Coastal and Mountain Hikes, Greek and Roman Ruins

Hiking in Sicily

Italy

11 Days

From $6,695

Level 3

Moderate

Overview

    Book Online Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    Sicily is an inspiring island with a 3,000-year-old blend of Mediterranean cultures evident in epic Roman temples and in cathedrals with Norman-Arab mosaics. Even the beguiling cuisine is laced with Greek, Spanish, and Arab influences! We hike cliff trails above the sea, into a wild canyon filled with Neolithic tombs, on a secret path to a medieval citadel, and even on the slopes of fiery Mt. Etna. Incredible World Heritage Sites abound, including the marvelous Villa Romana del Casale and the stunning Greek and Roman ruins at Siracusa. Sicily's cuisine (think catch-of-the-day fish and indulgent desserts) counts high among the delights, as do our expert Trip Leaders who call this captivating island home.

    Arrive: Palermo, Italy

    Depart: Catania, Italy

    Highlights

    • Hike spectacular seaside trails, explore medieval Erice, discover seaside Cefalú
    • Visit Siracusa's Ortigia Island, with its Greek, Roman, and Baroque heritage
    • Hike in the Pantàlica Gorge, view the stunning mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale
    • Explore Taormina, hike on snow-capped Mt. Etna
    • Enjoy Sicily's fresh-caught seafood, tapestry of cuisines, and indulgent desserts

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      We hike through the haunting ruins of the 5th century BC Greek temple of Selinunte, and we’ll circle Monte Cofano on spectacular trails above the sea, with overnights in the hill town of Erice, topped by a Norman castle. Another hike brings us through vineyards to a family-run agriturismo for lunch, and we’ll visit Monreale’s 12th century cathedral to see its golden Byzantine mosaics. Seaside Cefalú is our base for a hike in the Madonie Mountains, where Sicily’s deeply rustic culture thrives.
      At Villa Romana, once a private Roman estate and now a stunning open-air World Heritage Site, we'll view amazing intact mosaic floors—over 40 of them—depicting everyday Roman life in the 3rd century AD. At our pastoral agriturismo, we can hike, relax by the pool, or visit an archaeological site.
      We hike among Bronze Age tombs in the wild Pantàlica Gorge, then head to ancient Siracusa to walk the narrow lanes of World Heritage-listed Ortigia Island, with its Baroque public squares and Doric temples. The striking Doric temple of Athena, now Siracusa's cathedral, was built in the 5th century BC.
      Writers from Goethe to Hemingway have been drawn to the gorgeous hill town of Taormina. We'll visit the Roman theater, then head up to 9,500 feet on Mt. Etna for a hike below the crater. Depart on Day 11 via Catania.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      $600 due at time of reservation
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in small inns and hotels
      • All meals included except 1 lunch and 4 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Hotel Elimo

      Erice, Italy

      Days 1-2 (2 nights)

      Located in the historic center of the picturesque mountain town of Erice, the small family-run Hotel Elimo is a perfectly restored, quiet hotel with clean and comfortable rooms and a courtyard garden, a great place to relax with a drink. A generous breakfast buffet is served in a dining room...

      La Plumeria Hotel

      Cefalú, Italy

      Days 3-4 (2 nights)

      This 10-room boutique hotel right in the heart of Cefalú's Old Town is a real gem, just yards from the main square and cathedral. The rooms are beautifully decorated in a simple, elegant style and the staff is very helpful. A plentiful breakfast buffet is offered in the courtyard, and...

      Agriturismo Il Drago

      Aidone, Italy

      Days 5-6 (2 nights)

      This 9-room property has a quiet rural location not far from the famous Roman Villa del Casale and is surrounded by a 100-acre farm. The food is authentically Sicilian, with an organic garden on site.

      Grand Hotel Ortigia

      Siracusa, Italy

      Days 7-8 (2 nights)

      With a convenient location on the waterfront, the Grand Ortigia is a renovated turn-of-the-century hotel with comfortable rooms, a good breakfast, and a helpful staff. The restaurant/bar on the roof terrace has great views.

      Ashbee Hotel

      Taormina, Italy

      Days 9-10 (2 nights)

      The 25-room Ashbee is a renovated private villa built in 1907 by Charles Robert Ashbee, a renowned Arts & Crafts architect. It has a sublime location—perched on a cliff above the sea. Guestrooms vary in size but all are elegant and comfortable, with private terraces opening onto tranquil gardens. The...

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Teresa Baldi

      View Profile

      William Chicarelli

      View Profile

      Lisa Halderman

      View Profile

      Sebastiano Leone

      View Profile

      Gabriele Mastrilli

      View Profile

      Vicky Sotriffer

      View Profile

      Francesco Corbino

      View Profile

      Mariangela Lovicu

      View Profile

      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 7 miles a day, being on your feet for up to 5 hours a day, and making long descents that can be hard on the knees. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing. Please note that there are long drive times throughout this trip, often 2.5-3 hours in a day.

      Average Hiking Day
      • 4 miles
      • 2-3 hours
      • 800-1,000 feet gain/loss
      Challenge Day
      • Day 9 – 7 miles, 5 hours, 1,300 feet gain, and 4,500 feet loss
      Review Trip Level Details
      Our hikes are varied, from light, countryside walking to mountainous and rugged terrain. The hikes in the Madonie Mountains and on Mount Etna can be very challenging, and Mount Etna can have sharp rocks, loose scree, and soft ash. For Mount Etna, we will take a cable car to 9,500 feet and hike to the summit, depending on weather and volcanic activity, which is at 11,000 feet. Please note that the hiking can feel more demanding at times because the weather can occasionally be very hot, even in the Spring and Fall.
      The weather in Sicily in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s°F and 80s°F during the day and in the 60s°F at night. Cool breezes and showers can occur at any time, especially on October departures. It can get very cold on Mt. Etna—there's even a possibility of encountering snow on the trails in April.
      We spend our nights in small, picturesque inns, full of Italian charm and ambiance. All hotels are chosen for their history and central location. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
      Sicily's glorious food (think catch-of-the-day fish, couscous, pasta, vegetables, and indulgent desserts) is among the delights of this trip. Our lunches will be at agriturismos or picnic-style during one of our hikes. Dinners are at local restaurants. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but many restaurants in Sicily don't open until 7:30 pm, so the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm at the earliest.
      Please note that there are long drive times on this trip, often 2.5-3 hours per day. Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). Most hikes end at lunchtime, but if we are continuing on, you can opt to skip the afternoon hike and travel in the support vehicle.

      Client Testimonials

      "It was magical—the beauty of Sicily and hiking through the countryside."

      Barbara Q.

      Oakdale, NY

      "Terrific itinerary. Nice mix of history, sights, and hiking. Great towns, woonderful restaurants, and great hotels, each getting better and better as the trip went on. Wonderful!"

      Barry R.

      Highland Park, IL

      "This was a wonderful trip. The places visited were terrific, and the leaders, in particular, made everything worthwhile by their knowledge of the place, their flexibility, and their great sense of humor."

      Bettina R.

      Santa Clara, CA

      "This was a fantastic trip for both of us. We loved the blend of experiences that could only be possible on a WT trip, such as sit-down meals, picnics, a walk followed by a superb lunch at a winery, tour and dinner with a baron in Siracuse, wading in the sea, touring ancient sites. Each trip we have been on with Wilderness Travel has exceeded our expectations. This trip stands out even more so."

