Exploring Sicily: Our Accessible Girls’ Getaway

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love to explore new places. There are certain aspects of my travels that stay with me as a vision impaired person, from the sound of cowbells on Austria’s mountains, to the taste of the pasta dish I still dream of from my first trip to Italy, the sweltering heat of Spain and how violins seduced the bustling daytime crowds of Prague’s old town into a calm, nighttime murmur. 

To me, jetting off to different countries is all about experiencing new cultures, learning their histories, and listening to a medley of languages fawning over  breathtaking landscapes or architecture. But it’s also about the people I share these moments with. 

My best friend Holly and I had always dreamed of going on holiday together, but as vision impaired people, we knew it wouldn’t be as simple as booking a flight and turning up to the airport. 

You can imagine our excitement, then, when we first heard about Seable, a holiday company that strives to provide accessible, tailored holidays and group trips for vision impaired people.

We’d had our eyes on their holidays for years, but we made it our 2026 goal to take the plunge and finally book a trip.

Let me talk you through the entire experience, from the booking process to the incredible four nights we spent in Sicily. 

Booking our adventure

Earlier this year, Holly and I were dreaming up our holiday as we scrolled through Seable’s website. 

We shortlisted a few potential options from the destinations they offer and excitedly penned our interest in our first email to the company.

We decided to opt for a tailored trip due to the flexibility in being able to pick and choose our itinerary and take the holiday at our own pace.

Not long after sending that first email, we had a call with Seable’s lovely Assistant Manager, Emma. She talked us through how tailored trips worked and answered all our questions about making a holiday happen.

After reading through the information about a couple of our shortlisted destinations, Sicily came out on top. 

The next step in the booking process was completing all the necessary forms, finalising what we wanted to do as part of our itinerary and jumping on another call with Emma to book our flights. 

As someone who’s battled with many inaccessible websites when it comes to booking different trips, it was refreshing to be able to plan a holiday where accessibility was at the top of the priority list.

Once our flights were booked, all that was left for us to do was count down to our holiday. 

Emma sent our itinerary and packing list about a month before departure, made a few final tweaks and checked us into our flights. She also called the day before we travelled to make sure everything was in place and we were good to go.

The level of care and attention that went into making us feel comfortable and excited about our break was second to none. We can’t thank Emma enough for all her help in making this trip happen. 

Day 1: Jetting off

Nervousness and excitement mingled in my stomach as I zipped up my case, ready to head to the train station. Some of the nerves dissipated when my brother announced that the cabin bag’s weight was just under the limit, I call it personal growth that I managed to undo my overpacking tendencies. 

Relying on train assistance is often the most nerve-wracking part of any independent journey for me, but I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the  system worked on this day.. Okay, yes, the assistant at my origin station did board the train without me, but the person at the other end met me at my seat which has never happened before. 

After a two and a half hour journey to Manchester, I eagerly waited for Holly and her parents to arrive. It had somehow been four years since we last saw each other so a long-awaited hug was the first port of call when they got there. 

We sat ourselves down in the assistance waiting area after letting the team know we’d arrived, brushing off the offer of a wheelchair when our names were called to go through security. 

This was my first experience of airport assistance so I wasn’t sure how it all worked, but I’m glad to report that it all went smoothly.

We had one guide between us so I held onto Holly’s arm as we weaved our way through the airport. Other staff stepped up to support us through security which we were grateful for as they all explained what was happening as part of the process. 

Whilst we had a short hold up there, it wasn’t long until we were at our gate, watching the clock as boarding time inched closer. 

Once we were in our seats, a member of the Jet2 team came over to provide a safety briefing and let us know they were on hand if we needed anything. 

After a 45 minute delay on the tarmac, we were glad to finally take off and begin our journey towards the Italian island. 

We endured a few minutes of waiting after landing as the other passengers made their way off the plane before the assistance team came on board to meet us. They guided us through passport control where the bright flash of the camera we had to look into evoked a few floaters in my eyes. That, coupled with the earache the plane landing summoned, made for a slightly painful welcome, but it was soon quelled when we made our way outside, took our first breath of Sicilian air and were greeted by the wonderful Serena, our guide for the next few days. 

Serena’s energy was instantly magnetic, dissolving any traces of nerves we carried with us. She drove us to a hotel in Aci Trezza which would be our base for the holiday, and gave us an orientation of our room. 

It’s little touches like these that made the holiday feel more accessible to me as a vision impaired person. I’ve lost count of the headaches, bumps and scratches I’ve earned while trying to navigate unfamiliar spaces, so having someone point out the basics made a huge difference.

It was a late arrival into Catania so we were more than ready to settle in for the evening and recharge before our first day on the island. 

Day 2: Heading up Mount Etna

Serena joined us for breakfast each morning, guiding us from our room to the restaurant where an array of delicious pastries, fruits and cheeses lined the buffet.

As someone with Coeliac Disease, the food scene at every new destination I visit  causes some anxiety to begin with, but the staff came prepared with a plate of gluten free goodies for me each morning which consisted of a croissant, bread and a brownie. 

