Sunshine, longer days, renewed energy… spring is a wonderful whirlwind of positivity that reawakens not only nature but also our desire to get involved. If you’re planning a spring vacation, instead of the usual week at the spa or in a European capital, opt for a different experience. An exciting one: experiential tourism.
Live life as a… tourist
Experiential tourism is a trend that’s increasingly gaining traction, invading Europe after exploding in America! It allows you to enjoy a period of rest and vacation, savoring “different lives” from your own, participating as protagonists in events, situations, and professions we perhaps never imagined we could experience. There are many ideas to consider, depending on your tastes and physical fitness. Fishing tourism involves going on a boat with fishermen at night… not suitable for the elderly, the lazy ones, or the latecomers! Herding a flock in the mountains is suitable for well-trained people. Working in a glassmaker’s or carpenter’s shop is suitable for those who enjoy quiet experiences that require great mental focus. But experiential tourism can also be enjoyed simply by retracing the spiritual or historical footsteps left by others in the past, along “paths” or special routes… Do you want some examples? Here is your choice!
Walking along the Regia Trazzera in Sicily
In Sicily, the term Regia Trazzera refers to various historical and spiritual paths that wind along the coast and inland of the island. Some date back to the Norman or even ancient Roman era. Recently rediscovered and re-evaluated by the Region and local dioceses, they offer beautiful routes to be admired slowly, on foot or by bicycle.
We particularly recommend following the Norman Via Francigena, which connects Messina to Palermo, covering 390 km and reaching an altitude of 1,334 meters. The route involves 36 municipalities, including some of the most beautiful medieval villages in Sicily. It starts from the center of Palermo, continues toward Bagheria with its mysterious villas, and then climbs up to the Madonie Mountains (Caccamo, Montemaggiore, Caltavuturo, Polizzi Generosa). As you approach the Nebrodi, the peaks become more gentle and forested, and you immerse yourself in the beauty of places such as Petralie, Gangi, Nicosia, and Capizzi. Finally, you reach Messina via the Peloritani ridges, with views of Mount Etna: Novara di Sicilia, Montalbano Elicona, Floresta (the highest town on the island), and Randazzo with its medieval historic center will be some of the most lovely stops.
To follow this itinerary, after landing at Palermo Airport (PMO) , you need to be well-organized, especially if you plan to follow it on foot. It’s important to have time available (at least two weeks) and good training, as well as good logistical organization regarding food and accommodation.
Rural workshops among the lavender fields in France
Do you feel drawn to hard but rewarding work? Book your spring “experience” in France, specifically in Provence.
Landing at Marseille Airport (MRS) or Nice Airport (NCE), you’ll head inland, where the lavender fields turn purple in June. You may not see them in bloom, but you can work with local farmers to care for them. The agricultural experience on a Provençal farm is special, and there are many experiences you can have in this region .
Admiring the delicate beauty of villages such as Mans, or Tourrettes… the land of violets, or Fayence and Tourtour with their authentic agricultural products, or Saint-Julien and its two historic windmills… will make tiring tasks like tending the animals, fertilizing the fields, and harvesting the first harvests easier!
Eco-volunteering in Greece: set the turtles free!
Another form of experiential tourism is volunteering, that is helping professionals involved in ecological activities. For example, at a shelter caring for injured sea turtles.
You’ll be a volunteer helping veterinarians and biologists recover the turtles, caring for their habitat and feeding them, and monitoring their progress until they’re released back into the sea. Imagine …what an excitement! And you can do it amid the sun and colors of Greece. In Zakynthos (Zakynthos Airport ZTH), Kefalonia (Kefalonia Airport EFL), Crete (Heraklion HER)… there are many places where this exciting event can take place, thanks to associations that promote this type of experiential tourism (https://archelon.gr/en).
And while you care for the turtles waiting for the fateful moment, you can enjoy the warm Aegean spring, among beaches, fragrant villages and fascinating ancient ruins.
