Walking Holiday around Sicily

The nature of the terrain and the mild mediterranean climate does not required special equipment but in those activities such as the river Trekking the participants will be provided with all the necessary gear, while to go down inside a lava cave on mountain Etna an helmet and an head light will be available.

Sicily Active group trips are accompanied by one or two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Sicily Active aim to support local guides. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it has deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Provided we are advised in advance of your departure, we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen trip. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We strongly encourage that travellers with life-threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self-administering these medications.

You will be joining a group with a mix of participants from different countries, speaking different languages including English, German and French. Your tour leader will be guiding in English primarily to cater to all participants.

The region known as Sicily is the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, but without the shadow of a doubt offers the most biodiversity in the region. With this trip, you will be visiting the est coast of the island, home to an astonishing number of natural and cultural variety. Etna is the highest active volcano in the all of the European continent (10990 ft. last eruption may 2016). Two other mountain regions the Nebrodi and Peloritani lip over each other in this side of the island and they both offer a mix of alpine landscape at higher altitude with lakes, thick forest and wild animals while at lower level display a typical mediterranean vegetation with olives groove, citrus, prickly pear etc. The lush Alcantara Valley is home to a geological marvel; a black basaltic canyon with walls up to 30 meters, where a river flowing through has contributed to create an astonishing landscape. Moving southwards along the coast the terrain became flat and we find the natural reserve of Vendicari 3756,002 acres of trails between white and gold sandy beaches, emerald’s sea, marshes where migratory birds on route to Africa stop and remain of old tuna factory used since the 17th century. The marine park of Isola bella with this rocks that plunge into the turquois water surmounted by cappers, figs and another multitude of mediterranean vegetation add another touch of biodiversity to this slice of the island. Another thick chapter is the one related to the countless civilization (Phoenician, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French and Spanish) have all conquered the island in the past 3000 years, each one living an unique trace that blended together with the others has forged a complex and fascinating history. All throughout the island there are countless archaeological and historical sites, enough to keep busy even the most experienced historian.

We suggest a travel insurance for our trips. We recommend that the policy covers , cancellation, loss of luggage and personal effects.

Sicily Active is aware that during any activities, there is the risk of accident or injuries that is why all our participants are covered from day one with a sport insurance, included in the holiday price.

Visas for Italy are not required for passport holders of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. All other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities.

Sicilian summers are hot. From beginning of May to September, highs of 30 degrees Celsius are common but record temperature above 40 degrees have been recorded. Spring and autumn are the nicest times of year, specifically, April to early June and September to October are the most pleasant months to do physical activity. Average daytime highs are around 20-25 degrees Celsius.

From a minimum of 4 to Max 12 persons.

Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking boots / shoes and sun hat, small rucksack, insect repellent, a warm sweater or fleece, walking poles optional but recommended. This packing List should be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list.

The operation of this trip requires a minimum number of participants. Departures can be cancelled up to 6 weeks prior to the trip start date. While the vast majority of departures operate during the season, if there are too few people the trip will be cancelled and we will provide a refund. For further details, please review our conditions of contract.

We cannot and do not want to force anybody to leave tips, but remember you are traveling in one of the less wealthy region of Europe. An average waiter, receptionist, driver etc. earns no more than 1000 euro a month, and most probably does not go on vacation, so if you feel that they have done a good job, or they have took good care of you a small tip will make them happy and help them with some extra money.

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. Your opinion can be sent to vera@sicilyactive.com