Trails of Western Sicily

We have included the arrival transfer from Palermo Airport taking around 1 hour. to Scopello Palermo Airport is accessible by air from the UK and hubs all over Europe. Scopello, is a tiny village near the Zingaro Nature Reserve. This attractive part of the Western Sicily's coastline is dotted with villas and the village itself is situated on a plateau above the sea with the green hillsides nearby. Explore its pretty little lanes and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants this evening.

Today you can either relax by the sea and watch the world go by in this tranquil village or you can choose to embark on a scenic loop walk through the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily’s first nature reserve. Discover the rugged beauty of the reserve, home to towering limestone mountains interspersed by spectacular caves, and a coastline dotted with coves and cliffs overlooking the sea. The high path passes through abandoned villages, once inhabited by farmers, arriving at the highest and most panoramic point called 'Pizzo del Corvo'. Continue on paths through native endemic dwarf palms and fantastic seasonal flowers, and enjoy the white bays set in a turquoise sea where you can swim at the various coves of the reserve.

Ascent/Descent: 500m/500m

The day begins with a transfer to San Vito Lo Capo, a lovely fishing town located between the spectacular mountains and famous for its idyllic beaches. Here you begin your walk at the base of Monte Monaco; a rocky massif which is part of Monti di Trapani. It owes its name to the particular shape that reminds one of a kneeling monk with hands clasped in prayer. The poet, C. Cusenza, in one of his works, described the beauty of the view from the summit of the mountain. On the flat summit once stood numerous houses of the quarry workers who were extracting an extremely precious marble and cultivating the fertile land, which is characterised by its intense red colour. The marble quarry was abandoned when the zone became a protected area, but the signs left on the rock are still visible along the provincial road that connects San Vito to the nearby Castelluzzo.

After completing the walk there will be a transfer back to the nearby San Vito Lo Capo village. After time to explore and perhaps grab a bite to eat here, the transfer will continue to the accommodation in Trapani.

This walk is graded Moderate and the most difficult on this tour itinerary. Although this walk is a short one and the overall height isn't particularly high, it is a steep mountain climb and descent and includes sections of scree, which makes the terrain and the walk overall more difficult. Walking poles and knee support (if required) are recommended for this walk. The views from the top however are well worth the climb. You can choose to skip this walk and instead spend more time in the lovely village of San Vito Lo Capo.

Ascent/Descent: 552m/485m

Today the choice is yours. You can either relax and explore the local sites in Trapani or take a short loop walk on nearby Levanzo Island. Take the hydrofoil ferry to Levanzo, the smallest of the Egadi Islands, taking around 25 minutes. Land at the very picturesque port before setting off on your walk. It is possible to book the local custodian (in advance) to show you the prehistoric paintings in the Cave of Genovese. These cave paintings are 11 to 12 thousand years old and are rock paintings of men and animals (deer, cows, horses, and fish) joined in an ancestral link.

After the cave visit enjoy a walk on the island with its lines of dry stone walls dividing overgrown fields, terraced hillsides and small stone shelters. Take time to explore the small port with its little white houses surrounding the harbour. It's possible to find a great little restaurant here for lunch. Why not try the Cabbuccio, a typical sandwich stuffed with local produce, before taking the ferry back to Trapani.

The coastal city of Trapani has a long history, so why not take a stroll down its oldest streets of Via Garibaldi, Corso Italia and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Other sights worth seeing include the Ligny Tower at the tip of Trapani, Basilica of St. Lawrence, Saturn Fountain, and the Twin Clock Tower. There’s also the Contemporary Art Museum. To get a true taste of Sicily you could visit the morning fish market. The city’s main shopping street loaded with cafes and restaurants too is Via Giovanni Battista Fardella. Alternatively, you could simply grab a picnic lunch and a good book and relax in the Villa Margherita Park.

Ascent/Descent: 434m/434m

This morning there will be time to discover more of Trapani and its Baroque centre. At one time it thrived due to its tuna and coral fishing industry.

