Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
18.0Kg CO2e
This seven-night self-guided walking holiday uncovers the secrets of Sicily's western coast and favourite off-shore islands. Historically the poorest and most remote area of Sicily, the region maintains its purity: you'll feel as though you're the first to discover its clear sapphire waters, hidden sandy coves and unexplored islands. This is certainly the place to visit if you want peace and tranquillity and to escape from it all; there are hardly any roads on Marettimo.
Highlights here include exploring the medieval hilltop town of Erice and hiking on Monte Cofano - enjoy stunning coastal vistas as far as Palermo.
All your hotels are special in their own contrasting ways. In Scopello you stay at the family run Hotel la Tavernetta, with glorious sea views from its shimmering outdoor pool. On Marettimo, your host, Fausto, meets you at the jetty with a luggage trolley (there are no roads) and takes you to his charming seafront residence (with pool and jacuzzi) just by the harbour; In San Vito Lo Capo you stay at Daniela's cosy five bedroom B&B hotel and enjoy great sea views from the luxuriant Mediterranean garden.
Please note that the itinerary on this trip is subject to change should the hydrofoil service to and from Marettimo be cancelled or delayed. This will be arranged locally for you by the agent.
This holiday follows mainly stony coastal paths, with frequent small ascents and descents. There's a good choice of walks at different levels on Marettimo, however, walking boots are essential throughout. One of the walks on Marettimo island may not be suitable for people with a fear of heights.
Arrive at your hotel in Scopello where we brief you on your walking week before dinner. You spend two nights here.
You stay at Baglio di Scopello.
The Baglio di Scopello - along with its sister hotel, the Baglio dello Zingaro - is located on a downhill path that leads from the 'rock' that overlooks Scopello to the centre of the village. It has been prettily decorated and features marble design, wrought iron features and locally crafted furniture. The ensuite rooms are bright, spacious and well appointed. The hotel also benefits from a loungebar and restaurant.
Room upgrades: Room with balcony and lateral sea view and Room with balcony and sea view
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Wind your way up through asphodel, wild fennel, dwarf palm, pomegranate and citrus trees to amazing viewpoints overlooking the stunning coastline of tiny sandy coves lapped by sapphire waters.
Transfer to the 2,500 year old temple of Segesta and the marvellously preserved theatre, then continue to Trapani for lunch. Maybe try the famous granita before catching the ferry to Marettimo and the Marettimo Residence, where you spend the next three nights. Time for a short walk before dinner, choosing one of the restaurants in the old village (payable locally).
You stay at Marettimo Residence.
The Marettimo Residence is a cluster of whitewashed apartments overlooking the port in the only residential area of Marettimo island. The accommodation is located over two levels. We have selected the monolcale or studio apartments on the first floor which feature a small kitchen, sleeping area and separate bathroom. The decor is modern and bright, with tiled floors, pine furniture, white walls and colourful textiles. Most apartments have a balcony or terrace.
Room upgrades: Bilocale, Junior Suite or Suite.
The standard rooms at this hotel are studio apartments. The bilocale comes with a separate bedroom.
The junior suite has a separate bedroom as well as a large terrace and sea view.
The suite has a separate bedroom and also a very large sea facing terrace.
A path through pine woods and across citrus-carpeted hillsides takes you from the east to the south west coast, with striking views from high above the village. There's complete peace and quiet as you picnic by the lighthouse - look out for red kites and Bonelli's eagles cruising the thermals - and gaze down at the sparkling waters and the Egadi Islands shimmering in the distance.
It's a short crossing to Levanzo where a coastal path, bright with lilac scabious, leads past deserted stone farm houses and olive trees to the Grotta del Genovese - admire the marvellously well preserved 11BC cave paintings and engravings lining the cavern walls. The bay here is a good picnic spot. There's time too for a dip in the pool or jacuzzi before your final evening meal in Marettimo.
Return to the mainland and a transfer to the hilltop town of Erice with its winding marble streets, old city gates, medieval churches, ancient squares and stunning Norman castle. From here we take you to Baglio la Luna.
You stay at Baglio La Luna.
Baglio La Luna - meaning 'the moon' - lies in a marvellous cliff top position on the edge of the Zingaro Nature reserve on the road to San Vito Lo Capo.
A converted private house, the 5 rooms are all decorated in their own individual style; there is also a charming sitting area as well as a large sun terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning sea views.
Room upgrades: Sea View Room, Sea View Room with Terrace and Room with Terrace with Sea View
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
A scenic lift to the foot of Monte Cofano is followed by a gentle ascent through twisted olive trees with breathtaking views over the Bay of Bonagia. Descending, you reach an old tonnara (tuna factory) where nearby coves with sapphire waters are perfect for a dip. Then a cliff path fringed with red valerian and field gladioli leads into the village of Cornino for a late lunch before we meet you and take you back to your hotel.
If you have pre-booked a transfer through Headwater, you will be picked up by taxi for the scenic drive of about 75 minutes back to Palermo airport in time for your flight home.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Room of Andrea – Palazzo Platamone, Trapani; Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo.
With its great location right next to the beach and the historic centre of Trapani, this lovely 4 star hotel is located in the spectacular Palazzo Platamone, built in the early 20th century by the Marquess Enrico Platamone.
Some of the rooms are decorated in neoclassical style, retaining the original details of that era and all offer the modern facilities that will make your stay very comfortable. The hotel also has a bar and a terrace with swimming pool.
Guests at Room of Andrea - Palazzo Platamone can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
Room upgrades: Superior room with lateral sea view
Located just a stone's throw from one of Palermo's main streets - the Via Vittorio Emanuele that runs through the heart of the historical centre - the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is a stunning conversion of 2 historic buildings. The origins of the hotel date back to the 16th century convent of the Mercedarian Monks; the hotel's picturesque cloister dates back to this era.
In the early 1800s, the monks joined the convent with the Briuccia family's neighbouring palazzo. However, by the 1860s, the monks had left Palermo and the building was used as the Sicilian stock exchange - in fact the former trading floor is now the hotel's Kemonia restaurant.
Today, the Piazza Borsa is a comfortable 4 star hotel, fully equipped for the needs of the 21st century traveller, with a gym and spa (including jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and massage rooms), bar and elegant restaurant.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$578.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$578.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
18.0Kg CO2e