2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in charming B&Bs
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1140GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WSL

Trip highlights

  • Exploring the nature, culture and history of Sicily
  • Discovering ancient archaeological sites of Selinunte, Cave di Cusa and Segesta
  • Walking through Nature Parks with their beautiful coves and caves
  • Trapani with its colourful atmosphere and historic centre, overlooked by the dramatic hilltop town of Erice
  • Feasting on local culinary delights such as Couscous al Pesce from Trapani

Located on the southern borders of Europe, only a few kilometres from Tunisia, the western side of Sicily offers a wonderful mix of culture, history and some exceptional landscapes. On this walk you will discover the archaeological sites of Segesta and Selinunte, where temples, theatres and an acropolis are evidence of Sicily's ancient historical legacy. The excursions along the Zingaro Nature Reserve and at Monte Monaco show the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean countryside in a wild and extremely beautiful environment of coves, caves and impressive rock walls. Visit the wild island of Levanzo, the narrow streets of Trapani, the local market in Mazara del Vallo and the old tuna fishery "Tonnara di Scopello" for a completely different Italian experience.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Palermo

Finishing Point:

Trapani or Palermo airport

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrival at Palermo's airport for your private transfer to Mazara del Vallo, a lovely seaside town facing Tunisia. Discover the charming local market, colourful ceramics that decorate the streets throughout the village and the statue 'Satiro Danzante' that was fished from the sea. The transfer is also available for arrival at Trapani airport.

Meals:  Nil

Today you'll take the train or bus to Castelvetrano, where you'll be met at the station for a private transfer to Selinunte. First a Phoenician and then a Greek settlement, Selinunte is the largest archaeological site in Europe. The temples dedicated to different gods overlook the sea and the mouth of the River Belice. The great Acropolis facing the Mediterranean shows the glory of Ancient Greece. On the way back to the station you will stop at the fascinating Cave di Cusa quarry, where the stone for the temples of Selinunte was hewn. After a short visit (it closes at 2pm), take the train back to Mazara for a free afternoon to discover the town's beauty. 4km/2.5mi, +150m/492ft, -150m/492ft

Meals:  B

Take the train to Trapani (with your luggage), check in at your hotel and visit the main monuments of the old town. In the afternoon, take the cablecar to medieval Erice and wander through its narrow alleys and cobbled streets. At 750m above sea level, Erice offers great views to Trapani, the Nature Reserve Saline di Trapani e Paceco and the Egadi islands. The Pepoli Castle, built by the Arabs, and Venus Castle, Norman built on the site of the ancient Temple of Venus, allegedly founded by Aeneas, are worth a visit, and there are many churches too. Overnight in Trapani. 6km/3.7mi, -650m/2133ft

Meals:  B

Today you will visit Levanzo, the smallest of the Egadi Islands. Along with its beautiful beaches, find the 'Genovese Cave', with its prehistoric paintings and engravings dating from the late Palaeolithic period. Enjoy the glorious Mediterranean countryside before returning to Trapani. Return travel is by hydrofoil (payable locally). Overnight in Trapani. 13km/8mi, +200m/656ft, -200m/656ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast, there is a private transfer to Segesta train station. Walk in the gentle countryside of the Val d'Erice around this ancient city founded in the fourth century BC, renowned for its Doric temple and amphitheatre. Climb the summit of Mt Pispisa to enjoy the view of the archaeological area and appreciate its size and excellent preservation. After the hike, a short transfer will take you to the archaeological area where you can explore the site at leisure. Private transfer back to Trapani. 9.5km/5.9mi, +300m/984ft, -300m/984ft

Meals:  B

Private transfer to San Vito Lo Capo, a lovely town located between spectacular mountains and famous for its idillyc beaches. Today you will climb up to Mt Monaco, which owes its name to the particular shape that reminds one of a kneeling monk with hands clasped in prayer, easily seen from the antique tonnara (tuna fishing plant) of San Vito Lo Capo. At the end of the walk you will meet our driver and transfer to Scopello, where you stay overnight. 6.5km/4.7mi, +480m/1575ft, - 350m/1148ft

Meals:  B

From Scopello, walk to Sicily’s first nature reserve, Zingaro. Established in 1976, it is home to towering limestone mountains interspersed by spectacular caves, a coastline dotted with coves and cliffs overlooking the sea - all very impressive. You can swim at the various coves of the Reserve. Overnight in Scopello. 11.5km/7.1mi, +500m/1640ft, -530m/1739ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Trapani or Palermo airport.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights in charming B&Bs or 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including maps, road book and GPX tracks
  • Private transfers as noted in the itinerary
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Palermo and from Trapani
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included, at Selinunte, Cave de Cusa, Segesta and Zingaro Nature Reserve - allow €50pp
  • Transfers not listed as included - by public transport: bus, train, cablecar and hydrofoil
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE – GRADE 2 The walking is graded introductory to moderate with 2 to 5 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. Prior hiking experience is recommended and a reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 30 Jun and 1 Sep to 23 Nov

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season 1 - 30 Sep, supplement applies. Departures in August available on request only and supplement applies
Note:
Transfers by bus, train and hydrofoil are not included, nor are entrance fees at Segesta, Selinunte and Zingaro Nature Reserve - allow EUR60.
Note:
On Day 1 the transfer can be from Palermo centre (a hotel) - supplement applies

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£200
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£580
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.