Once upon a time, in the vibrating city of New York, there was a young couple named Alexander and Julie, who had always dreamed of embarking on an unforgettable journey. Alexander’s ancestors came from Sicily, the pearl of the Mediterranean, that they left a century ago looking for fortune and a job in the far away and terrifying lands of America. Alexander or Alessandro, as he was called at home, in the lovely neighbourhood of Brooklyn,
had to listen, throughout all his childhood, to his grandparents’ story of a land full of sun and blue sea, full of people and food, full of life and love and he yearned to explore the breathtaking landscapes and experience the thrill of adventure on the Isle.
Determined to make his dream a reality, he and Julie went on the web and googled to find the best Tour operator that could organize for him and his wife to be, the trip of their life, looking for the roots that created Alexander’s family and found the web site of Massari Travel, www.massari-travel.com. He surfed it for hours until he got the feeling that the expertise he needed was there, in those landing pages that told the story of Italy and Sicily, that lured him to live an experience on the Mount Etna, that could be easily organized for him by the renowned Massari Travel agency in Rome.
The couple required a call with an expert and Sabrina Massari in person,
the President of Massari Travel, answered and together they had a first long and interesting chat that was the beginning of a story, their story with Massari Travel.
Everything was organized in the most efficient way by Maria, the Operation Manager
who, with the softest tone of voice ever heard from an Italian and the most appropriate manners, put together transfers, hotels, experiences, making sure that Alexandre and Julie’s needs were heard and listened to by every single guide, driver, hotel manager who was about to meet them. Among the many gems Sicily had to offer, Maria enthusiastically suggested a visit to Mount Etna, the majestic volcano that dominated the island’s skyline and Alexander and Julie were immediately captivated by the idea of witnessing such a natural wonder up close.
With a hint of excitement in their eyes, they eagerly confirmed their decision to include Mount Etna in their travel itinerary, knowing it was going to be something special.
A few months later, the day arrived for them to embark on their Sicilian adventure and after a long flight from New York to Rome and from Rome to Catania, they finally landed in Sicily. Catania revealed itself a vibrant city, full of lively people and great foot, situated at the foot of Mount Etna.
Upon reaching the foothills of Mount Etna, they were greeted by their knowledgeable local guide, Sofia, hired for them by Massari Travel.
Sofia’s passion for the volcano was contagious, as she shared captivating stories and historical facts about this natural wonder. The couple hiked along ancient lava trails, marvelling at the unique flora and fauna that had emerged from the volcanic soil.
As they ascended the slopes of Mount Etna, Alexander and Julie were awestruck by the ever-changing panorama, and witnessed billowing smoke and steam rising from the crater, a testament to the volcano’s untamed power.
Sofia guided them to vantage points where they could admire the surrounding landscapes, from the sprawling vineyards to the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
After a day of exploration, Alexander and Julie bid farewell to Sofia, grateful for her expertise and the unforgettable memories she had helped them create. But their adventure in Sicily was far from over.
They continued their journey, exploring the charming coastal towns, indulging in delicious local cuisine, and immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the island.
When their Sicilian odyssey was about to come to an end, Alexander felt it was the right time for doing what he came for and he kneeled down on the sooty soil of Sicily, taking out from his pocket an ancient jewellery case and opened it in front of Julie’s amazed eyes, who was mesmerized by the most shining diamond ring on earth.
The ring, made in Sicily almost a century before, had always been on Alexander’s grandmother’s finger until she gave it to him before his leaving for Sicily, because she knew, old wise women always know better…😊, that you do not bring to such a wonderful part of the world any woman, but the woman you want to share your life with.
She gave it to Alexander with a smile and a hug and an affectionate warning “Do not come back without a wife”.
Julie said yes, of course and on the following day they returned to Rome, their hearts brimming with gratitude for the incredible experiences they had encountered.
Once there, in their comfy hotel in the Roman Jewish Ghetto, they decided to visit Massari Travel, to share with Sabrina e Maria tales of their extraordinary journey.
Their time in Sicily had not only fulfilled their dreams of adventure but had also deepened their appreciation for the diverse beauty of Italy and they both knew that their memories of Mount Etna, the warm hospitality of the Sicilian people, and the enchanting landscapes would forever hold a special place in their hearts.
And so, with a newfound wanderlust in their souls, Alexander and Julie began planning their next escapade… their honeymoon ❤️ eager to continue exploring the wonders of the world with the help of Massari Travel.
