Grade

Moderate

Hotel Accommodation

Included

Airline Ticket

Not Included

Season

All Year

Walking Holidays

West and South Side

Local Staff

Included

Transfers

Included

This is a Private Tour

Season: all year available on request
8 nights/9 days

Trapani (2 nights) Marsala (2 nights) Agrigento (2 nights) Palermo (2 nights)
Hotel Package: First Class Properties
Airline Tickets: not purchased by us

Land: Palermo airport – West Side
Leave: Palermo airport – West Side

Day 1: Palermo airport > Trapani
Day 2: Trapani > Monte Pispisa and Segesta > Trapani
Day 3: Trapani > Torretta Pepoli, Erice and Salt Way Road > Marsala
Day 4: Marsala: Saltpans and Winery
Day 5: Marsala > Selinunte and Belice Nature Reserve > Agrigento
Day 6: Agrigento, Kolymbetra Park and Art Cooking Class
Day 7: Agrigento > Palermo
Day 8: Palermo Street Food Walking Tour and Monreale
Day 9: END

Featured Licensed Local Guide Recommended for the above tour
-Selinunte, half day | Already Included in the tour costs
-Agrigento, half day | Already Included in the tour costs
-Palermo and Monreale, full day | Already Included in the tour costs
The rates for the above services are available on request.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths
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Price includes the following:

  • Qualified Hiking guide (Italian and English)
  • Private vehicle with AC

What to wear and bring with you:

  • backpack for your personal items
  • Comfortable clothes suitable for hiking, a rain/wind jacket, a change of clothes
  • A change of clothes in case of rain
  • Hiking Boots
  • Sunglasses & sun cream
  • camera or smartphone if you want to take photos
  • A spirit of fun and adventure

LEGEND AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TOUR DETAILS & BOOKING INFORMATION

BLOG: Walking Holidays

Day 1
Palermo Airport > Trapani
Private vehicle and Italian speaking chauffeur disposal: transfer in only


Welcome to the warm, beautiful and pleasant island of Sicily! Upon arrival at Palermo Airport please proceed through the Passport Control and collect your luggage inside the customs area.

Then meet the driver showing a sign with your name and a short drive takes you to Trapani.
Day 2
Trapani > Monte Pispisa and Segesta > Trapani
Private vehicle disposal: full day from h 8.30AM
Local Hiking Staff: included


Breakfast at hotel.

Today meet our staff and transfer in the gentle countryside of the Val d'Erice, exploring one of the most fascinating Archaeological Sites in Sicily: Segesta.

The ancient city, founded in the fourth century BC, preserves the Doric Temple and the Theatre which opens on to the surrounding hills.

We'll climb to the summit of Mount Pispisa and enjoy the view of the archaeological area, appreciating its size and excellent preservation.

Picnic lunch during the excursion.

This afternoon independent visit to the Segesta Temple (Admission fee: not included) and the Theatre.

We then return in Trapani.
Day 3
Trapani > Torretta Pepoli, Erice and Salt Way Road > Marsala
Private vehicle disposal: full day from h 8.30AM
Local Hiking Staff: included


Breakfast at hotel.

Today departure to explore Erice

Tour #1 | Pepoli Tower and Erice Route
Hiking Details: 
Km: 3 | 120 mt elevation gain
Introduction: Cyclopean walls, ancient castles and historical buildings, and then the visit to the hamlet of Erice, with its artistic and traditional craftsmanship and its almond sweets.
Level of Difficulty: Easy Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths
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We are on the top of Mount Erice, in the square that takes its name from the nearby 
Chiesa di San Giovanni (church of St. John), one of the oldest churches of Erice. 

This church, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view, is recognizable by its white dome that stands out at the eastern tip of Erice. Its original structure it is thought to date back to the 12th century; the church has been restored and extended several times, while featuring its suggestive entrance portal in Late-Gothic style; now it is a modern auditorium which preserves some masterpieces of Renaissance art. From the square, a walkway leads to the Torretta Pepoli (Pepoli Turret), dating back to the 19th century and built by count Agostino Pepoli (not accidentally named after him). Built on a cliff in a charming panoramic position (stretching from the gulf of Bonagia to Trapani and its saltpans), this characteristic Art Nouveau building was intended for meditation and study. Today the Turret, after an accurate restoration, has regained its original beauty and can be visited.