      Bob and Shirley B.

      Ennis, MT

      "We really enjoyed Sicily—the scenery, food, hikes, and guides were top notch."

      Carol L.

      Kalispell, MT

      "The guides were constantly aware of and offered extra cultural and nature opportunities. The hotels were charming and representative of the towns we visited. Food was excellent, represented the local specialities, and menus varied with lots of opportunities for individual choices and close attention paid to client special needs. The picnics were fantastic!"

      Carol M.

      Lafayette, CA

      "I am recommending this trip to friends for next October—I'll tell them to reserve early because I am sure word of mouth will result in an early sell-out. I can't think of a thing that would improve this trip. I will never forget climbing (and descending) Mt. Etna!"

      Carol W.

      San Francisco, CA

      "An excellent trip. We were not expecting such wonderful food and hospitality—a wonderful bonus!"

      Cindy H.

      Santa Rosa, CA

      "The trip was an amazing introduction to the island and its culture, introducing us to a range of environments, cultural events, archaeological sites and historically significant areas throughout Sicily. The food was consistently wonderful and we sampled many lovely Sicilian wines."

      Claire G.

      Seattle, WA

      "This was one of the best organized trips we’ve done. The leaders were very good and the group meshed well. We felt like we saw a tremendous amount of Sicily in our visit and came away with a solid understanding of the island and the multiple cultures."

      Dan B.

      Oakland, CA

      "Everything was well orchestrated, controlled, and managed, the hotels were very good to excellent, and the meals were extremely good."

      David C.

      New York, NY

      "We had a wonderful time. I felt I had been able to see and experience the ‘real’ Sicily."

      Diane C.

      Manchester, MO

      "Probably the best trip I've been on! Sicily was a wonderful surprise."

      Don M.

      Atlanta, GA

      "We really felt we saw Sicily and learned a lot about its very rich history. The local guides were excellent, the restaurants were wonderful, and Sebastiano and Francesco obviously cared deeply that we had a fun and memorable trip."

      Edie L.

      Dallas, TX

      "Terrific throughout. Our guides were the absolute best. Bravissimi!"

      Edy and Michael D.

      Portland, OR

      "I selected this trip to learn and experience the Sicilian culture and food. My expectations were exceeded! Excellent trip leaders and fellow travelers."

      Elaine W.

      Seattle, WA

      "I loved the trip, and the balance of city/cultural activities with outdoor/hiking activities was exactly what I expected."

      Eleanor S.

      Kingstone, ON

      "All lodging, food, and drink were excellent and perfectly selected for each location. I feel like I personally sampled many aspects of the complex history and rich culture of Sicily."

      Eric O.

      Tampa, FL

      "Best trip ever! I loved the small group size with two trip leaders—it allowed for great flexibility."

      Gail B.

      Larchmont, NY

      "We enjoyed every minute!"

      Heidi M.

      Brevard, NC

      "A wonderful way to experience Sicily—everything from ancient Greek and Roman sites, medieval churches, and natural phenomena such as Mt. Etna to tasty fresh fish and pasta dishes accompanied by excellent Sicilian wines."

      Jane S.

      Albuquerque, NM

      "This trip provided a wonderful sampler of Sicily and Sicilian life, past and present. Throughout our trip, the food was exceptional—the best in all of Italy!"

      Johanna S.

      Sunnyvale, CA

      "Well designed and well run. I especially loved the hikes, and the enthusiasm of the guides was very contagious."

      John R.

      Baltimore, MD

      "Ones world expands through travel in many ways, but I think the best medium of that expansion is new friends. Group travel opens that door so that luck can take a hand. Like your trip leaders, the group of clients you attract is exceptional in our experience. We have made some of our best friends while traveling on WT trips. and we continue to travel with them often. Thank-you is in order."

      Jon R.

      Hillsborough, CA

      "Fantastic trip. Good itinerary, wonderful guides, generous with extras such as espressos at every stop."

      Joselyn B.

      Caspar, CA

      "The beauty, archaeological history, food, and wines of Sicily were so much more than I envisioned. We were blessed with glorious views, wildflowers, picnics, dinners, historical sites of wonder. The fellow participants were almost as wonderful as the stellar guides. I loved this tour!"

      Julie L.

      La Mesa, CA

      "I had high hopes for Sicily, though unsure how it would compare to previous Italian trips. It exceeded all expectations by far. One of my most favorite trips."

      Larry E.

      Chicago, IL

      "What a gorgeous country, what amazing wildflowers, what fresh and varied food and wine! National parks and museums, archaeological sites and historic sites, a Greek play in a Greek amphitheater, back roads and seaside boulevards, beach towns and Roman villas, luncheons on country estates, elegant picnics at the trail’s end, dinners in romantic settings...lovely trip! We had a great overview of Sicily with lots of opportunities to see into the past and the present, the natural world and the cultural treasures, the farms and the cities. Our leaders gave us insights and introductions to people with whom we would never otherwise have made contact. They spoiled us with good food and lovely hotels, and guarded our safety and experiences to make sure we never had to worry about ANYTHING on the trip."

      Lynn M.

      Great Falls, VA

      "This was an incredible introduction to Sicily. We covered so much of the island, the hikes were all so different, it was a perfect blend of hiking and cultural activities."

      Margaret K.

      San Francisco, CA

      "This was an amazing trip. From diamond-in-the-rough Palermo to the jewel that is Taormina and the great variety of architecture, culture, and landscape in between, Sicily is full of surprises. The three all-Sicilian guides added enormously to the experience and deepened our understanding of this complicated culture."

      Marilyn O.

      Tampa, FL

      "This trip was terrific, a great mix of outdoors and archaeology. The hotels were charming, the food delicious, and the sites amazing. Hiking through Sicily (and Mt. Etna!) was great!"

      Marlaine L.

      Princeton, NJ

      "Fantastic trip! Sebastiano, Francesco, and Tania did a great job. We loved the local foods, the wines, and the people, and felt we really got to experience Sicily. And we had a very nice group of fellow travelers!"

      Mary C.

      Dallas, TX

      "This is a really fun trip with lots of good food and wine as well as some very nice hiking."

      Pam M.

      La Jolla, CA

      "Sicily is quite an amazing destination, and we were very happy to experience it through this fine itinerary with these excellent guides."

      Pam W.

      Minneapolis, MN

      "I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to walk and experience Sicily in an up close and personal way. The three trip leaders made this happen."

      Paul M.

      Olney, MD

      "The chemistry between our three guides was good, each complementing the other, making the trip fun and lighthearted. They made us feel welcomed in Italy and were eager to share their love of the island, its people, and the beauty of this ancient land."

      Pierre J.

      Fountain Hills, AZ

      "Simply put, this was the best trip ever. The deliberate balance of exercise, education, and culinary extravaganzas made each day a feast for the eyes, minds, and bodies."

      Sandy C.

      Haverford, PA

      "Everything about this trip was exemplary. The itinerary included important, well known, and lesser known sites, all highly enjoyable, located around the entire island of Sicily. I felt I got to experience so many interesting and truly fascinating aspects of Sicilian life and culture. The food choices were astonishing: fresh, delicious, and wide ranging, from really special local restaurants to cafes, hotels, and agriturismos. The hotels/accommodations were all lovely, clean, and well run. This was a fantastically fun trip!"

