Sicilian Flavors 2023
Sicilian Flavors 2023
SCHEDULED GROUP SIZE: min 1 – max 18 guests
PRIVATE GROUP SIZE: min 1 – no limit
DURATION: 7 Days & 6 Nights
WALK RATING: 2+
HOTEL STYLE: very comfortable to stylish
CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Catania (CAT)
OPTION TO COMBINE THIS TRIP WITH OTHER TRIPS: Tuscany, Amalfi, Umbria & Le Marche, Cinque Terre
Scheduled tours
2023 dates
- May 21-27, 2023
- September 3-9, 2023 – upon request
- September 17-23, 2023
- October 15-21, 2023
Overview
This is a small group tour. In this tour we cover the eastern side of the island. From the charming islet of Ortigia to the Vendicari natural reserve. From the baroque pearl of Noto to the Byzantine of Pantalica. Then we transfer to the Aeolian Island of Lipari with its stunning panoramas on the archipelagos. The Aeolian islands are still inhabited by the small local communities that preserve their fishing and agricultural economy. We will visit the Island of Vulcano, walking up to the top of the mouth of the volcano (don’t worry, it’s very safe). The last day it’s the day of the Island of Salina, probably the most authentic of all the islands; the view from the trail in the forest is amazing.
Sicily & Aeolian Islands Guided Walking Tour is a gourmet tour as well: cannoli, pasta with sardines and raisins, fried calamari, lots of vegetables combined with local Catarratto and Insolia wines will be a nice reward, at lunch and dinner.
Sicilian music will accompany the tour, as well as the encounter of local artisans.
See you in Sicily!
Inclusions
6 night stay at hotels (two 4 starred hotels). Book early and we will try to accommodate you in a room with a view.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners. Local wine is always included with lunches and dinners. Vegetarian? Vegan? No problem!
Transportation along the tour
1 local guide for groups smaller than 10. Groups larger than 10 people will be guided by 2 local guides (valid for group tours)
Entrance tickets for all the special events
Boat ride
All taxes
Accommodations
Caportigia Boutique Hotel – Siracusa
Cleverly realized by skilled workers, the rooms of Caportigia Boutique Hotel are elegantly furnished and enriched by sophisticated details and, despite the central position they guarantee relax and tranquillity by the complete soundproofing. Equipped with new technologies and high-speed WI-FI connection, the rooms of our hotel in Siracusa are designed to guarantee to customers a regenerating sleep and a relaxing stay, thanks to the quality of beds and pillows. https://www.hotelcaportigia.com/
Aktea Resort – Lipari
Situated in a very convenient location close to the small town center of Lipari the Hotel Aktea offers all the comforts of a newly restyled hotel with swimming pool. This is going to be the base of our excursions during our stay on the Aeolian Islands.
https://www.hotelaktea.com/en/
Itinerary
Day 1 – Meeting in Siracusa and visit of the city (night at hotel in Siracusa)
Today you meet the guide that will present the tour during a quick briefing. Your city guide will take you to explore this beautiful and posh city that was founded by the Greeks. Ortigia, the old center of Siracusa, is an amazing combination of little streets and alleys and big piazzas. One of the largest squares is the Cathedral square that is the symbol of Siracusa. We visit the Cathedral inside, and you soon realize how it was first a Greek temple than turned into a church. The fountain Arethusa is another symbol that we visit: a huge amount of fresh water available right in the middle of the city.
Dinner tonight is at a delicious restaurant that serves Sicilian specialties.
3 km = 1,8 miles
Caportigia Boutique Hotel or Palazzo Salomone – Siracusa
dinner
Day 2 – Vendicari natural reserve and the baroque town of Noto (night at hotel in Siracusa)
After a nice breakfast based on Sicilian specialties, we drive for about 30 minutes to get to the Natural reserve of Vendicari. The reserve was established in 1984 to protect the fauna, flora and the archaeological remains. The algae called Posydonia is an environmental indicator that enriches the sea with a big amount of oxygen. The special condition attracts more than 300 species of animals such as flamingos, herons and sea turtles. We visit the relic of a Tonnara (tuna fish farm) that dates back the seventeenth century and used until last century. Our hike is on a relaxed coastal path for about two hours. We get to a farm restaurant that serves their own production of vegetables, wine and olive oil.
After lunch a 20 minutes van ride take us to Noto. In 2002 Noto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After 1693 earthquake the former town was re-built in a different location with a baroque style and today this town is considered one of the world’s capitals of Baroque art. About 1 hour of free time to enjoy a delicious pistacchio gelato or lemon granita (ice slush) and relax in main street. We drive back to our hotel.
Later we enjoy a great restaurant in the old city that will serve fresh fish and seafood.