The Castello Normanno (Norman Castle) rises majestically on an imposing rocky outcropbelow a pine forest (created by count Pepoli who wanted to breathe ‘balmy air’) surrounds the area. The Castle was built over the remains of the ancient temple of Venere (Venus), a sacred building erected by the Sicanian-Elymians (9th-8th centuries b.C.) for the worship of the goddess of fertility, as well as a place of devotion for the Mediterranean peoples.


Placed as a defence to the valley below, the castle was built in the 12th century AD by the Normans. The doorway is characterised by an ogival arch and topped by a commemorative plaque depicting the eagle of the Hapsburg monarchy. Besides its defensive function it also housed the prisons which are still visible. Today it is used as a place for cultural exchange: during summer nights it’s easy to be enchanted by listening to music, poems and old songs, enveloped in a seductive atmosphere.


Then the path continues in a south-westerly direction to Porta (Gate) Trapani, one of the three gates to Erice through the Cyclopean walls.


 




Tour #2 | Saint Anna Route
Hiking Details: Km: 6 | 680 mt elevation gain
Introduction: Full steam ahead with nature! Between woods and forests to reach the summit, the ancient Medieval town of Erice, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Level of Difficulty:
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The route reaches the top of the mountain where is located the ancient medieval village of Erice.

After a short urban stretch along Via Capua, Via Manzoni, Via Pola and Via Sant’Anna, you can easily reach the entrance of the Martogna picnic area, within the “Monte (Mount) Erice” wooded area, characterised by Mediterranean pine trees, oaks trees and eucalyptus trees. The area is also equipped with wooden benches and tables, a picnic area, a children’s playground and an area with different animal species (including goats from Tibet, fallow deer, donkeys from Pantelleria and many species of birds).


In the second stretch the path rises towards Pizzo Argenteria (where a breathtaking view over Trapani can be admired) and then it reaches the Sanctuary of Sant’Anna (332 m.), whose construction dates back to the 17th century. For centuries it was a pilgrimage site by the devotees of Sant’Anna. Now it is a place of silence and prayer offering unique views of the extreme western tip of Sicily, Trapani, the Egadi islands and the crossroad of the two seas: the Thyrrenian and the Mediterranean.


The path continues on for about another kilometer until the Forestry Commission Building; it goes through a wood towards Porta (Gate) Trapani, one of the three gateways to Erice, so named because it looks towards Trapani. It is also an evidence of the Cyclopean fortification walls (8th-7th centuries b.C.) of Erice


Approximately 5,5 kilometers to reach one of the most beatiful hamlets of Italy, to visit historical and artistic monuments such as the Castello Normanno (Norman Castle, 12th -13th centuries), the Torretta Pepoli (Pepoli Turret, 19th century), the Duomo dell’Assunta (the Main Church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, 14th century) –to name but a few- or to delight your palate with the typical sweets from Erice, such as those made of almond paste, the so called “genovesi” or the “mustazzoli”, or to go shopping walking along the narrow streets: do not miss the trappiti (the traditional carpets) and the hand painted pottery, evidences of an artistic handicraft handed on from generations.


During the afternoon we travel to Marsala region along the Salt Way Road. While travelling we will be fascinated by this unusual landscape: panels of mirror-like water, held by thin strips of earth and white windmills. In Summer now as then in some areas between Trapani and Marsala it is possible to admire piles of salt just harvested.


END our services.

Day 4
Marsala: Saltpans and Winery
Private vehicle disposal: full day from h 8.30AM
Local Staff: included


Breakfast at hotel.

Today visit the Marsala Saltpans and the ancient mill, tasting of salt and typical products with the possibility to take part in the salt-harvesting process, which still takes place in the old-fashioned way, just like many years ago.