      Sharon H.

      Santa Monica, CA

      "A wonderful trip with interesting, capable, and kind leaders. We had a great time!"

      Susan W.

      Portland, OR

      "I cannot say enough how wonderful in every way this trip experience was! And our leaders were the icing on the cake! They both were on top of every aspect, looking after every detail and also anticipating what might be needed."

      Terri L.

      Westminster, CO

      "The absolute key to the success of the trip was the leaders, Sebastiano, Lisa, and Tania. They were just superb in every way. We were briefed on the next day's itinerary every evening during the excellent dinners and they were thoroughly professional, knowledgable, and accommodating."

      Tom G.

      Los Altos, CA

      "I must say this was the best vacation that I have ever experienced."

      Tray B.

      Chadds Ford, PA

      "We had a wonderful time. Sicily was fantastic and our enjoyment was enhanced by our three guides."

      Walter and Anneliese B.

      Toronto, Ontario

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

      Hidden

      Hidden


      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

      {"trip":{"TripID":10309,"Trip_Code":"SICILY","Trip_Name":"Hiking in Sicily","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Palermo, Italy","End_Location":"Catania, Italy","Number_Days":11,"Number_Nights":10,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"<p>Sicily is an inspiring island with a 3,000-year-old blend of Mediterranean cultures evident in epic Roman temples and in cathedrals with Norman-Arab mosaics. Even the beguiling cuisine is laced with Greek, Spanish, and Arab influences! We hike cliff trails above the sea, into a wild canyon filled with Neolithic tombs, on a secret path to a medieval citadel, and even on the slopes of fiery Mt. Etna. Incredible World Heritage Sites abound, including the marvelous Villa Romana del Casale and the stunning Greek and Roman ruins at Siracusa. Sicily&#39;s cuisine (think catch-of-the-day fish and indulgent desserts) counts high among the delights, as do our expert Trip Leaders who call this captivating island home.<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p><\/p>","ActivityHighlight":"A mix of moderate walks and hikes, some steep trails, 2-4 hours a day, 1 optional day-hike at 9,500 feet (Mt. Etna), van support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-SICILY-messina-mount-etna-cesaro-cityscape-italy-012324.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/sicily-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/sicily-hiking-walking-tour","ThisYear_Year":"2024","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"$6,695 (11-15 members)<br>$7,395 (5-10 members)","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $1,125","Price":"6695","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":false,"NextYear_Year":"","NextYear_PriceDetails":"","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"","PriceNextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"<p><\/p>","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"<p><\/p>","PricingNotes":"<p><\/p>","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":7,"TripRatingName":"3","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":21,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Europe","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":"","TripStatus":"Active"},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Palermo \/ Selinunte \/ Erice \/ Coastal Hike \/ Monreale \/ Cefal&uacute;","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We hike through the haunting ruins of the 5th century BC Greek temple of Selinunte, and we&rsquo;ll circle Monte Cofano on spectacular trails above the sea, with overnights in the hill town of Erice, topped by a Norman castle. Another hike brings us through vineyards to a family-run agriturismo for lunch, and we&rsquo;ll visit Monreale&rsquo;s 12th century cathedral to see its golden Byzantine mosaics. Seaside Cefal&uacute; is our base for a hike in the Madonie Mountains, where Sicily&rsquo;s deeply rustic culture thrives.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Villa Romana del Casale","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"At Villa Romana, once a private Roman estate and now a stunning open-air World Heritage Site, we&#39;ll view amazing intact mosaic floors&mdash;over 40 of them&mdash;depicting everyday Roman life in the 3rd century AD. At our pastoral agriturismo, we can hike, relax by the pool, or visit an archaeological site.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Pant&agrave;lica Gorge \/ Siracusa","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We hike among Bronze Age tombs in the wild Pant&agrave;lica Gorge, then head to ancient Siracusa to walk the narrow lanes of World Heritage-listed Ortigia Island, with its Baroque public squares and Doric temples. The striking Doric temple of Athena, now Siracusa&apos;s cathedral, was built in the 5th century BC.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Taormina \/ Mt. Etna","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Writers from Goethe to Hemingway have been drawn to the gorgeous hill town of Taormina. We&apos;ll visit the Roman theater, then head up to 9,500 feet on Mt. Etna for a hike below the crater. Depart on Day 11 via Catania.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/hiking-in-sicily-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/hiking-in-sicily-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike spectacular seaside trails, explore medieval Erice, discover seaside Cefal&uacute;","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38660,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Visit Siracusa&apos;s Ortigia Island, with its Greek, Roman, and Baroque heritage","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38660,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike in the Pant&agrave;lica Gorge, view the stunning mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38660,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":4,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore Taormina, hike on snow-capped Mt. Etna","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38660,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":5,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy Sicily&apos;s fresh-caught seafood, tapestry of cuisines, and indulgent desserts","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":38660,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":10,"HighlightText":"","Description":"10-SICILY-elymian-doric-temple-segesta-italy-wildflowers.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/10-SICILY-elymian-doric-temple-segesta-italy-wildflowers.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":10624,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":11,"HighlightText":"","Description":"11-SICILY-messina-mount-etna-cesaro-cityscape-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/11-SICILY-messina-mount-etna-cesaro-cityscape-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":10625,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":12,"HighlightText":"","Description":"12-SICILY-monreale-group-vineyard-hike-tour-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/12-SICILY-monreale-group-vineyard-hike-tour-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":10626,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":13,"HighlightText":"","Description":"13-SICILY-seaside-cefalu-town-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/13-SICILY-seaside-cefalu-town-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":10627,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":14,"HighlightText":"","Description":"14-SICILY-tourists-shopping-traditional-sicilian-ceramics.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/14-SICILY-tourists-shopping-traditional-sicilian-ceramics.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":10628,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":15,"HighlightText":"","Description":"15-SICILY-taormina-greek-theatre-mount-etna-volcano-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/15-SICILY-taormina-greek-theatre-mount-etna-volcano-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":10629,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":16,"HighlightText":"","Description":"16-SICILY-traditional-sicilian-seafood-couscous-lunch.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/16-SICILY-traditional-sicilian-seafood-couscous-lunch.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":10630,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":17,"HighlightText":"","Description":"17-SICILY-mount-etna-volcano-italy-flowers.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/17-SICILY-mount-etna-volcano-italy-flowers.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13730,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":18,"HighlightText":"","Description":"18-SICILY-tourists-shopping-at-mercato-ballaro-palermo-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/18-SICILY-tourists-shopping-at-mercato-ballaro-palermo-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13731,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":19,"HighlightText":"","Description":"19-SICILY-guided-hiking-trip-coastal-trails.