7,4 km = 4,59 miles
Caportigia Boutique Hotel or Palazzo Salomone – Siracusa
breakfast, lunch, dinner
SHOW DAY 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Day 3 – Pantalica nature/archaeological park. Optional visit of the archaeological park of Siracusa in the afternoon (night at hotel in Lipari)
Sicilian breakfast is amazingly rich: cannoli, great espresso coffee, all kinds of breads. After breakfast we take one-hour ride to get to Pantalica park. On the way to Pantalica we stop for a coffee break in Ferla, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. The hike is in a limestone gorge with a spectacular view. The site of Pantalica counts 4000 tombs dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries BC.
We enjoy lunch at a farmhouse with the typical Sicilian appetizers (caponata, artichokes if in season, frittata) and grilled meats.
We drive from here to the harbor of Milazzo (about 2 hour drive). We take 1 hour hydrofoil ride to Lipari. We then settle at our new hotel with swimming pool. Dinner will follow at the hotel restaurant.
4 km = 2,5 miles
Aktea Resort – Lipari
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 – The southern side of the Island of Lipari (night in Lipari)
After breakfast we take a nice walk in the southern half of the Island awaits for us with amazing views on the Island of Vulcano. The hike will take us to a panoramic point through a path surrounded by beautiful villas and macchia mediterranea (Mediterranean shrub) that produces a pleasant smell.
In the afternoon we visit the town of Lipari and it’s beautiful castle.
Dinner based on many different kinds of pizza will follow at a small pizzeria in main street of Lipari.
6 km = 3,7 miles
Aktea Resort – Lipari
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 – The Island of Vulcano (night in Lipari)
Your route today begins with a boat ride to the Island of Vulcano. After an espresso caffè stop at the port of Vulcano we start our hike to the mouth of the volcano. The word “volcano”, and its equivalent in several European languages, derives from the name of this island, which in turn derives from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. It takes one hour to reach the main crater, known as Caldera de La Fossa. The caldera is huge, with a 500 meters diameter. The last eruption here occurred in 1890, but there are plenty of fumaroles that eject steam. If you don’t feel like hiking up to the top of the mountain, we will provide an optional program for you, strolling in the village of Vulcano with shops and easy walks in the surroundings.
Lunch is served in a simple but lovely restaurant with seats outside. We will enjoy one of the most well know food of the island: pani cunzato (focaccia seasoned with anchovies, fresh tomatoes, capers, mozzarella). It’s delicious!!
In the afternoon we take a boat ride back to Lipari for rest time at hotel or for exploring the town of Lipari (so many things to do and see in Lipari).
Dinner tonight is on your own. Your guide will provide options for restaurants.
3 km = 3,7 miles with some elevation gain or alternative easier walk
Aktea Resort or Cutimare Hotel – Lipari
breakfast, lunch (dinner on own)
Day 6 – The Island of Salina (night in Lipari)
After a well-presented breakfast we take a boat and we cruise to the Island of Salina. The name of the island derives from saltern as in the south east of the island there was a salt production plant.
The boat will drop us off in the small village of Rinella and with a short bus ride we get to the town of Leni. After having explored the town we venture on a hike with amazing view on the archipelago, allowing us to see the islands of Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Stromboli. Today lunch is al-fresco with delicious panini. At the end of the walk we get refreshed at a local snack café in Leni. We take the boat back to Lipari. Some time of rest at your 4 starred hotel before we get ready for the farewell feast to celebrate new friends and Aeolian Islands.
8 km = 5 miles
Aktea Resort or Cutimare Hotel – Lipari
breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 – Transfer to Catania, Departure
A scenic hydrofoil ride delivers you to the port of Milazzo. You arrive in Catania by early afternoon. We stop in Catania train station and then Catania airport. Do not plan to fly back earlier than 4pm if you are planning to fly on the same day of the end of tour. Do not book your train from the Catania station before 2.30pm
8 km = 5 miles
Aktea Resort or Cutimare Hotel – Lipari
breakfast, lunch, dinner
note on the itinerary
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and in unforeseen circumstances that mandate changes may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
Price
2750 EURO (sharing double room)
590 EURO (single supplement only in case you need your double room for single use)
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- deposit 300 EURO
- balance is due 95 days ahead of trip beginning date
- you can pay in instalments
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| Number of guests | price in double room (euros) | single supplement (euros) |
| 1 | contact us | |
| 2 or 3 | 4830 | 590 |
| 4 or 5 | 3460 | 590 |
| 6 or 7 | 3250 | 590 |
| 8 or 9 | 3090 | 590 |
| 10 or 11 | 2890 | 590 |
| 12 or more | 2780 | 590 |
- deposit 300 EURO
- balance is due 95 days ahead of trip beginning date
- you can pay in instalments
- if you travel in July or August there is a seasonal surcharge of 400 euro per person
INQUIRY
Reviews
May 7-13, 2019 We loved both Gianni and Orietta! (Charles, USA)
Sept 1-7, 2019 We had a fantastic group and the trip was more than we could have wished for. Thank you Orietta (Klive, South Africa)
Sept 22-28, 2019 The best way to get to know a country, is to walk with the locals! This week in Sicily with Gianni and Ermes was an intimate experience of the hospitality, the food, the geology and the life of the Sicilians. Highly recommended! (Eras, South Africa)
Guides
Gianni
Founder, trip organizer and guide at Walk About Italy (with a degree in Geology)
I am 51 years old. Geology is my background (Ph.D.) but to me life is about more than an academic degree. Music and walking are my passions. I have been a certified guide for nature walks since 1999. After working many years as a guide and also in the back stage of the travel industry for foreign walking tour companies, I earned my Tour Organizer business license, valid in Italy and the rest of the world. Let me organize your vacation to Tuscany and other parts of Italy.
