Hike and tour your way around Sicily in all its splendor

Sicily is an island of fiery volcanoes and gods, culinary feats and cultural wonders, thanks to millennia of seafaring civilizations. Traverse Sicily’s striated topography along bright river valleys and rocky lava terrain, past lemon and olive orchards, in pursuit of Doric temples, Greek theatres, gleaming Mediterranean coastline—and that perfect glass of Sicilian wine. Our guide is MTS favorite Silvia Giacon—native Italian, expert on the arts and architecture, and an avid foodie to boot! From medieval Taormina poised on cliffs facing Mt. Etna, we’ll venture over to Castelmola for unending 360-degree views. We’ll escape the beaten path to coastal Vendicari—migratory refuge for swans, heron, and cormorants, and home to some of Sicily’s most pristine beaches. Take a challenging or leisurely hike—it’s up to you. We’ll rest in elegant farmhouses, preserved medieval monasteries, and four-star villas, feasting on locally sourced Sicilian specialties.

Activities

7 days of moderate hiking, easy touring, and optional swimming.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the ancient town of Taormina, which Goethe described as “the greatest work of art and nature"
• Hike Mt. Etna's dramatic landscapes of lava rock
• Tour around Vendicari, a 5-mile long coastal nature reserve and a paradise for bird watchers
• Experience a variety of terrain: fruit orchards, beaches, lava fields, wildflower fields
• Visit several Roman ruins, Doric temples, Greek theaters, ancient villas
• Opportunities to swim in cooling river ponds and at beach pools
• Lots of wine tasting and fantastic meals, after all MTS favorite Silvia Giacon is a foodie!

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Catania End Location: Catania

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Catania – Taormina – Castelmola

  Arrive in Catania and tranfer to Taormina. We'll have an orientation meeting followed by a scenic walk through town to Castelmola, the site of a mediveal castle.

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  Day 2 : Mount Etna Hike

  Today, we’ll take a more challenging hike on Mount Etna and hike on a recent lava flow. (5 hours hiking)

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  Day 3 : Anapo River Valley

  Hike through the lush Anapo River Valley to Anaktoron, the remains of a regal palace overlooking the valley. Continue by vehicle to Syracuse, the site of great political, economic, and artistic magnificence during the fifth century B.C. (4 hours hiking)

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  Day 4 : Vendicari Nature Reserve

  We'll visit the Vendicari nature reserve today for swimming and birdwatching. (3 hours hiking)

• Day 5 : Caltagirone - Villa Casale - Agrigento

  We'll visit Caltagirone, the colorful ceramics capital of Sicily, and climb its famous Scalinata, a stairway that is elaborately decorated with antique ceramics. After lunch, we'll explore the mysterious ruins of Morgantina and the beautifully preserved Roman Villa del Casale.

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  Day 6 : Agrigento: Temples Valley

  We'll tour Agrigento and its Temples Valley, a spectacular series of Doric temples that sit on a hill gently descending toward the Mediterranean Sea. The afternoon is free for last minute shopping or a visit to the archeological museum.

• Day 7 : Platini River Natural Reserve

  We'll hike from Capo Bianco to the ancient city of Eraclea Minoa and along the Platani River Nature Reserve. (4 hours hiking)

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  Day 8 : Depart from Catania

  Early departure to Catania’s airport.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Silvia Giacon

  Silvia is an Italian, born and raised, who calls Venice her home. While she is an Architect by training, she has over 20 years of professional experience as a Trip Leader. Silvia lived in Toronto, Canada for over a decade, where she mastered her English language skills. Since then, she has led both walking and bicycle trips throughout Europe, and now guides are trips in Tuscany and Southern Italy.

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