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/19-SICILY-guided-hiking-trip-coastal-trails.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13732,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":20,"HighlightText":"","Description":"20-SICILY-hikers-playing-bocce-ball-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/20-SICILY-hikers-playing-bocce-ball-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13733,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":21,"HighlightText":"","Description":"21-SICILY-taormina-lunch-al-fresco-wine-with-a-view.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/21-SICILY-taormina-lunch-al-fresco-wine-with-a-view.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13734,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":22,"HighlightText":"","Description":"22-SICILY-wildlflower-hiking-trails-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/22-SICILY-wildlflower-hiking-trails-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13735,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":23,"HighlightText":"","Description":"23-SICILY-boats-cefalu-beach-italy.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/23-SICILY-boats-cefalu-beach-italy.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13736,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":24,"HighlightText":"","Description":"24-SICILY-hiking-group-mount-etna-caldera.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/24-SICILY-hiking-group-mount-etna-caldera.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13737,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":25,"HighlightText":"","Description":"25-SICILY-group-lunch-vineyard-family-farm-erice.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/25-SICILY-group-lunch-vineyard-family-farm-erice.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13738,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":26,"HighlightText":"","Description":"26-SICILY-group-hiking-adventure-travel.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/26-SICILY-group-hiking-adventure-travel.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13739,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":27,"HighlightText":"","Description":"27-SICILY-archway-cefalu-italy-beach.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/27-SICILY-archway-cefalu-italy-beach.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13740,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":28,"HighlightText":"","Description":"28-SICILY-italy-siracusa-piazza-archimede-fountain-of-diana-ortigia.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/28-SICILY-italy-siracusa-piazza-archimede-fountain-of-diana-ortigia.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13741,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":29,"HighlightText":"","Description":"29-SICILY-taormina-mt-etna-volcano-sunset.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/29-SICILY-taormina-mt-etna-volcano-sunset.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13742,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":30,"HighlightText":"","Description":"30-SICILY-tour-guide-explaining-christian-frescos-cathedral.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/30-SICILY-tour-guide-explaining-christian-frescos-cathedral.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13743,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":31,"HighlightText":"","Description":"31-SICILY-traditional-sicilian-cermaic-heads-fresh-oranges.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/31-SICILY-traditional-sicilian-cermaic-heads-fresh-oranges.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":13744,"caption":""}],"weather":[{}],"accommodations":[{"VendorID":71152,"Day_Number":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel Elimo","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"hotel-elimo","Custom_Location":"Erice"}},{"VendorID":71292,"Day_Number":3,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"La Plumeria Hotel","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"la-plumeria-hotel","Custom_Location":"Cefal&#250;"}},{"VendorID":71293,"Day_Number":9,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Ashbee Hotel","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"ashbee-hotel","Custom_Location":"Taormina"}},{"VendorID":71595,"Day_Number":7,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Grand Hotel Ortigia","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"grand-hotel-ortigia","Custom_Location":"Siracusa"}},{"VendorID":72415,"Day_Number":5,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Agriturismo Il Drago","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"agriturismo-il-drago","Custom_Location":"Aidone"}},{"VendorID":72929,"Day_Number":7,"Sequence":11,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Henry's House Hotel","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"henrys-house-hotel","Custom_Location":"Siracusa","Custom_Additional_Emails":"","Custom_Addtional_Address":"","Custom_Accommodation_Types":"","Custom_Capacity":"","Custom_Amenties":""}},{"VendorID":73212,"Day_Number":3,"Sequence":20,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Cefal\u00f9 Sea Palace","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"cefalu-sea-palace","Custom_Location":"Cefal\u00f9"}}],"inclusions":[{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"E","Description":"Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"E","Description":"Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional travel insurance","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"E","Description":"Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"I","Description":"Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"I","Description":"Accommodations in small inns and hotels","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"I","Description":"All meals included except 1 lunch and 4 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"A glass of wine or beer with dinner","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"I","Description":"All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":46,"Name":"Europe","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":83,"Name":"Italy","Type":"Country"},{"DestinationID":235,"Name":"Sicily"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":225,"Name":"Hiking & Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850999,"First_Name":"Teresa","Last_Name":"Baldi","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Teresa Baldi, daughter of veteran WT Trip Leader Stefano Baldi, grew up on a farm owned by her family on the hills surrounding Florence. She has a degree in art history at the University of Florence and when she is not helping on the farm, a working agriturismo, she is employed at a nearby first-class restaurant, where she developed a passion for good food and wines. &ldquo;It was great for me to grow up on a farm with plenty of animals and fantastic trails to explore and, at the same time, have the opportunity to study the beauty of art right in the streets of my home town. A hop on the bus and you step from nature to the glories of the Renaissance.&rdquo;"},{"GuideID":850842,"First_Name":"William","Last_Name":"Chicarelli","BioShort":"","BioLong":"William Chicarelli is a native Brazilian, originally from Sao Paulo, where he studied Communication Sciences and worked as an adventure guide in the Rio Sao Paulo coastal area and Amazon. When not on a hiking trip, William works as a media professional and a director of documentary films. He currently divides his time between Berlin and Florence and has traveled extensively throughout the Tuscany region."},{"GuideID":850564,"First_Name":"Lisa","Last_Name":"Halderman","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Lisa Halderman experienced Italy in 1973 as a high school exchange student. She earned her degree in Italian literature, completing her final year at the University of Padua. Her studies have immersed her in the world of Italian art, architecture, politics, and history. An avid gardener, Lisa also has a strong interest in natural history. She lives with her family in the small hill town of San Gimignano, Italy, and she has a son. In Tuscany, Lisa loves to go through every outdoor market with a fine-tooth comb."},{"GuideID":850669,"First_Name":"Sebastiano","Last_Name":"Leone","BioShort":"Sebastiano Leone knows that traveling is always better when you&apos;re being led by your senses, whether it's on a cultural exploration in Sicily, where he knows all the local hotspots and best places to savor authentic local cuisine and wines, or in the alpine regions on a hike amid beautiful mountains. His love for people and nature make him an excellent Trip Leader and wonderful travel companion. When not guiding, Sebastiano works for the Sicilian government on environmental projects and lives in Siracusa with his family.","BioLong":"Sebastiano Leone knows that traveling is always better when you&apos;re being led by your senses, whether it's on a cultural exploration in Sicily, where he knows all the local hotspots and best places to savor authentic local cuisine and wines, or in the alpine regions on a hike amid beautiful mountains. His love for people and nature make him an excellent Trip Leader and wonderful travel companion. When not guiding, Sebastiano works for the Sicilian government on environmental projects and lives in Siracusa with his wife and two daughters."