Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Palermo. On arrival in Palermo, transfer by coach to Castellammare del Golfo (approx. one hour) and the Al Madarig Hotel.
Day 2: Full day tour to Scopello and Zingaro Nature Reserve. The charming and typically Sicilian village of Scopello, named for the rock stacks that sit in the shallows of the picturesque cove below the village, is the gateway to the spectacular Zingar Nature Reserve. The first nature reserve to be set up on the island in 1981 the park encompasses 7km of unblemished coastline and many species of rare and endemic flora and a rich variety of fauna, particularly birds. The views out over the sandy beaches and crystal clear blue sea are breathtaking. The day is complemented by a superb late lunch at the Baglio Fontana farmhouse which sits in the middle of some beautiful countryside.
Day 3: Full day tour to Erice and Segesta. The splendid town of Erice is perched on the top of Mt San Giuliano (also known as the legendary Mt Eryx) with breath-taking views – on a clear day you may spot Tunisia. Laid out to a triangular plan, Erice’s medieval character is well preserved with fine old city walls, stone houses with decorated doorways, tiny cobbled squares and a host of magnificent churches, most notably the Chiesa Matrice. The city of Segesta was founded in ancient times by exiles from Troy and is home to two important Greek monuments, a beautifully preserved 5th century BC temple with 36 Doric columns and a semi-circular theatre.
Day 4: Full day to relax and explore Castellammare del Golfo or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Cefalù. Castellammare is a charming Sicilian seaside town, historically the port for the ancient Greek city of Segesta and the hill town of Erice. The harbour is dominated by a medieval fortress and is a great place to watch the fisherman returning from an early morning at sea with their catch especially with an ice-cream in hand from one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes or the lovely sandy beach.
Day 5: Full day tour to Palermo. Sicily’s capital city, Palermo is an exotic, eccentric and energetic place, with the majority of its most impressive buildings hidden off the tourist trail – making it a refreshing and exciting place to explore. The city’s architecture is a mixture of Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Renaissance and Baroque – just wandering the streets will take you through different, fascinating period of Palermo’s history. You will also visit the wonderful Norman cathedral of Monreale, which sits on the slopes of Monte Caputo behind Palermo, where you’ll find awe-inspiring mosaics representing Byzantine, Arab and Norman heritage of the island.
Day 6: Full day to Zingaro Nature Reserve and San Vito lo Capo. Returning for another day amongst the unspoilt gorgeousness of Zingaro, we will also visit the very Italian seaside town of San Vito lo Capo, on the northern tip of the reserve, which sits in a dramatic position in a valley between two mountains. The town is full of lovely little eateries, and there’ll be plenty of time for a leisurely lunch (not included) by the beach.
Day 7: Full day to Selinunte with lunch at Vittorio’s. The ancient Greek temple ruins at Selinunte are impressively sited on a promontory overlooking the azure Mediterranean. Part of a huge and powerful city built in the 6th century BC; archaeologists have revealed eight temples, an acropolis and a fortification system on the site. In contrast, the history of the day’s itinerary is balanced with one of the highlights of the tour – a wonderful seafood lunch at the acclaimed Da Vittorio Ristorante, by the sea in Porto Palo.
Day 8: Transfer by coach back to Palermo airport for your return flight to London Gatwick.
