Sicily & Aeolian Islands Grand Tour

From Trapani we take a hydrofoil to Levanzo and walk across the hinterland to a hidden cave, the Grotta del Genovese (Cave of Genovese). Through an enlarged rabbit warren we enter the cave to admire a beautiful example of ancient art: the graffiti date back to 11-12 thousand years ago and they represent a treasure of Palaeolithic and Neolithic drawings. We continue around the island with views of Favignana and Marettimo, the other two islands of this archipelago, set in crystal clear blue waters. We return mid afternoon to explore the charming town of Erice. (3.5hrs/11km) (Elev. +/-400ft)

We visit the Greco-Trojan city of Segesta at the top of Monte Barbaro to see the IV BC theatre which has a stunning view overlooking the countryside and sea, walking down afterwards to the unfinished Doric temple – situated one a truly incredible setting – and then on to a forest
track on the other side of the river gorge for a delicious picnic lunch with a panoramic view of the temple. Afternoon drive down the south coast past vineyards, orange orchards and olive groves. (3hrs/10km)

A pleasant morning beach walk takes us to the unusual Scala dei Turchi promontory (2hrs/4miles). In the afternoon we visit the museum of Agrigento with a local guide. Inside is an excellent collection of artefacts, temple decorations, a giant statue from the temple of Zeus, votive offerings and a model of the largest temple in Magna Graecia. We then walk through the Valley of the Temples, UNESCO world heritage site, discussing Greek civilisation and why Pindar described Akragas as ‘most beautiful of mortal cities’. (2hrs in ruins) (Elev. almost sea level) UNESCO Heritage Site.

FOCUS: The ancient city of Agrigento, 600 B.C., one of the greatest Mediterranean centres of antiquity. The remains of the Doric Temples which dominate the city and known as the Valley of the Temples are well preserved and are Testimony to one of the most prominent periods of Greek art and culture. They testify to the magnificence and supremacy of the ancient Greek culture.

We drive to Piazza Armerina, located in the heart of Sicily known as ‘the bread basket of Rome’. Here we visit the very fine Roman Imperial Villa Casale, another beautiful UNESCO heritage site, with over forty pictorial mosaic floors life of the rich roman citizens. A pleasant walk takes us over a hill, past fresh water fountains and enters the medieval town of Piazza Armerina where we stop for a delicious gelato. We end the day in Siracusa on Ortygia Island. (2.5hrs/8km) (Elev. +/-600ft) UNESCO Heritage Site

FOCUS: The Villa Romana, 300-400 A.D., a great example of luxury Roman living in Sicily. It is located far from the sea in the centre of the island at the foot of Mount Mangone. The exceptional beauty and quality of mosaic floors which decorate the villa illustrate its greatness and underline the importance of the island of Sicily in imperial Roman times.

A leisurely morning to explore the historic quarters of Siracusa and experience the lively fish market. In the afternoon our local guide explains the historical scenery as we explore the Ear of Dionysius, the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the Altar of Hieron. We learn about Siracusa, arch enemy of Athens, once capital of Magna Graecia and the most powerful city of the Greek world. The day ends on the island of Ortigia at the 2500 year-old building which today is the Cathedral of Siracusa. (walk 3hrs strolling in ruins) UNESCO Heritage Site *lunch independently

FOCUS: The Ancient Syracuse including Ortygia, 800 B.C., birth place of Archimedes and founded by Greeks. Ancient Syracuse contains, among other things, the remains of the Temple of Athena still used today as the Cathedral, the single stone carved Greek Theatre and a Roman amphitheatre.

We head out for a vigorous, stunning walk in the rocky gorge of Pantalica in the Iblei mountains. The canyon is like a honeycomb with thousands of 4000 year old burial chambers of various shapes and sizes. The gorge is a place of great natural beauty, a deep limestone ravine carved out
over millennia by the Anapo and Calcinara rivers along which a variety of flora flourish.
(3hrs/9.5km) (Elev. +/-500ft) UNESCO Heritage Site *Dinner independently

FOCUS: the Necropolis of Pantalica containing more than 5,000 tombs, mainly dating back from XIII to VII Centuries BC.

Free day to explore the charming streets of Taormina, Sicily’s most famous resort town and also Castelmola. Visit the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, do a little shopping, sit in a street cafe and watch the world go by. Optional guided walk along ancient mule tracks down into Taormina and then continuing down to Mazzaro’ beach for lunch.

FOCUS: Mount Etna Views– the most active and highest volcano in Europe is of geological, scientific and cultural value; with intense and persistent volcanic activity. Mount Etna dominates the skyline in Taormina and is visible from almost everywhere.

We drive to Milazzo and catch a hydrofoil to Vulcano for the unforgettable experience of walking up a volcano, going around the rim and looking into the smouldering sulphurous crater (1280ft). Afternoon boat excursion to reach our accommodations in Panarea (walk 3-4hrs; hydrofoil and private boat).

FOCUS: the Aeolian Islands, a 7-island archipelago (Panarea, Stromboli, Vulcano, Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari and Salina) located north of the coast of Sicily have volcanic origins and separated from the land of Sicily by 200 m deep waters. The two different kinds of eruption (Vulcanian and Strombolian) have given the science of volcanology a chance to enrich and improve their knowledge.

Scenic circular walk around the island of Panarea and onto the ancient crater wall where a Bronze Age village has been
discovered at the south-west end of the island. In the afternoon we take a private boat across to the active volcanic island of Stromboli where you can still see the lava flows by night. These islands are inspirational to film makers and more recently Il Postino was filmed here. (walk 3-4hrs; private boat excursion).

We travel by hydrofoil back to mainland Sicily. Today we visit Cefalu’s charming old quarters, the Norman Cathedral with free time in the bustling fishing town. If you are feeling sprightly you can walk with us up to the Rocca promontory with walls and castle ruins offering magnificent views of the harbour, town and emerald blue sea. (hydrofoil; strolling day). *lunch independently.

FOCUS: the Arab-Norman architecture, 1130-1194, dates from the time of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily. An architectural circuit winds its way through the civil and religious monuments of the city of Palermo and the cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalu. This is a unique historical example of social and cultural syncretism (amalgamation of different religions and cultures) and testimony to the fruitful coexistence of different religions and cultures, Christians, Muslims and Jews.

A walk in the heart of the Madonie mountains, an area seldom visited and of ancient traditions. We stroll through the cobbled streets of Geraci Siculo where time seems to have stood still. Our hiking trail climbs through pine forests to Pizzo Corvo where we emerge and cross mountain pastures through awe-inspiring scenery with occasional views of Mt. Etna, the sleeping giant which looms at a distance of over 50 miles as we approach Petralia Soprana. (4hrs/13km) (Elev. +/-300m)

Departure from our hotel at 9.00 to transfer to Palermo Airport. We recommend you book flights departing after 14.00; allow about 2.5 hours to reach the airport. If you wish, we can help you to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements such as early taxis to the airport.