Just west of Palermo’s markets is a beautiful and rugged coastline where the wild Egadi islands lie in a crystalline sea and inland, ancient Greek temples sparkle in a wonderfully luminous valley; this is Sicily in all its glorious contrasts; where Art and nature combine to present this magnificent, easy to moderate self-guided walking holiday.
Discover the historic cities of western Sicily and the wonderful natural landscapes that this part of the Sicilian region has to offer. Starting from the medieval village of Scopello, we will walk along the Zingaro Nature Reserve with enchanting views of the Mediterranean. See San Vito Lo Capo, a famous destination for the culinary specialty of couscous, and visit the Egadi island where you can savour the authentic local life of the islands. The precious archaeological site of Segesta, as well as the cities of Trapani and Palermo, complete this experience of Sicily in all its glorious contrasts.
Price:
£995 per person based on two people sharing.
Single supplement £195
Solo walker supplement £450
£50 per person supplement
For departures from 1st June – 31st July & from 1st September – 30th September
Included:
– Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
– Breakfast from day 2 to day 8
– Private Transfers:
day 1 (from Punta Raisi APT to Scopello HTL),
day 3 (from Scopello HTL to Monte Monaco and from San Vito lo Capo to Trapani HTL),
day 7 (from Trapani to Segesta and from Segesta to Palermo HTL),
– Emergency hotline 24/24
– Roadbook and Maps
Not included:
– Public transfer, hydrofoil tickets, cableway tickets
– Museum, Natural Reserve and Archaeological entrance fees
– Lunches
– Hotels taxes
– Beverage
– Dinners
– Tourist taxes
– Everything not specified under the heading “included”
Day 1: Arrive at Palermo and transfer to Scopello
Arrival at the airport of Palermo and private transfer to Scopello. Check in at the B&B and overnight stay.
Day 2: Zingaro Natural Reserve (5h trek, +500 mt – 530 mt, 11,50 km)
From Scopello, walk to Sicily’s first nature reserve, Zingaro. Established in 1976, it is home to towering limestone mountains interspersed by spectacular caves, a coastline dotted with coves and cliffs overlooking the sea – all very impressive. You can swim at the various coves of the Reserve.
Overnight in Scopello. Meals (B/-/-)
Day 3: Monte Monaco (2½ hours, + 480m, – 350m, 2½ hours)
Private transfer to San Vito Lo Capo, a lovely town located between spectacular mountains and famous for its idillyc beaches. Climb up to Mt Monaco, which owes its name to the particular shape that reminds one of a kneeling monk with hands clasped in prayer, easily seen from the antique tonnara (tuna fishing plant) of San Vito Lo Capo. Meeting at the end of the walk with the driver and transfer to Trapani.
Overnight stay in Trapani. Meals (B/-/-)
Day 4: Levanzo (3h30 trek, + 200m – 200 m, 13 km)
Hydrofoil to Levanzo. The smallest of the Egadi islands, Levanzo show us a jewel from the past: the “Cave of genovese” dated back to 11-12 thousand years ago, during the final phase of Palaeolithic. Primitive human messages etched into the cave, prehistoric sanctuary where religion and culture take their first steps between graffiti and rock paintings of men and animals, joined in an ancestral link. Engravings, graffiti, and paintings showing deer, cows, horses, fish and humans: they represent an inestimable archaeological documentation besides a very suggestive show. Sea gulls and Mediterranean countryside will be the true protagonists of our trekking.
Hydrofoil back to Trapani and overnight stay. Meals (B/-/-)
Day 5: Trapani and Erice (2h trek, – 650 m, 6 km)
In the morning take your time to relax and enjoy the town. In the afternoon excursion to Erice. Wandering through the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of Erice, returning to the medieval period when the town was founded. Impregnable because of being perched at 750 m above sea level, overlooking Trapani, the “Saline” of Paceco and the Aegadian islands from above. From the paths of history to the paths that cross the ridge, towards Trapani, a seaside town that breathes the scent of the Tunisian coast.
Overnight stay in Trapani. Meals (B/-/-)
Day 6: Favignana (4h walk, + 420m – 420m)
Breakfast and Hydrofoil to Favignana, Favignana, or La Farfalla as it is often referred to thanks to its butterfly shape, is the largest and most important of the Egadi Islands some 15km is a popular holiday destination in the summer months, largely thanks to the crystalline azure waters of bays such as Cala Rossa. The main town, also known as Favignana, has a small port and is dominated by the Fort of Santa Caterina, originally built by the Arabs as a watchtower. With its two piazzas, its pedestrianised streets and its lovely sandy beach, Favignana Town has an easy, unpretentious charm and a relaxing atmosphere.
In the afternoon, come back by hydrofoil to Trapani.
Overnight stay in Trapani. Meals (B/-/-)
Day 7: Segesta and Palermo (2h walk)
In the morning, the private transfer will take you to the archaeological area of Segesta for the visit at your leisure. The ancient city founded in the fourth century BC preserves the Doric Temple and the Theatre which opens onto the surrounding hills. After the visit, a private transfer to Palermo. You have time for a free visit of Palermo.
Overnight stay in Palermo. Meals (B/-/-)
Day 8: Departure
Our services finish with breakfast. Palermo, the regional capital, is a vibrant, colourful, wonderful city you would love to explore. In the morning time for an urban trekking around the city. Explore the local food markets like Ballaro or Vucciria, visit the imposing Cathedral, the Martorana and its mosaics, Piazza Pretoria Fountain, Palazzo Mirto and more. Enjoy a tasty lunch with some traditional street food.
Meals (B/-/-)
Note: B (Breakfast); L(Lunch); D(Dinner)
Skill level:
Moderate. A prior hiking experience is recommended. During the wintertime the weather conditions could be difficult (strong wind, rain and cold temperatures). The typology of the paths are: large dirt road, mule track and large path.
Accommodation:
Ensuite rooms with breakfasts.
2 nights in B&B or hotel in Scopello – Pensione Tranchina or similar
4 nights in Trapani – Hotel Trapani inn or similar
1 night in B&B or hotel 3* in Palermo – B&B Khalisah or similar
Equipment:
Trekking shoes, trekking socks, trekking t-shirt, warm shell, wind and waterproof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sunglasses and sun cream, daily backpack and a luggage, poles, utility knife.
Some transfer will be on a private vehicle some other will be on public transportation. We suggest you to bring a daily back pack (30 lt) and a wheel luggage for the short distances.
How to get there:
The closest airports are Palermo or Trapani airport. You will get a private transfer from the airport to the first accommodation.
