Compare Rhythm of Life: Hiking Western Sicily’s Dramatic Coastline by Road Scholar vs Premium Sicily by Intrepid Travel

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive, Transfer to Trapani, Check-in, Orientation
Trapani D Hotel Vittoria
Activity note: Hotel check in is at 2:00 PM.

Afternoon: At the Welcome Orientation, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Trapani & Erice
Trapani B,L,D Hotel Vittoria
Activity note: Up to 4 miles of walking for approximately 3.5 hours through towns on pavement and cobblestone.

Breakfast: At the hotel. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: This morning, enjoy a walk exploring the town. The old town extends westward to the sea. Walk the narrow streets and discover the old palazzi, ornate churches like the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Torre della Colombaia offshore fortress, and at the tip of the headland, explore a former defensive outpost, the Torre del Ligny. Take in a field lecture about the peoples that have invaded Sicily throughout history and their influence on local culture. The walk ends at the local fish market.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, take a cable car to Erice, one of Italy's most spectacular hill towns. Erice is a mountain town with creeping hillside alleys, stone buildings, silent charms, and powerful associations. Explore Erice's rich history on a guided excursion. Return to Trapani via cable car.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Levanzo Island
Trapani B,L Hotel Vittoria
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of walking for approximately 4.5 hours on trails and to caves. There is some steep walking.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Just a little further North of Favignana lies Levanzo, the smallest of the three Egadi Islands. Levanzo, with its white houses nestled on the harbor filled with colorful fishing boats, is the closest island to the port of Trapani. This morning transfer by hydrofoil to Levanzo (45 minutes) where you will walk outside of the village to explore this charming island. Take in a lecture about how locals make a living on Mediterranean islands.

Lunch: Plated meal at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Levanzo is a tiny piece of land that houses some of the oldest human evidence in Sicily; these figures of men and animals, painted and scratched onto the walls of Grotta del Genovese, bring us back to the Mesolithic era. These carvings are probably the oldest in Europe, next to the Lascaux caves in France. After this excursion return to Trapani. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Return to Trapani via hydrofoil.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Favignana Island
Trapani B,L,D Hotel Vittoria
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of easy walking for approximately 3.5 hours through towns and on trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning you will explore the other side of Favignana island. For the Greeks, the Egadi Islands were the outer limits of the known world. For the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, they were major commercial outposts. The Romans turned them into their defensive bulwark against the armies of Hannibal and Hamilcar. The Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards also used the island, as evidenced by the surnames of the inhabitants. Travel to Favignana via hydrofoil (20 minutes) where you will spend the day walking along the paths of the island, and exploring Roman ruins and the quarries of a soft, local stone called tufa.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Continue your full day walk and take in a field lecture about the flora and fauna of Sicily. Return to Trapani via hydrofoil.

Dinner: Plated meal at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Marsala & Mozia
Trapani B,L,D Hotel Vittoria
Activity note: Up to 2.5 miles of walking for approximately 3.5 hours through ancient ruins and on easy trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning, transfer to Marsala. En route view the salt marshes that have been in use since antiquity. From Marsala, transfer by boat to the privately owned island of Mozia. Mozia is a rich archaeological site, home to the ruins of the Carthaginian city of Motya. The island is also a wonderful place to view many birds, including pink flamingos, curlews, and egrets. During the morning, you will also visit the Whitaker Foundation with its collection of ancient Greek art. You will also walk to the salt museum to explore salt making practices. Take in a field lecture about the Whitaker family, Marsala wine, and salt making. Transfer back to Marsala.

Lunch: Enjoy a late lunch and wine tasting, in Marsala, at a local winery.

Afternoon: Stroll through the town of Marsala (approximately 1.5 hours). Transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Monte Cofano, Transfer to Castellammare del Golfo
Castellammare del Golfo B,L,D Al Madarig Hotel
Activity note: Up to 3.5 miles of easy walking for approximately 2.5 hours on trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast, check out of Hotel Vittoria. Heading north from Trapani, along the coast, you will find Mt. Cofano, a promontory with many marine calcareous deposits from the Triassic period. In the morning, transfer to the Mt. Cofano Nature Reserve and explore the region during a guided walk. Enjoy a field lecture focusing on Castellammare and its famous citizens.

