Western Sicily, from Palermo to the Egadi Islands
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationItaly / Sicily
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions102.99 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Italian
In a few words
Discover a hidden side of Sicily , far from the hustle and bustle of Mount Etna and the well-trodden paths of the east coast. This exclusive itinerary harmoniously blends unspoiled nature and historical heritage , beginning with the vibrant cultural scene of Palermo .
Your immersion continues in the heart of the Zingaro Nature Reserve , where coastal paths overlook coves with crystal-clear waters. History then unfolds at every turn: from the majestic ruins of Greco-Roman Segesta to the medieval city of Erice , proudly perched on its rocky spur offering spectacular panoramas.
The journey takes on an island dimension with the exploration of the Egadi Islands . On the unspoiled shores of Favignana and Levanzo , you'll savor the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, swimming in turquoise waters and strolling along the coast. This exploration between land and sea culminates in a beautiful stop in the historic center of Trapani , a city of character with diverse influences. An authentic adventure to grasp the true soul of an island of a thousand faces.
The highlights
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The islands of Favignana and Levanzo, wild coast and turquoise water
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Swimming in the Zingaro Nature Reserve
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The discovery of the Monte Cofano reserve
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
PHYSICAL LEVEL:
For any hiker looking for a leisurely walking pace, with a physical and technical level that remains accessible.
3 to 5 hours of walking, days of walking interspersed with visits.
This is a higher level 1, almost a level 2 in terms of walking (Regular Walker level): indeed, there is one day with approximately 4.5 hours of walking (day 4). Day 5 has a negative elevation gain of 700m, which is significant for a level 1.
Technical level
TECHNICAL LEVEL:
Depending on the departure date, there may be difficulties related to weather conditions (heat).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 215 m
- Average daily descent: 300 m
Management
French
Italian
The trip is led by a qualified mountain guide specializing in Italy.
The swimming activities mentioned in the program are optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk during free time. They are not supervised by the guide.
Program
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Paris (or province) - Palermo
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Optional flight from Paris (or other French cities) to Palermo. Meet at 4:00 PM at the hotel in Palermo for an initial exploration of the city. Palermo, the Arab-Norman city straddling East and West, is still imbued with the influences of the cultures that have shaped it. This history and the city's atmosphere contribute to its captivating charm and a city of contrasts. Dinner is at your leisure in a restaurant near the hotel (at your own expense; our guide will reserve a restaurant for you to gather and get to know each other).
Day 1 -
Palermo - Castellamare del Golfo
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, transfer by public bus to Monreale (30 minutes), located in the hills above Palermo and overlooking the Conca d'Oro (Golden Basin). Visit the majestic Cathedral, a masterpiece of Byzantine-Norman art, famous for its golden mosaics covering 7,000 square meters, and its adjoining cloister, which completes the visit. Return to Palermo by public bus (30 minutes) and lunch at a trattoria. Continue your sightseeing, then a private transfer in the afternoon (1 hour 15 minutes) to Castellammare del Golfo. Check into your hotel for 3 nights.
Day 2 -
Segesta - Castellammare del Golfo
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer (20 min) followed by a hike with a panoramic arrival at the ancient site of Segesta. Visit the perfectly preserved Doric temple and the theater built during the Roman occupation. Return to Castellammare by private transfer (20 min), which was the port of Segesta, dominated by its castle built by the Aragonese in the 14th century.
Day 3 -
Zingaro Nature Reserve - Castellammare
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Private transfer to the Zingaro Nature Reserve (20 min), Sicily's first nature reserve. This hike offers magnificent panoramic views of coves and bays with turquoise waters, following the path overlooking the coast. Swimming is possible, and the return trip is by private transfer (15 min). (In case of closure due to weather conditions, an alternative hike will be offered.)
Day 4 -
Monte Cofano Nature Reserve - Trapani
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure by private taxi (40 min) to the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve. Hike along the coast amidst lush, typically Mediterranean vegetation, contrasting with the rugged, wild shapes of the Dolomite massif, whose walls open onto caves inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Swimming is possible at the end of the hike, followed by a private transfer (30 min) to Trapani, whose whitewashed houses along the seafront evoke an oriental atmosphere. Check-in at a hotel in the historic center for 3 nights.
Day 5 -
The Egadi Islands - Trapani
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Public boat trip to the Egadi Islands. We first hike on the island of Levanzo, the smallest (30-minute crossing), then a 15-minute boat ride to Favignana with its stunning coves and crystal-clear, intensely blue waters. Return by boat (40 minutes) and overnight stay in Trapani at the same hotel as the night before.
Day 6 -
Erice - Trapani
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascent (by bus, 10 min. then by cable car, 10 min.) to Erice, "the sacred citadel of the West," which overlooks the sea from an altitude of 750 meters. Dedicated to the cult of the Greek Aphrodite and later to the Roman Venus, the atmosphere here is now entirely medieval. Visit this magnificent site, then descend on foot along well-marked paths to Trapani, with panoramic views of the Egadi Islands and the surrounding salt marshes. As this trip is rated level 1 (casual walker), it is possible for hikers who prefer gentler descents to avoid the walk. In this case, they can take the funicular back down.
Day 7 -
Trapani - Palermo - Paris (or elsewhere in France)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Palermo airport (45 min) by public bus. Flight to Paris (or other French cities), optional .
