Walking in the Land of the Volcanoes
Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily has been at the
cross-roads of history since prehistoric times. A meeting place of the East
and the West, the North and the South. It has been fought over and
colonised since the first millennium BC by such peoples as the Phoenicians
and Greeks, the Romans, the Moors, the Normans and Spaniards. The natural
beauty of the island reflects the diversity and complexity of its history.
The largest island in the Mediterranean, it is a land of sea and sun, an
island of astonishing natural richness and contrasts: from the dreamlike
panorama of the Aeolian Islands to the steaming lava flows on mighty
snow-capped Etna; from the Baroque splendours of Palermo to the forgotten
villages of the interior and magical Aeolian Islands.
To visit Sicily is to have your senses awakened, your heart quickened and
your intellect intrigued.
Days 1 & 2
Scopello, Segesta and Erice: visit the lonely temple of Segesta, one of the
Mediterranean's great Hellenic monuments and the unexcavated town of
Egesta; walk in Zingaro Nature Reserve; guided walk around Erice Sicily's
most beautiful hill town.
Days 3 & 4
Madonie Mountains and Gangi: explore the glorious countryside of central
Sicily & the Madonie Mountains; visit prehistoric Sperlinga and mighty
Norman castle; tasting of Sicilian wines; dine in a Benedictine monastery.
Days 5, 6 & 7
Lipari & Aeolian Islands: travel through the dramatic Nebrodie Mountains;
see the ceramics in Santo Stefano di Camastra; ferry to the legendary
Aeolian Islands; walk on Vulcano around the rim of a live volcano; visit
Panarea and its Bronze Age village; walk to the Greek baths at Terme di San
Calogero; final dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant.
