A Genealogist’s Guide to Ancestral Travel in Sicily

Embarking on a journey to explore your ancestral roots in Sicily offers a profound and multi-faceted experience. As a travel advisor, genealogist and 3rd generation  Sicilian-American, I have had my own life-changing experiences connecting with my heritage, my Sicilian family, and the land my ancestors once called home.

Visiting my family's town in Sicily

What makes this type of travel so much more meaningful than just booking a trip? It’s true just being in Sicily can give you that familiar feeling of being “home”, it did for me…but think of what your experience would be if you actually pinpointed your travel to the town your ancestors were from, to the streets they walked, or even to the houses in which they lived? What if, like me, you met living relatives? There is no guarantee it will turn out like that, but what if it did?

Here are just some of the key benefits that makes this worth the effort:

Cultural Connection

Visiting Sicily connects you with the island’s rich culture, traditions, and history. From its ancient Greek ruins to its vibrant markets and festivals, Sicily provides a tangible link to your heritage.

The Valley of the Temples Agrigento

La Vucciria, Palermo

Family Discovery

Ancestral travel often leads to meeting distant relatives and uncovering stories about your family’s past. It’s a chance to connect with your lineage on a personal  level. In my case, meeting my Sicilian cousins has been a gift. Through them, I have gotten to know the people who came before me, my people. It inspired me to look for ways to give back to these people and to this

With my Sicilian cousins harvesting olives

town. I now import my cousin’s award winning, organic olive oil, my other cousin is one of my business partners who helps me connect to local suppliers in Sicily for unique travel experiences. These cousins welcomed me into their lives as if I was their sister. I have had six hour lunches where I was serenaded with Sicilian folk music. I have had coffee with the Mayor of the town who offered me a free house! I have helped harvest my cousin’s olives and saw them pressed into liquid gold. I have tasted freshly made (still warm!) ricotta with Carlo the local cheese-maker. These relationships and  experiences have been life-changing.

Gastronomic Heritage

Sicily is famous for its unique cuisine, influenced by a blend of Mediterranean cultures. Exploring local dishes like arancini, caponata, and cannoli can help you understand your family’s culinary traditions. 

Emotional Fulfillment

Standing in the places where your ancestors once lived, worked, and thrived can provide a deep sense of belonging and identity. It’s a meaningful way to honor their legacy.

Natural Beauty

The stunning landscapes of Sicily, from Mount Etna to the turquoise waters of its coastlines, offer a beautiful backdrop to your journey. It’s an opportunity to combine personal exploration with a relaxing vacation. 

The view of Mt. Etna from Cesaro, Sicily

Personal Growth

Learning about your roots can inspire self-discovery and foster a deeper appreciation for your family’s resilience, migration stories, and cultural influences.

Planning an Ancestral Trip to Sicily

Planning an ancestral journey to Sicily involves a blend of genealogical research, cultural exploration, and thoughtful preparation. If you know exactly where your family is from, great! You are ahead of the game! What if you don’t have a clue where to start? Most of will never be on “Finding Your Roots” or “Who Do You Think You Are”, so how do we get that same kind of experience? That’s where a genealogist (who also happens to be a travel advisor!) can help. But is there even such a thing? Yes! 

Why Hire a Travel Advisor Who is Also a Genealogist?

Combining the expertise of a travel advisor with the specialized knowledge of a genealogist can elevate your ancestral trip to Sicily. Here’s why:

Seamlessly Integrated Planning

A travel advisor who is also a genealogist can craft an itinerary that balances genealogical research with cultural exploration. They ensure that every stop is meaningful, from visiting archives to discovering historical landmarks tied to your ancestry. 

Expert Access to Local Resources

• Genealogical Records: They know exactly where to find birth, marriage, and death records and how to navigate Sicily’s archives and parish registries.

• Local Guides: With their network, they can connect you with knowledgeable local guides and historians who can add context to your family’s story.

  
  

Customization to Your Heritage

• Tailored Experiences: A genealogist can personalize your trip to include specific ancestral towns, houses, cemeteries, or churches tied to your family’s history. You can even get a custom audio walking tour that ties all of these elements together.

• Cultural Immersion: They may incorporate unique experiences, such as cooking classes or traditional events and festivals, that reflect your family’s cultural background.

Time and Stress Savings

• Pre-Trip Research: Genealogists handle the time-intensive research to uncover your family’s Sicilian roots before you arrive. 

• Streamlined Logistics: By combining genealogical expertise with travel planning, they ensure smooth transitions between research, sightseeing, and relaxation.

  
  

• Personalized Connections

  
  

• Distant Relatives: They may help locate living relatives in Sicily and arrange opportunities to meet them.

• Community Links: A genealogist’s familiarity with Sicilian culture can help you form deeper connections with the local community.

Unique Travel Opportunities

• Hidden Gems: They know off-the-beaten-path destinations that may have personal significance to your family’s history.

• Special Events: Genealogist/Advisors can plan your trip around unique local festivals. ceremonies or other cultural events that resonate with your heritage. 

  
  

Post-Trip Benefits

• Detailed Documentation: Many travel advisor-genealogists provide a complete record of your findings, including family trees, translated documents, and photos of significant locations.

• Continued Research: They may offer follow-up services to deepen your genealogical journey even after you return home

By hiring a travel advisor who is also a genealogist, you gain the expertise of two professionals in one, ensuring your ancestral journey is both enriching and stress-free. 

Would you like help making your ancestry trip unforgettable? I would be happy to help you! I can even do genealogical research on other countries, in addition to Italy and Sicily.

Contact Marissa at marissa@consultwanderlust.com for a free consultation today!