Day 8
Note
The durations of our hikes are given as a guide only. They may vary depending on several factors during our stay (participants' level, weather, terrain conditions, etc.).
Transfer times may also vary depending on weather conditions and road conditions. The itinerary was established based on the latest information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change in the interest of quality. Furthermore, circumstances beyond our control may alter the course of your stay (weather, road closures, canceled or delayed flights, strikes, local festivals, etc.).
The swimming activities mentioned in the program are optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk during free time. They are not specifically supervised by the guide.
Accommodation
Access
Appointment :
Meet your guide on Day 1 at the hotel reception in Palermo at 4:00 PM for the start of the tour. For directions from the airport, please refer to the "Access by Plane" section of our technical information sheet. If you arrive after 4:00 PM or the day before, please contact the guide to arrange a meeting time.
You will receive an email invitation approximately 2 weeks before your departure: it summarizes the information you need to get to the meeting point (contact details of your first accommodation, first name and phone number of your guide, our emergency mobile number, plane tickets / e-ticket for stays with flights, etc...).
Dispersion:
On Sunday morning at the hotel in Trapani, numerous buses are available to Palermo airport (depending on your flight schedule). Departure is possible from 10:00 AM from Palermo, as the first bus leaves Trapani at 7:00 AM. See the "Airplane" section for details.
On certain dates, the guide may leave the group on Saturday evening.
Go to the starting point
To get to the hotel from Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport, take the Prestia e Comandè Bus (€6.50 - between 30 minutes and 1 hour journey time depending on traffic) to reach the terminus at the central train station - connections every 30 minutes from 4:00 am to 10:30 pm).
The hotel is 300m from the terminus.
From Trapani, the journey to Palermo Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs around €10 via the Segesta bus company (there is one bus per hour throughout the day). The first bus departs at 7:00 AM (arriving at 8:10 AM, allowing for flights departing from 10:00 AM onwards). Our tour guide will assist you in purchasing this bus ticket during the week; upon arrival, each participant can choose their departure time based on their flight.
Price details
The price includes
- Guided by a qualified tour leader specializing in Italy
- Meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 8
- Luggage transport
- Group transfers during the stay (taxi, bus, boat)
- Accommodation with full board (excluding drinks) except for Day 1 in Palermo
- The entrances to the Cathedral and the cloister of Monreale
- The entrances to the sites of the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Segesta archaeological site
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Airport return transfers (€5 outbound / €10 return: Trapani - Palermo airport)
- Dinner on Day 1 in Palermo
- Drinks and personal expenses (note that in restaurants, bottled mineral water is sold separately instead of tap water)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flight package : CHF411.66 / person
- Single room : CHF228.70 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
LUGGAGE
- One travel bag per person (or a rolling suitcase; recommended for trips with public transport included for transfers). Oversized luggage should be avoided as it would cause problems with bus capacity or logistical organization.
- One 35-40 liter backpack with a flexible frame, hip belt, and well-ventilated back panel for your comfort (to carry your personal belongings for the day: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windbreaker, sweater, rain gear, etc.). This bag is usually placed in the cabin for any air travel (10kg maximum per person, typically).
FOR THE PICNIC
- Cutlery (reusable, not disposable)
- 1 airtight plastic container with a minimum capacity of 0.5 liters. It can be used as a plate and for storage, without getting your bag dirty.
- 1 plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle to prevent burns from hot drinks
- 1 folding pocket knife (optional)
- One insulated or aluminum water bottle of at least 1.5 liters, or a flexible water bottle (not recommended in winter). Especially useful in winter, also bring (optional) an insulated bottle to carry tea, coffee, etc. during the hike.
OTHERS
- 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
- 1 waterproof pouch containing: your assistance contract, your identity documents, health insurance card and any other document mentioned in the formalities section
- 1 sturdy and lightweight umbrella (optional but very useful in case of rain, or even heatwave)
- 1 pair of telescopic walking poles (depending on your habits or the technical level of the hikes, refer to the "Technical Level" section of the trip's technical sheet)
- 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4) that provide good side coverage
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor (30 minimum)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Earplugs made of wax or foam (against neighbors' snoring or other noise pollution)
- Tissues
- 1 headlamp or flashlight + survival blanket: these should always be in your backpack, as an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike
- Spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses)
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
- Mosquito repellent is really necessary in the summer.
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a light and breathable layer
- a warm layer
- a waterproof and breathable layer.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The complete and ideal list: (although this should be adapted depending on the hike, the season, and your habits)
- 1 sun hat or cap, or scarf
- 1 fleece hat or headband and/or a neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for every 2 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt (sometimes the peaks are windy and a light layer is welcome during the lunch break),
- 1 warm fleece-type jacket (or even water-repellent) or a warm and compressible type)
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket with hood
- 1 rain poncho (optional) and/or sleeping bag cover
- 1 pair of sturdy, loose-fitting, comfortable, water-repellent hiking trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers
- 1 pair of shorts or capris, comfortable and durable
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely.
- One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a sole that grips well on uneven terrain and is abrasion-resistant. Consider testing new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand, or if you're used to hiking, a pair of low-cut trail shoes is ideal, especially for summer trips.
- 1 swimsuit and 1 quick-drying towel (optional in case of swimming)
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening, like sneakers, which can also be used for sightseeing or walks in town.
