Set sail on a private gulet through the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage volcanic archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily. Over 8 days and 7 nights, you'll island-hop from Milazzo to Lipari, Filicudi, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, and Vulcano, trading busy schedules for turquoise anchorages, sun-warmed decks, and evenings watching the light fade over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

What to Expect: This retreat is designed for relaxation, with a gentle rhythm of sailing, swimming, and island exploring. Most days begin with breakfast on deck and an easy sail to a new anchorage, with time to snorkel in clear coves, cruise past the glowing Sciara del Fuoco on Stromboli, sample Malvasia wine on lush Salina, and wander the whitewashed lanes of Panarea. Each evening, the crew takes you ashore by tender to stroll charming island villages. Every activity is optional. Spend the day exploring or never leave the sun lounger. The experience is entirely yours.

Accommodations & Inclusions: Your home for the week is the Donna Marisa, a traditional wooden gulet privately chartered for our group, with a professional crew of four. Round-trip transfers between Catania Airport and Milazzo are included, along with daily breakfast and lunch on board, a welcome dinner aboard, and a group dinner ashore. An all-inclusive beverage package with local wine, beer, and spirits is also included, as are select island excursions, snorkeling equipment, fuel and port fees, and crew gratuities.

Let Us Help You Plan: Need assistance booking your flights? Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, is happy to help arrange your travel. Reach out directly at amy@walkerwellnessretreats.com for personalized support.

Trip Style: Relaxed. This trip is ideal for those who want to slow down, soak up the Mediterranean, and enjoy the freedom of a private yacht with everything taken care of. Get ready for a week of sea, sun, and island life in one of Italy's most beautiful corners.

Packing light is essential for sailing trips, as cabin space is often limited. Opt for versatile, breathable clothing and quick-dry fabrics whenever possible.

Clothing

• 3–4 lightweight tops (linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking)

• 2 pairs of shorts

• 1–2 casual sundresses or skirts (optional)

• 2 pairs of lightweight pants or capris

• 1 light sweater or cardigan for cooler evenings

• 1 light jacket or windbreaker (water-resistant recommended)

• 1 set of comfortable clothes for sleeping

• 1–2 swimsuits

• 1 swim cover-up or kaftan

• Undergarments and socks for the week

• 1 nicer outfit for a dinner ashore

Footwear

• Non-slip deck shoes or boat shoes

• Comfortable walking sandals

• Flip-flops for the deck or beach

Accessories

• Wide-brim hat or cap for sun protection

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Reusable water bottle

• Lightweight scarf or shawl (for sun coverage or modesty when visiting churches)

• Dry bag or waterproof pouch for valuables

• Small backpack or tote for excursions

Personal Toiletries

Bring your own toiletries, as gulets may not provide them:

• Shampoo and conditioner (travel-size recommended)

• Body wash or bar soap

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

• Deodorant

• Razor and shaving cream

• Hairbrush/comb, hair ties

• Facial cleanser and moisturizer

• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+ recommended)

• Lip balm with SPF

• Insect repellent

• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)

• Personal medications in original containers (enough for the whole trip)

• Motion sickness remedies (wristbands, patches, or tablets)

• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers)

• Hand sanitizer and travel-sized wet wipes

Electronics & Travel Essentials

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date)

• Travel insurance documents

• Phone and charger (consider a portable power bank)

• Camera or GoPro (optional, but great for capturing memories)

• Travel adapter (Sicily uses European-style plugs, Type C, F or L)

Sicily is a captivating island off the coast of Italy, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Sailing along Sicily's Aeolian Islands in September is one of the best times to experience the UNESCO World Heritage volcanic archipelago located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Calm seas, mild weather, and fewer crowds create an ideal setting for a gulet journey.

Visa, Entry & Health Requirements (For U.S. Citizens)

Visa Requirements

• U.S. citizens can enter Italy visa free for up to 90 days.

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Sicily.

Entry Requirements

• You may be asked to show proof of onward travel (return flight or onward ticket) when going through immigration upon arrival.

