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Day
1:
Palermo airport - St. Anastasia winery
We meet at 14.00 at the Palermo
airport and drive along the coast towards Cefalu, then climb into the foothills
of the Madonie to the recently restored monastery of St. Anastasia, now
a fine hotel and winery. Relax and enjoy this dramatic setting, sipping an aperitif
on the terrace which has spectacular views of the Aeolian islands.
Day
2: Madonie
Mountains National Park
We
continue into 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.
Here a mountain feast awaits us. (4hrs/8miles)
Day
3: Cefalu
& Monreale Cathedral
Visit
Cefalu’s charming old quarters, the Norman Cathedral and the
old fishing town at your leisure. A short walk onto the Rocca promontory
with walls and castle ruins offers magnificent views of the harbour, town and
emerald blue sea. After a picnic lunch we drive along the coast to Monreale
Cathedral to admire one of the finest examples of 12C gilded Byzantine mosaics.
(2hrs/4miles)
Day 4: Lo
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Walking
from Scopello, we ascend into the the Zingaro Nature Reserve to
enjoy the rugged, Sicilian coastline and learn how locals used to make a living
form tuna fishing and basket weaving. If lucky, we may spot a peregrine falcon.
High above the coast, admire the colours of the Mediterranean. After stopping
to visit an abandoned tuna cannery in a cove, and perhaps now weary but definitely
satisfied, we return to relax or go for a swim in some local hot springs. (5hrs/10miles)
Day 5: Segesta
We
visit the Greco-Trojan city of Segesta at the top of Monte Barbaro
to see the 4C 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 picnic lunch with a panoramic view of the temple. (3hrs/6miles)
Day
6 A walk in the Egadi islands
From the western port of Trapani we
take a hydrofoil to Levanzo and walk across the farming hinterland to the
other side of the island where we descend a rocky path to a hidden cave, the Grotta
del Genovese. Through an enlarged rabbit warren lit with gas lamps we enter
the cave to see a treasure of Palaeolithic and Neolithic drawings. We continue
on around the island, past i faraglioni rocks 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/7miles)
Day
7: Walking tour of the Acropolis of Selinunte
Selinunte, Europe’s
largest archaeological park, is a wonderful opportunity to explore an entire ancient
Greek city. With two harbours, fortifications and many temples scattered across
the excavations, it is set in an almost unequalled location. After a picnic lunch
and time to the digest historic and gastronomic delights, a most rewarding day
is ended with a scenic journey down the coast to Agrigento.
Day
8: Walking
tour of Agrigento & Valley of the Temples
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, discussing Greek civilisation
and why Pindar described Akragas as 'most beautiful of mortal cities’.
Day 9: Piazza
Armerina & Roman Villa Casale
We
make an early start to drive to Piazza Armerina, located in the agricultural
heart of Sicily known as 'the bread basket of Rome'. Here we visit the Roman Imperial
Villa Casale, one of the finest ever to have been discovered. Forty of
the best-preserved mosaic floors tell us of the 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. (2.5hrs/5miles)
Day
10: Taormina
Free
morning to explore the charming streets of Taormina, perched above the
Ionian sea with Mt. Etna in the distance - Sicily's most beautiful resort. We
walk down (a few!) steps from our hotel past a Norman castle and take the Via
Crucis to emerge in the heart of Taormina. Visit the Greco-Roman amphitheatre,
do a little shopping and sit in a street cafe and watch the world go by, meeting
for a late lunch in the fishing cove of Mazzaro where, weather permitting,
we can take a boat trip in the bay with a local fisherman. (1hr/3miles)
Day
11: Mount
Etna
We
drive towards the slopes of Mt. Etna, the active volcano, watching an ever
changing landscape of lava fields, pioneer flowers and shrubs, ancient and new
craters. Once we reach the end of the driveable road at 6000ft, weather permitting
we ascend to Mt Etna using 4x4 vehicles and then on foot. Sometimes Mt. Etna even
chooses to erupt especially for us. We end the day in Siracusa on the island of
Ortigia. (2-4hrs)
Day
12: Walking
tour of Siracusa
We
learn about Siracusa, arch enemy of Athens, once capital of Magna Graecia
and the most powerful city of the Greek world. Our local guide talks us through
the historical scenery as we explore the Ear of Dionysius, the Greek
theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the Altar of Hieron. The
day ends on the island of Ortigia at the 2500 year-old building which today
is the Cathedral of Siracusa. Then a free afternoon to relax and explore
the old quarter of Ortigia.
Day
13: Departure from Catania Airport
Scheduled departure from our hotel
at 9.00 for Catania airport (1hr). If you wish, we can help to extend your stay
or make other independent departure arrangements.
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