Picture the 2000 year old columns of a superbly preserved Doric Greek temple standing at the foot of rugged mountains, bathed in sun and colorfully carpeted with wild flowers. Experience the remote Madonie mountains, encounter seas of wild flowers, visit a hidden cave with Paleolithic and Neolithic paintings, and enjoy picnic feasts among vines and olives. See forty rooms of pictorial mosaic floors in the finest Roman Villa ever to have been discovered. Enter one of the world’s finest Norman Cathedrals and walk along medieval cobbled streets where time seems to have stood still. Dip your toes in the breathtaking blue and emerald green of the Mediterranean Sea; ascend the ever active volcano Mt Etna, a thrill and an education in the evolution of life.
Sicily is the heartbeat of the Mediterranean and a mythical island of great enchantment. The people are welcoming, warm and hospitable. Sicilian food embraces the aromas of the sun, sea & soil; a wonderful blend of woodland and sea flavours; swordfish, pine nuts, raisins and wild fennel; oranges and lemons simply bursting with sweet juices; ricotta cheese in specialties such as Cannoli; the ingredients are delicious, hearty and great fun at the end of every exciting day.
Sicily is the heartbeat of the Mediterranean; a mythical island of great enchantment, bathed in sun, blessed by its plants, flowers and fruit, and home to a people who are warm and hospitable and greet the stranger as a far flung friend.
Itinerary
Day 1
Palermo airport - St. Anastasia winery
We meet at 14.00 at the Palermo airport and drive along the coast and into the foothills of the Madonie to the restored monastery of St. Anastasia, now a fine hotel and winery. Relax and enjoy this dramatic setting, sipping an aperitif on the terrace which has spectacular views of the Aeolian islands.
Day 2
Madonie Mountains National Park
A walk in the heart of the Madonie mountains, an area seldom visited and of ancient traditions. We stroll through the cobbled streets of Geraci Siculo where time seems to have stood still. Our hiking trail climbs through pine forests to Pizzo Corvo where we emerge and cross mountain pastures through awe-inspiring scenery with occasional views of Mt. Etna; the sleeping giant which looms at a distance of over 50 miles as we approach Petralia Soprana. Here a mountain feast awaits us. (4hrs/8miles)
Day 3
Cefalu & Monreale Cathedral
Visit Cefalu's charming old quarters, the Norman Cathedral and the old fishing town at your leisure. A short walk onto the Rocca promontory with walls and castle ruins offers magnificent views of the harbour, town and emerald blue sea. After a picnic lunch we drive along the coast to Monreale Cathedral to admire one of the finest examples of 12C gilded Byzantine mosaics. (2hrs/4miles)
Day 4
Segesta
We visit the Greco-Trojan city of Segesta at the top of Monte Barbaro to see the 4C BC theatre which has a stunning view overlooking the countryside and sea, walking down afterwards to the unfinished Doric temple - situated one a truly incredible setting - and then on to a forest track on the other side of the river gorge for a picnic lunch with a panoramic view of the temple. (3hrs/6miles)
Day 5
Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve
Walking from Scopello, we ascend into the the Zingaro Nature Reserve to enjoy the rugged, Sicilian coastline and learn how locals used to make a living form tuna fishing and basket weaving. If lucky, we may spot a peregrine falcon. High above the coast, admire the colours of the Mediterranean. High above the coast, admire the colours of the Mediterranean and then enjoy an afternoon gelato or cappucino in a local cafe. (5hrs/10miles)
Day 6
A walk in the Egadi islands
From Trapani we take a hydrofoil to Levanzo and walk across the hinterland to a hidden cave, the Grotta del Genovese. Through an enlarged rabbit warren we enter the cave to see a treasure of Palaeolithic and Neolithic drawings. We continue around the island with views of Favignana and Marettimo, the other two islands of this archipelago, set in crystal clear blue waters. We return mid afternoon to explore the charming town of Erice. (3.5hrs/7miles)
Day 7
Walking tour of the Acropolis of Selinunte
Selinunte, Europe's largest archaeological park, is a wonderful opportunity to explore an entire ancient Greek city. With two harbours, fortifications and many temples scattered across the excavations, it is set in an almost unequalled location. After a picnic lunch and time to the digest historic and gastronomic delights, a most rewarding day is ended with a scenic journey down the coast to Agrigento.
Day 8
Walking tour of Agrigento & Valley of the Temples
We visit the museum of Agrigento with a local guide. Inside is an excellent collection of artefacts, temple decorations, a giant statue from the temple of Zeus, votive offerings and a model of the largest temple in Magna Graecia. We then walk through the Valley of the Temples, discussing Greek civilisation and why Pindar described Akragas as 'most beautiful of mortal cities'.
Day 9
Piazza Armerina & Roman Villa Casale
We drive to Piazza Armerina, located in the heart of Sicily known as 'the bread basket of Rome'. Here we visit the Roman Imperial Villa Casale, one of the finest ever to have been discovered. Forty mosaic floors tell us of the life of the rich roman citizens. A pleasant walk takes us over a hill, past fresh water fountains and enters the medieval town of Piazza Armerina where we stop for a delicious gelato. We end the day in Siracusa on the island of Ortigia.(2.5hrs/5miles)
Day 10
Walking tour of Siracusa
We learn about Siracusa, arch enemy of Athens, once capital of Magna Graecia and the most powerful city of the Greek world. Our local guide talks us through the historical scenery as we explore the Ear of Dionysius, the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the Altar of Hieron. The day ends on the island of Ortigia at the 2500 year-old building which today is the Cathedral of Siracusa.
Day 11
Pantalica gorge
A leisurely morning to explore the historic quarters of Siracusa and experience the lively fish market. We then travel to the plateau of Pantalica to walk along paths in the Anapo valley along a series of stunning limestone gorges and explore the hillside honeycombed with 4000 year old tombs of various shapes and sizes. (3hrs/6miles)
Day 12
Taormina & Mount Etna
Early departure for Mt. Etna, active volcano, watching an ever changing landscape of lava fields, pioneer flowers and shrubs, ancient and new craters. Once we reach the end of the driveable road at 6000ft, weather permitting we ascend to Mt Etna using 4x4 vehicles and then on foot. Sometimes Mt. Etna even chooses to erupt especially for us. (2-4hrs) Afternoon to explore the charming streets of Taormina, Sicily's most beautiful resort town. Visit the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, do a little shopping, sit in a street cafe and watch the world go by.
Day 13
Departure from Catania Airport
Scheduled departure from our hotel at 9.00 for Catania airport (1hr). It is also possible to book a taxi to the aiport if your flight is earlier/later than our schedule.
