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Join us on a week of walking amidst the diverse landscapes of eastern Sicily. From our beachfront hotel base, in the scenic costal town of Latojanni, we’ll follow various trails taking us through the stunning pumice strewn lava fields of Mount Etna, the picturesque countryside of La valle d’Agrò, close to the town of Forza d’Agrò, and along the Alcantara River’s crystal clear waters and stunning gorges with bizarre natural mosaics of basalt columns. We also join a guided tour of the city centre of historical Catania, which is a world heritage UNESCO site. Along with these three walks and the city tour, we also seek out some of the area’s most beautiful vistas and views and still have some free time remaining to relax or further explore this fascinating region.
Extras
We arrive on the island of Sicily. We will transfer from Catania Airport to the town of Latojani, our base for the week. Situated on the eastern coast of the island, its easy pace of life offers visitors a relaxing beach getaway with stunning sea views and easy access to nearby natural, historical and cultural attractions.
After breakfast at our hotel, we take a coach to the Rifugio Sapienza area on Mount Etna at an altitude of 1,900 meters. From here, with an expert guide, we will first visit the Silvestri Craters (two extinct volcanic calderas) and then take a trail through some of the most recent lava fields which resulted from the eruptions of 2001.
Our course will take us to the Valle del Bove (Valley of the OX), a large depression as a result of the collapse of eastern flank of the mountain, caused by lava flows, an estimated 8000 years ago.
On the way back, we will take the Schiena dell’Asino (Donkey’s Back) route, exploring its spectacular panoramas both towards the coast and towards the summit craters of Etna along which we will take the short side trail that goes to the ‘Grotta di Pitagora’ cave.
We then return to our hotel to relax and freshen up before enjoying dinner there.
Height altitude 2000-2100 meters; journey time 3-4 hours; path on volcanic ash; flora made of endemic bushes. Challenging walk.
Today we enjoy a half day guided tour of Catania, the second largest city on Sicily after Palermo.
We begin at the Piazza Alcalá through the streets of the World Heritage listed city centre, taking in the Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city with its Baroque palaces and the central Elephant Fountain. From there, we will walk along the Via Etnea and visit Piazza Stesicoro to see the remains of the ancient Roman city of Catania and its impressive amphitheatre. We will also visit the monument to Vincenzo Bellini, the famous opera composer, and an open-air fish market, famous for its vibrant colours.
We spend the remainder of the day at our own pace.
We take a more rural walk today, passing through the tranquil rolling countryside around Forza d’Agrò, a medieval town north of Taormina, made famous when scenes for the The Godfather movie were shot there. We make our way through the beautiful flora of the region, along paths through ancient rural landscapes with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian coast, Calabria and the peaks of the nearby Nebrodi Mountains. We will return by the same route.
Once back at our hotel, we have the rest of the day as free time to relax as we please before dinner that evening in our hotel.
Height altitude starting at 400 meters and varying between 200 to 250m. Total trail length 7km taking about 3-4 hours.
Today can be spent however we wish! Latojani offers a relaxed slice of the Sicilian coast with its picturesque winding streets, great local restaurants and a long, sandy beach with azure blue lapping waves to laze on.
Today we visit the Alcantara Gorge – a spectacular canyon bordered by 50-meter-high walls fashioned from basalt columns, formed by the action of the waters of the Alcantara River and by lava flows from Etna before it.
We start from the MOL (Museum Of Land), to discover the Alcantara Gorge through the modern 4D multimedia room, and then continue along a charming nature trail which takes around 45 minutes and allows us magnificent views above and inside the gorge. Easy walk.
During the visit, there will be an opportunity to taste a range of typical local products such as olive oil, liqueurs and citrus-based jams.
Another day of free time, which can be spent relaxing around Latojani or exploring further afield to one of the many beautiful parts of the region.
Upmarket Taormina – dubbed the Monte Carlo of Sicily – is right on our doorstep and there is a local bus stop a three minute walk from our hotel for a bus that can take you there in 20 minutes.
In Taormina town, there are numerous landmarks to visit such as the Ancient Theatre, strolling along the Corso Umberto and admiring its many fountains and churches. Or why not stop to take in the many splendid views around the town. Your Tour Leader will be happy to assist you with any arrangements you wish to make.
It’s time to say “Arrivederci”! After breakfast, we will transfer back to the airport to take our flight home.
Our base for this week is Hotel Palazzo Duarante, located at the central piazza of Letojanni town, along the boulevard and directly in front of the pebble beach of Letojanni. With shops, restaurants, gelaterias and coffee shops out the front steps.
Spiaggia di Letojanni Public Beach is 1.6 km from the hotel. Guests can reach Letojanni city centre in five minutes on foot.
Palazzo Durante provides concierge services, restaurant, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.
Non smoking rooms have a private bathroom, flat screen tv, hairdryer, mini fridge and air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Catania Airport to Hotel Palazzo Durante is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.
One full day, and two half day guided walks are included in the programme as well as half day guided city tour. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Easy to Medium and you can expect to walk between 5 to 9 km per day, with some ascents/descents. Terrain varies from rocky underfoot to compacted volcanic materials.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive.
The weather, even in summer, is unpredictable – particularly in mountainous areas. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
Passport validity requirements
If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.Your passport must be:
You must check if your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. Check with your transport provider or travel company that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Passport stamping At Italian border control, you may need to:
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Italy as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.
Visa requirements
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:
If you are travelling to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Compulsory vaccinations:
None.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Italy
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Italy, including the Alps and the Dolomites. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
Euro
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required.
The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| April | 19 °C | 12 °C |
| June | 27 °C | 20 °C |
| September | 27 °C | 22 °C |
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