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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Sicily Family Walking & Hiking Tour - 20s & Beyond
Italian Enchantments from Palermo to Etna
"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.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$4,899 - $5,399 pp dbl occ
($950 - $1,200 for sgl occ)
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, taking in 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 family journey with wine tastings, incomparable cuisine and leisure time at palatial Mediterranean hotels
- Activate all of your senses and take in the sights, sounds and flavors of splendid Taormina and vibrant Cefalù
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Start your family hiking vacation walking postcard-perfect paths in the medieval coastline-hugging village of Cefalù | Wander mazelike walkways between sunbaked 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.
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
Catch your first glimpse of mythical Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano and one of the world's most active | Hike wooded trails and across black lava on the lower flanks of this dramatic peak, storied in literature from Homer to Goethe | Lounge poolside at our stylish hideaway.
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
An unforgettable panorama is revealed as you hike Etna's picturesque 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 with family before a decadent Sicilian dinner by the sea.
Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea
Taormina
| Premiere Hotel Sea-view rooms await at this elegant beachfront property, an early 19th-century villa set among lush gardens by the Mediterranean. (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.
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Activity Level: 1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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.
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
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