Walking the Highlights of Western Sicily Walk

Arrive at your hotel in Scopello where we brief you on your walking week before dinner. You spend three nights here.

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.

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 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 drive back to Palermo airport in time for your flight home.