Highlights

  • Arid landscapes with mountain gorges, woodlands and rainforest
  • Modica, Siracusa, Taormina, Ragusa, Noto, and Mt Etna
  • Greek temples, Bronze age settlements, Baroque buildings
  • Coastal marshlands and wilderness thriving with wildlife
  • Christian and Moorish influences on art and architecture

Sicily's pathways are timeless -- and the island is rich with antiquities, from the uplands of Ragusa to the ancient cave complex of Cava d'Ispica and lovely Taormina where Roman nobility built their villas. Walking in sight of the sea almost every day, we hike Mount Etna's flanks, stroll the shore front in Siracusa, once a capital of Classical antiquity, and enjoy spectacular birdlife and coastal walking in the Vendicari Nature Reserve. And the food! This Walk really does have it all.

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Sunday Overnight: San Giorgio Palace Hotel

Meet in Catania and transfer to our hotel in lovely Ragusa Ibla. There is time to relax before our Introductory Talk and Welcome Dinner.

Monday Overnight: San Giorgio Palace Hotel

Our morning hike follows a trail that descends into a gorge of woodlands, rocky outcroppings, split-wood railings and caves, leading us back to Ragusa. After lunch in a typical trattoria, a local expert joins the group and leads us up and down the narrow passages and stairways of Ragusa's fascinating ancient town.

Tuesday Overnight: Antico Hotel Roma

Walk in the wilderness area of the protected Vendicari Nature Reserve, a complex of coastal marshlands, and home to large populations of migratory birds. After a farmhouse lunch, we continue to Noto, with its golden limestone buildings. Then drive to Siracusa, and our hotel in the historic center on the island of Ortygia. Dinner is in a restaurant much favored by the locals.

Wednesday Overnight: Antico Hotel Roma

Explore in and around Siracusa, colonized in 734 BC by the Corinthians and converted to Christianity by St Paul. To walk here is a journey through history: among Greek temples, Baroque buildings and courtyards, Arab workshops and squares. There is time for shopping in the bustling streets of the old city before dinner in our hotel.

Thursday Overnight: NH Collection Taormina

After breakfast, we drive to the Reserve of Pantalica, an extraordinary succession of gorges and canyons, and amazingly, a rainforest with waterfalls. The main attraction though, is Pantalica, a Bronze Age settlement with the largest necropolis in the Mediterranean. After lunch in a nearby farmhouse, we head north to Taormina.

Friday Overnight: NH Collection Taormina

Set your sights on mighty Mount Etna, Europe's most famous active volcano. Around the crater is a lunar landscape while the lower slopes abound in oranges, lemons, olives, prickly pears, eucalyptus and the vines that produce excellent Etna wine. Our Farewell Dinner is in the hotel's exquisite restaurant.

Saturday

Join us for a guided tour of Taormina's ancient Greek theater, famed for its remarkable preservation, before leaving for Catania Airport.
Moderate
"It's fabulous; you meet interesting people, so well planned and such fun"
Terrain: Greatly varied - modest, easy and vigorous walks, sometimes rocky trails. 5-10 miles walking per day.

TRIP DETAILS

6 nights from
US $4,895.00
Per Person, Double Occupancy
(Single Supplement US $795.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is US $4,650.00

Dates

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Arrival: Catania
Departure: Catania Airport
Eastern Sicily Map

Hotels - Where we stay

San Giorgio Palace Hotel

San Giorgio Palace Hotel

San Giorgio Palace is an ultra-modern sophisticated hotel. The atmosphere is charming, stylish and cosy at the same time. The 19th century building was restored in 2010 and brought back to its original beauty respecting the ancient structure and the original materials. The spectacular entrance tunnel, 33 meters long, leads to the elevator which brings you 42 meters below to the reception desk. The Giorgio Palace Hotel has a private garden looking across the Santa Domenica Valley. It is an 8 minute walk to the Duomo of San Giorgio church and 1.5 km to the Ragusa Cathedral. Featuring sleek bathrooms with walk-in showers, the refined rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and balconies with valley views. Breakfast is served in a vaulted dining room with stone walls. Room service and laundry service available.

Antico Hotel Roma

Antico Hotel Roma

Overlooking Piazza Minerva, the Antico Hotel Roma was founded in 1880 and is located in the heart of the historic town. The outdoor tables and chairs placed just outside in Piazza Minerva and the large indoor patio create the perfect environment to enjoy a morning coffee. The hotel's unique interior has a strong Sicilian style with the same limestone used for the Greek temples and Baroque palaces. Furnished with expensive fabrics and furniture made of highly prized woods, the bedrooms are always light and spacious. Most have a small balcony overlooking Piazza Minerva, Via Roma or the interior courtyard and are equipped with an ensuite bathroom in hand-enameled volcanic rock, hair dryer, Wi-Fi connection and satellite TV. The hotel also has a fitness area with Technogym equipment and a Finnish sauna.

NH Collection Taormina

NH Collection Taormina

With spectacular views of the coastline, the hotel is located in the heart of this beautiful seaside city. A stylish blend of early 20th-century architecture and modern touches, the hotel is an elegant mix of past and present. The 63 contemporary, sophisticated and comfortable rooms offer air-conditioning, bathrobe and slippers, choice of pillows, coffee and tea facilities, desk, digital safe, hairdryer, minibar, telephone, flat screen TV and free WiFi. The 7th floor infinity pool and bar are the perfect setting for sipping a cocktail and enjoying one of the best views of Taormina. You can also unwind in the spa. The Zagara restaurant is the place to savor Sicilian specialties , as well as Italian cuisine, while enjoying views over the town.

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What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation

  • Full-time services of two staff - a Walk Leader and Walk Manager
  • A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
  • Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
  • Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
  • Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
  • All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
  • Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
  • First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
  • All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
  • Wine with dinner
  • On-trail snacks and refreshments
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants