner? Find out more about double occupancy.
All Meals + Private Chef
You might have spied on our itinerary that we’ll be enjoying fab restaurant meals and authentic island food/wine, and of course gelato & granita. Beyond that, we have a private chef on board! The Cheeky Chef will be bringing all her culinary prowess and experience to Sicilian family-style meals with freshly caught fish, seasonal Italian produce, and pasta deliciousness. All meals and snacks are included.
Alcohol
From chic cocktails to classic Italian aperitivi and wine with dinners, you’ll have plenty of reasons to say ‘Salute!’ Linda’s connections to Sicily’s best wineries and vintners mean we have a sailing sommelier too! Not a drinker? Not a problem.
All Activities
We’ve curated a range of both classic and creative experiences to offer a unique and immersive Sicilian island showcase. From culture to food, swimming, sunning and sightseeing, you’ll experience it all - and always with a chic twist. On this trip expect plenty of dips in the water and chilling time as we sail between the Aeolian islands.
All Internal Travel
Aside from our catamarans, all your ferries, taxis and transfers are incuded in the tour price. You won’t need to whip out your wallet once while we’re together.
Sicilian Captains, Stellavision Host + Expert Local Guides
We’re taking care of all of the logistics so you can kick back and enjoy. Two of us will be on hand to host the tour, take care of everything you might need, and point out precious details you may miss. In addition to our Chef / Host, you’ll be joined by a Stellavision guide and we’ll be linking up with local experts too. The boats are sailed by expert English-speaking Captains with years of Sicilian sailing experience. We will eat all meals together but for overnights, each catamaran will always have their own captain and one of our two hosts to take care of you.
Welcome Kit
Merch, maps and a few surprises await you upon check-in!
Memories to last a lifetime.
‘nuff said.
Not Included
International Flight
You’ll meet us in Palermo, where the tour starts (and ends).
We depart early on the Saturday so you’ll want to ensure you arrive in Palermo on the Friday before your tour (international flights) or land in Palermo by 10am local time (connections within Italy) . We can help you with a hotel the night before and share a Stellavision rate.
Travel Insurance
is mandatory on all Stellavision Tours. We’ve done a bunch of the legwork for you though, you can find suggestions here. It is imperative your insurance cover sailing trips too - be sure to check.
Personal Expenditures
Incidental costs, personal shopping and any expenses accrued during free time are not included in the tour price.
Professional Photographer
While our Stellavision tours typically include a photographer, due to the limited space on board the boats, this wasn’t a possibility at sea. But in typical Stellavision style, we may have a surprise up our sleeves. Stay tuned.
Your Private Chef: Linda Sarris
Linda Sarris was raised in a big Greek-American family and trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. After a few stints in restaurants, she took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way, developing her own Mediterranean style of cooking, working on a farm-to-table wine estate in Sicily, spending summers private-cheffing in Tuscany, and consulting for restaurants in Romania and Colombia! Linda is a published author, food/wine travel designer, and private chef with a decade of experience cooking for clients in the music and fashion industries. Part translator, part hostess with the mostess and our local culinary guru, the Cheeky Chef is working side by side with your Stellavision guide to finesse your time at sea. She's known as the Queen of Ballarò and has charmed the hearts of the vendors in her wild neighborhood food market in Palermo. She is a cheeky one (well named for sure) and when you’re on board, you'll find out why…. wink.
Life on a Boat & Your Cabin Accomodations
We are so unbelievably excited to go on this journey with you! We also believe in total transparency: your enjoyment and experience are far more important to us than selling you a spot on a trip that may not be the right fit. Here are some things you might want to consider:
Sailing is not as predictable as driving.
Rough seas and strong winds are always factors with boat trips. We need to go with the flow. The captain has the final say on where and when we sail to keep us safe and sound. During the week, the itinerary may change slightly depending on the best sailing path around the Aeolian Islands but no matter what, you can count on a great time. The weather in Sicily in June is typically gorgeous and we are rain or shine kinda folks. If we encounter a dose of bad weather, the experienced professionals on board always do their best to manage the situation. You’re in great hands.
Let’s talk about sea sickness for a moment.
