Intimate, unique and authentically local
There are Italy travel planners, and then there is Vanya Mavrodieva.
A one-woman powerhouse based in Milan, Vanya is the founder of Design Your Italy travel planner, a highly personalized travel consultation company that helps travelers discover Italy in a way that is intimate, unique, and authentically local. On a recent episode of the Flavor of Italy podcast, we chatted about some of Sicily's most evocative destinations—from the hilltop town of Erice to the windswept volcanic islands of Pantelleria and the Aeolian archipelago. If you're looking for the ultimate Italy travel planner to help you explore Sicily, Vanya is a name you should know.
What Makes Design Your Italy Travel Planner Different
Unlike a traditional Italy travel planner or automated itinerary builders, Vanya offers a hands-on, bespoke service that is deeply collaborative. While many consultation companies provide a one-hour call followed by a generic list of links, Vanya remains personally involved every step of the way. She builds each itinerary from the ground up, based on detailed conversations with her clients, and she provides continuous support throughout the trip.
She doesn't earn commissions, so her recommendations are entirely tailored to each traveler’s needs and budget. From hotels and restaurants to transportation and activities, every detail is considered, time-optimized, and personalized. That’s what sets a true Italy travel planner apart.
Why Sicily?
Sicily is one of Vanya's favorite destinations—a place she returns to again and again. The island is a rich tapestry of history, culture, and food, shaped by centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influence. Whether you're into ancient ruins, volcanic wines, or sweets passed down from convent kitchens, Sicily has something for you.
Erice: A Medieval Gem in the Sky
One standout destination in Italy travel planner Vanya's Sicily itineraries is Erice, perched over 700 meters above sea level on Sicily's northwestern coast. This ancient town—once called "the city of a hundred churches"—offers sweeping views of the sea and nearby islands like the Egadi. The best way to experience Erice? Wander.
You won't find a rigid to-do list here. Instead, Vanya recommends soaking up the town's cobblestone streets, stone palaces, and sacred atmosphere. A must-visit is Pasticceria Maria Grammatico, where sweets like Genovese pastries are handmade following recipes Maria learned in a convent. The shop isn’t glamorous or Instagram-ready—but that’s exactly the point. It’s local, authentic, and utterly delicious.
Beyond Erice: Selinunte, Marsala, and Wine Country
Erice also makes a great base for day trips to Selinunte, one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe and a stunning site perched right above the sea. Marsala, with its fortified wine traditions and salt flats, is another excellent destination within easy reach.
For wine lovers, the Menfi region offers a closer alternative to Mount Etna's vineyards. With blue flag beaches and producers like Planeta and Mandrarossa, this is a lesser-known but equally rewarding wine destination. And yes, Planeta also has vineyards on Etna and even on the island of Pantelleria.
Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands: Off-the-Beaten-Path Italy
For seasoned travelers looking for something different, Italy travel planner Vanya often recommends the volcanic islands off Sicily's coast. Pantelleria, famous for its capers and dammuso-style architecture, is a true hidden gem. Flights are available from Palermo and Catania, but should be booked well in advance due to limited availability.
The Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO-protected archipelago to the northeast, are also stunning. From Lipari to Stromboli, these islands are best explored by ferry and on foot. Vanya shared a story of organizing a cooking class with a local nonna on one of the islands, where travelers learned to make simple dishes with fresh tomatoes while immersing themselves in Sicilian hospitality.
Driving in Sicily: Should You Do It?
Is driving around Sicily realistic for travelers? Vanya is honest: it’s a challenge. While highways are manageable, navigating towns like Palermo and Catania can be overwhelming due to limited traffic zones and a very different driving culture. For those who prefer not to drive, Vanya arranges private drivers, group transportation, and transfers—offering multiple price points.
The Beauty of Working with an Independent Italy Travel Planner
What shines through in this episode is Italy travel planner Vanya's commitment to creating deeply personalized, meaningful travel experiences. She doesn’t just book hotels—she builds relationships. Her network of off-the-beaten-path contacts, from grandmothers to boutique hotel owners, creates the kind of trip you simply can't get from a travel aggregator.
Whether you're planning your first trip to Italy or your fifth, working with an independent Italy travel planner like Vanya can make the difference between a standard vacation and the trip of a lifetime.
You can find more about Vanya and her services at:
- Website: https://www.designyouritaly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designyouritaly
- Pinterest: https://it.pinterest.com/DesignYourItaly/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@designyouritaly – where she shares expert tips and practical advice on organizing a personalized trip to Italy
- LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanya-mavrodieva-design-your-italy/
- LinkedIn (Company Page): https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-your-italy/
More from Flavor of Italy — Explore Sicily and Southern Italy
Love what you heard? Explore more Sicily-focused travel and food content on flavorofitaly.com:
- Exploring Sicily’s Mount Etna Wines
- Eating Your Way Through Sicily
- The Flavor of Sicily: A Journey Through Food, Wine, and Culture
Ready to plan your own Sicilian adventure? Start with a podcast listen and let the Flavor of Italy blog and a trusted Italy travel planner guide you the rest of the way.
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