Health & Vaccinations

• No routine vaccines are required for entry into Italy.

• The CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines such as MMR, Tdap, and seasonal flu.

• Bring any prescription medications in original containers and carry enough for the entire trip.

Travel Insurance

• Strongly recommended, especially for trips involving boat charters.

• Policies should include coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruption, and evacuation.

Weather in September

September offers warm, pleasant Mediterranean weather with a comfortable transition from the summer heat to early autumn, creating some of the best sailing conditions of the year:

• Average Daytime Temperatures: 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F)

• Evening Temperatures: 17°C to 21°C (63°F to 70°F); Evenings can bring a cooler breeze so pack a light sweater or jacket.

• Sea Temperature: Around 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F), excellent for swimming

• Crowds: Low, allowing for peaceful anchorages and less busy ports

• Weather: Mostly sunny with occasional breezes, ideal for sailing

Travel Tips for Sailing in September

Currency and Payments

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's best to keep cash for markets and small towns.

• ATMs are available in most ports; withdraw cash before visiting remote bays.

Language

• Official language: Italian

• English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and marinas

• Learn key phrases such as Grazie (Thank You), Per favore (Please), and Il conto (the check).

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi is typically available on gulets and in marinas but may be slow in remote areas.

• Consider a local SIM card for reliable data access

Cultural Etiquette

• Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, when visiting churches or other religious establishments

• Have an espresso but remember- Espresso is typically drunk standing up at the bar counter rather than sitting at a table (which costs extra). Ordering a cappuccino after 11:00 AM is uncommon for locals, though fine if you prefer it.

• Say Hello First: When entering a shop, restaurant, elevator, or waiting area, make eye contact and greet people with Buongiorno (good day) or Buonasera (good evening). Save Ciao strictly for people you already know well.

Culinary Highlights

• Arancini / Arancine: Deep-fried risotto rice balls stuffed with variations like meat ragù, mozzarella, peas, or pistachio. In Palermo they are typically round (arancine), while in Catania they are often pointed (arancini).

• Caponata: A signature sweet-and-sour (agrodolce) eggplant stew cooked with celery, onions, tomatoes, capers, olives, pine nuts, and a touch of vinegar and sugar.

• Panelle & Crocchè: Crispy chickpea flour fritters (panelle) and potato croquettes (crocchè), frequently served hot inside a soft sesame roll in Palermo's outdoor markets.

• Sfincione: A thick, sponge-like Sicilian-style pizza topped with an onion, anchovy, tomato, and caciocavallo cheese sauce.

• Pani câ Meusa: A traditional Palermo street food sandwich loaded with tender, seasoned veal spleen and lung (often topped with grated caciocavallo or ricotta).

• Pasta con le Sarde: A complex, traditional pairing of bucatini with fresh sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts, raisins, saffron, and a hint of anchovy

Payment Policy

All Walker Wellness Retreats require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total retreat price to secure your booking. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will not be refunded regardless of the reason for cancellation.
 

For U.S. destinations, the next 25% is due 60 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 30 days before departure.
 

For International Destinations, the next 25% is due 120 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.
 

Trips can be paid in full at any time. If booking after the final payment deadline, trip payment in full is due at time of booking. Invoices NOT paid in full within 7 days of the above-mentioned deadlines are subject to trip cancellation. No refunds will be issued for trips canceled due to lack of payment.  
 

Cancellation Policy

BEFORE the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation before the final payment deadline, any additional payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit will be refunded. However, the 25% deposit remains non-refundable. 

AFTER the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation after the final payment deadline, all payments made (including the deposit and any additional amounts) are non-refundable due to financial commitments with our retreat venues, guides, and service providers. 

In the unlikely event that Walker Wellness Retreats cancels a retreat, you will be given a 100% full refund. 

We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.  For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.

Travel Insurance 

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at info@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

Arrive at your leisure throughout the day into Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). Upon arrival you will be greeted and transferred to Milazzo, the departing port for your journey. Please plan to arrive by 2:00 PM to allow time for the transfer.

