Sicily - Magna Via Francigena
Sicily - Magna Via Francigena
$1250
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Sicily with the "Sicily - Magna Via Francigena" tour. Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims as you traverse the rugged beauty of inland Sicily, discovering the warm hospitality and pride of the Sicilian people. Explore charming towns like Prizzi, Racalmuto, and Sutera, and indulge in local culinary delights and superb Sicilian wines. Stay in comfortable hotels and charming B&Bs, and marvel at the artistic melting pot of Palermo and the grandeur of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. This self-guided walking holiday offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive in Palermo and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city's range of historical attractions, ancient buildings, and dramatic coastlines. We can assist with pre-trip accommodation if you'd like to fully discover this intriguing city.
Day 2 : Walk To Corleone Through A Landscape Of Rocky Gorges And Shepherds Fields (6Hrs)
Location: Corleone
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast a private transfer (at 9am, approx. 1 hr) takes you to Santa Cristina di Gela to commence walking. Setting out on foot you will start climbing along the “antica trazzera” (old route) towards the Santuario Maria S.S. del Rosario di Tagliavia. According to legend, in 1800 a rock with the sacred image of Mary was found by two shepherds, and in the same place while they were digging to build a fence for their animals they discovered a miraculous spring of water that healed King Ferdinado I di Borbone. The sanctuary was erected in 1841 and is a must-stop. Continue towards the peaks of Argentaria and Pizzo Nicolosi at the Gorges del Drago, and on to Corleone, sadly infamous for the Mafia, where you stay overnight. Enjoy the town's Spanish baroque influence or visit the Cidma museum, which recounts the history of the Cosa Nostra (allow an hour). Another interesting spot is the waterfall “delle due rocche”, 10 mins out of town.
Distance: 26.5km/16.5mi (ascent +872m/2861ft, descent -769m/2523ft)
Option to shorten: on request to the taxi driver this morning you can be dropped off at Sant'Agata (walk 5km less) if you wish to spend more time in Corleone. Alternatively you can have a longer walk, starting from Piana degli Albanesi (walk 5km extra).
Day 3 : Pass By Waterfalls, Vineyards And Orchards Enroute To Medieval Prizzi (5Hrs)
Location: Prizzi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a beautiful hike. The path will lead you through vineyards and open fields and past dry stone Masserie (country farms) where you may encounter a farmer who'll want you to try their freshly made ricotta! From the lake of Prizzi a steady climb takes you into town. Time to grab a cannolo with pistachio and candied orange!
Distance: 20.6km/13.8mi (ascent +885m/2904ft, descent -466m/1529ft)
Day 4 : Through A Surprisingly Green Landscape To Castronovo Di Sicilia, Transfer To Cammarata (5Hrs)
Location: Castronovo di Sicilia
Accommodation Name: agriturismo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A large part of today’s walk is inside the peaceful Carcaci Natural reserve, home to numerous species of birds of prey and a beautiful piece of forest to discover. Through the trees you can see the abandoned village of Carcaci. Its old world charm remains, along with the unaltered symmetry of its cross-layout, rural structures and small stone church. In the last part inside the Bosco Comuni (Comuni forest) there are the typical “pagliai” farmers. On arrival at Castronovo there is a transfer (at 4pm, approx 25 mins) to your overnight accommodation, an agristurismo in Cammarata. Dinner is included tonight.
Distance: 24.5km/15.3mi (ascent +602m/1975ft, descent -894m/2933ft)
Day 5 : Walk In The Shadow Of Mount Cammarata (1600M) To Sutera (4.5Hrs)
Location: Sutera
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your walk along the railway then gradually uphill to Acquaviva Platani. The Platani Valley is in front of you, and in the distance the charming villages of Mussomeli and Sutera, today's destination. The last part of the path to Sutera is along a stunning ridge. In Sutera, enjoy exploring the maze of alleys and chalk houses of the Rabato neighbourhood, founded by the Arabs around 860, and visit the rich ethnographic museum.
Distance: 15km/9.4mi (ascent +650m/2133ft, descent -700m/2297ft)
Day 6 : Descend To The River Gallodoro And Continue To Racalmuto (6Hrs)
Location: Racalmuto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You descend to the bed of the river Platani, which you ford and climb on the other side to Milena. Here the path goes up the hills that surrounds the village and gives you a panoramic overview of all the valleys nearby. Racalmuto, your destination today, is the hometown of the famous writer Leonardo Sciascia.