Lunch: Plated meal at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Transfer to Castellammare del Golfo and check-in at the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Selinunte
Castellammare del Golfo B,L,D Al Madarig Hotel
Activity note: Up to 2.5 miles of walking for approximately 2.5 hours through ruins, sand dunes, and along old stones. Today is a long day.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Western Sicily wasn't immune to Greek influence. The ancient city, Selinunte, is the largest Greek ruin in all of Europe, including Greece. A half day spent wandering around Selinunte's massive archaeological park is a must on a trip to Sicily. Spend the morning exploring the Cusa Caves and ruins of Selinunte, and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Lunch: Plated meal at local olive farm.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, we visit a local farm. Afterwards, enjoy some free time at the hotel to relax.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Zingaro e Scopello
Castellammare del Golfo B,L,D Al Madarig Hotel
Activity note: Up to 6 miles of walking for approximately 3 hours on trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Six miles northwest of Castellammare del Golfo is Scopello, the town that marks the beginning of some of the best beaches and coastlines in Sicily, with hidden coves and alternating sand and pebble shores. From here, you access the southern entrance of the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro. Today you will transfer to Scopello and then walk through the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro towards San Vito Lo Capo.

Lunch: Picnic en route.

Afternoon: Continue your walk to San Vito Lo Capo. This stretch of land, extending from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, was the first designated wildlife area in Sicily. It covers 3,954 acres and 4 miles of coastline. Within the reserve is also the precious Grotta dell'Uzzo, a cave that served as a dwelling place in Paleolithic times and now is a refuge for six different types of bats. Transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner: Plated meal at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Santa Ninfa e Gibellina
Castellammare del Golfo B,L,D Al Madarig Hotel
Activity note: 5 miles of walking for approximately 3 hours through hill country, on both bare trails and trails filled with vines; afternoon city walking.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a morning walk in the Montevago area. Inland Sicily is the granary of Italy, if not Europe! A deeply rural area, the walk winds through the hills and provides perspective on how Sicilian farmers make a living. Along the walk, partially inside the Natural Reserve of the Foce del Belice, along hillsides with wonderful views, learn about agricultural Sicily.

Lunch: Plated meal at a local farmhouse.

Afternoon: Gibellina is a small city in the mountains that was destroyed by the 1968 Belice earthquake. The earthquake devastated villages throughout the Belice Valley of western Sicily. The Italian government's incompetent response to the disaster and the corruption that absorbed much of the rescue and redevelopment funds turned Belice into a cautionary tale of Italian politics. Transfer to Santa Ninfa and explore the ruins of Gibellina. Take in a lecture about the Belice earthquake.

Dinner: Plated meal at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Monreale
Castellammare del Golfo B,L,D Al Madarig Hotel
Activity note: Up to 2 miles of walking for approximately 4 hours through towns and parks.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Monreale is a town in the province of Palermo, on the slope of Monte Caputo. The town overlooks the fertile valley of La Conca d'Oro (the Golden Shell), which is famed for its orange, olive, and almond trees. The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the greatest existing examples of Norman architecture. The severe, square-towered exterior of the Duomo houses a rich and beautiful interior. The church is a national monument of Italy and one of the most important attractions of Sicily. It hold the most impressive and extensive collections of Christian medieval mosaic work in the world. Today, experience the glory of the Monreale cathedral.

Lunch: Light lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue your full day in Monreale. In the late afternoon, transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Segesta
Castellammare del Golfo B,L,D Al Madarig Hotel
Activity note: Up to 6 miles of walking for approximately 5.5 hours on trails. The morning walk is through hill country on trails, and the afternoon walk is through the archaeological area.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a morning walk around Mount Pispisa, an easy walk which leads along the ridge of the mountain overlooking the archaeological area of Segesta. Through a pine wood, climb the hill. Along the way, you will see plenty of wildflowers, and with some luck, there may be some edible fruit to pick along the way. From the pine woods, into the oak woods, along easy paths, the temple of Segesta stands watch always within view. From the top of the mountain, on a clear day, one can see gulf of Castellamare all the way to the Egadi islands. Through cultivated fields and vineyards, the walk finishes at Segesta.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Segesta, an ancient Elymian city, has the best-preserved Doric temple in the world and a stunning Greek amphitheater, which is still used for summer plays today. The main reason to visit Segesta is to see a single, amazing temple in a lonely field, the Tempio di Segesta. The rural location of this temple is pretty and the grayish stone changes hue with the light. Close by lies an amphitheater on top of Monte Barbaro. The theater was hewn out of the rock and has a view stretching toward the surrounding hills and the sea at the Gulf of Castellammare. Walk across the archaeological site of Segesta, and enjoy a field lecture focused on this beautiful temple.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: Transfer to the Palermo airport (approximately 40 minutes) for departures. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.

Day 1 Palermo

Welcome to Sicily, we’re kicking things off in the region's capital – Palermo. Upon arrival, a complimentary airport transfer will take you into the city. This evening we have our first dinner together and a welcome meeting with your local guide and fellow travellers. But until then, the city is yours to explore. If you have time, you might like to get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the old heart of Palermo, and gaze upon some of the main monuments such as the uniquely styled cathedral. Or maybe you’ll choose to café-hop and try the best of Sicily’s sweets. Whatever your fancy, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Palermo.

