Itinerary

Day 1 :  Segesta Archaeological Park and Erice

Hike:  3.5 hours; 4 miles; easy (country roads and trails)

Your guide will meet you at 1:00 p.m. at the Palermo Airport and we’ll transfer to Erice, stopping along the way to visit Segesta Archaeological Park. The Tempio (Temple) of Segesta is one of the world's most perfectly preserved temples surviving from the days of antiquity.  This is a full temple with relatively intact columns. It stands on a 997 foot (304 meters) hill, on the edge of a deep ravine carved by the Pispisa River.  The site is made all the more majestic by the deep valley that envelops it. You can stand here and absorb the magnificent view, the setting framed by the distant peaks of Monte Barbaro and Monte Bernardo.
Erice was the sacred city to the Elimis in ancient times, a cult devoted to the fertility goddess, Astarte, later identified with Venus and worshipped by the Romans.  With its delightful medieval ambience and splendid location, Erice is an interesting town. There are some ancient Elimi and Phoenician walls around the northeastern side of the city.  There are also two castles, Pepoli Castle, with foundations dating from Saracen times, and Venus Castle, dating from the Norman era but built on ruins of the ancient Temple of Venus. Surrounded by a lush park, the hilltop castles alone are worth a visit in Erice, which offers charming old stone streets and medieval churches.  After checking in to our hotel, we’ll visit the walls, the castle and the historic town center.  And, lest we forget, Erice is famous throughout Sicily for its pastries so we won’t want to miss stopping in a café and enjoying the “cultural” experience of some fresh pastry.  We’ll have a trip orientation and welcome drink in the hotel, followed by dinner in one of Erice’s charming restaurants.  Our hotel is a friendly family-run hotel perched on top of Mount Gulianni and provides magnificent views and attentive service by Carmelo, the owner, with his family by his side.  The hotel is a converted 18th century estate and is in an ideal location from which to explore this perfectly preserved village.  Overnight:  Erice.  Meals: D

Day 2:  Zingaro Nature Preserve

Hike:  4-6 hours; approximately 4 miles; moderate; along country roads and trails; 984 – 2133 feet (300-650 meters) elevation gain/loss.

Today’s excursion brings us to Zingaro Nature Reserve, four miles of pristine coastline set against steep mountains. We’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful coastline in Sicily as we walk above crystal clear sapphire waters and idyllic white sand and pebble coves.  This was Sicily’s first protected area and we’ll reap the benefit of that protection on today’s hike.  The area is edged by lush Mediterranean vegetation and overshadowed by stunning limestone cliffs.  We’ll explore the coastline on foot, visit some interesting museums during the walk, and if the weather cooperates, swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea.  We’ll enjoy a picnic with local specialties in this beautiful setting.  Dinner will be in the hotel or in another or Erice’s wonderful restaurants.  Overnight:  Erice.  Meals: B, L, D

Day 3:  Madonie Mountains and Castelbuono

Hike: 3 – 6 hours; 4.5 – 8 miles; moderate; 1640 feet (500 meters) elevation gain/loss.

Today we transfer from Sicily’s western coast to the beautiful Madonie Mountains, which cover a 30 mile stretch of central Sicily.  The northern border of this range drops down to the Tyrrhenian Sea.  With the exception of an untamed core frequently by itinerant shepherds, the Madonie are dotted with quiet little towns and farming communities.  These mountains are part of a rugged chain extending through Italy across Calabria and Sicily and into Tunisia. Many of the towns nestled into the Madonie are of Saracen Arab origin, dating from around the ninth century, and were subsequently developed further into larger villages under the conquering Normans. Several are ancient, built upon the remains of Sicanian, Greek and Roman settlements. Narrow winding alley ways, medieval churches and the occasional crumbling castle are remnants of Arab and Norman times.  The uplands are covered with wonderful woods and an incredible diversity of plant species, with sheer limestone cliffs towering above.