Distance: 23.5km/14.7mi (ascent +830m/2723ft, descent -1000m/3280ft)
Day 7 : Walk To The Baroque Village Of Aragona, Train Or Optional Transfer To Agrigento (3Hrs)
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your walk today you will pass through several charming villages such as Grotte and Comitini, where the pace is slow and you'll find some fabulous arancini (fried rice balls filled with eg ragu or spinach and ham). The Baroque village of Aragona is below you with the sea just beyond. Descend to Aragona and take the train to Agrigento (payable locally) where your pilgrimage ends. Be sure to explore the old town and the Valley of the Temples.
* An optional transfer is available Aragona to Agrigento - must be pre-booked and pre-paid, please ask our consultants.
Distance 11.5km/7.2mi (ascent +225m/738ft, descent -332m/1089ft)
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Agrigento
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night in Agrigento, please ask for our rates.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels B&B's and Agriturismos -
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
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7 nights in 3 star hotels, B&B's and Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €5-10)
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and route book
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Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
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Transfer from Palermo to Santa Cristina Gela on day 2 and Castronovo to Cammarata on day 4
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Credenziale - pilgrim's passport
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Emergency hotline and SMS alert
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Travel to Palermo and from Agrigento
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
What's Not Included
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Travel to Palermo and from Agrigento
Travel to the starting point in Palermo and from the endpoint in Agrigento is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not covered.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday, so no guide is provided.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are not covered.
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Solo traveler or single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included in the itinerary are not covered.
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Train or optional private transfer from Aragona to Agrigento
Train or optional private transfer from Aragona to Agrigento on day 7 is not included.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the included allowance.
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Hotel tax
Hotel tax, allowing EUR5-10 for the trip, is payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry are not included.
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Meals not included
Meals not included - lunches and 6 dinners. Allow EUR15-20 for each dinner and EUR5 for a picnic lunch.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to museums, galleries, and other attractions are not included.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Grading
This trip involves 6 days walking, with daily walks between 3 to 6 hours and distance from 11.5 to 26.5km / 7.8 to 16.6mi. The walks are moderate in mountainous terrain, with daily ascents and descents between 400 and 1000m per day, although the majority are not difficult and the trail is well marked. The terrain varies from paved secondary roads with little traffic, paths along fields and forests and gravel roads. There are a few streams to cross, some with very little water and some others that can be more difficult in case of rain. When it is possible we provide an alternative route in case of heavy rain and in the case of river Platani (day 6) a transfer can be arranged (locally) if it has been raining on previous days. It is essential that you have a good to excellent level of fitness and be comfortable walking in at times remote and always undulating terrain over a mixture of surfaces from rocky to grassy, asphalt to cobblestone. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a private transfer from Palermo to Santa Cristina Gela on day 2 and from Castronovo to Cammarata on day 4, with an optional train or private transfer from Aragona to Agrigento on day 7.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, charming B&Bs, and agriturismo accommodations, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 3-star hotels, B&Bs, and Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Hotel taxes are extra and payable locally, so you should allow EUR 5-10 for the trip.
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Is this tour self-guided or will there be a guide?
This is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a route book to assist you.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour includes an emergency hotline and SMS alert for any urgent issues. Additionally, luggage transfer is provided, with a maximum of one piece per person, weighing up to 20kg and with maximum dimensions of 60 x 50 x 40 cm.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Other meals, including lunches and 6 dinners, are not included. You should allow EUR 15-20 for each dinner and EUR 5 for a picnic lunch.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, additional costs include hotel taxes (EUR 5-10), meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees not listed as included, and any items of a personal nature. A supplement will also apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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What should I carry with me during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walks are moderate in mountainous terrain, with daily ascents and descents between 400 and 1000 meters. The terrain varies from paved secondary roads with little traffic, paths along fields and forests, and gravel roads. It is essential to have a good to excellent level of fitness and be comfortable walking in undulating terrain over a mixture of surfaces.
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What happens if it rains during the tour?
In case of heavy rain, alternative routes are provided when possible. For example, on day 7, if the river Platani has been affected by rain, a transfer can be arranged locally.
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Is there any historical significance to the places visited on this tour?
Yes, you will follow in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago and visit historical sites such as the Santuario Maria S.S. del Rosario di Tagliavia, the medieval town of Prizzi, and the Baroque village of Aragona. You will also explore the artistic melting pot of Palermo and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
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What kind of culinary experiences can I expect?
You will have the opportunity to feast on local culinary delights and taste superb Sicilian wines. You may also encounter local farmers who will want you to try their freshly made ricotta, and you can enjoy local specialties like cannolo with pistachio and candied orange, and arancini.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Sicily - Magna Via Francigena
8 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Agrigento, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Corleone, Prizzi, Castronovo di Sicilia, Sutera, Racalmuto, Agrigento
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MFS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History