Current as of: May 11, 2024 - 15:32
Current as of: May 11, 2024 - 15:32
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Sicily has long been known for its delightful year-round climate and excellent hikes, with coastal and mountain walks aplenty. Hike up Monte Monaco for fabulous views over the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and explore the hidden coves and refreshing swimming spots of Zingaro Natural Reserve. A stay in the historic port city of Trapani reveals a fascinating history and culture influenced by its proximity to Tunisia, and we head to the picturesque island of Levanzo for a memorable hike away from the crowds. A trip to western Sicily wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the 12th-century hilltop town of Erice, overflowing with historic charm, outstanding views and an air of mystery.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Although during the week the walking is fairly easy and there is plenty of free time to relax, we do recommend that you have some previous hiking experience. Day walks will take between 3 to 5 hours on hilly terrain of dirt roads, mule tracks and unpaved paths. Routes include some uneven steps and there can sometimes be rocky terrain underfoot. Hiking distances are up to 13 km (8 miles) and have a maximum ascent of 1,640ft (500m) and descent of 1,740ft (530m).
Customers should be prepared for occasional short notice changes as required by local authorities or recommended by the Exodus Leader to maintain COVID-security for the group. Timings of some activities may be subject to change.
A local tour leader will accompany the group on all programmed activities.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Fly to Palermo and transfer to the small fisherman town of Castellamare del Golfo (1hr 30min) on the northwest coast of Sicily. A welcome dinner is included this evening.
Accommodation: Luxmari (or similar)
If you have extra time, we recommend adding one or two nights in Palermo at the start or end of your trip to enjoy its cultural melting pot of architecture, history and cuisine.
We start in the small fisherman’s town of Castellamare del Golfo on the northwest coast of Sicily. A welcome dinner is included this evening.
Accommodation: Luxmari (or similar)
If you have extra time, we recommend adding one or two nights in Palermo at the start or end of your trip to enjoy its cultural melting pot of architecture, history and cuisine.
For our first walk of the week, we transfer to the white-washed town of San Vito Lo Capo, formerly a hub of fishing activity. Dominating the village’s skyline is Monte Monaco, so named for its peculiar form that is reminiscent of a monk in prayer. On reaching the summit, we are rewarded with wonderful views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. After our descent, there’s time to stroll through the pretty centre of San Vito Lo Capo or enjoy the long, sandy beach for which the town is known before we transfer back to Castellamare del Golfo in the afternoon.
Please note: This is one of the hardest walks of the week as the walk is almost exclusively uphill and the terrain can be rocky and uneven under foot.
Accommodation: Luxmari (or similar)
Today we take a private transfer to the start of our hike in the fabulous Zingaro Natural Reserve, renowned for its many idyllic coves and paradisaical beaches. This is a haven for hikers, nature lovers and birdwatchers, and is home to more than 650 plant species, plus falcons and eagles. We follow a coastal path to make the most of the outstanding views and enjoy a picnic en route. Remember to bring your swimwear, as we may have time for a refreshing dip in the sea along the way (weather permitting). We then take a private transfer back to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Luxmari (or similar)
Our private transfer takes us to the starting point of our hike at Monte Cofano Natural Reserve. Halfway between San Vito Lo Capo and Trapani, the reserve is known for its verdant Mediterranean vegetation that surprisingly thrives in the harsh mountain environment. We come across Paleolithic caves and the Torre della Tonnara, a 16th-century fortress built to defend the land against pirates. Bring your swimwear again today, and keep your eyes peeled for the peregrine falcons, kestrels and buzzards that dwell in the reserve.
After the hike, we are transferred to the port city of Trapani, our home for the next four nights, in time for a group dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar)
Today is free for you to explore Trapani and the surrounding area at your own pace. Wander the narrow streets of the old town or savour a delicious gelato on the seafront.
We recommend a visit to the Saline di Trapani and Paceco Nature Reserve, an area protected by WWF Italy where nature conservation coexists with ongoing salt production, and flamingos are often spotted, among other species.
Accommodation: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar)
In the morning, we take the hydrofoil boat (30-50 minutes) to Levanzo, the smallest of the inhabited Aegadian islands. Cars are not permitted on the island (only licensed 4x4s), which allows it to retain an old-world charm not often found in European destinations. We head to the Grotta del Genovese cave (subject to availability) to see the prehistoric rock paintings, enjoying scenic coastal views on the way there. After the visit, we follow one of the many quiet hiking trails, coming across hidden coves, rocky lookouts and lush vegetation. We return to Trapani in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar)
For our final day, we travel by cable car or public bus up to the fortified town of Erice. It is believed that the town dates back to around 1100BCE and was originally a settlement of Sicily ancient Elyrir people. Conquered by the Normans in the 12th century, the town has been carefully preserved and retains and air of mystery that is heightened when the mist often swirls in. You have time to explore the town and grab a spot of lunch in one of the local restaurants before our final walk of the week. We enjoy the views out to sea and of the surrounding countryside before arriving back into Trapani. You then have the rest of the afternoon to spend as you wish.
