Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
Walking & Hiking
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This trip is filling up for the upcoming season! Check out our Spain's Mallorca Walking & Hiking Tour with new dates just added.
Sicily Walking & Hiking Tour
Italian Enchantments from Palermo to Etna
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,899 - $5,949 pp dbl occ
($1,250 for sgl occ)
"Fertile the isle," said Shakespeare of Sicily. And how true those words ring. Warmed by the Mediterranean sun, salted by the sea air and nurtured by the rich volcanic soil of legendary Mount Etna, Sicily's natural treasures flourish. They're in the landscape, the food and the wine. They've shaped the history, the art and the architecture. And they're the pride of the island's warm and passionate people. The Bard said it best in Winter's Tale, but Sicily dazzles year-round.
Italy Sicily Walking and Hiking Tour
Italy
Start Palermo / End Catania
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Voyage from authentic Sicilian fishing towns to dramatic Mount Etna, discovering the island's captivating history
- Hike trails through Sicily's varied terrain—lush vineyards, alpine forests, coastal cliffs and ancient black lava fields
- Enrich your Italian journey with wine tastings, incomparable cuisine and leisure time at palatial Mediterranean hotels
- Activate all of your senses as you take in the sights, sounds and flavors of splendid Taormina and vibrant Cefalù
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Start your hiking journey walking postcard-perfect paths in the coastline-hugging medieval village of Cefalù | Wander mazelike walkways between sunlit buildings artfully adorned with greenery | Hike mountain trails on La Rocca for sensational views | Take a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea from our hotel's private dock | Follow a trail from the charming hamlet of Castelbuono, known for its grand Arab-Norman castle | Immerse yourself in this slow-food paradise—dine on fresh-caught seafood and taste the island’s prized and peppery Nero d’Avola wine.
Accommodations
Le Calette
Cefalù
| Premiere Hotel An exquisite bougainvillea-laced coastal retreat featuring private beaches, tranquil gardens and elegantly minimalist rooms with Sicilian flair. (pool)
Day 3
Description
Catch your first glimpse of imposing Mount Etna, celebrated in literature from Homer to Goethe | Hike into the Alcantara River gorge, whose rich volcanic soil produces lush olive groves, hazelnut orchards and vineyards | At our luxe Sicilian hideaway, unwind on your secluded terrace.
Accommodations
Villa Neri
Linguaglossa
| Premiere Hotel Chic and modern but with a traditional sensibility, this boutique resort overlooks Sicily's picturesque vineyards, olive groves and oak forests. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
An unforgettable panorama is revealed as you hike Etna’s northern slopes from Piano Provenzana | Greco-Roman history, incredible cuisine and luxury accommodations await in hilltop Taormina, known as the Pearl of Sicily | Take in Sicily’s breathtaking landscape from Castelmola, a quiet medieval town nestled among the mountaintops | Climb up to the remains of a historic castle for 360-degree views stretching across the water | Follow trails among marbled cliffs and green Mediterranean vegetation on Monte Venere | The sense of history is almost palpable on a visit to Taormina’s ancient Greek theater | Raise a glass to an extraordinary week before a decadent Sicilian dinner by the sea.
Accommodations
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Taormina
| Premiere Hotel Beautiful views over Mount Etna and the Tyrrhenian Sea are even more so when accompanied by the luxurious yet understated Italian décor at this world-class property. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
April 2023
Apr 30 - May 5
Sold out
May 2023
May 7 - May 12
Sold out
May 28 - Jun 2
Sold out
June 2023
Jun 11 - Jun 16
Sold out
Jun 18 - Jun 23
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September 2023
Sep 10 - Sep 15
Sold out
Sep 17 - Sep 22
Sold out
Sep 24 - Sep 29
Sold out
October 2023
Oct 1 - Oct 6
Sold out
Oct 8 - Oct 13
Sold out
Oct 15 - Oct 20
Sold out
Oct 22 - Oct 27
Sold out
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From our Guests
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#MyBackroadsTrip
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Activity Level: 1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip is mostly hilly and includes cobblestone and paved walkways, well-groomed trails and some rocky mountain paths, particularly in the Madonie Mountains and around Mount Etna.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
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