DISCOVER AUTHENTIC SICILY
Tailor-Made Journeys & Photo Tours
PERSONALLY GUIDED SICILY TRIPS FOR SMALL GROUPS AND SOLO TRAVELLERS
I'm Ulrike Rios, a travel planner, photography-enthusiast graphic designer, and founder of Reise und Fotografie (Travel and Photography). I plan, organize, and lead personally guided photography tours, culinary tours, and individual trips to Italy for small groups, solo travelers, and people who want to experience Italy with time, an eye for detail, and a close connection to the country and its people.
My main focus is Sicily, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast with the islands of Capri and Procida. My travels center on photography, culture, architecture, cuisine, special places, and authentic encounters away from mass tourism.
Personalized travel planning with attention to detail
I plan my trips personally and with great attention to detail. This includes selecting suitable locations, accommodations, restaurants, excursions, photo spots, and encounters with local people.
Depending on the trip, I will either accompany you personally, organize the route, or support you in planning your individual trip. The focus is not on packing in as many activities as possible, but on creating a journey that feels harmonious, inspiring, and well-organized.
Location :
Linguaglossa on Mount Etna, Sicily
Specialization :
Photo tours, culinary tours and individual trips to Italy
Regions :
Sicily, Naples, Amalfi Coast with Capri and Procida
Travel style :
Small groups, personal guidance, careful planning and authentic encounters
For whom :
Solo travelers, small groups with an interest in photography, culture, architecture and cuisine
Experience :
Travel planning and photo tours since 2016, focus on Sicily and Southern Italy since 2021
Profile
MY JOURNEY TO SICILY - HOW IT ALL STARTED
My Passion for Travel - From the Family “Travel Gene” to My Own Calling
For as long as I can remember, travel has shaped my life. I certainly inherited the “travel gene” from my father, who, even at the age of 86, spends every spare moment planning trips. I love the unknown, discovering new cities and countries, connecting with people, and understanding different ways of thinking. My travels focus on Europe. I’ve already visited many countries, and a few are still on my list.
Sicily - An Island I fell in Love with
One country that particularly fascinates me is Italy, especially the southern part of the “boot.” Many German-speaking tourists don’t make it this far, but stay in the north. Yet for me, the south has a very special magic: its authenticity, beauty, and serenity. Sicily has become my favorite place: the culture, architecture, landscape, and street life invite you to immerse yourself rather than just check it off a list.
WE TAKE PHOTOS AS A
RETURN TICKET TO A
MOMENT OTHERWISE GONE.
MY JOURNEY TO SICILY - HOW IT ALL STARTED
It all started in Nice
As a passionate graphic designer, I’ve always been fascinated by images, shapes, and colors. My true passion for photography began in 2005 on a trip to Nice. With my first digital camera in hand, I discovered the magic of the moment: capturing impressions instantly, experimenting with perspectives, and playing with framing. Since then, my camera and/or smartphone have accompanied me on every trip.
Ten years later, in 2015, I combined travel and photography professionally. I organized city trips and photo tours throughout Europe, including Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Kyiv, Rome, and Florence. In 2021, I founded my company with a focus on Sicily and Naples, and in 2024, the beautiful Amalfi Coast was added.
My Trip to Sicily - How a Week Became a Home
2020 was a year of upheaval... and the realization that it was time for a fresh start. In May, I left Munich, traveling first to Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, until I finally arrived in Italy.
As lockdowns and travel restrictions slowed the world down, I encountered nearly empty streets and empty squares. I have particularly fond memories of the nearly empty Charles Bridge in Prague. But my destination was Sicily. A friend I had met in Palermo in 2018 lived there.
Arrival in Sicily
In January 2021, I took the ferry from Calabria to Sicily. What was supposed to be a one-week stay turned into two, then three... I met new people, was invited into their homes, and began to feel more and more at home. Spring arrived, and with it came the feeling that I had truly arrived. The colors of Sicily, the scent of citrus blossoms, the light, the mild climate, and the warmth of the people - everything was new and yet familiar.
On a balmy evening in my friend’s vineyard, with wine and cheese, it dawned on me: I want to stay. Munich seemed far away - and an idea was born: to combine my passion for travel with my enthusiasm for Sicily.