},{"GuideID":851145,"First_Name":"Gabriele","Last_Name":"Mastrilli","BioShort":"Gabriele Mastrilli was born and raised in Sicily, the southeast region of Italy, where he still lives when not traveling around the world. He has a master degree in ecology and biogeography and an immense interest in nature, hiking, and photography. In 25 years as a Trip Leader, he has traveled to all the continents and loves telling and hearing stories about different cultures around the world. When not leading trips, Gabriele travels on his own and exercises his passion for photography. Some of his photographic work has been published in Italian travel magazines. ","BioLong":"Gabriele Mastrilli was born and raised in Sicily, the southeast region of Italy, where he still lives when not traveling around the world. He has a master degree in ecology and biogeography and an immense interest in nature, hiking, and photography. In 25 years as a Trip Leader, he has traveled to all the continents and loves telling and hearing stories about different cultures around the world. When not leading trips, Gabriele travels on his own and exercises his passion for photography. Some of his photographic work has been published in Italian travel magazines. "},{"GuideID":851071,"First_Name":"Vicky","Last_Name":"Sotriffer","BioShort":"As an adventure-seeking traveler and Trip Leader, Vicky Sotriffer thrives in new places. She has led trips on nearly every continent for more than 10 years, including sea kayaking trips. Originally from South Tyrol, Italy, Vicky now resides in Ibiza, Spain, and is fluent in a handful of languages. She spends parts of her year in Oman, where she follows her passion for hiking in the country&apos;s striking desert environment and diving in the warm waters off the coast (and trying to improve her Arabic along the way). In her free time, she enjoys tennis, rock climbing, horseback riding, and in the winter, she heads to the Dolomites to ski.","BioLong":"As an adventure-seeking traveler and Trip Leader, Vicky Sotriffer thrives in new places. She has led trips on nearly every continent for more than 10 years, including sea kayaking trips. Originally from South Tyrol, Italy, Vicky now resides in Ibiza, Spain, and is fluent in a handful of languages. She spends parts of her year in Oman, where she follows her passion for hiking in the country&apos;s striking desert environment and diving in the warm waters off the coast (and trying to improve her Arabic along the way). In her free time, she enjoys tennis, rock climbing, horseback riding, and in the winter, she heads to the Dolomites to ski."},{"GuideID":851261,"First_Name":"Francesco","Last_Name":"Corbino","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Francesco was born and raised in Syracuse, and has been leading trips in Sicily since 2015. He has a degree from the University of Catania, specializing in the history and culture of Mediterranean countries. Francesco is a wonderful travel companion and adores introducing visitors to the fascinating island and its many delights. When not leading trips, he enjoys snorkeling and spending time with his family and son."},{"GuideID":851165,"First_Name":"Mariangela","Last_Name":"Lovicu","BioShort":"Mariangela Lovicu was born in a lovely mountain village in Sardinia and has lived on this beautiful island all her life. Since earning her degree in Languages and Communication from the University of Cagliari, she has worked as a guide, enjoying her &ldquo;dream job&rdquo; of introducing people to Sardinia and its traditions. When not guiding, she can be found enjoying outdoor pursuits, from hiking, climbing, and kayaking to caving and canyoning.","BioLong":"Mariangela Lovicu was born in a lovely mountain village in Sardinia and has lived on this beautiful island all her life. Since earning her degree in Languages and Communication from the University of Cagliari, she has worked as a guide, enjoying her &ldquo;dream job&rdquo; of introducing people to Sardinia and its traditions. When not guiding, she can be found enjoying outdoor pursuits, from hiking, climbing, and kayaking to caving and canyoning."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Barbara Q.","GuestLocation":"Oakdale, NY","GuestReview":"It was magical&#8212;the beauty of Sicily and hiking through the countryside."},{"GuestNames":"Barry R.","GuestLocation":"Highland Park, IL","GuestReview":"Terrific itinerary. Nice mix of history, sights, and hiking. Great towns, woonderful restaurants, and great hotels, each getting better and better as the trip went on.&#160;Wonderful!"},{"GuestNames":"Bettina R.","GuestLocation":"Santa Clara, CA","GuestReview":"This was a wonderful trip. The places visited were terrific, and the leaders, in particular, made everything worthwhile by their knowledge of the place, their flexibility, and their great sense of humor."},{"GuestNames":"Bob and Shirley B.","GuestLocation":"Ennis, MT","GuestReview":"This was a fantastic trip for both of us. We loved the blend of experiences that could only be possible on a WT trip, such as sit-down meals, picnics, a walk followed by a superb lunch at a winery, tour and dinner with a baron in Siracuse, wading in the sea, touring ancient sites. Each trip we have been on with Wilderness Travel has exceeded our expectations. This trip stands out even more so."},{"GuestNames":"Carol L.","GuestLocation":"Kalispell, MT","GuestReview":"We really enjoyed Sicily&#8212;the scenery, food, hikes, and guides were top notch."},{"GuestNames":"Carol M.","GuestLocation":"Lafayette, CA","GuestReview":"The guides were constantly aware of and offered extra cultural and nature opportunities. The hotels were charming and representative of the towns we visited. Food was excellent, represented the local specialities, and menus varied with lots of opportunities for individual choices and close attention paid to client special needs. The picnics were fantastic!"},{"GuestNames":"Carol W.","GuestLocation":"San Francisco, CA","GuestReview":"I am recommending this trip to friends for next October&#8212;I'll tell them to reserve early because I am sure word of mouth will result in an early sell-out. I can't think of a thing that would improve this trip. I will never forget climbing (and descending) Mt. Etna!"},{"GuestNames":"Cindy H.","GuestLocation":"Santa Rosa, CA","GuestReview":"An excellent trip. We were not expecting such wonderful food and hospitality&#8212;a wonderful bonus!"},{"GuestNames":"Claire G.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"The trip was an amazing introduction to the island and its culture, introducing us to a range of environments, cultural events, archaeological sites and historically significant areas throughout Sicily. The food was consistently wonderful and we sampled many lovely Sicilian wines."},{"GuestNames":"Dan B.","GuestLocation":"Oakland, CA","GuestReview":"This was one of the best organized trips we&#8217;ve done. The leaders were very good and the group meshed well. We felt like we saw a tremendous amount of Sicily in our visit and came away with a solid understanding of the island and the multiple cultures."},{"GuestNames":"David C.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"Everything was well orchestrated, controlled, and managed, the hotels were very good to excellent, and the meals were extremely good."},{"GuestNames":"Diane C.","GuestLocation":"Manchester, MO","GuestReview":"We had a wonderful time. I felt I had been able to see and experience the &#8216;real&#8217; Sicily."},{"GuestNames":"Don M.","GuestLocation":"Atlanta, GA","GuestReview":"Probably the best trip I've been on! Sicily was a wonderful surprise."},{"GuestNames":"Edie L.","GuestLocation":"Dallas, TX","GuestReview":"We really felt we saw Sicily and learned a lot about its very rich history. The local guides were excellent, the restaurants were wonderful, and Sebastiano and Francesco obviously cared deeply that we had a fun and memorable trip."},{"GuestNames":"Edy and Michael D.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR","GuestReview":"Terrific throughout. Our guides were the absolute best. Bravissimi!"},{"GuestNames":"Elaine W.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"I selected this trip to learn and experience the Sicilian culture and food. My expectations were exceeded! Excellent trip leaders and fellow travelers."},{"GuestNames":"Eleanor S.","GuestLocation":"Kingstone, ON","GuestReview":"I loved the trip, and the balance of city\/cultural activities with outdoor\/hiking activities was exactly what I expected."},{"GuestNames":"Eric O.","GuestLocation":"Tampa, FL","GuestReview":"All lodging, food, and drink were excellent and perfectly selected for each location. I feel like I personally sampled many aspects of the complex history and rich culture of Sicily."},{"GuestNames":"Gail B.","GuestLocation":"Larchmont, NY","GuestReview":"Best trip ever! I loved the small group size with two trip leaders&#8212;it allowed for great flexibility."},{"GuestNames":"Heidi M.","GuestLocation":"Brevard, NC","GuestReview":"We enjoyed every minute!"},{"GuestNames":"Jane S.","GuestLocation":"Albuquerque, NM","GuestReview":"A wonderful way to experience Sicily&#8212;everything from ancient Greek and Roman sites, medieval churches, and natural phenomena such as Mt. Etna to tasty fresh fish and pasta dishes accompanied by excellent Sicilian wines."