Walking In Sicily

Begin your Sicilian adventure in the charming coastal town of Giardini Naxos, where the sparkling Ionian Sea meets a lively promenade. Once a tranquil fishing village, this resort town now offers golden beaches and sweeping views of Mount Etna on the horizon. Settle into your hotel (Hotel Villa Linda or similar) and meet your tour leader and fellow travelers for a welcome gathering at 6pm. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and perhaps join the group for a delicious local dinner. With no scheduled activities until the evening, you are free to unwind and soak in the seaside ambiance.

Set out from Giardini Naxos for a day of exploration on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Ascend by bus to 1,770 meters, where your scenic trek to the Monte Sartorius craters begins. Wander through enchanting birch and pine forests, pausing for a picnic lunch amid nature. After reaching Monte Conca for a well-earned coffee break, those seeking more adventure can continue along ski trails to Piano Provenzana, traversing recent lava flows and open woodlands. Return to your seaside hotel in Giardini Naxos, enriched by the day’s volcanic landscapes and fresh mountain air.

Embark on a journey north to Milazzo, where a ferry whisks you across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the captivating island of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Discover Lipari’s ancient castle, perched above the town, and learn about its millennia-old civilization. A minibus tour reveals the island’s scenic highlights, including the charming harbor town of Canneto. After a day immersed in island culture and stunning vistas, return by ferry to mainland Sicily and your comfortable base in Giardini Naxos.

Today’s adventure begins in the picturesque hilltop town of Taormina, renowned for its breathtaking panoramas stretching from the Strait of Messina to the Ionian coastline and Mount Etna. Follow ancient mule tracks through fragrant Mediterranean scrub, retracing the steps of literary figures and local legends. Pause for a traditional Sicilian granita brunch, savoring this refreshing treat with soft brioche as locals do. The leisurely walk offers a blend of history, nature, and culinary delight, all set against the stunning backdrop of eastern Sicily.

Enjoy a day at your own pace, whether you choose to bask on the beaches of Giardini Naxos or venture to the enchanting town of Taormina, perched high above the sea. Explore historic churches, vibrant cafes, and the iconic Graeco-Roman theatre, famed for its dramatic views of Mount Etna. For film enthusiasts, an optional excursion to the mountain villages of Savoca and Forza D’Agro—famous as filming locations for The Godfather—offers a cinematic journey through Sicily’s storied past.

Venture inland to the dramatic Pantalica Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved by the Anapo and Calcinarra rivers. Marvel at the thousands of ancient burial chambers dotting the limestone cliffs, remnants of a pre-Greek civilization. Enjoy a moderate hike through lush Mediterranean flora and savor a picnic beside the river. Later, travel to the historic city of Syracuse, once the largest metropolis of the ancient world. Stroll through the atmospheric streets of Ortygia Island, where you can visit the legendary spring of Arethusa and the Temple of Apollo, before returning to your hotel.

Delve into the heart of Sicily’s mountain landscapes, starting with a walk from Linguaglossa along an old farm trail and the path of a disused railway. Arrive in the hilltop town of Castiglione di Sicilia, where you can explore its medieval streets and soak up the local atmosphere. After a celebratory Sicilian lunch in a picturesque piazza, continue to Francavilla di Sicilia for a gentle hike around the Norman castle ruins and the Santa Catarina well. Conclude the day with a visit to a panoramic terrace overlooking the dramatic Alcantara Gorge, a geological marvel of basalt cliffs and rushing waters.

Your Sicilian journey concludes after breakfast in Giardini Naxos. With no scheduled activities, you are free to depart at your leisure. For those with later flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel, and convenient airport transfers can be arranged for departures from Catania Fontanarossa Airport.