SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR
Please note this is an independent walking tour, and can depart on any day requested.
Explore the ‘other’ Sicily: the remarkable west, which contains some of the most ancient and celebrated sites, some of the most dramatic landscapes and some of the best food on the island.
Once a neglected region renowned more for its Mafia strongholds than its tourist destinations, western Sicily has been reborn over the last 10 years and has much to offer, including its history, natural beauty, national parks and its food and wines.
Starting with a private transfer from Palermo, this tour takes you to the Egadi islands off the western tip of Sicily. You’ll spend the next four days exploring this fascinating and beautiful archipelago. From here you’ll be taken to Sicily’s first national park for the last two nights, a spectacular piece of coastline stretching along the Castellamare Gulf, which you’ll walk along on the last day.
On the way to the park, you’ll visit Erice, an ancient village perched high on a mountain. The tour finishes with a private transfer back to Palermo (you’ll have the option of adding a guided tour to the ruins of Segesta, one of the most important ancient Greek cities in Sicily).
The walks on the Sicily 2 self-guided walking tour follow well marked trails along good paths over generally undulating countryside. They are a combination of coastal and island walks and range from 9 kilometres to 14 kilometres, taking 2.5 to 5 hours, not including breaks. In some cases, it is possible to shorten the walk or to opt out and join the walkers for lunch. This is a Grade 2 walk.
The accommodation is in very comfortable, family-run 3-star hotels. The superior rooms have en suite bathrooms, terraces and ample breakfasts are included.
The first hotel is in the centre of the main town of the Egadi Islands, only 50 metres from the seaside and a short walk from the port. It is in an historical building that has been recently restored. You’ll spend four nights here. The second hotel is in the centre of a small fortified hamlet a short walk from the seashore. You’ll spend two nights here. Both hotel’s have excellent restaurants.
As far as Sicilians’ are concerned the best things in life include good company, family life, sunny days and above all, good food. Sicily’s cuisine is as rich and diverse as its history: olive oil and wines from ancient Greece; elaborate dishes such as maccu di san giuseppe from Roman times (a delicious soup based on fava beans and fennel); citrus, saffron, cinnamon, couscous and gelato from the Arabic occupation; tomatoes, turkey and maize from the Spanish New World. Eating and drinking in Sicily is synonymous with a delicious journey back in time!