Stop in a Winery for visit and wine tasting.

This afternoon is at leisure.

Tonight we enjoy a dinner in a local trattoria to taste local dishes.
Day 5
Marsala > Selinunte and Belice Nature Reserve > Agrigento
Private vehicle disposal: full day from h 8.30AM
Local Hiking Staff: included


Breakfast at hotel.

Today departure for the impressive Selinunte temples, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.

Located on the south west coast of Sicily, Selinunte (named Selinos by Greeks) was one of the richest and most important cities for Magna Grecia. Unfortunately, it was turned into ruins by a fierce attack of Carthaginans who massacred or took into slavery its inhabitans.

Undoubtedly, its ruins runk among the most remarkable and fascinating archaeological sites in Sicily. The archeological site is the largest in Europe.

If you are passionated about history and archeology, or just curious and eager to see world’s wonders, you will spend very suggestive time by visiting this coffer brimming with Mediterranean history.

Furthermore, Selinunte benefits from a beautiful position: it overlooks the sea and it is surrounded by golden beaches.

To the west lies the archaeological site of Selinunte, to the east, the seaside resort  of Porto Palo. In between is a 3km stretch of sandy beach, dunes, and coastal flora: the Belice Nature Reserve.

Instituted in 1984, the Belice reserve is a wonderful place to visit in all seasons. Beach lovers will always find space on its generous sands during the spring, summer, and autumn, and swimmers will appreciate the cleanliness of its waters. In the cooler months, it’s a great spot for a brisk walk, following the disused Castelvetrano-Sciacca railway line while working up an appetite for a long lunch at La Pineta, a traditional seafood restaurant at the western extremity of the beach.

For nature lovers there’s also plenty to see. The dunes alternate with depressions, which form saltwater pools when the tide comes in. A vibrant, hardy range of flora thrives on the sandy, saline terrain, including sea daffodils, sea rocket, wild asparagus, lentisk, and tamarisk. On the fertile banks of the river delta grow towering reeds and bullrushes, while carob trees, dwarf palms, and the occasional pine rise discreetly above the dunes.

During the afternoon we then continue onto Agrigento.
Day 6
Agrigento, Kolymbetra Park and Art Cooking Class
Private vehicle disposal: half day from h 9AM
Local Hiking Staff: included


Breakfast at hotel.

The Valley of the Temples of Agrigento is one of the main sicilian tourist attractions. If you are doing a Sicily tour, a visit to the valley of the temples should be a "must", despite the great distances and the long journey times to Agrigento departing from other Sicilian towns.

Walking on the temple hill with the huge doric temples all around us, is an impressive experience. The temple of Hercules is the most ancient of the temples of Agrigento. This ancient building has an extremely elongated structure.

The temple of the Concord is one of the greatest attractions of the archaeological park.It was build in doric style with six columns on the frontside. During the middleage, the temple was transformed into a Christian church..

At the highest point of the hill is setted the Juno Lacinia temple. This hexastyle peripteral temple is the best preserved of the valley toghether with the temple of the Concord.

The other buildings are in the other area of the archaeological park, on the other side of the street (same ticket for entrance).Here are the ruins of the huge temple of Olympian Zeus.The structure of this temple was supported by giant figures named Telamons (visible near the temple and in the archaeological museum of Agrigento with a reconstruction). The construction of this temple began in the fifth century B.C. but the building was never finished. In size it was only second to the temple of Diana in Ephesus.

The temple of Castor and Pollux is an other famous sicilian panorama. The doric columns were raised up again in the nineteenth century. Near this temple it is also possible to visit the sanctuary of the chtonic divinities and the Kolymbetra gardens.

This afternoon welcome drink and our guide will accompany you on a visit of the art gallery, the characteristic courtyards, the temporary exhibitions, the garden, the vintage shop and much more.

At the end of this artistic full immersion, get busy and prepare delicious dishes with organic and Kilometer-zero food. Live it up in this particular cooking class!
The tasting (accompanied by water, fruit and local wine) will take place inside the characteristic “N’zemmula” community space.