Board your beautiful gulet, the Donna Marisa, around 6 PM, settle into your cabins, and enjoy a welcome dinner aboard as we begin our adventure toward Lipari.

Today is your first full day of sailing! Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on deck, and exploring the beautiful island of Filicudi.

8:30 AM - Breakfast

9:30 AM - Departure for sailing along the east coast of Lipari in the direction of Filicudi admiring the "Sea Ox Cave," with possibility of stops for swimming.

1:00 PM - Lunch on board

3:30 PM - Sailing along the coast of Filicudi (weather permitting).

5:00 PM - Return for mooring in roadstead

6:30 PM - Aperitivo on board and disembarkation by tender on Pecorini landing with opportunity to visit the remains of the "Capo Graziano Village" on foot.

Another day of sailing allows for swimming near the stunning coastline of Pollara and enjoying an opportunity to visit a local winery to sample Malvasia wines.

8:30 AM - Breakfast

9:30 AM - Departure and navigation to Salina, the richest in vegetation, with stops at the wonderful "Bay of Pollara," anchorage and stop for swimming.

1:00 PM - Lunch on board

3:30 PM - Sailing to Salina and arrival at the picturesque small port of S. Marina di Salina depending on the weather, evening mooring in the roadstead/port.

6:30 PM - Aperitivo on board and disembarkation with tender.

Today explore some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. You'll enjoy swimming near Panarea and cruising along Stromboli's dramatic volcanic coastline, with the possibility of seeing the famous Sciara del Fuoco.

8:30 AM - Breakfast

9:30 AM - Sailing to Stromboli with a stop in Panarea at Cala Junco.

1:00 PM - Lunch on board

3:30 PM - Depart for Stromboli with daytime observation by sea of the "Sciara del Fuoco."

6:30 PM - Aperitivo on board with arrival and overnight stay at Stromboli Fico Grande roadstead (weather conditions permitting), disembarkation with tender and possibility (for a fee) to do the Stromboli crater climb with licensed guide.

A relaxing day of swimming, snorkeling, exploring Panarea's charming village, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

8:30 AM - Breakfast

9:30 AM - Departure for Panarea, the smallest island of the "Aeolian" archipelago, the most fashionable of the islands as it is frequented by Italian and foreign VIPs, surrounded by uninhabited islets such as Basiluzzo and Lisca Bianca.

1:00 PM - Lunch on board

6:30 PM - Aperitivo on board, evening mooring in front of the village of Panarea, disembarking by tender.

More incredible swimming stops, gorgeous anchorages, and opportunities to explore the islands. You may even have time for some shopping or a little sightseeing!

8:30 AM - Breakfast on board

9:30 AM - Departure for Lipari with a stop at the Faraglioni, then on to Vulcano and some of the islands' most picturesque bays.

1:00 PM - Lunch on board

6:30 PM - Aperitivo on board, then disembark by tender for free time on Vulcano. Relax at the thermal mud pools (subject to availability) or stroll through the village shops and boutiques. Overnight at anchor off Vulcano.

Enjoy more swimming and relaxing on your final full day onboard before returning to Milazzo in the late afternoon.

8:30 AM - Breakfast on board

9:30 AM - Departure for sailing along the coast of Vulcano, passing the "Pools of Venus" and "Horse Cave," then on to Asino Beach (Spiaggia dell'Asino) for a swim.

1:00 PM - Lunch on board

3:30 PM - Departure for Milazzo

6:00 PM - Arrival in Milazzo

6:30 PM - Aperitivo on board, free time to visit the most characteristic places in Milazzo. The boat will be moored in the center from where you can walk into the old town and visit the castle and the characteristic fishing village of Vaccarella.

This morning say goodbye to the Donna Marisa as you continue your onward travels.

8:00 AM - Breakfast

9:00 AM - Disembarkation and transfer to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), approximately 2 hours. Please plan flights departing no earlier than 1:00 PM. Guests with later flights may choose an optional excursion to Tindari (additional fee) or a relaxing day on the beaches of Milazzo's west coast.