},{"GuestNames":"Johanna S.","GuestLocation":"Sunnyvale, CA","GuestReview":"This trip provided a wonderful sampler of Sicily and Sicilian life, past and present. Throughout our trip, the food was exceptional&#8212;the best in all of Italy!"},{"GuestNames":"John R.","GuestLocation":"Baltimore, MD","GuestReview":"Well designed and well run. I especially loved the hikes, and the enthusiasm of the guides was very contagious."},{"GuestNames":"Jon R.","GuestLocation":"Hillsborough, CA","GuestReview":"Ones world expands through travel in many ways, but I think the best medium of that expansion is new friends. Group travel opens that door so that luck can take a hand. Like your trip leaders, the group of clients you attract is exceptional in our experience. We have made some of our best friends while traveling on WT trips. and we continue to travel with them often. Thank-you is in order."},{"GuestNames":"Joselyn B.","GuestLocation":"Caspar, CA","GuestReview":"Fantastic trip. Good itinerary, wonderful guides, generous with extras such as espressos at every stop."},{"GuestNames":"Julie L.","GuestLocation":"La Mesa, CA","GuestReview":"The beauty, archaeological history, food, and wines of Sicily were so much more than I envisioned. We were blessed with glorious views, wildflowers, picnics, dinners, historical sites of wonder. The fellow participants were almost as wonderful as the stellar guides. I loved this tour!"},{"GuestNames":"Larry E.","GuestLocation":"Chicago, IL","GuestReview":"I had high hopes for Sicily, though unsure how it would compare to previous Italian trips. It exceeded all expectations by far. One of my most favorite trips."},{"GuestNames":"Lynn M.","GuestLocation":"Great Falls, VA","GuestReview":"What a gorgeous country, what amazing wildflowers, what fresh and varied food and wine! National parks and museums, archaeological sites and historic sites, a Greek play in a Greek amphitheater, back roads and seaside boulevards, beach towns and Roman villas, luncheons on country estates, elegant picnics at the trail&#8217;s end, dinners in romantic settings...lovely trip! We had a great overview of Sicily with lots of opportunities to see into the past and the present, the natural world and the cultural treasures, the farms and the cities. Our leaders gave us insights and introductions to people with whom we would never otherwise have made contact. They spoiled us with good food and lovely hotels, and guarded our safety and experiences to make sure we never had to worry about ANYTHING on the trip."},{"GuestNames":"Margaret K.","GuestLocation":"San Francisco, CA","GuestReview":"This was an incredible introduction to Sicily. We covered so much of the island, the hikes were all so different, it was a perfect blend of hiking and cultural activities."},{"GuestNames":"Marilyn O.","GuestLocation":"Tampa, FL","GuestReview":"This was an amazing trip. From diamond-in-the-rough Palermo to the jewel that is Taormina and the great variety of architecture, culture, and landscape in between, Sicily is full of surprises. The three all-Sicilian guides added enormously to the experience and deepened our understanding of this complicated culture."},{"GuestNames":"Marlaine L.","GuestLocation":"Princeton, NJ","GuestReview":"This trip was terrific, a great mix of outdoors and archaeology. The hotels were charming, the food delicious, and the sites amazing. Hiking through Sicily (and Mt. Etna!) was great!"},{"GuestNames":"Mary C.","GuestLocation":"Dallas, TX","GuestReview":"Fantastic trip! Sebastiano, Francesco, and Tania did a great job. We loved the local foods, the wines, and the people, and felt we really got to experience Sicily. And we had a very nice group of fellow travelers!"},{"GuestNames":"Pam M.","GuestLocation":"La Jolla, CA","GuestReview":"This is a really fun trip with lots of good food and wine as well as some very nice hiking."},{"GuestNames":"Pam W.","GuestLocation":"Minneapolis, MN","GuestReview":"Sicily is quite an amazing destination, and we were very happy to experience it through this fine itinerary with these excellent guides."},{"GuestNames":"Paul M.","GuestLocation":"Olney, MD","GuestReview":"I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to walk and experience Sicily in an up close and personal way. The three trip leaders made this happen."},{"GuestNames":"Pierre J.","GuestLocation":"Fountain Hills, AZ","GuestReview":"The chemistry between our three guides was good, each complementing the other, making the trip fun and lighthearted. They made us feel welcomed in Italy and were eager to share their love of the island, its people, and the beauty of this ancient land."},{"GuestNames":"Sandy C.","GuestLocation":"Haverford, PA","GuestReview":"Simply put, this was the best trip ever. The deliberate balance of exercise, education, and culinary extravaganzas made each day a feast for the eyes, minds, and bodies."},{"GuestNames":"Sharon H.","GuestLocation":"Santa Monica, CA","GuestReview":"Everything about this trip was exemplary. The itinerary included important, well known, and lesser known sites, all highly enjoyable, located around the entire island of Sicily. I felt I got to experience so many interesting and truly fascinating aspects of Sicilian life and culture. The food choices were astonishing: fresh, delicious, and wide ranging, from really special local restaurants to cafes, hotels, and agriturismos. The hotels\/accommodations were all lovely, clean, and well run. This was a fantastically fun trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Susan W.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR","GuestReview":"A wonderful trip with interesting, capable, and kind leaders. We had a great time!"},{"GuestNames":"Terri L.","GuestLocation":"Westminster, CO","GuestReview":"I cannot say enough how wonderful in every way this trip experience was! And our leaders were the icing on the cake! They both were on top of every aspect, looking after every detail and also anticipating what might be needed."},{"GuestNames":"Tom G.","GuestLocation":"Los Altos, CA","GuestReview":"The absolute key to the success of the trip was the leaders, Sebastiano, Lisa, and Tania. They were just superb in every way. We were briefed on the next day's itinerary every evening during the excellent dinners and they were thoroughly professional, knowledgable, and accommodating."},{"GuestNames":"Tray B.","GuestLocation":"Chadds Ford, PA","GuestReview":"I must say this was the best vacation that I have ever experienced."},{"GuestNames":"Walter and Anneliese B.","GuestLocation":"Toronto, Ontario","GuestReview":"We had a wonderful time. Sicily was fantastic and our enjoyment was enhanced by our three guides."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10309,"SimilarTripID":10298,"Trip_Code":"CORSARDN","Trip_Name":"Corsica and Sardinia"},{"TripID":10309,"SimilarTripID":10291,"Trip_Code":"AMALFI","Trip_Name":"Hiking Amalfi and Capri"},{"TripID":10309,"SimilarTripID":10245,"Trip_Code":"VOLCANO","Trip_Name":"Hiking Italy's Volcano Trails"},{"TripID":10309,"SimilarTripID":10411,"Trip_Code":"TUSCCINQ","Trip_Name":"Hiking Tuscany and the Cinque Terre"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71152,"ProductID":80980,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Hotel Elimo","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Erice","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Located in the historic center of the picturesque mountain town of Erice, the small family-run Hotel Elimo is a perfectly restored, quiet hotel with clean and comfortable rooms and a courtyard garden, a great place to relax with a drink. A generous breakfast buffet is served in a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the spectacular landscape.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-hotel-elimo-bedroom.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71292,"ProductID":81120,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"La Plumeria Hotel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Cefal\u00f9","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":3,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>This 10-room boutique hotel right in the heart of Cefal&uacute;&#39;s Old Town is a real gem, just yards from the main square and cathedral. The rooms are beautifully decorated in a simple, elegant style and the staff is very helpful. A plentiful breakfast buffet is offered in the courtyard, and from the hotel you can walk anywhere in town, whether to the beach, restaurants and shops, or up the ramparts of La Rocca.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-la-plumeria-hotel-rooftop-balcony.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73212,"ProductID":83040,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Cefal\u00f9 Sea Palace","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Cefal\u00f9","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":3,"Sequence":20,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body\/>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72415,"ProductID":82243,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Agriturismo Il Drago","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Aidone","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":5,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"This 9-room property has a quiet rural location not far from the famous Roman Villa del Casale and is surrounded by a 100-acre farm. The food is authentically Sicilian, with an organic garden on site.","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-agriturismo-drago-interior-lounge.