Day 2 Palermo

Sicily's unique cuisine sees Spanish, Greek and Arab influences and combined with a gentle climate and fertile soil, it is known all over the world. Delve deeper into this all important part of culture during a hands on cooking class. Not only will get to know the recipes, you will be learning how to create Sicilian dishes with the help of a local chef. As locally sourced products are used in the preparation of dishes, the menu may differ depending on seasonality and market availability, but your resulting lunch will be a treat. This afternoon, join a walking tour with your local guide and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria, Beati Paoli Square and more, all have a rich history in civil mobilisation. Plus, these areas serve up some mouth-watering street food. You’ll personally meet local shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists and follow the ethical consumer campaign ‘Pago chi non paga’, a campaign promoted to support those that rebel against the Mafia.

Day 3 Marsala

Today it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Palermo as we head toward the small town of Erice. Located more than 750 meters above sea level, this beautifully preserved medieval town hosts, despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, many beautiful buildings showcasing architectural styles from its varied history. One thing that cannot be missed during your visit is Genovesi – traditional Sicilian pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream. Luckily for you, we’ve organised a special Genovesi tasting. After our visit to Erice we continue south towards Marsala, a lovely coastal town where we’ll stay tonight. Famous for its sweet dessert wines, you might choose to go out and enjoy a sip, or two, of Marsala’s delicious drinks with newfound friends or simply stroll the marble paved streets and explore at your leisure.

Day 4 Agrigento

This morning head east as you stop in the old port of Mazara del Vallo. It is here that some of the Arab influences in Sicily are most clearly visible. As you stroll through the kasbah (Arab Quarter) you will witness the artistic and cultural enrichment brought on by the arrival of Tunisian families in the 70's. Wander the winding lanes and alleyways swept with colourful murals. Then, we’ll continue to Agrigento with one final stop in our journey at Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks) along the way. Scala dei Turchi is a truly spectacular coastline with white marble cliffs that offered protection from severe winds for the pirates that roamed these waters. Finally, we make our way to Agrigento where we’ll stay in a magical boutique hotel built in the 13th century. Tonight you will share a meal with your fellow travellers at your here.

Day 5 Agrigento

This morning, after breakfast, travel to the nearby Valley of the Temples. One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, it is situated where the ancient city of Akragas once stood. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the landscape and Mediterranean Sea. Return to Agrigento and enjoy the afternoon in any way you wish. Perhaps, head to Agrigento's old town to wander the narrow alleyways and courtyards or find a local café, grab a panino, sit and watch the world go by.

Day 6 Siracusa

Today, we kiss Agrigento goodbye and hit the road en route to Siracusa – but not without a few important stops along the way. The first stop today in Ragusa will not disappoint – it’s one of the most scenic towns in all of Sicily. Explore the town and then continue to architecturally fascinating Modica, particularly famous for its chocolate, it is a must-stop for any serious foodie. After tasting some of the local produce we continue to Noto and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Lesser-known Noto has recently gained a reputation as an architectural jewel, its limestone structures dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. Finally, we make our last stop of the day in Siracusa, where we will stay for the next two nights.

Day 7 Siracusa

This morning, enjoy an orientation walk through Ortigia – a small island just adjacent to the main town of Siracusa. Wandering the narrow streets and laneways will reveal ancient ruins, stunning fountains and authentic trattorias, all situated on the medieval island. In the afternoon head to the Neapolis Archaeological Site – known as one of the world’s finest – with your local guide by your side. Uncover the crumbling ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman town; from the Greek theatre to the Roman amphitheatre and ancient stone quarries. Covering an area of 35 hectares, there’s plenty of land to explore and plenty of history to learn about on this guided tour.

Day 8 Catania

Today, come face-to-face with Europe’s largest active volcano on a daytrip up Mt Etna. At an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres, walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave that can be explored with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana, a former ski resort that has been destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. After exploring the fiery natural wonder, continue to the atmospheric city of Catania. The city has a unique energy to it, an interesting blend of young and old. On one hand, there’s a gritty, attractive bar culture that fuels an exuberant nightlife, full of flavour and laughter. On the other hand, the very core of the city boasts one of the fabled “Late Baroque” towns – the UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto. This afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to explore both sides of this curious city by wandering through its grand piazzas and wide roads.

Day 9 Catania

After breakfast today, take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina. Start things off with a guided walk, where you’ll notice Greek influence in the architecture. Walk through the back streets, gardens, and visit the world-famous Greek theatre and the cathedral. The afternoon will be at your leisure, so there's plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Have a drink in the Mediterranean sun or dig into some traditional Sicilian pasta before heading back for our final night in Catania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your newfound travel friends and group leader.

Day 10 Catania

Our Sicilian adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to stay on in Catania we can arrange additional accommodation on request (subject to availability).