This long trip offers the opportunity to explore the chaotic Palermo, capital of the South, named as UNESCO World heritage sites. Starting from Palermo, you will visit Trapani and Agrigento on the west coast, the beautiful Zingaro Nautural Reserve before moving east. Then the archeological Greek site in Agrigento and Syracuse two of the most famous Greek cultural sites in Italy. This trip to Sicily offers a great mix of interesting walks, cultural site and genuine food. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Sicily, Palermo 

Introductions and a taste of Palermo 

Meet in Palermo, briefing and orientation

Our trip begins in Palermo, Italy. Palermo can be reached via air via connecting flights from the U.S. Vibrant, chaotic, classically Italian, historic Palermo invites travelers to discover its vast assortment of world-class museums, atmospheric neighborhoods and fabulous restaurants. According with the arrival we will organize Palermo first day. 

Dinner in a local restaurant 

Night in Palermo (-, -, D)

Day 2: Palermo guided tour 

After breakfast we meet our guide for our full day guided walking/sightseeing tour including: S. Maria dell'Ammiraglio, Palermo cathedral the historical centre of Palermo. Street food for lungh and dinner at a local restaurant

Night in Palermo (B, -, D)

Day 3: Monreale and Zingaro Natural Reserve

We’ll need an early start (8:30am) to drive about 45-60 minutes to the Monreale Cathedral, a Unesco World heritage site, for our private group guided tour of the cathedral, and also to visit the cloisters.  We then drive to the Zingaro Nature reserve where we will have a picnic lunch. This afternoon we will walk in the Zingaro Natural Reserve along the path of the majestic limestone mountains, passing subtropical vegetation with spring flowers & dwarf fan palms and next to turquoise-blue bays. The walk is moderate.  Packed lunch included. We transfer another hour to Trapani, another nice hotel in/near historic center. Pic-nic lunch and dinner in a local restaurant

Hike: 4 miles, 560 feet -  3 hours

Night in Trapani (B, L, D)

Day 4: Monte Cofano and Erice

From Trapani we drive to Monte Cofano to the beginning of our walk on Monte Corfano, the limestone headland to the north of Trapani.  The Riserva Naturale di Monte Corfano has a surprising number (325) and variety of floral species have been identified here, including many rare and even endemic type.  Birds of prey are reportedly at home on the towering limestone crags while the odd colony of rare monk seals was known to sojourn along the rocky coast until recent times.  Afternoon visit to Erice. Pic-nic lunch and dinner in a local restaurant

Hike: 4 miles, Feet 350 - 3 hrs

Night in Trapani (B, L, D)

Day 5: Egadi Islands

We catch the hydrofoil from Trapani to the island of Levanzo, in the Egadis.   Levanzo, the smallest of the Egadi Islands, is studded with lime stone caves, in which people have sought refuge sine the Stone Age.  Important wall paintings and incised drawing from the early history preserved in the Grotta del Genovese. Back to the village by boat. After we catch the hydrofoil to Favignana optional visit to one of the biggest tuna establishments “tonnara” owned by the Florio family and now amazing museum recounting the local tuna fishing traditions. Lunch at local cafe on the waterfront is included. Dinner included at restaurant.

Hike/walk: 2.7 miles, Feet 350 - 1h 30

Hydrofoil: 1 hour total  

Night in Trapani (B, -, D)

Day 6: Agrigento and transfer to Syracuse

After breakfast we drive south about 2 hours to the Agrigento for guided tour of this site and lunch. Afterwards we transfer another 2 hours to our hotel in Syracuse. Relax and dinner.  

Walk in the archeological site: 4 miles, Feet 300

Night in Syracuse (B, L, D)

Day 7: Syracuse and the Vendicari reserve

After breakfast the guided visit of Ortigia, the oldest city center in Syracuse. 

In the afternoon free time in Syracuse or OPTIONAL visit to the archaeological site where you will see the Greek theater made of bedrock and the limestone quarry referred to as Dionysus’ Ear (NOT INCLUDED).

Night in Syracuse (B, L, D)

Day 8: Catania 

This morning transfer to Catania airport. End of services (B,-,-)

 

Notes on Itinerary Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight. 

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.