We will spend most of today in the Madonie Nature Reserve, which encompasses Pizzo Carbonara (Carbonara Peak), Sicily’s second highest peak after Mount Etna.  Our hike will lead us through monumental giant holly trees, whose age is estimated at about 350 years.  The hike starts at a height of 4593 feet (1400 meters) and goes up to about 6234 feet (1900 meters) where we’ll savour the view during a picnic lunch before hiking back. The walk is about four and a half to eight miles, with a longer option possible.  We’ll settle into our “agriturismo” hotel tonight in Castelbuono, a town famous for the castle from which its name derives, and around which the city formed in the 14th century.  Our hotel is also an authentic working farm (don’t worry, we won’t put you to work), providing a serene and green setting in which to enjoy the next couple of days, in addition to such creature comforts as a swimming pool.  Dinner tonight will be in the hotel, consisting in part of products grown on-site. Overnight:  Castelbuono.  Meals: B, L, D

Day 4:  Cefalu

Hike (town walk and Rocca ascent):  3 hours; 3.4 miles; 820 feet (250 meters) elevation gain/loss

We’ll travel for the day to the city of Cefalù.  Anchored between the sea and a craggy limestone promontory, Cefalù is a town of narrow medieval streets, small squares, and historic sights. Towering 912 feet (278 meters) above the town is La Rocca, a massive and much-photographed crag. The Greeks thought it evoked a head, so they named the village Kephalos, which in time became Cefalù.  Movie buffs may recognize the town from the Oscar-winning film Cinema Paradiso.  We’ll hike up to the top of La Rocca.  Near the top we’ll reach the splendid ruins of the 'Tempio di Diana' (temple of Diana)' an ancient megalithic stone structure. Around the summit of are superb views, various bits of old fortifications, and a perfect picnic place.  After visiting and hiking in Cefalù, we’ll return to our agriturismo for dinner and a relaxing evening.  Overnight: Castelbuono.  Meals: B, L, D

Day 5:  Lipari Island

Hike: 2-4 hours; 4-8 miles; 351 – 1001 feet (107 – 305 meters) elevation gain/loss

After breakfast we’ll transfer to the port of Milazzo, where we’ll board a hydrofoil to Lipari, our home for the next three nights and our base for the exploration of the beautiful Aeolian Islands.  While the islands of Lipari, Salina, Vulcano and Stromboli share volcanic origins, these four of the seven Aeolian Islands could not be more different from each other.   Lipari is the biggest of the “seven sisters” as the Islands are called and is known for glassy black obsidian and bleached pumice stone.  As is the norm in this part of the Mediterranean, Lipari was visited, conquered and raided by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, various Barbarians, Saracens and Normans.  Most of these “guests” moved into the Castello, the fortified castle on a rock platform above the twin harbours that forms the heart of the township of Lipari.   

We’ll start our island visit with lunch at a restaurant featuring typical Aeolian cuisine such as cernia or dentice fish, swordfish, or Aeolian sausages, with dishes often seasoned with herbs and spices such as oregano, mint, basil or capers.  We’ll then walk from the restaurant along the coast, enjoying wonderful ocean views and end up at the oldest thermal complex in the Mediterranean.  We’ll eat dinner out in a restaurant in town tonight.  Our hotel for the next three nights is in the historic centre of Lipari in the charming fishing district just a short walk away from the town square. Overnight:  Lipari.  Meals:  B, L, D

Day 6:  Lipari and Salina Islands

Hike: 5-6 hours; 10 miles; 801 – 2201 feet (244 – 671 meters) elevation gain and loss

Salina Island is known for its intense green woods and caper gardens. This quiet island is also known for its two towering trademark extinct volcanoes, visible from afar, that appear to split the island in two. We’ll reach this the greenest of the Aeolian Islands by boat and start our hike at an elevation of 1201 feet (366 meters). Walking along a rocky switchback trail, passing through scented groves of rosemary, juniper, pine and oak, we’ll reach the top of Monte Fossa delle Felci where, with the weather gods’ cooperation, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view on the archipelagos while picnicking on our high perch.  We’ll travel back to Lipari by boat.  Dinner tonight is on your own and you’ll have the chance to explore the town, perhaps participate in the evening promenade on the square, and try one of the many restaurants with local specialties. Overnight: Lipari.  Meals:  B, L

Day 7:  Lipari and Vulcano Island

Hike: 3 hours; 7 miles; 1283 feet (391 meters) elevation gain/loss

Vulcano Island is known for its sulphur yellow.  The ancient Greeks believed that the island was the workplace of lame Hephaestus (or the Roman Vulcan), their deity for fire and blacksmith to the gods themselves.  The dark smoke emerging from the crater was a sign that his forge was operating, with the help of the massive, one-eyed monster Cyclops, while the volcanic explosions themselves were thought to be him hammering on the anvil.