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71595,"ProductID":81423,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Grand Hotel Ortigia","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Siracusa","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":7,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"With a convenient location on the waterfront, the Grand Ortigia is a renovated turn-of-the-century hotel with comfortable rooms, a good breakfast, and a helpful staff. The restaurant\/bar on the roof terrace has great views.","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-grand-hotel-ortigia-bedroom-green.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72929,"ProductID":82757,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Henry's House Hotel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Siracusa","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":7,"Sequence":11,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Featuring original antique furniture and beautiful flooring by Sicilian artisans, this hotel is more like a museum. Originally built in the 19th century, the building faces out onto the Gulf of Ortigia, with lovely patios and a large veranda to savor meals. Inside, guest rooms are individually decorated with stone and wood accents, and each has wonderful views over the bay or city. Breakfast features a wide selection of dishes including bread, juice, coffee, and tea. Vegetarian and vegan are also available, as well as gluten-free products. If the weather is nice, be sure to enjoy a meal outside beneath an arbor of grapevines&mdash;the vistas are spectacular!<\/body>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/1-henrys-house-hotel-bedroom.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71293,"ProductID":81121,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Ashbee Hotel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Taormina","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":9,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>The 25-room Ashbee is a renovated private villa built in 1907 by Charles Robert Ashbee, a renowned Arts &amp; Crafts architect. It has a sublime location&mdash;perched on a cliff above the sea. Guestrooms vary in size but all are elegant and comfortable, with private terraces opening onto tranquil gardens. The bar offers a jaw-dropping view of the Sicilian coast. The hotel was featured in the London Times article &#8220;Coolest Hotels in the Med&#8221; in April 2011.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-ashbee-hotel-exterior-lounge-view.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_TC_Detailed_Itin_URL":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"Extra Service Request Form","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/spolight-sicily\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/spolight-sicily\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Italy Hiking<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Emergency_Evac_Insurance":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Reading_List":"<strong>Reading List: <\/strong>Elevate your travel experience by delving into this <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-hiking-in-sicily\">curated collection of books<\/a> tailored to your upcoming adventure.","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T17:23:46 --><p><strong>CARRY-ON:<\/strong> Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, prescription medications, and any paperwork required to enter Italy, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.<\/p>","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T17:24:08 --><p><strong>HIKING POLES: <\/strong>If you choose to bring hiking poles, they must be packed in your checked luggage as they are not permitted in carry-on bags. <\/p>","Custom_Daypack":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T17:23:58 --><p><strong>DAYPACK: <\/strong>To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail. <\/p>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T17:24:23 --><p><strong>ATTIRE FOR DAY 1: <\/strong>We will have two easy short hikes on Day 1, so please come dressed for hiking. You will visit an agriturismo and there may be an opportunity to swim, so please have a swimsuit handy in your day pack.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<p><strong>ARRIVING IN PALERMO<\/strong><br>Your Trip Leaders will meet you in the lobby of the Grand Hotel Wagner in Palermo at 9:00 am on Day 1. It is recommended to arrive the day before, because of the early start. If you wish to stay at the Grand Hotel Wagner before the start of the tour, we recommend you book a room directly from the hotel website at <a href=\"www.grandhotelwagner.it\">www.grandhotelwagner.it<\/a>. There are also dozens of other wonderful hotels in Palermo. On Day 1, the group will transfer to Erice together.<br><br>\nAfter arrival in Palermo, a taxi from the airport to downtown Palermo is about &euro;40, and a train or bus is about &euro;6 per person. You may wish to consider arriving in Sicily a day or two early to visit Palermo or the temples of Agrigento on your own before the trip begins. <br><br><\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T17:25:00 --><p><strong>DEPARTING CATANIA<\/strong><br \/>A complimentary group transfer will be provided on Day 11 from our hotel in Taormina to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) around 7:00 am. The ride from Taormina is about 1.5 hours.<\/p><p>If you have a flight departing earlier than 10:30 am, you will need to transfer on your own from Taormina to the airport. Taxis are available for direct hotel to airport service for approximately &euro;90. Bus service to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is also available for approximately &euro;10 and buses depart Taormina every few hours. Your Trip Leader can assist you with logistics during the trip.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T17:25:31 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our Trip Leaders (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_name_slug":"sicily-hiking-walking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Hike in vineyards, along the blue Mediterranean, and on the slopes of mighty Mt. Etna, explore ancient Segesta and Siracusa, with a grand finale at enchanting Taormina, one of Europe's most beautiful villages.","Custom_List_Description":"Hike in vineyards, along the blue Mediterranean, and on the slopes of mighty Mt. Etna, explore ancient Segesta and Siracusa, with a grand finale at enchanting Taormina, one of Europe's most beautiful villages.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Sicily Hiking & Walking Tour | Palermo, Taormina & Mt Etna","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"","Custom_References":"","Custom_Visit_Our_Website":"","Custom_Helpful_Links":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<p><strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong>Anytime prior to Day 1 <br><br><strong>Meeting Place: <\/strong>Your Trip Leaders will meet you in the lobby of the Grand Hotel Wagner in Palermo at 9:00 am on Day 1. It is recommended to arrive the day before, because of the early start. If you wish to stay at the Grand Hotel Wagner before the start of the tour, we recommend you book a room directly from the hotel website at <a href=\"www.grandhotelwagner.it\">www.grandhotelwagner.it<\/a>. There are also dozens of other wonderful hotels in Palermo. On Day 1, the group will transfer to Erice together. <br><br>After arrival in Palermo, a taxi from the airport to downtown Palermo is about &euro;40, and a train or bus is about &euro;6 per person. You may wish to consider arriving in Sicily a day or two early to visit Palermo or the temples of Agrigento on your own before the trip begins.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-12-13T09:49:14 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 1, after 10:30 am<br \/><br \/>A group transfer will be provided on Day 11 from our hotel in Taormina to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport around 7:00 am. The ride from Taormina is about 1.5 hours. If you have a flight departing earlier than 10:30 am, you will need to transfer on your own from Taormina to the airport. Taxis are available for direct hotel to airport service for approximately &euro;90. Bus service to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is also available for approximately &euro;10 and buses depart Taormina every few hours. Your Trip Leader can assist you with logistics during the trip.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-12-13T09:54:11 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Sicily.<br \/><br \/>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.<br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_About_Private_Journeys":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"hiking-in-sicily","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for three months after your date of exit from Italy. