Hiking in Sicily

Sicily is an utterly inspiring place, with a unique 3,000-year-old blend of Mediterranean cultures evident in epic Roman temples and cathedrals with Norman-Arab mosaics. Even the beguiling cuisine is laced with Greek, Spanish, and Arab influences! We hike cliff trails above the sea, into a wild canyon filled with Neolithic tombs, on a secret path to a medieval citadel, and even on the slopes of fiery Mt. Etna. Incredible World Heritage Sites are on our journey, including the marvelous Villa Romana del Casale and stunning Greek and Roman ruins at Siracusa. Sicily's glorious food (think catch-of-the-day fish, couscous, and indulgent desserts) is among the delights, as are expert Trip Leaders who call this captivating island home.

Itinerary

Days 1-4
Palermo / Segesta / Erice / Coastal Hike / Monreale / Cefalù 
We hike up to the stunning Greek theater and temple at remote Segesta and circle the limestone peak of Monte Cofano on spectacular trails above the cerulean sea, with overnights in the hill town of Erice, with its Norman castle. After a hike through vineyards to a family farm for lunch, we'll visit Monreale's 12th century cathedral to see its treasury of golden Byzantine mosaics. Charming seaside Cefalù is our base for a hike in the Madonie Mountains, where Sicily's deeply rustic culture thrives. 

Days 5-8
Villa Romana del Casale / Pant lica Gorge / Siracusa 
At Villa Romana, we see incredible mosaic floors that depict Roman life in the third century AD, and hike narrow trails among the Neolithic tombs of the wild Pant lica Gorge. We'll take a cooking class, then head to Siracusa to walk the labyrinthine alleyways of World Heritage-listed Ortigia Island, with its Baroque public squares and Doric temples. Siracusa's stunning Doric temple of Athena, now Siracusa's cathedral, was built in the 5th century BC.

Days 9-11
Mount Etna / Taormina 
Writers from Goethe to Ernest Hemingway have been drawn to the gorgeous hill town of Taormina. We'll walk the narrow lanes, visit the famous Roman theater, then travel by cable car and 4WD vehicle to 9,500 feet for a hike below Etna's crater. Depart on Day 11 via Catania.