DAY 1
Arrival - Cefalù. La Rocca; 3 miles, moderate, 900 ft elevation gain
Setting out from medieval Cefalù—a beachside resort on the Tyrrhenian coast—we ease into our adventure by strolling the town’s well-preserved streets and visiting such historic sites as a magnificent cathedral from the Norman era. An afternoon walk yields a stunning introduction to the area as we ascend La Rocca, a massive crag towering at 912 feet. The climb is steep but short (approximately 30 minutes). After enjoying a magnificent coastal vista, we descend to Tempio di Diana (Temple of Diana), built between the 4th and 5th centuries B.C. Below the temple we observe fortified walls of the Byzantine period. On our first evening, we dine on regional delicacies of fish and seafood at our seaside lodging. Hotel Riva del Sole, Cefalù

DAY 2
Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie; 4-8 miles, moderate to challenging
We spend most of the day in the lush natural reserve of Madonie (Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie). This roughly 100-acre sanctuary inland from Cefalù encompasses the Madonie mountain range and Sicily’s second highest peak after Mt. Etna, Pizzo Carbonara (6,492 feet). The tranquil habitat also includes quaint villages, farms, and vineyards, affording us opportunities to enjoy the region’s unspoiled nature and to experience its unique character. A ski resort in the winter, the area takes on a Swiss appearance, thanks to distinctive chalet architecture. Following a full day of exploring the Madonie mountains, we return to our seaside home. In the evening we gather for a casual meal in town before an optional stroll on the beach. Hotel Riva del Sole, Cefalù

DAY 3
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro; 4-8 miles, moderate. Transfer to Erice
Today’s walk in the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro traverses several miles of pristine coastline flanked by steep mountains. Created in 1980 after a successful protest halted a road construction project, the reserve features several well-maintained paths, six beaches, and diverse flora and fauna. The setting is perfect for our picnic lunch of fresh local specialties. Later today, we transfer one hour to medieval Erice. Settled by the ancient Elymians, this enchanting hill town boasts a fascinating cultural history and an important historic site associated with fertility goddesses — the Carthaginians’ Astarte, Greek Aphrodite, and Roman Venus. This evening we dine on Sicilian specialties such as panelle (chickpea fritters cooked in olive oil and flavored with parsley), fish-based couscous, freshly caught oven-baked tuna, or roasted lamb.
Hotel Elimo, Erice

DAY 4
Segesta; 2 miles, easy. Island of Mozia; 3 miles, easy
In Segesta, also founded by the Elymians, we walk on and around Mt. Barbaro. Our route leads to a remarkable Hellenistic theater high on the mountain, where we explore a Doric temple dating to 430 B.C. and bask in splendid views of the hills and Castellammare del Golfo. After lunch, we explore Mozia—an island famous for salt production. Mozia is also one of the most important Phoenician settlements in the Mediterranean region. In the afternoon, weather permitting, we take boats or kayaks to the island of San Pantaleo, where the lagoon portion of the Riserva Naturale dello Stagnone brings us up close to a large population of aquatic bird species. This evening, we reunite in Erice for a dinner featuring a bounty of regional specialties.
Hotel Elimo, Erice

DAY 5
Island of Levanzo; 4 miles, moderate. Optional visit to the island of Favignana.
Today we discover the Egadi islands, with activities dependent upon on weather and boat schedules. We travel by sea to the island of Levanzo, where our walk leads to fascinating caves adorned with rock engravings dating back 15,000 years and rock paintings some 8,000 years old—many of them still in remarkably good condition.
Lunch features a sampling of the island’s specialties and a dash of Sicily’s culinary diversity—with Middle Eastern-style bread and cheese being signature offerings.
This afternoon we may have the opportunity to continue our island-hopping and discover Favignana. This island has amazingly diverse terrain with dramatic tufa quarries, serene coves, and the brilliant Cala Rossa bay, where the Romans defeated the Carthaginians in 290 B.C.
Dinner this evening is on your own in Erice, where there is a wide variety of trattorias, pizzerias, and restaurants from which to choose. Hotel Elimo, Erice

DAY 6
Erice - Trapani; 3 miles, 2,000 ft elevation loss. Cave di Cusa visit. Transfer to Selinunte
Following a breakfast of traditional Sicilian pasticcerie, such as cuccia (an Arab cake of grain, honey, and ricotta), we walk around Erice. Home to the Ettore Majorana Scientific and Cultural Institute, the town invites us to explore such sites as the hilltop Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus), which offers spectacular views, and the 14th-century Chiesa Madre church and bell tower. We then follow a path down the hill to Trapani, absorbing spectacular views all along. Later today, we transfer to our home for the last night of the tour. We stop en route to visit the Cave di Cusa, the stone quarry used to build the ancient city of Selinunte. It is still possible to see how stones and columns used to build the temples were cut out of the rock. There is time to relax before our farewell feast, during which we indulge in authentic fare and toast the week’s discoveries. Hotel Admeto, Selinunte

DAY 7
Selinunte Archaeological Site; 3-5 miles, easy. Transfer to Palermo. Farewell
Our walk in Selinunte introduces us to one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites. With its name drawn from the Greek word for celery, selinus, which grows in abundance here, this site includes the acropolis, ancient city, eastern temples, and sanctuary of ancient Malophorus. We depart for Palermo later today and bid farewell at the airport or central train station.

Tour: 7 Days

Departure Dates:
Sun., May 04, 2008
Sun., September 28, 2008
Sat., October 11, 2008

Price From:  $3,298