Return at hotel.
Day 7
Agrigento > Palermo
Private vehicle disposal: transfer only
Local Staff: included


Breakfast at hotel.

Today departure for Palermo. The balance of the day is at leisure
Day 8
Palermo Street Food Walking Tour and Monreale
Local Staff: included
Taxi to Monreale: included, round trip


Breakfast at hotel.

Start your collective walking tour admiring the Massimo Theatre (external view), then explore a suggestive and lively open-air market, a place with strong Arab influences, resembling a souk, with picturesque stands of fresh fish, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. During the tour you will have the opportunity to observe local people in their daily activities and to savor foods that a real Sicilian people love to eat! Tasting of typical street food is included. The walking tour through the ancient center of Palermo is around 3-4 hours and you will visit several monuments including Piazza Pretoria and the Cathedral.

At the end of this tour you will reach Monreale by taxi for a stop to visit on your own the Dome (Admission fee: not included), a wonderful example of the Arab-Norman art and architecture. Launched in 1174 by William II, the Dome represents scenes from the Old and New Testaments all in golden mosaics. Later, return to Palermo by taxi.
Day 9
End
Private vehicle and Italian speaking chauffeur disposal: transfer out only
Today transfer to the airport.
 
Included
  • All sightseeing, tasting and excursions as specified in the itinerary
Contact us for more information
DEUTER has developed specials ystem tailored to the specific requirements of the various areas of application. We are pleased to introduce them as below specified:

DEUTER AIRCOMFORT
For maximum ventilation, we use small to medium-volume backpacks that are well suited to easier terrain. The permanently elastic spring steel frame forms the indestructible heart of the Aircomfort. It provides the airy mesh net with a stable tension, even when fully loaded, and creates a ventilation space between the backpack and back that allows the humidity to be extracted freely.

DEUTER AIRCONTACT
The easiest way to carry large weights comfortably is when the backpack and wearer form a single unit. Our Aircontact principle starts here: The carry system sits directly on the body, and the weight is kept close to the body’s centre of gravity. This guarantees full control and an effective load transfer. At the same time, the breathable Aircontact back pads ensure noticeably comfortable ventilation with every movement through a pump effect.

DEUTER AIRSTRIPES
In every riding situation, a bike backpack must firmly sit on the rider’s back. Our unique Airstripes system ensures a firm fit and ventilation: thanks to the low backrest it continuously circulates fresh air between the Airstripes pads with their ventilation channels and the wide AirMesh cover. At the same time, the weight is always kept close to the body. This prevents the build-up of centrifugal forces that could cause the backpack to break loose.



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Advantages of Hiking Poles
Most obviously, poles reduce the impact of hiking on knee joints and leg muscles. Arm and shoulder muscles support and relieve the leg muscles. With the basic "hands above the heart" position necessitated by the poles, circulation is improved and heart rate is reduced. The "rhythm" created by walking with poles leads to relaxed, more regular breathing and increased stamina.

A landmark study published by Dr. G. Neureuther in 1981 proved that use of "ski poles" while walking reduces the pressure strain on the opposite leg by approximately 20%. Furthermore, while walking on level ground, poles reduce the body weight carried by the legs by approximately 5 kg every step. Move to an incline, and that reduction increases to 8 kg. This translates into tons of weight -- yes, tons -- for even a two hour hike.

Jacquie Hunt, editor of a popular hiking newsletter, weighs in with additional health benefits: "An advantage that I found once I started using poles is that my hands no longer swell up when it is hot. Keeping your arms moving so the blood doesn't pool in the hands is a lot safer than keeping hands high on pack straps and risking a smashed face if you trip."


Finally, poles help many people with balance issues. We all have different comfort levels when balancing along puncheons, crossing streams, etc.; for some hikers, trekking poles are worth their weight in gold. They can certainly aid when crossing soft ground, and can be indispensible for tasks like river crossings, and scree running.

Book your Deuter Backapack and Gabel Pole with us!