ITALY: Ancient Sicily

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.  

Walk – easy to moderate, 4-5 hours, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 30 minutes.

Today’s excursion brings us to the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, 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, take a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

This afternoon we arrive at La Foresteria, our home for the next two nights. Here we will be enchanted by miles of vineyards and olive groves, tastings of locally produced wine, and unparalleled Sicilian gastronomy. 

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

This morning we arrive in 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.

This evening we discover the secrets of Sicilian cooking with a demonstrative lesson using ingredients linked with the season, before enjoying dinner at our hotel.

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

This morning we depart Menfi 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. 

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.

Walk – easy to moderate, 2-3 hours, along country roads and trails. Drive time approximately 2.5 hours.

We begin the day with a walk through the Relais Santa Anastasia vineyards and fields. We continue through the farming countryside above Cefalù, interspersed with small villas, orange groves, and private vegetable gardens. In Cefalù, we might refresh with a lemon, coffee, or almond granita (Italian slush) while strolling the medieval streets. We may also choose to visit the Cathedral-Basilica, or the Mandalisca Museum, 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.

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 a 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, enjoying one last time the flavors of a region we have come to revere. 

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.