Sicily Food & Hike

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km), up to a maximum of 5 miles (8km) with the optional ascent to the temple via a natural stone staircase.

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 taste Cassatelle, a local speciality of pastry filled with a creamy ricotta cheese.

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 sampling handmade cheeses from both sheep and cow's milk at a local farm.

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. Before going back to the hotel, you'll find out why locals love their 'liquid gold' with a tour and tasting session at a family run olive oil mill.

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.