Sicily

Walking in the Land of the Volcanoes

Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily has been at the cross-roads of history since prehistoric times. A meeting place of the East and the West, the North and the South. It has been fought over and colonised since the first millennium BC by such peoples as the Phoenicians and Greeks, the Romans, the Moors, the Normans and Spaniards. The natural beauty of the island reflects the diversity and complexity of its history.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, it is a land of sea and sun, an island of astonishing natural richness and contrasts: from the dreamlike panorama of the Aeolian Islands to the steaming lava flows on mighty snow-capped Etna; from the Baroque splendours of Palermo to the forgotten villages of the interior and magical Aeolian Islands.

To visit Sicily is to have your senses awakened, your heart quickened and your intellect intrigued.

Days 1 & 2

Scopello, Segesta and Erice: visit the lonely temple of Segesta, one of the Mediterranean’s great Hellenic monuments and the unexcavated town of Egesta; walk in Zingaro Nature Reserve; guided walk around Erice Sicily’s most beautiful hill town.

Days 3 & 4

Madonie Mountains and Gangi: explore the glorious countryside of central Sicily & the Madonie Mountains; visit prehistoric Sperlinga and mighty Norman castle; tasting of Sicilian wines; dine in a Benedictine monastery. .

Days 5 & 6 & 7

Lipari & Aeolian Islands: travel through the dramatic Nebrodie Mountains; see the ceramics in Santo Stefano di Camastra; ferry to the legendary Aeolian Islands; walk on Vulcano around the rim of a live volcano; visit Panarea and its Bronze Age village; walk to the Greek baths at Terme di San Calogero; final dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant .

Sicily tour

Details: 7 nights/ 8days

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate 8 – 15 km/day a day through rolling terrain, on coastal paths and country roads; a few steep hills.

Price: €2100(single supplement €300)

Start/Finish: Palermo / Catania

Departures: On request

Inclusions: 7 night’s accommodation in comfortable three-star hotels; all breakfasts and meals as listed in the itinerary; all activities listed in the itinerary; all transfers, tips and gratuities; the services of a professional tour guide.