Walking In Sicily

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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premier

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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Explore the diverse landscapes of eastern Sicily on this week-long walking holiday. Hike the lava-strewn slopes of Etna, walk through the limestone gorge of Pantalica and trek the coast with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea. At the end of each day, unwind at a family-run hotel by the seafront in picturesque Giardini Naxos. Lipari Island - Tour the large...
19%
$2,153
From$1,750
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Highlights

    • Varied hikes among eastern Sicily's diverse landscapes based close to historic Taormina
    • Walk on the lava strewn slopes of Mount Etna and visit the Aeolian island of Lipari
    • Explore quaint inland towns and the quiet trails of the Pantalica Gorge

What's this trip about?

    Explore the diverse landscapes of eastern Sicily on this week-long walking holiday. Hike the lava-strewn slopes of Etna, walk through the limestone gorge of Pantalica and trek the coast with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea. At the end of each day, unwind at a family-run hotel by the seafront in picturesque Giardini Naxos. Lipari Island - Tour the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago, getting to know the history and landscapes of the region. Mount Etna - Hike the northern slopes of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Taormina and Syracusa - Get lost amongst the winding streets and ancient sites of these two quintessential Sicilian towns. Pantalica Gorge - Take an easy walk through the limestone gorge, situated by a UNESCO-listed necropolis.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityGiardini Naxos
End CityGiardini Naxos

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Catania
  • Mount Etna
  • Sicily
  • Taormina

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip at the seaside town of Giardini Naxos

Our trip starts today in the seaside town of Giardini Naxos, our base for the week. Once a quiet fishing village, Giardini Naxos is now a popular resort, known for its beaches and panoramic view of the bay and surrounding hills with Mount Etna in the distance. Its pos...

Day 2 Walking on the slopes of Mount Etna

Our walk today is on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe (3,330 metres/10,925 feet) and one of the largest in the world. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. We'll driv...

Day 3 Ferry to the Aeolian Island of Lipari; island tour

This morning we'll drive (around 90 minutes) to Milazzo on Sicily's north coast from where we'll take a ferry to the beautiful island of Lipari, around 30 kilometres offshore. Lipari is the largest of the seven islands in the Aeolian archipelago, said to be named afte...

Day 4 Monte Venere walk with amazing coastal views

Our walk today is a little closer to home. We'll drive to Castelmola, a medieval village overlooking nearby Taormina and the starting point for a 250-metre/820-foot ascent up to the summit of Monte Venere. The views from here are breathtaking - from the Strait of Mess...

Day 5 Free day; options to visit Taormina or 'Godfather' mountain towns

Today you're free to relax on the beach and/or visit Taormina which is just 4 kilometres away and easily accessible by public bus or taxi. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, this pretty town is home to many historic churches and plenty of lively bars and c...

Day 6 Hiking in the Pantalica Gorge; visit to Syracusa

We'll head south and inland today to explore the Pantalica Gorge, a deep limestone ravine that has been carved out by the Anapo and Calcinarra rivers. The gorge is also a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and is home to over 4,000 burial chambers. Peppering the sides ...

Day 7 Walks among the typical mountain towns of Castiglione and Francavilla

Today we'll head a short distance inland to discover some of the typical sleepy mountain towns on the lower slopes of Etna's northern side. Our first walk is around 6 kilometres/3.7 miles and starts just outside of Linguaglossa. It follows an old farm trail to jo...

Day 8 Trip ends in Giardini Naxos

Our trip ends this morning after breakfast in Giardini Naxos. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. For anyone departing...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,750
Price per day$219
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
11 May 2024
18 May 2024
$1,750
$360
1 spots left
01 Jun 2024
08 Jun 2024
$1,980
$370
7 spots left
14 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$2,390
$360
10 spots left
28 Sep 2024
05 Oct 2024
$2,230
$360
12 spots left
12 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$1,960
$360
10 spots left
10 May 2025
17 May 2025
$2,150
$380
15 spots left
31 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$2,150
$380
15 spots left
21 Sep 2025
28 Sep 2025
$2,420
$370
15 spots left
27 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$2,420
$370
15 spots left
11 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$2,150
$380
13 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,528
Great
2,169
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
D

David

Nov 2023

Written on

Sicilian Trails

We had an excellent local guide (Lara) who was a fund of knowledge on the history, geology and botany of the area. The walks were well planned and full of interest, ...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Walking In Sicily

The local guide was excellent both on knowledge and suitability to the job in hand

E

Elizabeth

Oct 2023

Written on

Sicilian Trails

Great leader, great itinerary, great group of fellow travelers! I would recommend Explore and this trip to anyone who is looking for a fun adventure at a reasonable ...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Walking In Sicily

Great variety of walks and landscapes with an excellent experienced guide.

G

Gillian

Oct 2023

Written on

Walking In Sicily

Fabulous guide who shared not only her huge knowledge of the area but also her love of Sicily.

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Ferry,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Ferry
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Italy: Visas are not required by U.K., CAN, US, AUS and NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
  • Dinner : 2
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-SIT

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