We’ll be sending out a full packing list before your trip and on there, you’ll find that we recommend things you might need for the possibility of sea sickness. It’s important to remember that going out on a boat is different than living/sleeping on a boat. Even if you’re not normally susceptible to sea sickness, please brings some ‘just in case’ items along. Guests typically bring pills / patches. We cannot provide these to you.
Communal living & conveniences:
Communal living requires flexibility and an easy-going attitude. Unless you’re opting for double occupancy, all of our travelers will have a private bedroom space (more on the cabin facilities in a minute) but a boat is not a hotel. Even though this is our tiniest tour to date, we’ll be sharing a small living room area. There will be limited fridge space and our illustrious chef will be calling the shots on what goes inside it, as well as working from a small kitchenette. You’re going to be amazed at the gourmet grub she whips up! It’s important to go into this experience with the utmost courtesy and respect for our Hosts, Captains, the locals we'll encounter, and each other as we enjoy the Aeolians in our floating living space. (There is also plenty of time to stretch legs and get off the boat too!)
There is no Wi-Fi connection on-board. Cell service at sea is in and out but an Italian SIM card will be helpful if you need to stay connected.
There is no air-conditioning on the boats but you can look forward to refreshing sea dips and mother nature’s breeze. There is plenty of shade to be found on board.
Each of our two catamarans has four cabins and unless you’re opting for double occupancy (see below), one of them is all yours! Inside your private space you’ll find a double bed with a window above for air flow. There are USB outlets by the bedside, a small closet to hang items and two drawers if you want to unpack - which we recommend. We’ll store your suitcase to give you more space in the room. Speaking of:
It’s important (and you’ll be happier!) if you pack as lightly as possible. One small-medium suitcase and a backpack or tote is your luggage allowance. But don’t worry - if you’re spending longer in Italy or traveling onward and need more gear, we’ll be sharing where and how you can store a second or bigger suitcase in Palermo while we’re at sea.
Each cabin has its own bathroom. These are small but it’s all yours! Expect a toilet, small cabinet, and sink with shower head. AKA the entire bathroom turns into a shower over the toilet - there is not a separate shower to step into. But, we have 4 nights out of 7 docked in proper ports (as opposed to anchored out at sea). At each port you’ll have access to the on-shore bathroom and shower facilities. Long, hot, spacious, shower time! There’s also a freshwater shower on the boat deck (which we’d recommend doing in your bathing suit, not nude!) Between these three options, you’ll be fiiiine and clean as a whistle. There are mandatory bathroom rules that will need to be followed, to be explained by our captains on check-in. Welcome to boat life!
If you’d like a few pictures to fully paint this scene, feel free to drop us an email and we’ll provide some photo evidence of your home-sweet-home-to-be: hi@stellavisiontravel.com
Your Cabin & Packing
Sailing vs. Cruising
Catamarans are infamous for motoring more than sailing, there are pros and cons to both. We opted for this kind of boat because of their more spacious cabins, inside/outside communal areas, and general steadiness. Everyone hopes for smooth seas which keep us comfortable on-board but no waves usually means no wind and therefore no sailing. Of course our catamarans have beautiful billowy sails and we’ll get them up when we can. It’s quite a romantic moment softly swishing through the water and having a little tryst with mother nature's breeze.
How does double occupancy work?
We need both travelers to sign up independently. We only have 7 guest cabins available for this tour so the first step is for the primary traveler to book their spot at the regular rate in order to secure your cabin.
Then, drop us an email (hi@stellavisiontravel.com) and we’ll coordinate the rest with you, step-by-step. We’ll be sending you a promo code and a special link so the 2nd traveler is booking IN your room, not a different room. The promo code for the 2nd traveler will ensure the two rates add up to $5195 per person. (or less if you’ve taken advantage of our Earlybird rate!)
Grazie mille for hanging with us through this extra admin step. The only other thing you’ll have to do is pack that suitcase and we’ll be taking good care of you from here.
Please note: our comfortable catamaran cabins can fit two travelers. The bed is a double so you would be sharing (and consensually snuggling).
Travel Style
What can you expect from a Stellavision Tour? From journeying with a professional photographer to our travel values, find out how we do Italy:
Booking Terms & Conditions
All the fine - and not so fine -
print can be found here:
