Fascinating ruins of early civilizations and beautiful coastal paths above the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean are ours to discover on this exploration of ancient Sicily.

Afloat in the center of the Mediterranean, for centuries Sicily has been the center of routes between north and south, and east and west. This parade of cultures has deposited fragments of language, architecture, art, cuisine, and religion that have made the island a reflection of Mediterranean history. This complexity of culture is only matched by stunning natural beauty and a tremendous diversity of landscape. We discover Sicily on hikes through rolling hills and valleys covered in olive trees and grape vines, on fiery Mt. Etna with its steep volcanic flanks covered in citrus orchards, and along many miles of turquoise coastline.

Day 1: Meet in Palermo and enjoy a morning walk in the breathtaking Iato Valley. Transfer to the medieval hilltop citadel of Erice. Visit the ancient Greek city of Segesta.

Days 2: Walk along wild coastline in the Zingaro Nature Reserve, and enjoy a gourmet picnic in one of its beautiful coves. Transfer to Castelvetrano.

Days 3: Enjoy a walk in the hilltop village of Caltabellota with sweeping views of the seas and mountains. Visit Selinunte, the largest archeological park in Europe.

Day 4-5: Explore more of the Iato Valley at the Ficuzza Reserve. Hike in the Madonie Mountains through villages and farms, before continuing to Castelbuono for a relaxing afternoon. Taste wines from the surrounding vineyards, and celebrate with fine cuisine.

Days 6-7: Walk to the captivating seaside town of Cefalù with its medieval streets, picturesque coastline, and dominating Norman cathedral. Transfer to Taormina, Sicily's best-known resort, perched dramatically above the sea. Visit the outstanding remains of its classical Greek theater. Explore the flanks of Mount Etna, hiking over a recent lava flow and through shady chestnut and pine groves. Enjoy a picnic of local gourmet treats.

Day 8: Say arrivederci in Taormina, Italy.

Sicily is meant to be savored. Our eight-day walking journey of this ancient island allows sufficient time, and moves at the proper relaxed pace, to experience all that is Sicily - scenic Mediterranean views, fresh gourmet picnics, exceptional dinners, and fascinating ruins. If the Italians don't settle for anything but the finest, why should we?

THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS' ADVANTAGE

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly.

Most Convenient Airport(s):
Palermo, Sicily, Italy (airport code PMO) for the tour meeting point; and Catania, Sicily, Italy (airport code CTA) for the tour departure point. You should plan your flight itinerary to fly into Palermo (PMO), and out of Catania (CTA).

Meeting Time and Place:
Your guide(s) will meet you on the first day of your tour after breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Centrale Palace Hotel in Palermo. Please be checked of your hotel and ready for a day of walking.

Departure Time and Place:
Your guide(s) will provide transportation to the Catania airport (airport code CTA) by 9:00 a.m. on the final day of the tour. Please schedule your flights accordingly, and do not plan your departure time prior to 11:00 a.m. unless you plan on making your own arrangements to the airport. If you have an earlier flight we will be happy to assist you with arrangements at your own expense.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Physical Activity
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Ancient Sicily is rated 2+, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). It features walks of varying length and difficulty, that average 4-6 hours per day. Our van will usually meet us midday, and our luggage is transported for us, so it is usually possible to ride in the vehicle if you want to opt out of a day’s walking. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for descriptions of the activities on each day of the trip. 

Overview:  Fine accommodations in ideal locations with beautiful views.

Night 1: 
Hotel Elimo
Erice, Italy

In the magnificent setting of the perfectly preserved ancient village of Erice, the Hotel Elimo is a converted estate from the 18th century, and offers the perfect location from which to explore this charming village.
 

Nights 2 & 3:  Baglio Vecchio
Castelvetrano, Italy

Immersed in the heart of the beautiful countryside, this authentic farmhouse resort has 10 beautifully renovated rooms, an elegant swimming pool, and many acres of vineyards and farmland from which daily specialties are served.

Nights 4 & 5:  Relais Santa Anastasia
Castelbuono, Italy

A former abbey, this charming hotel stands on a hill overlooking a valley of vineyards a short distance from the medieval village of Castelbuono.

Nights 6 & 7:  Hotel Monte Tauro
Taormina, Italy

Just a short walk from the town center and the Greco-Roman theater, this hotel overlooks the Sicilian sea and offers a view that spans from the Gulf of Naxos to Mt. Etna.

DAY 1
Archeological Park of Sagesta; Transfer to Erice

Walk – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 1.5 hours.

This morning after breakfast we take a walk in the beautiful Iato Valley, once a cradle of early Sicilian civilization, known for rice, wheat, cheese, and wine production. After taking in the sights and smells of this lush countryside, we begin our drive towards Erice. Along the way we stop for a walk in the Archeological Park of Segesta, once a major city of the Elymian people, with its majestic Greek theater and solitary Doric temple set in the quiet countryside.