I’m not a cake person at the best of times, let alone for breakfast, so I omitted the brownie and the bread, following the croissant with yoghurt and fruit to fuel me for the day ahead. 

It was an exciting one, too, as we drove up the slope to Mount Etna, vineyards and lush vegetation bordering us on each side. Our journey was soundtracked by Serena’s descriptions of the scenery and her vast knowledge of the area’s history.

We parked at 2000 metres before donning our coats and braving the cold.

Due to the sharp whip of the wind, the cable car we hoped to take up to 2500 metres unfortunately but understandably wasn’t running on the day, so we hopped onto the substitute bus to the same level. This allowed us to experience the true landscape of the mountain as the track snaked through the rugged ground and the  marks previous lava flows have tattooed onto the surface. 

The wind was even more intense as we alighted from the bus, and the snow beneath our feet signalled how cold the temperature was at this height. We all vowed not to stay too long out of fear of catching a chill, but were just as intent on exploring the area. 

Serena described the iridescent quality of the volcanic rock she placed in our hands, a detail we could sense due to its smooth texture. The ground was rich with a mosaic of different rocks and ashes. Another we held possessed more jagged features and crumbled into grains with the slightest of touches.  

I found myself having to close my eyes at points in order to guard them from such debris.

Ascending to a higher point on the mountain wasn’t an option on the day of our visit due to activity on the summit, but it was still incredible to reach the height that we did. It felt even more unique to explore Mamma Etna, as Sicilians call her, with Serena guiding us along the rough terrain and through the history of the mountain too.

After returning to our original starting point, a warm lunch was calling our name at one of the restaurants on the volcano. It was music to my ears to hear that any pasta dish could be made gluten free and I put my trust in Serena’s recommendation of a speciality consisting of spinach, sausage and olive oil derived straight from the fertile slopes of the mountain. I’d go as far as to say this was a top contender for my favourite meal of the trip.

Back in Aci Trezza, Holly and I enjoyed some downtime on our balcony, continuing our much needed catch up before our evening meal. 

Serena had pre-booked all of the restaurants we headed to during our trip and called every one to double check their gluten free offerings. This eradicated the stress of eating out for me as she was also able to communicate with staff in their native language to ensure they understood my dietary requirements. I honestly can’t thank her enough for her dedication in making sure I was able to eat well everywhere we went.

We enjoyed a stroll by the sea on our way to the restaurant that evening, taking some time to touch one or two monuments along the way as Serena educated us on more of the area’s history. 

She left us to it once we’d ordered our food, returning later in the evening to guide us back to our hotel. 

Day 3: Exploring Ortigia and Syracuse

The next day saw us heading south to Syracuse. Here, anchored in the Ionian Sea was the island of Ortigia, the ancient, beating heart of the area. Serena told us how ancient Greek influence formed the spine of the island and how it once rivalled Athens in terms of wealth and power.

Our first stop in Ortigia was the papyrus museum, a quiet spot that preserves an intricate river craft. We learned about how Syracuse is one of the only places in Europe where papyrus grows natively, before marvelling at boats constructed entirely from the tightly bound stalks of the plant. 

The museum’s director allowed us behind the workshop table and guided us through the process of turning the plant into paper. 

She placed our fingers on the damp ribbons that were set in overlapping rows to create a structured grid. After a few days under a stone press, those layers would fuse together and result in durable, light-weight sheets. The texture somewhat resembled a piece of braille paper, I wonder how well they’d hold up in a Perkins Brailler. 

Lunch was served at a school-themed cafe before we headed to the island’s main square. Serena described the grand buildings that framed the piazza, painting a picture of the creamy white colour of the Baroque facades. The space  was bleached out under the midday Mediterranean sun so we whipped out our sunglasses before stepping any further.

After taking a few photos, we headed into the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, where we learned about the patron saint of Syracuse, a figure woven so deeply into the city’s soul that her image and symbols adorn the architecture all around us. 

Serena placed our hands on the cold iron of the historic grates lining the interior walls whilst explaining that these cage-like features were designed for the cloistered nuns who once lived here in strict isolation. 

Caravaggio’s painting, The Burial of Saint Lucy, was displayed on one of the walls, and Serena described the scene to us which brought another layer of this eery history to life.

Our next stop was the NeopolisArchaeologicalPark, home to a Greek Theatre,  where classic tragedies have played out under the open sky for thousands of years. We were clued into the several tiers of seating and the sea that acts as a backdrop to it all. 

I’m admittedly a bit of a history buff, so exploring different facets of it was fascinating and unlocked the geek in me. It’s not often the most accessible subject, so having instant access through touch and Serena’s incredibly knowledgeable brain was a real treat.

We indulged in some much-needed downtime when we returned to our hotel. Holly, bless her heart, sat with me to listen to the end of the Everton game. I did, however, do my best friend duties and made a similar sacrifice by joining her in listening to the Arsenal Women’s highlights.

