On offer

Sicily Food & Hike

Palermo Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site in Sicily - Italy
Duration: 7 nights
Interests: Cooking & walking
Type: European walking holidays
Walking Grade: 3
from £1,659pp £1,589pp with flights

The largest island in the Mediterranean, culture-soaked Sicily rewards visitors with a rich culinary heritage. It's also where you'll find a mix of white sandy beaches, medieval streets, pretty fishing villages, Baroque towns, fertile wine country, and a mild climate for much of the year. This holiday offers a perfect combination of scenic walks, incredible places to explore, and superb foodie experiences.

What you’ll love

  • Visiting Sicily’s capital, Palermo and sampling its street food 
  • Olive oil and Marsala wine tasting experiences 
  • Hiking through the coastal Zingaro Nature Reserve 
  • Enjoying a Sicilian cooking lesson 
  • Walking around the cape of Monte Cofano 
  • Sampling handmade cheeses at a local farm 

What’s included

  • Full programme of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
  • Comfortable accommodation 
  • Breakfast daily, and two evening meals 
  • Five tastings and one cookery lesson
  • Street food tour of Palermo
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary) 
  • Air-conditioned transport
  • Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Once you’ve arrived, enjoy some time to unpack and settle in, then head out for a welcome drink and dinner at a local restaurant.  


Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 980ft (300m) 

Today we enjoy a hike through a wild limestone gorge with high white cliffs. We’ll stop by Segesta to see its ancient Greek theatre, and visit an archaeological site with one of the best-preserved temples on the island. We then transfer to a village renowned for its 'cannoli' - delicious tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with sweet ricotta cheese - for a chance to taste.


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. Learn about the rare plants that bloom here before finding out why locals love their ‘liquid gold’ with a tour and tasting session at a family-run olive oil mill.


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. 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)  

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 cows milk at a local farm.


Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: 300ft (100m)  

Our final day starts with a walk between the flamingo-flecked salt pans of Stagnone Nature Reserve and ends by cosying up alongside the Mediterranean to sip a glass of Sicily’s famous Marsala wine at sunset. Afterwards, return to the hotel ready for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.    


Depart for Palermo airport.


Hotel Al Madarig

Looking every bit the Arabian fortress, the 3-star Al Madarig is all honey-coloured stone, coastal views, and alfresco seating, ideal for soaking up the sunshine. Situated in the classy resort of Castellammare del Golfo, this handsome hotel has an enviable setting right on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You’ll find easy-on-the-eye décor throughout, well-appointed rooms, a bar, and an airy, light filled restaurant where breakfast is served. What’s more, you’ll be in strolling distance of two sandy beaches, a selection of restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias, plus a Norman-Arab castle, too.

Rooms

All rooms have: 

  • Free Wi-Fi 
  • Fridge 
  • Telephone 
  • TV 
  • Minibar 
  • Kettle 
  • Safe 
  • Private shower (no rooms have baths) 

Standard rooms can be on the first or second floor and all come with Juliet balconies overlooking the courtyard 

Superior rooms have a sea view and are available on request only. Supplements may apply 

Food & drink

Continental breakfast 

Dinner taken locally on first and last night 

Getting to Hotel Al Madarig

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Essential information

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device 

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Non-member fee: £30 per person.

All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2024

14 Apr - 21 Apr 2024

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,659 £1,589 pp

from

£1,659 £1,589 pp

Call to Enquire Save £70 Per Person Trip Notes Book Now

27 Apr - 04 May 2024

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

12 May - 19 May 2024

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

06 Oct - 13 Oct 2024

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,659 pp

from

£1,659 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes Book Now

13 Oct - 20 Oct 2024

7 nights

Itinerary
Flight from London Heathrow Airport

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,759 pp

from

£1,759 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes Book Now
Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2024

14 Apr - 21 Apr 2024

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,459 £1,389 pp

from

£1,459 £1,389 pp

Call to Enquire Save £70 Per Person Trip Notes Book Now

27 Apr - 04 May 2024

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

12 May - 19 May 2024

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

19 May - 26 May 2024

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

06 Oct - 13 Oct 2024

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,459 pp

from

£1,459 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes Book Now

13 Oct - 20 Oct 2024

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,459 pp

from

£1,459 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes Book Now

Important information

  • With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Palermo Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
  • Our airport taxi service operates at this resort – price available on request
Duration:
7 nights
Interests:
Cooking & walking
Type:
European walking holidays
Walking Grade:
3

7 nights from £1,659pp £1,589pp
with flights

On offer

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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