After lunch board the cable car up to the lovely hill top town of Erice (taking 10 minutes). Towering over the west of Sicily at 751m above sea level it is a wonderfully preserved medieval town offering far reaching views over the surrounding countryside and coastline, and gives you a palpable sense of history. Explore the narrow winding streets, quaint churches and perhaps grab a gelato and enjoy the view, before embarking on your walk down to Trapani which offers tremendous views down the hillside over vineyards and on a clear day, even all the way to the coast of Africa!

If you don't feel like taking the walk today then you can simply choose to take the cable car back down to Trapani instead.

Ascent/Descent: 3m/668m

After breakfast take the hydrofoil ferry (taking approximately 40 minutes) to the island of Favignana or La Farfalla as it is often referred to because of its butterfly shape. It is the largest and most important of all the Egadi Islands and a popular holiday destination during the summer months. This is largely thanks to the azure waters of its bays such as at Cala Rossa. The main town, which is also known as Favignana has a small port which is dominated by the Fort of Santa Caterina, originally built by Arabs as a watchtower.

It has an easy unpretentious charm and you can relax on its lovely sandy beach (don't forget your swimsuit and towel) and enjoy a long Sicilian lunch in one of its main piazzas.

For those that want to see more of the island, you can take a walk to explore. The island was once queen of the Sicilian tuna fishing industry, and there are no lack of cultural attractions, like the Museum of the ex-Florio Factory, that hosts objects from various historic periods, such as the “fiasca del pellegrino” (pilgrim flask) dating back to the XV century containing wine, which was found in the area of Bue Marino, together with many amphorae of different types and historic periods. The tuff stone quarries, true works of art: in the past they were important sources of revenue for the island, and today seem like giant cathedrals carved by the skilled hands of true “masters” of tuff mining, called “pirriaturi”. The most spectacular quarries are found in the Scalo Cavallo, Cala Rossa, and Bue Marino areas. Direct “products” of the tuff quarries are the Hypogeum Gardens, where the disused quarries were planted with numerous fruit trees, protected from the strong surface winds, giving life to spectacular gardens where the tuff and nature unite in a perfect combination.

At the end of the walk from Punta Sottile a private transfer back to the port will be provided.

Take the hydrofoil back to Trapani at your leisure.

Ascent/Descent: 412m/405m

This morning a private transfer (taking 30 minutes) brings you to the remarkable ancient wonder that is the Segesta Archaeological Site. This ancient city was founded in the 4th century BC and its Doric Temple and ancient theatre still survive. Walk into the surrounding hills absorbing this area’s historic atmosphere.

The great temple, located outside the city walls, was only part constructed. After the columns were put in place building work halted, probably due to the arrival of the Carthaginians in 409 BC. The tools used for lifting and setting the pieces show certain characteristics of Classical era building techniques, which are fascinating to see. The temple's overall proportions, and its stylistic features, follow the model of Classical Greek architecture in Sicily, and particularly of nearby Selinunte.

The theatre, built with blocks of local limestone, is on the northern slope of the acropolis of Segesta, opens out onto a wide panorama dominated by Mount Inici. On the right, the view extends out to the Gulf of Castellammare.

After spending 2-3 hours exploring the site and walking as much as you choose to, you will be taken by a private transfer (40 minutes) to the bustling city of Palermo, the island's capital.

This afternoon explore this vibrant, colourful city. There are plenty of attracion to see here including the imposing cathedral containing the royal tombs and the Piazza Pretoria Fountain. The Neo Classic Teatro Massimo is famous for hosting opera performances. Palazzo dei Normanni, is a royal palace dating back to the IX century, and the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) has Byzantine mosaics. If you fancy doing some shopping then there is the Ballarò central street market and Vucciria, near the port. Perhaps also enjoy a late lunch of traditional street food, such as the delicious stuffed rice balls, arancini.

Take a local bus or taxi to to Palermo Airport and from here you can take your onward journey home. Alternatively, it’s possible to arrange a private transfer for an additional charge. Please ask our Sales team about this at the time of booking.