Best of Western Sicily

What sort of weather can I expect?

It can be cool in the mornings throughout the year with occasional periods of cloud and rain provoked by the mountainous nature of the island. Otherwise, in low and coastal areas you would expect mild weather in the Spring and late Autumn, with warm sunshine and occasional thunderstorms. There is usually a cooling breeze on the coast at all times of year (it can be notably windy on the west coast) though the sea itself remains warm enough for swimming into October.

The weather becomes increasingly hot from May into the summer and through September. In highland areas the weather can however be unsettled and potentially cold at any time of year: bring some warm layers for Erice, just in case! 

For an up-to-date weather report we find that the website www.wunderground.com gives a good, continually updated local service. Alternatively try: www.weather.com.

What sort of walking can I expect?

This is an 8-day walking holiday in Western Sicily, with walks offered on 5 days plus sightseeing. The length of each day varies from 1.5 hours to a maximum of 4 hours walking. The fitness level of this trip is Grade 2. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. Much of our walking is exploration of archaeological sites and town walks (e.g. Erice and Palermo), so the pace is naturally quite slow. The terrain can be rough and rocky in places and sticks are strongly recommended for those not used to uneven terrain. There are few prolonged gradients apart from a notable descent/re-ascent to visit the prehistoric cave paintings on the island of Levanzo (45 mins each way). 

What if I don’t want to walk?

You don’t have to! You can either get a lift with the Tour Manager to the lunch location or the next hotel, or we can suggest options
to allow you to walk for part of the day. If the itinerary does not involve a hotel change on a given day, you can simply stay in the town and explore, and join (or not join) the group for lunch. The Tour Leader will discuss the next day’s options with the group every
evening.

Where do I meet the group at the start of the trip?

The destination airport for this trip is Catania. 

The meeting point is at the arrivals area of Catania airport, to coincide with the arrival of the ‘recommended flight.’ Please contact the office for details of the recommended flight and meeting time. Our Tour Leader and Tour Manager will be waiting to meet you for the minibus transfer to the first hotel, which will depart shortly thereafter. They will be wearing polo shirts bearing the ATG logo.  Do not entrust your luggage to anyone not wearing the ATG ‘uniform’. There are notoriously helpful luggage thieves at busy airports!

TRANSFER TO THE FIRST HOTEL

If you would like a transfer to the first hotel, please ensure that you inform us of this and advise us of your arrival time and flight number as soon as possible. Please also ensure that your flight arrives at the destination airport at least 1 hour before the meeting time, to allow sufficient time to pass through customs and collect your luggage.

If you arrive late and find that the group has left (there is no sign of them in the arrivals hall or our minibuses with the ATG logo outside the terminal building), please check for a message at the information desk and make your own way to the first hotel, letting the ATG office know you’re on your way. The ATG office number is +44 1865 315 678 or outside office hours please call the emergency number which is +44 1865 315 600.

MEETING AT THE FIRST HOTEL

Baglio della Luna

C. da Maddalusa S.S. 640 km 4, 150

92100 Valley of the Temples

Agrigento, Italy

Tel: +39 0922 511061

Fax: +39 0922 598802

If you are meeting the group at the first hotel, please note that given present flight times, the group may not arrive at the hotel until 11pm (or later if the group flight is delayed). If you wish to go to bed before the group arrives, please do! Our Tour Consultants will meet you during breakfast the next morning from 8am onwards. 

The excursion to the Archaeological Museum and Valley of the Temples will normally depart at 8.45- 9am and you should be dressed ready to walk.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever clothes and footwear you find most comfortable for everyday wear, and a change or two for the evenings – smart/casual.
Most trips tend to include some quite distinguished hotels and restaurants, for which you may wish to ‘dress up’. For walking we recommend lightweight walking boots with firm ankle support (make sure you wear them in before the trip!), a small daypack for your
lightweight waterproof clothing, camera, fleece etc. An increasing number of people bring telescopic walking poles. For a comprehensive packing list click here:what to bring

What sort of food should I expect?

Sicilian cuisine is one of contrasts, simple peasant cooking and the richer, more exotic styles of the invading civilisations. Its varied style is also characterised by the intense and pure flavour of the local ingredients. 

The Sicilians readily admit to the influences of the past: pasta came to Sicily with the Arabs; the Greeks introduced wine, honey and olives; the Byzantines brought sharp, pungent cheeses and spicy biscuits; the Normans salt cod; and the Spanish the infamous tomato sauce and sweet and sour flavours. 

Fish is one of the glories of Sicilian cooking, prepared in every possible way, including exotic fish stews and soups. However, the island’s large, mountainous interior means that good quality locally reared meat is also available on most restaurant menus. The mild winter climate and long summers mean that the fruit and vegetables are less seasonal than in northern Italy and the Sicilians have developed a wide range of delicious vegetable antipasti. 

Aubergines, artichokes and peppers are often roasted over charcoal fires and sprinkled with garlic, olive oil and chopped parsley; however sweetness and spices occur with equal frequency in local dishes, their presence dating back to the island’s long period of Arab domination. Arabic influence is particularly strong in the west of the island, with couscous a speciality (a couscous festival is held every September).

This influence, together with the extreme poverty that the island has experienced in more recent times may also explain the prevalence of deep-fried snacks in Sicily: various kinds of fritter, croquette and doughnut, sweet and savoury, are eaten with enthusiasm all over the island.

What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

When you book, let us know about any restrictions. This will give the Tour Manager the opportunity to shop and prepare menus
accordingly prior to your trip. At the start of the trip the Tour Manager will meet with you to discuss in more detail your requirements.

What should I wear in the evenings?

The evening meal is not formal and we would recommend smart/casual clothes. On one or two evenings (eg, in Palermo) we dine in fairly smart restaurants where a jacket or dress/skirt would not look out of place, though it is not required. We recommend that valuable jewellery be left at home. 

How much should I budget for items not included?

On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from travel to/from the destination airport, items of a personal nature, snacks and drinks outside of the set meals.

What if I want to extend my trip?

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 booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.