The Trip

Sicily, after 25 centuries of foreign domination by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, is home to a diversity of architecture, art monuments, and archeological parks. This cultural combination is enhanced by the island's incredible coastline with more than 40 bird species that nest here, a variety of local plants, and beautiful volcanic features. Our outing starts in Palermo, Europe's grandest city of the 12th century, and ends in Catania, a city constructed from volcanic lava. We will walk through Lo Zingaro coastal reserve and the castle of Venus next to the Norman Gardens in Erice; both with panoramic views. Our hikes will be leisurely and cover 3-5 miles each day, with gains of 1,300 feet at the most – a moderately easy trip. A boat ride will take us out around the Aeolian Islands of Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli (a UNESCO heritage site). During our trip we will behold the artistic stonework of Cefalu and the island's finest Norman Cathedral in Monreale. Our guides will entertain us with their friendly manner and engaging stories during our journey. We will stay two to three at nights at most of our hotels and enjoy delicious Sicilian food, including the incredible desserts of ricotta and cream and the famed “cous cous” of San Vito lo Capo. Perhaps as we explore the ancient history of the island and the fascinating mix of Islam and Christianity, we can find a way to create peace in the modern world.

Itinerary

Day 0: Fly to the USA to Palermo, Sicily

Day 1: Our trip starts this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the heart of Palermo. We will meet, stow our bags on our motorcoach and then enjoy Palermo's amazing cathedral, the Palatine Chapel, Piazza Pretoria, abundance of narrow streets and alleys, and markets packed with all sorts of pan-Mediterranean merchandise. We will tour a famous produce market to learn about the spices used in Sicilian cuisine. Sleep in Palermo

Day 2: We will behold the spectacular stonework of Norman and Arab masons at the cathedral and Arab baths of Cefalu before following a trail into the nearby Madonie Mountains. The fauna here includes foxes, hares, numerous birds of prey, and even the occasional wildcat. Native flora includes the giant holly (some more than 300 years old), the local variety of Sicilian fir, and the flowering Manna Ash. Sleep in Palermo

Day 3: Today we will walk up through the small hilltown of Monreale to see the mosaics of the Norman cathedral, which are among the most extraordinary in Italy. This amazing monument is a dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman artistic styles all framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. Nowhere else on the planet can you find such a perfect blend of the Christian and Muslim artistic worlds of the 12th century. In the afternoon we will drive to Erice, a delightful medieval village nestled on a 2,200 ft. mountain. Walking through its narrow streets you can make your way to a traditional pastry shop where you will sample some of the best almond pastries in Sicily. But you must also try the cannoli and the shop's famed cassata! These delicious treats will augment the breathtaking views over the Egadi Islands below, where the region's famed tuna harvest used to take place. Sleep in San Vito lo Capo

Day 4: Today is our day to explore Lo Zingaro, Italy's first Nature Reserve. Three miles of pristine Mediterranean coastline await us with many fish-filled coves and unusual indigenous plants (wild carob and bright yellow Euphorbia) on cliffs overlooking the sea. There are also more than 40 nesting bird species in this area, including the rare Bonelli's eagle. After a visit to the visitors' center, we will walk to a tranquil sandy cove for a picnic and a swim. A fire closed part of the park two years ago, and we can study the rejuvenation of plant life since then. Sleep in San Vito lo Capo

Day 5: Today we will make our way to breathtaking Selinunte, where we will enjoy one of Europe's largest archeological parks set against amazing views of the sea. Returning to our hotel, we will stop to enjoy the view over the Saline – the saltpans – and the windmills on the Salt Road to learn more about the history of this important tradition. Tonight we will try the sweet and smooth Marsala wine, while sampling some of the best desserts of the region. Sleep near Agrigento

Day 6: This morning we will depart for Agrigento where we will visit the Ancient Valley of the Temples, one of the richest archaeological areas of the world. A passionate and knowledgeable art historian will take us on a tour among the remains of approximately 20 ancient temples, including the Temple of Concord, Castor, Pollux, and Hercules. In the afternoon we will transfer to our countryside hotel. Sleep outside of Noto

Day 7: We'll walk through a natural preserve along Golfo de Noto, and then we will explore the attractive Sicilian hilltown of Modica to enjoy its folklore and incredible chocolate-making traditions. We will also stop at a farm in the countryside for an unforgettable tasting of fresh ricotta and other local products. In the late afternoon we will visit the baroque jewel of Noto, a sophisticated city built at the end of the 17th century after an earthquake almost entirely destroyed Old Noto. Sleep outside of Noto

Day 8: We will travel to Siracusa today, the most important colony of ancient Greece. You will explore the beautiful Piazza del Duomo and the poetic Fonte Arethusa in the morning, and in the afternoon you will enjoy the amazing Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its incredible Greek theatre, limestone quarries, and the famous Ear of Dionysus. Sleep outside of Noto

Day 9: Today we will travel back across the island to catch a boat that will take us to the Aeolian island of Lipari – the most diverse of the islands – where we will spend two nights. Streets wind from Lipari Town and past fortress walls to Castello, a site which was been continuously occupied since Neolithic times and has enabled archeologists to date other Mediterranean cultures. Sleep in Lipari

Day 10: After taking in the artistic and architectural wonders of Lipari, we will cruise to the island of Vulcano. Here we can hike to the top of an active volcano and peer down into its smoking crater. Later, after our walk, we can enjoy a refreshing and therapeutic mud bath in Vulcano's sulphur hot springs and swim from its black sand beaches. Sleep in Lipari

Day 11: We will cruise back to Sicily this morning and make our way to our last walk of the trip: a five kilometer walk up to Castelmola, a crumbling castle with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. After sampling the local wine we will make our way down to the village of Taormina, one of the pearls of the Mediterranean Sea. We'll walk Taormina's colorful cobblestone streets, which are lined with hanging gardens, to its historic Greek theatre. We can end the day with a true Sicilian classic: iced coffee with cream. Sleep in Catania

Day 12: After breakfast, we will make a morning transfer to Catania airport.

12 days, 11 nights
Price: $4,525

Itinerary details:
2 nights in Palermo
2 nights in San Vito Lo Capo
1 night outside Agrigento
3 nights outside Noto
2 nights in Lipari
1 night in Catania

www.sierraclub.org