Sicily is a feeling
Today, several years later, I’m still exploring Sicily, with guests, friends, or on my own. I’m constantly amazed by hidden treasures and enjoy the diversity. My passion remains undiminished. My greatest wish: to get to know and understand this island and its culture ever more deeply. I’d like to share this enthusiasm and the feeling of Sicily with you on my travels.
A Visit to My Village (also available as a guided tour)
In Sicily, I live in the small town of Linguaglossa at the foot of Mount Etna, an ideal starting point for exploring the eastern part of the island and immersing yourself in Sicilian life. I accompany travelers and photographers, plan trips, establish connections with accommodations, wineries, and local stakeholders, and I share all my favorite spots with you.
When you travel with me, you’ll experience Sicily not just with your eyes, but with all your senses - with time for leisurely strolls through weekly markets, aperitivo in the piazza, culinary evenings on the rooftop terrace overlooking Mount Etna, and the discovery of picturesque villages and cultural sites.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU -
TRAVEL THAT'S MADE FOR YOU
I plan and organize my trips from start to finish - as a one-woman operation that I pour my heart and soul into.
I passionately research sights, restaurants, and hotels, immerse myself in history and local stories, and connect with locals and people who love Sicily just as much as I do.
The result is unique, extraordinary, and personalized trips
that turn into unforgettable vacation experiences.
MY SERVICES ARE FOR YOU IF YOU...
-
want to travel away from package tourism
-
enjoy photography—whether with a camera or a smartphone
-
enjoy photography—whether with a camera or a smartphone
-
want to get to know the local cuisine, culture, and people, and
-
want to enjoy the trip with all your senses, rather than just ticking off sightseeing spots ticking off sightseeing spots.
WHAT MY GUESTS SAY
ANTJE
WINTERSUN IN SICILY
First things first: I can wholeheartedly recommend a trip with Ulrike Rios. She loves what she does, and you can tell right away. Her professional planning, executed with a pleasant ease, ensures there’s never a moment of stress or boredom.
The itinerary offers a diverse range of impressive architecture, scenic beauty, and authentic Sicilian life. With Ulrike as my “tour guide,” I not only saw a great deal in a short time but also gained a very special perspective on Sicily. Thank you! I’d love to come back soon!
ANGIE & CORRADO
SICILY ADVENTURE TOUR
At the end of September 2025, we traveled to Sicily for a week-long tour. Ulrike gave us helpful tips even during the planning stage.
She accompanied us for two days and guided us through the beautiful landscapes of Mount Etna, its forests, and lava fields. A tour of Castiglione, a visit to a picturesque winery with a wine tasting, and a delicious dinner in a rustic setting were the highlights. We highly recommend Ulrike’s extensive knowledge and warm personality to everyone. You can really tell that she loves Sicily and that travel is her passion.
HOW I WORK
PERSONAL - TAILOR-MADE - HONEST
Our Collaboration
I work closely with you: from the initial idea to the detailed itinerary, accommodation and restaurant recommendations, and insider tips—all compiled into a PDF with travel links.
You won’t receive a standard itinerary, but rather a trip tailored to your interests, pace, and specific wishes and needs.
The trip is tailored to your wishes and needs
Whether you want to take photos, learn more about architecture and culture, or simply clear your head and gather new inspiration—I’ll design your trip so that you can truly immerse yourself, especially in Sicily, but also in Naples or on the Amalfi Coast
Flexibility even on group tours
The small group size on group tours also allows us to accommodate participants’ wishes and keep the itinerary flexible and relaxed.
DREAMING OF AN AUTHENTIC SICILY HOLIDAY?
Would you like to...
-
stroll carefree through colorful weekly markets
-
sip an aperitivo in the piazza and watch the old gentlemen debate
-
enjoy a gourmet dinner on a rooftop terrace with a view of majestic Mount Etna
-
simply celebrate your vacation, take photos, and lose track of time?
I’ll introduce you to beautiful cities and special places,
interesting people, great bars and restaurants, and,
of course, the most picturesque photo spots.
Do you have questions about dates, accommodations, or the itinerary, or would you like to know if the trip is right for you?
I’m looking forward to your message
so I can answer all your questions.