Sicily Food & Hike

Once you’ve arrived, there'll be time to unpack, settle in, and enjoy a welcome drink at the hotel before heading out to a local restaurant for dinner.  

Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)
Ascent: 722 feet (220m)

Today, we will enjoy exploring ancient Segesta, the most important city of the Elymians, one of the indigenous populations in Sicily. One of the main attractions at the site is the well-preserved Doric Temple. Entrance to the archaeological site is included.  Our walk will take us from the Porta di Valle, the ruins of the town walls, to visit the ruins of an ancient acropolis, the Agora, the Temple, and the Greek Theatre.  The theatre is at the top of Mount Barbaro, a walk along a road with some shortcuts through the terrain. 

For those who would prefer not to do the hike, there is a shuttle bus (at a small cost) there and back. There are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a great reward for making it all the way up. Following our excursion into the ancient world, we will sample a local specialty of pastry filled with creamy ricotta cheese, often served with chocolate chips.

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m)

Today we’ll walk a circular trail through Zingaro Nature Reserve, nestled between the rugged limestone mountains of the north coast and the sea. Home to yellow sorrel, dwarf palms and almond trees, where rare Bonelli’s eagles fly overhead, and glittering coves offer mid-walk dips in the Med. Before going back to the hotel, you'll find out why locals love their 'liquid gold' with an olive oil tour and tasting session at a Sicilian Baglio.

A morning food tour of Palermo provides an opportunity to discover the city’s street food delights at places only the locals know. Let an in-the-know local guide fill you in on facts about the city's historic centre as we walk through the stalls and kiosks of street vendors, colourful markets and local bakeries sampling Sicilian specialities along the way. We'll enjoy a tasting of 'cannolo' - delicious tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with sweet ricotta cheese. In the afternoon there’s free time to explore Palermo’s cultural potpourri of Arabic food, Spanish streets, and Norman towers.

Distance: 3 miles (4.5km) 

Ascent: 820ft (250m)

We make a beeline for Erice today. This impressive 12th century walled village crowns a high hill and rolls out royally good views over the entire west coast of the island. Conquering Erice often meant controlling Sicily, and this coastal gem has ping ponged between competing kingdoms for centuries. There are ancient Greek theatres, Roman ruins, and Norman forts to explore on foot before learning how to rustle up a host of classic Sicilian dishes courtesy of a cooking class.

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km) 

Ascent: 1,000ft (300m) - includes a quite steep natural stone staircase.

A hike around the mighty cape of Monte Cofano Nature Reserve gives an insight into the island’s ancient marble industry and this area's agricultural heritage. The mainly coastal path circumnavigates the limestone peak of Monte Cofano which rises steeply above us, home to caves and prehistoric settlements. The day culminates in the chance to try handmade cheeses made from sheep and cow milk at a local farm.

Distance: approximately 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: 300ft (100m)  

Our final day starts with a visit to the Mediterranean city of Marsala to sample a glass of Sicily's famous Marsala wine and explore its historical centre. We then transfer to the flamingo-flecked salt pans of the Stagnone Nature Reserve and its coastal lagoon and wetland reserve for a walk. Afterwards, we return to the hotel ready for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.    

Depart for Palermo airport.