Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea – Escorted
This escorted trip takes in Sicily’s historical relics, unspoilt villages and superb scenery as you walk from the little-known centre of the island, crossing rolling mountain pastures with panoramic views of the beautiful Madonie National Park. Aside from impressive panoramas, this conservation area protects many rare, endemic plants as well as some colossal ancient trees and a wide variety of fauna.
Pilgrim paths then descend through woods, vineyards, olive and lemon groves to the coast. We finish with a visit to the cathedral of Monreale, the great masterpiece of medieval architecture before enjoying time at leisure in the picturesque port town of Cefalù where we stay in an extremely comfortable hotel.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
18 - 25 Oct 2026
Itinerary
After arrival at Catania airport we drive (1 hour) to the ancient city of Enna, centrally situated high (1,000m/3,275ft) on a great buttress of rock. We stay in the old town close to the cathedral and castle.
A Roman and later an Arab stronghold, this historic town occupies a commanding ridge-top position, with fine views. Its impressive fortress has withstood sieges over many centuries. Visit the cathedral, archaeological museum and Lombard Castle. Beyond Enna and worth the 40-minute bus journey, is the luxurious Villa Romana del Casala, almost certainly built by a member of the Imperial family. Among the remains are some of the world’s largest Roman mosaics.
Characterful B&B in historic centre
We drive (30 mins) to the village of Villadoro, from where paths and ancient drove roads cross gently rolling hills, with views to Mt. Etna, to the dramatically situated town of Gangi (11.7 miles, 6 hours). We stay at a converted patrician villa in the valley below the village.
Houses packed tightly together, encircling the crown of a hill, with Mount Etna ever present as the backdrop – Gangi is a visually striking town but remains delightfully ‘untouristy’. It is an archetypal Sicilian village, steeped in tradition, distinguished by the friendliness and integrity of the people as much as its unique construction. Beyond Gangi, visit the small hilltop settlement of Sperlinga. It began as a trogolodyte community before a castle was cut into the rock in the Middle Ages.
Family-run, converted ‘baronial’ house in the countryside near Gangi, with pool and characterful owner!
Time for relaxing or a visit to Gangi (3.8 miles, 2 hours), before walking on. Paths across farmland lead to the route of an ancient road to the hilltop village of Geraci Siculo, with its ruined Saracen castle, Saracen fountain and picturesque alleys (8.2 miles, 5 hours).
A lovely and authentic Sicilian village with a tangle of alleyways to explore, a ruined Saracen castle, impressive fountain and a viewpoint with a difference…!
Modern resort hotel with spa
Paths through open mountain meadows, with extensive views, lead gently up to a ridge, where we stay at a comfortable mountain refuge (11.6 miles, 6.5 hours).
Located in the heart of the Madonie Regional Park, Piano Battaglia is surrounded by peaks like Pizzo Carbonara and Monte Mufara, it offers skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and hiking, biking, and panoramic chairlift rides in summer. Discover fossil-rich geotrails, ancient beech forests and local cultural events near Rifugio Marini.
Friendly, family-run refuge in spectacular setting
After an (optional) walk to explore the nearby peaks, (6,493 ft/1,979 m), we descend through inspiring scenery, past a nature reserve with fallow deer and wild boar, and through a geologically interesting secluded valley, to the village of Isnello (8.1 miles 4.5 hours). Brief transfer to our hotel.
Another quaint and unspoiled Sicilian village that straddles a valley, with steep streets, a ruined castle and several churches.
Restored farmhouse with pool
After a short descent and stream-crossing, farm tracks lead up to a ridge and pilgrim church with panoramic views – the sea! An ancient pilgrim path then leads down through woods and meadows, olive groves and vineyards; and through scrub to lemon groves, Cefalù and the sea (11.4 miles, 7 hours).
Cefalù, dominated by La Rocca, a massive buttress of rock, is a lively seaside town with golden sands, harbour, picturesque streets and and Unesco-listed Norman cathedral dating from 1131, with fine Byzantine mosaics. Also of interest is the Mandralisca Museum with art and archaeological treasures and the medieval washhouse, Lavatoio Medievale. With stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious Sicilian cuisine Cefalù is a coastal jewel of northern Sicily.
Elegant hotel with pools, spa and private beach
We follow paths up, through woods and scrub, on to the massive buttress of rock behind Cefalù – to visit its Greek and Roman sites, and enjoy a panorama of the town and coast. Descending we explore Cefalù, its harbour, picturesque streets and alleys and not least its outstanding cathedral (4 hours). In the afternoon we drive (1 hour) to the cathedral of Monreale. Alternatively, stay behind to swim, relax or further explore this delightful place on your own.
The cathedral in Monreale, on the outskirts of Palermo, is a great masterpiece of medieval architecture, still preserved almost intact after eight centuries. We visit the cathedral with its superb Byzantine mosaics and fine cloister. Here the extraordinary mosaics cover almost every wall, alongside marble floors, Corinthian columns and intricately carved, wooden ceilings.