Today’s island adventure starts with another boat transfer, this time to the island of Vulcano.  We’ll start walking from the harbour and climb the Gran Cratere stepping on black and red rock, across a lunar landscape. On reaching the crater rim we can experience the sulphur fumaroles, which remind us that we are walking on a still active volcano. From this point we can decide whether to go back or to reach the summit of the crater.  The walk itself lasts about three hours, after which we’ll have time to explore the island or experience a healthy, if smelly, mud bath. Lunch will be on your own on Vulcano, after which we’ll return to our base of Lipari and enjoy dinner out on the town together.  Overnight: Lipari.  Meals:  B, D

Day 8:  Taormina and Castelmola

Hike: 2 hours; 2.6 miles; 932 feet (284 meters) elevation gain/loss

Today we’ll depart from Lipari by boat and will transfer to Taormina for our last port of call on our Sicily hiking adventure.  Considered by many the most beautiful town in Sicily, Taormina sits on a hill at the foot of Monte Tauro Mountain, dominating two grand, sweeping bays and offering dramatic views over miles of Mediterranean Sea. The town, which is rich in history and culture, is home to the Ancient Theatre, the Roman Naumachiae, the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Nicolo and other structures that reflect a golden past.  It has a maze of narrow streets and beautiful squares.

After checking in to our dramatically sited hotel we’ll visit the Greek Theater and explore the sights of Taormina.  We’ll head out late afternoon for a hike to Castelomola, a village perched high on crags above Taormina, and its ruined castle.  Castelmola is an interesting and picturesque settlement with wonderful views which we’ll enjoy over an early dinner, followed by a walk or bus ride back to Taormina.   Those wishing to trade ancient culture for an afternoon at the beach can take the cable car down to Taormina’s beaches.  Our hotel overlooks the sea and is a short walk from the town center and the Greco-Roman theater.  Overnight:  Taormina.  Meals: B, L, D

Day 9:  Mount Etna and Taormina

Hike:  3 – 5 hours; 4.5 – 6 miles; 600 feet (183 meters) elevation gain/loss

Today we’ll head to Mount Etna for a hike at this exciting volcano.  Looming more than 10,000 feet (3048 meters) feet menacingly over the coast of eastern Sicily, Mount Etna is the highest and largest active volcano in Europe. On May 10, 2009 an eruption produced ash plumes and lava flows advanced about four miles.  To the ancient Greeks, Vulcan also made himself at home on Mount Etna, accompanied as well by the Cyclops.

Depending upon the weather and the volcano we may take one of the many beautiful hiking options, walking on recent lava flows and around craters, and experiencing fumaroles.  We may climb to the Monte Nero craters and the Bottoniera. Another choice is a hike through the Linguaglossa pine forest and crossing a stretch of lava flow.  Our celebratory final dinner together tonight will be at another one of Taomina’s restaurants. If we wish, we can take a stroll after dinner to the charming small square Piazza IX Aprile to watch the evening promenade from any one of a number of outdoor cafes.   Overnight:: Taormina  Meals: B, L, D

Day 10:  Depart

After breakfast we’ll transfer to the Catania Airport for the return flight to the U.S. or for other adventures within Sicily or Italy.
Hike:  3 – 5 hours; 4.5 – 6 miles; 600 feet (183 meters) elevation gain/loss

Today we’ll head to Mount Etna for a hike at this exciting volcano.  Looming more than 10,000 feet (3048 meters) feet menacingly over the coast of eastern Sicily, Mount Etna is the highest and largest active volcano in Europe. On May 10, 2009 an eruption produced ash plumes and lava flows advanced about four miles.  To the ancient Greeks, Vulcan also made himself at home on Mount Etna, accompanied as well by the Cyclops.

Depending upon the weather and the volcano we may take one of the many beautiful hiking options, walking on recent lava flows and around craters, and experiencing fumaroles.  We may climb to the Monte Nero craters and the Bottoniera. Another choice is a hike through the Linguaglossa pine forest and crossing a stretch of lava flow.  Our celebratory final dinner together tonight will be at another one of Taomina’s restaurants. If we wish, we can take a stroll after dinner to the charming small square Piazza IX Aprile to watch the evening promenade from any one of a number of outdoor cafes.   Overnight:: Taormina  Meals: B, L, D

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