 Later, a delicious pizza crowned a long day of exploring. Pizza in the UK will truly never taste the same again. 

Day 4: Learning about Catania

Our final day was spent in Catania, a city born from volcanic ash. Courtesy of Sereena’s description, I could imagine the black lava stone streets and the brooding silhouette of Mount Etna looking over it all.

In order to get an idea of the incredible architecture in the area, we headed to the Tactile Museum, a place for us to explore some of the world’s most iconic landmarks through the pads of our fingers.

Here, highly detailed three-dimensional scale models represented buildings such as the Colosseum in Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Eiffel Tower.

Catania’s architecture had its own dedicated room where we were able to touch the intricacies of its buildings, including the cathedral, the opera house, and the Elephant Fountain, a whimsical monument carved from volcanic rock in the main square.

Exploring these replicas by touch allowed us to form our own mental map of the city and provided unique insight into the place we were about to roam. 

I usually experience new places through other people’s descriptions, so it was incredible to be able to feel the details for myself and build my own images.

We were in awe of the level of artistry carved into each of the models as we toured the museum, marvelling at Catania’s heritage alongside some of Europe’s most famous monuments. It was a special experience since it provided us with details we would never have access to otherwise. What an absolute gem of a place in terms of accessibility.

After admiring all the models, we stepped into the sensory garden where jasmine, lavender, and lemons perfumed the air. This added another sensory layer to the museum experience, and we left on a true inclusion high.

We then weaved our way through the local market, stopping to taste some delicious pistachios straight from the slopes of Mount Etna before walking through a corridor of churches that led us to our lunch spot.

I enjoyed a grilled peach salad before we re-entered the bustling heart of the city, snapping a few photos in the main square, which showcased the very same monuments we had traced with our fingers at the museum just a few hours earlier.

We chatted away over our final meal that evening, feeling all the emotions now that the trip was coming to an end.

Day 5: Saying goodbye

Before we knew it, it was time to say ciao ciao to Sicily. 

A nice touch at the end of Seable’s trips is the fact that their guides check your room to make sure everything’s all packed up and ready to go. As someone who’s left things at hotels before (out of sight, out of mind), it put me at ease knowing I was going home with everything I came with.

After fuelling up on one final breakfast, Serena drove us to the airport. A button adjacent to her parking spot called through to the assistance team, who arrived within a few minutes to meet us outside.

We thanked Serena for her incredible support throughout the trip before saying our goodbyes and heading through security, ready to board our flight home.

In contrast to the lone staff member who assisted us in Manchester, we had five in Catania. It honestly felt like we were in the middle of a relay race, with us as the baton being passed along from one person to the next.

We sat in the assistance waiting area for about an hour before being guided onto an airport vehicle called an ambulift which took us directly to the airplane door. 

A cabin crew member came over to point out where the call button was should we need it and, soon after, we took off back to the UK.

Miscommunication at Manchester left us waiting in our seats long after other passengers had left. So long, in fact, that we almost got a free trip to Malta when the next group of holidaymakers began boarding.

Although we wouldn’t have complained at being able to spend more time together on another holiday, I’m sure you can imagine our relief when the assistance team finally arrived.

The rain greeted us as we set foot back on UK soil, nothing brings you back to reality quite like the weather, does it? 

A goodbye hug punctuated our first trip abroad together, and what an incredible one it was. Neither of us use the word ‘proud’ lightly, but it’s one we’ve returned to when reminiscing about this holiday.

Not only were we chuffed with ourselves for finally turning our dream-laden messages into reality after four long years of not delivering on our promised reunions (we’re self-aware and acknowledge our failures), but we also felt proud of the sense of independence we gained from taking on the adventure.

The final debrief

As I mentioned earlier, planning and booking a trip as a disabled person comes with many accessibility barriers, and it’s often an exhausting process which can make the holiday feel like even more of a necessity.

Navigating new spaces as a vision impaired person is also incredibly complex, so having Seable’s support from start to finish was an absolute game-changer.

I found myself in constant awe of Serena’s endless knowledge of Sicily’s history and legends. Every place we visited sparked a story, and it felt like we were getting a two-for-one deal: a sighted guide and a local expert all rolled into one.

Not only did it feel liberating to explore the island with someone who understood how to support vision impaired people, but Serena’s descriptions brought Sicily to life in a way I’d never experienced on holiday before. Her instructions and storytelling were woven so naturally into our conversations and laughter that she felt less like a guide and more like a friend.

The support we received from the moment we enquired about the trip right through to our landing back in the UK allowed us to focus on the fun of the holiday rather than worrying about routes, logistics, or accessibility.

Sometimes the most special part of the places you visit is how you feel when you’re there, and I felt safe, comfortable, and confident throughout. And of course, being able to experience it all with my best friend was the cherry on top. We’re so grateful to Seable for giving us the confidence to do this together.

I, for one, am already dreaming of my next holiday!

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Do you enjoy travelling or exploring new places as a disabled person? Have you ever jetted off with Seable or a similar company? I’d love to hear about your travels. 

Elin x