Elegant hotel with pools, spa and private beach
We return to Catania airport (2.5 hours).
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Moderate to challenging walking. This is an 8-day trip with walks offered on 6 days, plus sightseeing. The length of each day varies from 2.5 hours to a maximum of 7 hours walking.
We cross high grassy uplands between 3,500 and 5,000 ft before descending to sub-tropical vegetation on the coast. There are rolling hills, scrub and grassy meadows with rocky outcrops and fairly dramatic mountain scenery. The paths are mostly well-made farm and mule tracks but at times we follow small paths that can quickly become overgrown by the mountain broom and holly, both rather prickly shrub! For this reason we recommend you allow for the option of walking these parts with protective clothing (eg, long trousers/long sleeved shirt). There are no vertiginous walks.
On certain days our walk takes us into high hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support and that you have sufficient warm and waterproof clothing regardless of season. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Walking & Terrain
Moderate to challenging walking. This is an 8-day trip with walks offered on 6 days, plus sightseeing. The length of each day varies from 2.5 hours to a maximum of 7 hours walking.
We cross high grassy uplands between 3,500 and 5,000 ft before descending to sub-tropical vegetation on the coast. There are rolling hills, scrub and grassy meadows with rocky outcrops and fairly dramatic mountain scenery. The paths are mostly well-made farm and mule tracks but at times we follow small paths that can quickly become overgrown by the mountain broom and holly, both rather prickly shrub! For this reason we recommend you allow for the option of walking these parts with protective clothing (eg, long trousers/long sleeved shirt). There are no vertiginous walks.
On certain days our walk takes us into high hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support and that you have sufficient warm and waterproof clothing regardless of season. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
The hotels we stay in are characteristic of the area and the towns we visit.
All evening meals are included and are taken either in the hotel or in local restaurants. At dinner, the Tour Manager will tell you about each evening’s menu and if there is anything else that you would prefer, you only have to ask. There are no particular dress requirements in the restaurants we use, although some are obviously smarter than others.
Each day the Tour Manager will meet you with one of ATG’s celebrated picnic lunches. You will be greeted with mineral water and a starter followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, substantial salads, bread and fruit…and pudding. If it is cold there will be a hot dish.
Food & Wine
Sicilian cuisine is one of contrasts: simple, peasant cooking combined with the richer, more exotic styles brought over by invading civilisations. Whatever the dish, expect intense, pure flavours from the local ingredients, grown in fertile volcanic soil under the hot sun. Fish is, inevitably, predominant on every menu with a huge variety on offer, cooked in every way possible. Sicily, along with Puglia, is the largest wine producer in Italy. The quality has improved considerably in recent decades. Local white grape varieties notably include Grillo, Inzolia and Catarrato. Red varieties include Nero d’Avola (the dominant red grape in Sicily), Nerello Mascalese and Frappato. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
History
Straddling the Mediterranean between Italy and Africa, the island of Sicily has long commanded strategic importance. The result has been 2,000 years of successive invasions, all leaving behind an abundance of impressive monuments including Saracen and Norman fortifications, ancient pilgrim churches and the fine Romanesque cathedral and mosaics of Cefalù. The Route Book provides a detailed account of the history of Sicily.
Flora & Fauna
Sicily’s location between Europe, Africa and Asia as well as its range in climatic conditions, from alpine to Mediterranean scrub and coastal, makes for a wonderful variety of flora and fauna. This route passes through the Madonie mountains and a fascinating limestone landscape of sink holes, flat-floored valleys (such as the Piano Battaglia) and cave systems. Aside from impressive panoramas, this conservation area protects many rare, endemic plants as well as some colossal ancient trees and a wide variety of fauna, including porcupines and wild cats, butterflies and beetles, peregrine falcons and a few pairs of golden eagles. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Escorted trips are accompanied by two of ATG’s fully trained Tour Consultants, from the moment they welcome you at the airport, through to the end-of trip airport transfer. The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Tour Leader will lead each day’s walk, and after dinner each evening will tell you about the following day’s itinerary. Both Tour Consultants will explain their role, and how the trip will run, on the first evening at dinner.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Tour Consultants can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Tour Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently. We will advise you of the group meeting time at the destination airport and return transfer time to the airport at the end of your trip to enable you to book compatible flights.
Yes. All of our escorted trips can be booked privately, you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances if the group is 13-16 clients we will offer the trip at the published price. For 12 or fewer clients we would provide a bespoke costing.
On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from items of a personal nature and snacks or drinks outside of the set meals.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
Your Tour Leader will be able to tell you about the ATG Trust project on this route involving the conservation of a section of the Roman road between Gangi and Geraci, including a fine Roman bridge.
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