Tours he guides: Tuscany, Amalfi, Sicily, Umbria – Assisi & Le Marche
Ermes
I was born to travel the world (with a degree in International Relations and Human Rights)
Native of Palermo, with degrees in International Relations and Human Rights, Ermes has spent years working in social tourism and as a cultural mediator. Ermes has been travelling the world and now with an extensive knowledge of history, flora, and fauna, looks forward to sharing his expertise.
Tours he guides: Sicily and Amalfi
Orietta
a love for travels (with a degree in foreign languages)
Orietta guides our Sicily trip. A native Sicilian, Orietta grew up in Germany. She has got a degree in foreign languages. Because of her love for nature Orietta earned her qualification as licensed guide, tour leader and guide for nature trails.
Orietta loves to travel. You can stop with her and talk about all the destinations you have seen.
She also gives tours to people who are interested in searching their Sicilian roots through genealogy research first and then inviting guests to meet the family. Awesome, isn’t it?
Orietta is associated to Addiopizzo, a group of professionals that work for mafia-free tourism, a new frontier for the ethical tourist.
Tours she guides: Sicily
Trip facts
group meets here:
Hotel in Siracusa (check the hotel’s name of your departure)
at what time?
4.00 pm
trip ends here:
Catania train station and airport
at what time?
2 pm
Useful information on the tour
How to prepare for this trip
Walking or jogging for 60 minutes 3 times a week for 5 weeks ahead of trip will make your experience more enjoyable. In case you live in a flat area you might also incorporate some steps in your physical activity.
What to bring:
- Walking shoes with good traction (sometimes we might have mud on the trail)
- Hat, Swimming suit, sun cream, water bottle to refill with tap water
- Dinners at Italian restaurants do not require any special dress code.
- Wear shoes with good traction.
- We provide walking sticks.
An average day of the trip
On a typical day you hike/walk with your guide in the morning for 3 hours, then we stop at a restaurant or farmhouse for lunch (lunch can last 1hour and half). We serve local food and wines as we believe that food plays an important role in the enjoyment of Italy.
In the afternoon there might be some more walking or town stroll. Around 4.30 or 5pm your guide will take you back to the hotel.
Before dinner you will be able to rest a couple of hours.
Local wine is always included for lunch or dinner. We serve vino della casa (house wine). You are welcome to buy your own wine from the list.
Weather
In general, the climate in Sicily is very mild. Usually summers on the coast are hot with little or no rain. July and August are the hottest months (but still nice for walking as there is always a breeze blowing up on the hills). Spring (April and May) and Autumn (October and November) are milder. You can have some drops of rain but not too many. Winter is colder but you still can count on many sunny days.
Month avg. High avg. Low
Apr 66 °F (19 °C) 46 °F (8 °C)
May 73 °F (23 °C) 54 °F (12 °C)
Jun 81 °F (27 °C) 59 °F (15 °C)
Sep 81 °F (27 °C) 59 °F (15 °C)
Oct 72 °F (22 °C) 52 °F (11 °C)
Nov 61 °F (16 °C) 45 °F (7 °C)
Tipping your guides
Should you wish to tip your guides, the gratuity is entirely at your discretion. The standard in the industry ranges from 5€ to 10€ per person, per guide, per day. Tipping is not due to Gianni Stanghellini as he owns the company.
Tipping your drivers
Should you wish to tip your drivers, the gratuity is entirely at your discretion. The standard in the industry ranges from 1€ to 3€ per person, per driver, per day.
Extra expenses
Plan to have extra cash or money in your credit card enough to buy a couple of coffee or tea every day (5 euros average) . One night out of six you are on your own for dinner (20-25 euros per meal per person, average)
Snapshots from the tour
