Our journey starts in the remote Madonie mountains of central Sicily, descends to the northern coast to Norman Cefalu and Monreale and reaches the western tip of the Island at the tuna fishing village of Scopello and Egadi islands. We continue round the island visiting superbly preserved temples and theatres left behind by the Greeks more than 2000 years ago. In Piazza Armerina our walk takes us to the Imperial Roman Villa containing over 6000sq.m of mosaic floors. We ascend the ever active volcano, Mt Etna which is a thrill and an education in the evolution of life.
Sicilian cooking embraces the aromas and tastes of the sun, the sea and the fertile soil. Thus we find 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 to make desserts such as cannoli. Specialities made with these 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 towards Cefalu, then climb into the foothills of the Madonie to the recently 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
We continue into 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
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. After stopping to visit an abandoned tuna cannery in a cove, and perhaps now weary but definitely satisfied, we return to relax or go for a swim in some local hot springs. (5hrs/10miles)
Day 5
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 6
A walk in the Egadi islands
From the western port of Trapani we take a hydrofoil to Levanzo and walk across the farming hinterland to the other side of the island where we descend a rocky path to a hidden cave, the Grotta del Genovese. Through an enlarged rabbit warren lit with gas lamps we enter the cave to see a treasure of Palaeolithic and Neolithic drawings. We continue on around the island, past i faraglioni rocks 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 Templese
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 make an early start to drive to Piazza Armerina, located in the agricultural 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 of the best-preserved 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. (2.5hrs/5miles)
Day 10
Taormina
Free morning to explore the charming streets of Taormina, perched above the Ionian sea with Mt. Etna in the distance - Sicily's most beautiful resort. We walk down (a few!) steps from our hotel past a Norman castle and take the Via Crucis to emerge in the heart of Taormina. Visit the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, do a little shopping and sit in a street cafe and watch the world go by, meeting for a late lunch in the fishing cove of Mazzaro where, weather permitting, we can take a boat trip in the bay with a local fisherman. (1hr/3miles)
Day 11
Mount Etna
We drive towards the slopes of Mt. Etna, the 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. We end the day in Siracusa on the island of Ortigia. (2-4hrs)
Day 12
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. Then a free afternoon to relax and explore the old quarter of Ortigia.
Day 13
Departure from Catania Airport
Scheduled departure from our hotel at 9.00 for Catania airport (1hr). If you wish, we can help to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements.
