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Crossing Sicily: 11-Day Hiking Trip

Duration
11 days
Season
Year-round
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs, charming family-run hotels
Difficulty
Moderate, good fitness and experience with multi-day hikes required

Ready for an unusual and unforgettable tour of Sicily? On this 11-day hike, I want to take you to some of my favorite spots and hidden gems. We will follow ancient trails from Caltanissetta to Palermo, passing through some charming villages and ancient ruins along the way. You’ll get to explore local culture, rich with Mediterranean stories and legends. This is more than just a hike—it’s a trip through time and history, with amazing sunsets and delicious flavors at every turn. So, lace up your boots, get those cameras ready, and let’s get going! Sicily’s waiting!

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Itinerary

Join us on an 11-day hiking trip from Caltanissetta to Palermo, tracing Sicily’s historic paths through a landscape filled with stories. Begin in Caltanissetta's lively streets before venturing into the island’s rugged interior, where every day brings new encounters—whether it’s with ancient ruins, quaint villages, or breathtaking views. Feel the Mediterranean sun as we wander through rolling vineyards and fragrant fields, experiencing the authentic side of Sicily away from the crowds. Each stop offers a taste of local culture, with amazing meals and traditions that have stood the test of time. This is not just a hike, it’s an adventure that reveals the true spirit of Sicily!

  • We’ll meet in Caltanissetta and have a guided tour of the city center. Later on, we’ll have dinner and get ready for tomorrow.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    View of Caltanissetta at sunset
  • Today, you will explore the natural protected area of Montegarufi, which is very interesting for its mining and geological heritage, and climb up to Monte Mimiani. Spend the night in Marianopoli.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 23 km / 14.3 miles
    Elevation: +600 m / +1,968 ft, -700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 10.5 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

  • You will climb to the beautiful natural area of the Serre, on the slopes of Cozzo Pirtusiddu, from where we can see most of the peaks of Sicily, all the way from the Madonie down to the Sicani mountains. Also, you will walk on mixed terrains and explore the towns of Vallelunga, Pratameno, and Villalba. The night is spent in Roccapalumba.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 21 km / 13 miles
    Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft, -800 m / -2,625 ft
    Duration: 10 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Luxury resort / hotel within a vineyard property

  • You will reach Valledolmo, getting a glimpse of the peaks of the Madonie mountains chain. We’ll mostly follow shepherds’ tracks again, walking to Gulfa caves with their prehistoric heritage and Alia.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 26 km / 16.1 miles
    Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft ,-700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 12 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Luxury resort / hotel within a vineyard property

  • Most of the day, you are going to be walking on shepherd tracks that follow Medieval royal roads. We will walk across extensive pastures and climb up to the amazing fortress of Vicari.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 22.5 km / 14 miles
    Elevation: +860 m / +2,821 ft, -890 m / -2,920 ft
    Duration: 10 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    View of the countryside, fields and hills in the region of Vicari
  • You will walk  across the Bosco della Ficuzza natural protected area following dirty trails under the woods.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 19 km / 11.8 miles
    Elevation: +500 m / +1,640 ft, -700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 9 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Agrotourism B&B

  • From the entrance to the Bosco della Ficuzza natural protected area we will we’ll walk to Cefalà Diana with its impressive Arab baths and the ruins of its castle. You will then walk to Marineo and visit some beautiful waterfalls.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 17 km / 10.6 miles
    Elevation: +900 m / +2,953 ft, -500 m / -1,640 ft
    Duration: 9 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

  • On day 8, you will follow quiet country roads (mixed terrains) along the Sconzano river and walk across Misilmeri.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 16.5 km / 10.2 miles
    Elevation: +750 m / +2,460 ft, -350 m / -1,148 ft
    Duration: 8.5 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Agrotourism B&B

    small alcantara gorge, sicily
  • From Misilmeri, you will explore the Arbëresh area and climb the Scala dei Muli to enjoy beautiful views of Palermo’s gulf from above. Then, head on to Palermo.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 miles
    Elevation: +750 m / +2,460 ft, -700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 8 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Palermo from above
  • After breakfast, you have a day off to enjoy the city and do whatever we want to do. Eat, drink, walk, sightsee, mingle with the locals, drink too many cups of coffee—the choice is ours alone.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

  • Our trip comes to an end! If you’d wish to extend your stay, please contact us so we can make further arrangements.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Please note that there can be last minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, pandemics, and events of similar nature.

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Meet your guides

Guido
5.00
Guido
Guido is an expert mountaineer and founder of Freemotion Trekking Italia. In addition to having covered thousands of kilometers everywhere in the Dolomites, Guido has a deep knowledge of them. Beyond the Dolomites, he leads tours in the Lake Garda area, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and Sicily. In his company, you can learn many interesting things about the "most beautiful mountains in the world" and other gorgeous places in Italy.
Freemotion Trekking Italia
5.00
Freemotion Trekking Italia
Freemotion Trekking Italia
Freemotion Trekking Italia is a passionate team of Mountain and Hiking Guides based in the heart of the Dolomites. Beyond the rugged beauty of the Dolomites, we offer immersive hiking tours in some of Italy's most stunning locations, including the Amalfi Coast, Lake Garda, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Sicily. With years of experience guiding people of all ages and backgrounds, safety is our top priority, but our commitment goes beyond that. We believe in enriching experiences that delve into the local culture and natural wonders of each destination. Our excursions are more than just walks; they're opportunities to connect with nature, learn about local traditions, and create lasting memories. From the moment you join us, expect a warm welcome and leave with a heartfelt hug, as we share our love for hiking and the beauty of Italy with you.

Food

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • A certified hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 10 nights of accommodations
      • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners as indicated in the itinerary
      • Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
      • Transfer as needed during the tour
      • Guide’s expenses
      • Support person with a car for any emergency during the hiking days
      • Fee and taxes

    What’s not included:

      • Flights to Italy
      • Train or private transfers
      • Entry tickets/parking
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Extra drinks
      • City taxes (where applicable; payable on site upon check-out)
      • Additional nights (extended stay)
      • Adequate insurance that covers repatriation costs — mandatory
  • This Sicily hiking trip can be completed by any generally fit hikers with previous experience with multi-day hikes, who are prepared to walk between 8-10 hours per day. The most important thing to take into account is the significant number of days that you will spend trekking. It will greatly help your enjoyment of the trek to arrive fit at the start, used to walks of similar distance and height gain to those that you are about to face.

    We will mostly walk on easy terrains, graveled roads, and sometimes asphalt, but the distances and elevation gain and loss can be challenging. You can find day-by-day distances and elevation changes in the itinerary. Remember that you will be carrying only a small backpack while your luggage will be transferred. If anything happens and you need to rest and skip some sections of the walk, your guides will be there to help.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Comfortable hiking clothes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)
      • Sturdy walking shoes or boots

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Your guides will provide accommodation at the most characteristic and comfortable locations in the area, within a 30-minute drive from the end of the walk. The accommodation level will be inevitably varied (3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs, and charming family-run hotels), depending on what is available in the area.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this hiking trip in Sicily, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.

    Hiking in Sicily can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Sicily hiking trip from Caltanissetta to Palermo is in Caltanissetta. To get there, most people fly into Catania Airport. From there, you can take a train to Caltanissetta or arrange a private transfer with your guides for an added fee.

    Alternatively, you can choose to fly into Palermo Airport. However, in that case, booking a private transfer with your guide is mandatory.

    If you would like to arrange a private transfer, contact us.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.

    Early Bird booking

    Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit. 

    As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best. 

    More about how Early Bird bookings work below:

      • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
      • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
      • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit). 
      • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
      • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.
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