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is very important to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for countries visited on this trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The Euro is the official currency of Italy. The most convenient way to obtain Euros is to use your debit card at ATMs. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $200 USD or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency. The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone<\/strong><br>The international dialing code for Italy is 39. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access<\/strong><br>Internet access is available at most of our hotels.","Custom_Electricity":"Europe has a 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"No inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"<html><body style='font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;'><\/html>","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercise. Stair climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Altitude sickness is generally not a problem on this trip, as it is only one day (Day 9) that we reach high elevation for a day hike before returning to sea level.","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-hiking-in-sicily\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>\nPassport<\/li><li>\nOne other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>\nExpense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"<div>Please check with your airline for specific baggage allowances.<br><br><ul><li>Soft-sided rolling suitcase, with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel).<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want with you during the day.<\/li><li>(Optional) Small roll-up bag to carry home purchases.<\/li><\/ul><\/div> <br><br><br><\/div><div>Please pack everything in one piece of luggage, as this simplifies the transportation of luggage en route. Although airline service to Europe is generally reliable, it is best to wear or carry your hiking boots with you on your flights in the event your luggage is lost or delayed. Likewise, don't pack valuables, such as travel documents, camera gear, or prescription medicines in your checked luggage.","Custom_Clothing":"Bring clothes you find most comfortable for walking. Although it will be warm enough for shorts on most days, bring some lightweight long pants for cooler weather and protection from tall grasses, and be sure to bring warm clothing for the hike on Mt. Etna. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. You'll want a change of clothes for the evening, but nothing dressy is necessary. Casual wear is fine, and coats and ties are not required. <br><br>In Europe, there are dress requirements to enter churches: Shorts or skirts should come to the knees, and shoulders should not be bare (women can use a shawl or large scarf to cover bare shoulders). Short-sleeved t-shirts are acceptable. <br><br><br>\rThe clothing list below is provided as a guideline only.<br>\r<br><ul><li>\rLightweight rain gear, such as a Gore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood<\/li><li>\rFleece jacket or nylon windbreaker<\/li><li>\rLight fleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>\rLong-sleeved shirt. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are recommended.<\/li><li>\rT-shirts or short-sleeved shirts<\/li><li>\rHiking pants. Lightweight cotton or synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice. Jeans are not recommended because they can be hot and they take a long time to dry if they get wet.<\/li><li>\rHiking shorts. Quick-drying nylon shorts are recommended.<\/li><li>\rShade hat with a wide brim&mdash; preferably a waterproof one you can use as a rain hat as well<\/li><li>\rSturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots&mdash;essential for the rural trails of this area<\/li><li>\rTevas or running shoes for sightseeing in towns<\/li><li>\rHiking socks. Some people like thick Thorlo-type socks with padded toes and heels, or an outer sock and synthetic liner sock.<\/li><li>\rWarm jacket (for Mt. Etna hike)<\/li><li>\rLightweight fleece gloves (for Mt. Etna hike)&mdash;optional<\/li><li>\rWarm hat (for Mt. Etna hike)&mdash;optional<\/li><li>\rNeck scarf (for Mt. Etna hike)&mdash;optional<\/li><li>\rGaiters (for Mt. Etna hike)&mdash;optional, but useful for keeping ash and cinders out of your boots<\/li><li>\rUnderwear\/sleepwear. Synthetics dry faster.<\/li><li>\rBathing suit (for hotel pools)<\/li><li>\rCasual city\/hotel attire<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>One or two reusable water bottles, 1 qt. capacity<\/li><li>\nGood quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair of sunglasses is a good idea should your first pair be broken or lost.<\/li><li>\nToiletry kit<\/li><li>\nStuff sacks or plastic bags to compartmentalize items in duffel, Ziploc-style bags to carry small items during the day<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><br><ul><li>\nSunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>\nAspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches.<\/li><li>\n\nTopical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores<\/li><li>\nInsect repellent<\/li><li>\nBlister kit. Look for long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>\nAnti-bacterial gel for hand washing<\/li><li>\nAntihistamine such as Benadryl, cold remedy such as Sudafed<\/li><li>\nImodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, please consult your physician.<\/li><li>\nPepto-Bismol tablets for indigestion<\/li><li>\nPrescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>\nSpare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Voltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels.<\/li><li>\nCollapsible walking stick or trekking poles&mdash;highly recommended<\/li><li>\nCamera, spare batteries, memory cards<\/li><li>\nLightweight binoculars<\/li><li>\nReading\/writing material<\/li><li>\nTravel clock<\/li><li>\nSmall umbrella (useful as protection from sun, too)<\/li><li>\nLaundry soap for hand-washing clothes<\/li><li>\nMoney belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><li>\nWashcloth, if you like to use one (most European hotels do not provide them)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Coastal and Mountain Hikes, Greek and Roman Ruins","Custom_Lodging":"10 nights small inns and hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 1 lunch and 4 dinners","Custom_Difficulty":"A mix of moderate walks and hikes, some steep trails, 2-4 hours a day, 1 optional day-hike at 9,500 feet (Mt. Etna), van support","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Travel_Insurance":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>This trip is rated <strong>Level 3, Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 7 miles a day, being on your feet for up to 5 hours a day, and making long descents that can be hard on the knees. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing. Please note that there are long drive times throughout this trip, often 2.5-3 hours in a day.<strong><br><\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><ul><li>4 miles<\/li><li>2-3 hours<\/li><li>800-1,000 feet gain\/loss<\/li><\/ul><strong>Challenge Day<\/strong><ul><li>Day 9 &ndash; 7 miles, 5 hours, 1,300 feet gain, and 4,500 feet loss<\/li><\/ul><\/body>","Custom_Terrain":"Our hikes are varied, from light, countryside walking to mountainous and rugged terrain. The hikes in the Madonie Mountains and on Mount Etna can be very challenging, and Mount Etna can have sharp rocks, loose scree, and soft ash. For Mount Etna, we will take a cable car to 9,500 feet and hike to the summit, depending on weather and volcanic activity, which is at 11,000 feet. Please note that the hiking can feel more demanding at times because the weather can occasionally be very hot, even in the Spring and Fall.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"The weather in Sicily in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s\u00b0F and 80s\u00b0F during the day and in the 60s\u00b0F at night. Cool breezes and showers can occur at any time, especially on October departures. It can get very cold on Mt. Etna&mdash;there&apos;s even a possibility of encountering snow on the trails in April.","Custom_Accommodations":"We spend our nights in small, picturesque inns, full of Italian charm and ambiance. All hotels are chosen for their history and central location. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.","Custom_Cuisine":"Sicily's glorious food (think catch-of-the-day fish, couscous, pasta, vegetables, and indulgent desserts) is among the delights of this trip. Our lunches will be at agriturismos or picnic-style during one of our hikes. Dinners are at local restaurants. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but many restaurants in Sicily don't open until 7:30 pm, so the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm at the earliest.","Custom_Transportation":"Please note that there are long drive times on this trip, often 2.5-3 hours per day. Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). Most hikes end at lunchtime, but if we are continuing on, you can opt to skip the afternoon hike and travel in the support vehicle.","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}