This afternoon we continue to Erice, a charming medieval town with cobblestone streets and enticing pastry shops. 
Hotel Elimo, Erice

DAY 2 
Zingaro Nature Reserve; Transfer to Castelvetrano

Walk – easy to moderate, 4-6 hours, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 30 minutes.

Today’s excursion brings us to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, five miles of pristine coastline set against steep mountains. Our walk immerses us in one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal areas, now thankfully protected from future development. Here classic Mediterranean vegetation flourishes in a profusion of yellow broom, rosemary, and capers above a turquoise sea.

We explore the coastline on foot, enjoy a picnic lunch mid-day, and if the weather cooperates, swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This afternoon we arrive at Agriturismo Baglio Vecchio, our home for the next two nights. Here we will be enchanted by the peaceful countryside and unparalleled Siclian gastronomy.
Baglio Vecchio, Castelvetrano

DAY 3 
Caltabellotta and Selinunte Archeological Park

Walk – easy to moderate, 4-5 hours, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 2 hours.

This morning we arrive to Caltabellotta, a hilltop village famous for having resisted the mighty Romans for two years when the revolting gladiators chose it as their freedom town. Here we enjoy a 6.5 mile walk with spectacular views of the sea and mountains. This afternoon we visit Selinunte, the largest archeological park in Europe, with extraordinary Greek temples and the remains of one of the largest cities in western Sicily.
Baglio Vecchio, Castelvetrano

DAY 4
Ficuzza; Transfer to Castelbuono

Walk – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours, along trails. Drive time approximately 3.5 hours.

This morning we depart Castelvetrano and drive two hours to the Ficuzza Reserve, once a favorite hunting reserve for the kings and noblemen of Sicily. Here we follow a winding and scenic route of a former narrow-gauge railroad line. After a 3-4 hour walk, we drive the final 1.5 hours to our hilltop resort, Relais Santa Anastasia. From here we will enjoy a spectacular view of the medieval village of Castelbuono, and many acres of vineyards and olive groves.
Relais Santa Anastasia, Castelbuono

DAY 5
Madonie Mountains

Walk – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 45 minutes.
 
Our morning hike in the interior Madonie Mountains reveals Sicily’s deeply rustic culture. Interior Sicily is a completely different world, and to many Sicilians, it’s the “true” Sicily of tiny mountain villages, farms, shepherds, and fresh-made cheeses. After our morning hike in the countryside, we enjoy a picnic lunch of Sicilian specialties before returning to our inn.  This afternoon we may choose to spend some time getting to know the selections from the charming vineyards surrounding our hotel.
Relais Santa Anastasia, Castelbuono

DAY 6
Sanctuary of Gibilmanna; Cefalù to Taormina

Walk – easy to moderate, 3-5 hours, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 2.5 hours.

Today we leave Relais Santa Anastasia and walk through through country trails that take us to the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, with its breathtaking views and Renaissance marble sculptures. From here we drive to Cefalù, where we might refresh with a lemon, coffee, or almond granita (Italian slush), while strolling the medieval streets. We will visit the Cathedral-Basilica, and perhaps take a stroll on the beach, before driving to Taormina. Taormina, perched on rock cliffs overhanging the sea, is perhaps the most beautiful medieval city in Sicily. Sophisticated and charming, Taormina also has some of the most spectacular views in the world – its Greek and Roman origins, medieval streets, and magnificent position overlooking the Ionian Sea have made it a favorite destination for centuries.
Hotel Monte Tauro, Taormina

DAY 7
Mount Etna

Walk – 4-6 hours, moderate, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 50 minutes.

Today we drive through graceful, dusky towns built of black lava stone to the lower slopes of Mt. Etna, the powerful volcano that the locals have learned to love despite its many spectacular eruptions. Today is a highlight as we hike to the crater of Mt. Etna. Our exciting walk takes us across lava fields from the 1983 eruption, and through pine forests and shady chestnut groves. Part of our hike is strenuous because we ascend on lava ash, which can make for rough footing, and it is all uphill, but the volcanic landscape is breathtaking. At the highest point of our hike, we have views down into a huge lava-covered valley, with Etna’s main crater visible higher up to the left.

This evening we toast to our week in Sicily with a final farewell dinner in Taormina.
Hotel Monte Tauro, Taormina

DAY 8 
Departure

Today we say ciao to this spectacular island and return home with stories of ancient times, astonishing scenery, and fine Italian wine. Transfers are provided to the airport at Catania after breakfast.


Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
 

• Expert leadership
• All accommodations
• All transportation during the trip
• All meals except two dinners
• All activities as noted in the itinerary