Accommodation: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar)
The trip ends on the morning of Day 8 with a transfer back to Palermo airport.
The trip ends in Trapani on the morning of Day 8.
For this walking trip in western Sicily, we split our time between two hotels: Luxmari in Castellamare del Golfo and Hotel Punta Tipa in Trapani.
Castellamare del Golfo: Luxmari (nights 1-3)
The Luxmari is a simple boutique hotel located a few steps from the centre of Castellamare del Golfo. Each room offers a mini bar, air conditioning and a chromotherapy shower. The hotel also offers a private spa facility, use of this can be booked locally and one complimentary visit is included in your stay.
Trapani: Hotel Punta Tipa (nights 4-7)
Right by the bay after which it was named, Hotel Punta Tipa has an enviable spot on the beach and is just a 15-minute coastal walk from Trapani old town. The property has an outdoor infinity pool, 59 contemporary rooms, and two restaurants: one indoors with sea views and the other on the beach. Food is typical Sicilian and Trapani fare.
Single supplement from £ 285
All breakfasts, one picnic lunch and two dinners are included.
The food of western Sicily is heavily influenced by its proximity to Tunisia, with oranges, pistachios, dates and spices often featuring on menus. Snacks such as arancine (deep-fried rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters) can often be found at street stalls in towns such as Trapani. The diet in this part of Sicily is heavily dependent on fish and meat; however, vegetarian options are widely available.
Breakfast is usually a continental style buffet and for lunch, we either have a picnic or visit a local café. When dinners are not included, your tour leader makes restaurant suggestions so you can sample the best local cuisine available.
Transfers are undertaken in private vehicles during the week. Road conditions are generally good. The boat transfers to and from Levanzo island are via hydrofoil (the most sustainable and cost-effective way to move between the islands).
Sicily has a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach the low to mid 30s (degC). Departures in April-May and September-October are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or easyJet (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly, we recommend you speak to our Sales staff or your travel agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Castellamare del Golfo and ending in Palermo
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Castellamare del Golfo in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Castellamare del Golfo
Location end: Trapani
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight – please check the group flight details two weeks before departure. We highly recommend joining the group transfer if possible. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
There are public buses from Palermo airport to Castellammare de Golfo. However, the public buses are not always reliable and timings may change without prior notice, so we recommend booking a private transfer.
On departure, you may book a private transfer from Trapani to Palermo if the group transfer is not at a suitable time.
If you choose to add extra time in Palermo at the beginning of the trip, please note that you will need to return to the airport to meet the group transfer there.
For more information about joining the trip in Castellammare or booking a private transfer from/to Palermo airport, please contact our Customer Operations team.
We encourage you to bring water bottles and a means of purifying, filtering or sterilising water to drink safe tap water. Bottles of water are available but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste.
Passports: check if you need to renew
You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling from 1 January 2021.
On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:
Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the relevant authorities if you intend to do this.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
There are ATMs in both Scopello and Trapani where you can draw cash out. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, although cash is generally easier. We recommend obtaining some cash in Euros before travelling or on arrival at Palermo airport.
For the meals not included, allow €5-€10 for lunch and €15-€30 for dinners. The exact amount spent depends entirely on the type of restaurant visited, and the menu chosen but €250 should be enough to cover the cost of meals and other incidental expenses during the trip.
Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually €1-2.50 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between €10 and €15, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. However, most wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. We recommend a starting point of €20 per person for the guide.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
In line with our ‘book and travel with confidence’ promise which allows you to cancel free of charge up to 42 days prior to departure, or transfer to another trip free of charge up to 21 days prior to your trip starting in country, please be aware that this excludes ‘irrecoverable costs’. Details can be found here: https://www.exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions
For this trip, the irrecoverable costs related to in-country operations are outlined below, if booking flight inclusive your sales agent will confirm the terms related to your international flights at the time of booking.
Irrecoverable hotel costs £189 GBP / €210 EUR / US$239.40
Costs are accurate at the time of writing in August 2022
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.