Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Headwater
Navigation App
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.
Highlights here include exploring the medieval hilltop town of Erice, marvelling at the prehistoric cave paintings on Levanzo and hiking on Monte Cofano - from where you enjoy stunning coastal vistas as far as Palermo.
Your hotels are each special in their own contrasting ways. In the sleepy village of Scopello, you stay at the 4* Baglio di Scopello, with its tempting outdoor swimming pool, perfect for a post walk dip, whilst in Trapani, your accommodation is the 4* Room of Andrea, located in the spectacular Palazzo Platamone, and boasting superb views from its roof top pool.
This holiday follows mainly stony paths with some paved tracks and frequent ascents and descents, some of which are steep; walking boots are essential throughout.
Arrive at your hotel in Scopello where we brief you on your walking week before dinner. You spend three nights here.
You stay at Baglio di Scopello.
The Baglio di Scopello 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 lounge bar 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.
There's a short transfer (10 mins) this morning before you set off on a winding uphill path past dwarf palms, holm oak and eucalyptus on the flanks of Monte Inici - with luck you can spot buzzard, peregrine falcon or the Sicilian rock partridge which is a protected species here. The vistas open up over Scopello and the Zingaro reserve, before a final uphill push, rewarded with truly outstanding views onto the Gulf of Castellammare. Descend to the gorgeous and quintessentially Sicilian town of Castellammare with its Aragonese castle and maze of medieval streets.
Transfer to the 2,500 year old temple of Segesta and the marvellously preserved theatre, then on to the hilltop town of Erice with its winding marble streets, old city gates, medieval churches, ancient squares and stunning Norman castle. Continue to Baroque Trapani and the 4* Room of Andrea.
You stay at Room of Andrea – Palazzo Platamone.
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 dip pool.
Room upgrades: Superior room
Superior rooms are larger than the standard rooms
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
It's a 50 minute 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. Back in Trapani, why not grab a granita at the Torre di Ligny at sundown to savour the location's stunning sunsets!
Take the hydrofoil (30 minutes) to the largest of the Egadi islands, Favignana, with its pretty bays framed by azure seas. From the cluster of whitewashed houses in Favignana town, head uphill to the panoramic 15th century Castello di Santa Caterina, from where there are superb 360 degrees vistas of Favignana and the other Egadi islands on a clear day. Return to the port via the Neogothic Palazzo Florio and the golden sands of Spiaggia Praia.
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 where 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 drive back to Palermo airport in time for your flight home.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo.
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 $519.
Entrance fees apply for Segesta (6€) and the Zingaro Nature Reserve (5€). An indicative cost of the ferry / hydrofoil from Trapani to the islands is 26€ return to Levanzo and 29€ return to Favignana. Airport and luggage transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
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,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Headwater
Navigation App