Highlights

  • Experience the beauty of Lo Zingaro nature reserve
  • Marsala wine tasting at Florio winery
  • Visit the temples at Segesta, Selinunte and Agrigento
  • Explore the island of Mozia
  • Lunch at a country farmhouse

Greeks, Arabs, Romans and Bourbons fought over Sicily for centuries and all left their mark on the food, the people and the architecture that we see today.

We visit the ruins of Greek temples in Segesta and Selinunte and the archeological site of Agrigento. Walks take us to the mountain-top town of Erice and along the coastal paths of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. We board a local ferry to explore the island of Mozia, once a Phoenician colony, and walk along the lagoon through the saltpans guarded by old windmills. In Marsala we visit the famed Florio winery and have the chance to sample the local specialty - seafood cous cous.

Sunday Overnight: Hotel Baglio la Porta di San Gerardo

Meet in Palermo for the short journey to our hotel, with time to relax and enjoy this stunning seaside town before our Welcome Dinner

Monday Overnight: Hotel Baglio la Porta di San Gerardo

This morning follow the coastal path of the peaceful Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, where wildflowers abound and the only sounds are the clang of goats' bells and the waves breaking on the shore. In the afternoon, we follow a different route back to San Vito lo Capo.

Tuesday Overnight: Hotel Carmine

Transfer to the Nature Reserve Park of Monte Cofano where we explore and immerse ourselves in the wild and rugged beauty of this unspoiled coastline. After lunch, we'll switch gears with a walking tour of Erice, a medieval walled mountain town, perched almost 2,500 feet above the sea and one of the most stunning villages on the Mediterranean.

Wednesday Overnight: Hotel Carmine

Walk along the lagoons and salt pans of Trapani, still guarded by old windmills, then board the ferry to the Isle of Mozia, to visit its ancient Phoenician settlement. In the tiny museum, we see the magnificent 5th-century marble sculpture of Il Giovinetto. Return to the mainland to visit the renowned Florio winery before dinner.

Thursday Overnight: Planeta Estate La Foresteria

Today we visit Segesta, to see the great Doric temple and theater dating from the 3rd century BC, two of the most stunning classical monuments in the world. We'll enjoy an organic lunch at an ˜agriturismo' farmhouse.

Friday Overnight: Planeta Estate La Foresteria

On our final full day, opt to drive (about 90 minutes) to Agrigento for a guided tour of the magnificent Valley of the Temples, or skip the drive and opt for a memorable walk in the countryside, through olive groves and vineyards, with beautiful views. In the afternoon, the group reunites for a guided tour of the enormous ruins of the temples at Selinunte. We'll have a special gourmet Farewell Dinner at our hotel.

Saturday

The Wayfarers will transfer departing guests to Palermo. Guests continuing to our Eastern Sicily Walk head off for an overnight in ancient Cefalu.
Moderate
The Walk Leader and Manager were "fun, prepared, easy to be with, knowledgeable about everything (plants, history, food)"
Terrain: Greatly varied - modest, easy and vigorous walks, sometimes rocky trails. 5-10 miles walking per day.

TRIP DETAILS

6 nights from
$4,495.00
per person, double occupancy
(Single Supplement $695.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is $4,270.00

Dates

From Apr 29 to May 5 (more dates)
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Arrival: Palermo
Departure: Palermo

Activities

Walk ExplorerWine TastingWalk ClassicNational Park VisitBoat Ride
Western Sicily April 2018 Map

Hotels - Where we stay

Hotel Baglio la Porta di San Gerardo

Hotel Baglio la Porta di San Gerardo

Hotel Baglio la Porta di San Gerardo, overlooking the natural reserve of Zingaro, offers an extraordinary view of an unspoilt corner of the Mediterranean. The terrace of the Baglio in the portico, with breath taking view over the Gulf, is the perfect location to enjoy breakfast in the morning or an aperitif at sunset.
The Baglio La Porta Wellness Area is open every day from 3pm to 8.30pm, equipped with: mini pool, Finnish sauna, relax area and a massage cabin.
Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, WiFi, mini bar, safe, TV, air conditioning.

Hotel Carmine

Hotel Carmine

This simple, charming 3-star lodging is the only hotel situated in the historic centre of Marsala in a peaceful piazza, forming part of a 17th century convent. All the rooms feature elegant Sicilian decoration maintaining the original architecture, antique furniture and state-of-the-art amenities such as modern bathrooms. They all have satellite television, air-conditioning, internet connection, minibar and safe. There is a cloistered courtyard to relax away from the bustle of the city. The hotel has no restaurant but a highlight of the stay must be the sumptuous buffet breakfast.

Planeta Estate La Foresteria

Planeta Estate La Foresteria

Located on the south western coast of Sicily, in Menfi, a town between Selinunte and Agrigento, the hotel is just 4 km away from the crystal-clear sea and the fine sand beaches of Porto Palo. La Foresteria has spacious bedrooms, each room is a perfect balance between comfort and ambiance. All have a private terrace and king or queen size beds complete with air conditioning, safe, phone, free wi-fi, Sky LCD TV, hair dryer, towels, iPod dock, mini bar (extra) and coffee maker. Traditional Sicilian cuisine is prepared by chef Angelo Pumilia, from Sicilian-style pasta with sardines to true caponata, all prepared using only the finest local ingredients. While staying at La Foresteria, you can visit the wine cellar where you can taste wines matched with the dishes of Casa Planeta. The resort also offers a wide range of services including a marvellous deck level swimming pool, Turkish bath, fitness area and bicycles are at your disposal to explore the olive groves and vineyards.

Start planning your trip

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