What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough. Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage. Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable. Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food. If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

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Magna Via Francigena: Sicily

10 days / 9 nights

Undertake a challenging pilgrimage across Sicily’s Magna Via Francigena, hiking from Palermo to Agrigento through historic towns and sun-soaked landscapes.

Starting point

Palermo

Finish point

Agrigento

Season

From March to November

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Undertake a challenging pilgrimage across Sicily’s Magna Via Francigena, hiking from Palermo to Agrigento through historic towns and sun-soaked landscapes.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 749 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Undertake a challenging pilgrimage across Sicily’s Magna Via Francigena, hiking from Palermo to Agrigento through historic towns and sun-soaked landscapes.

Starting point

Palermo

Finish point

Agrigento

Season

From March to November

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Highlights

Begin your pilgrimage in Palermo, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture
Traverse the historic Magna Via Francigena, a pilgrimage through the heart of Sicily
Hike across sun-soaked landscapes, with rolling hills and valleys defining central Sicily
Discover ancient churches, sanctuaries, towns, and relics along a path of spiritual significance
Visit the town of Corleone, famously connected to "The Godfather"
Conclude your journey at the Cathedral of Saints Gregory and James in Agrigento

Itinerary of the trip

Your journey begins in Palermo, the Arab-Norman capital and the vibrant capital of Sicily. You might wander through the bustling markets, where the scents of street food fill the air or visit the stunning Palermo Cathedral. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll discover the rich blend of cultures that have shaped Palermo, from the intricate mosaics of the Palatine Chapel to the grand Teatro Massimo. Perhaps you can enjoy a leisurely dinner in a local trattoria, sampling traditional Sicilian dishes as you prepare for the journey.

Accommodation

Ballarooms B&B Palermo Centro

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

From Palermo, you’ll navigate through the urban landscape before reaching the treasures of Monreale. Here, golden mosaics and exquisite architecture offer a captivating first stop. Then, the path leads you into the Oreto Valley and the hunting grounds of the Norman royals at the Altofonte Park, known for its beautiful fountains and lush greenery that marks the edge of the Conca d’Oro. As you continue, the countryside will unfold around you, guiding you toward the Greek-Albanian village of Santa Cristina Gela, a place renowned for its skilled pastry chefs, dedicated farmers, and warm-hearted locals.

Hiking

25 km and 1000 m of elevation gain / 400 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

B&B Da Mercurio

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today, the path initially leads you through open fields along the historic trazzera toward Portella Sant'Agata. Here, you'll face the climb along the "scala," a rugged staircase carved into the rock. Once you've conquered it, the route briefly joins the Itinerarium Rosaliae before steering you toward the ancient Sant'Agata farmhouse. As you follow the wide and spacious trazzera of transhumance, the Sicilian countryside unfolds around you, dotted with ruins, wind turbines, and solar fields. The path will guide you to the Tagliavia Sanctuary. The final stretch takes you across the Belìce River and up a hard ascent to Corleone.

Hiking

25 km and 750 m of elevation gain / 870 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Corleone Guesthouse

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Leaving behind Corleone, known as the city of 100 churches, the path climbs up to Malopasso. From there, the route continues along white gravel roads, following the Via delle Fonti past Cozzo Spolentino toward the historic Masseria ‘Mbriaca, a late medieval farmhouse. As you proceed, the shimmering reflection of Lake Prizzi comes into view, along with the hill where the village of Prizzi perches. This route, described by Norman sources, connects Corleone to Prizzi, the Byzantine outpost that once controlled the valley. The final ascent into Prizzi feels like a hard-earned victory.

Hiking

19 km and 800 m of elevation gain / 400 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Il Baglio Antico

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Prizzi resembles a nativity scene overlooking the ancient site of Hippana, the mountain of the Sican horses. As you leave Prizzi, the path soon leads into the Monte Carcaci Reserve, where you’ll walk under the shade of trees, past natural springs, picnic areas, and forest shelters. Emerging from the forest, the route winds through fields of forage and wheat, passing by the now-abandoned agricultural village of Riena. The trail then ascends into the second woodland area, Santa Caterina, before leading you to the hill of Kassar, the Byzantine plateau overlooking Castronovo di Sicilia.

Hiking

24 km and 550 m of elevation gain / 850 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Le Camere dell’Emiro

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Leaving behind the heart of the Magna Via, you’ll descend toward the Capelvenere caves, a Punic necropolis and natural paradise. The path then leads you to the iconic Casale di San Pietro, with its fortified church and protective tower. As you continue, the trail takes you through sun-drenched fields and the Platani Valley, gradually ascending toward the rock of Cammarata. Leaving the neighboring towns of Cammarata and San Giovanni Gemini, you’ll descend along the Platani River. After crossing the state road, the path takes you up a steep dirt road toward Acquaviva Platani.

Hiking

23 km and 800 m of elevation gain / 900 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

B&B Acquaviva di Vullo Vincenzo

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The journey continues through the countryside until Monte Caccione comes into view, guiding you past the Bongiorno farmhouse and onto the iconic path leading to the Sutera fortress. This long stage spans various towns between the provinces of Caltanissetta and Agrigento. Leaving Sutera, you'll descend the short distance to the center of Campofranco. From there, the route follows the royal track once used to reach Milena, crossing the Gallo d'Oro River, a tributary of the Platani. Though the Roman bridge collapsed in the 1980s, its remnants are still visible.

Hiking

21 km and 800 m of elevation gain / 900 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Appartamento Scozzaro con Vista Panoramica

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After a climb, you will reach a land of robbe – traditional family agricultural centers. From here, the path continues through fields towards Racalmuto. There, you can pause to visit the castle, churches, and the Sciascia's house before continuing to Grotte. Though small, it boasts a rich artistic heritage with vibrant street art. Leaving Grotte, the path leads you to the Petra of Calathansuderj, a complex of caves and tunnels. You'll then begin the final significant climb of the Via, ascending to the promontory overlooking Comitini. The gentle climb to Aragona offers time to take in the architecture of this Sican center.

Hiking

25 km and 680 m of elevation gain / 500 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

A Casa Vostra

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Magna Via Francigena's final leg continues towards Joppolo. You'll stride into the Agrigento countryside, once the fertile kora surrounding the bustling Greek polis. You'll reach the Akragas stream and follow an ancient mule track. As you approach the base of the Atenea Rock, a eucalyptus forest leads you into the suburban park. A gentle climb brings you to the foot of the rocky outcrop, and after a few more steps, you'll arrive at the Cathedral of Saints Gregory and James. Here, you'll stand in front of the grand staircase that marks the culmination of your pilgrimage.

Hiking

22 km and 500 m of elevation gain / 600 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

La Terrazza sulla Valle

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

As your journey comes to an end, it’s time to say goodbye to Sicily. You can savor a last visit to the Valley of the Temples or a stroll through the historic center. If time allows, you might enjoy a final Sicilian pastry at a local café. We can arrange a private transfer to get back to Palermo or provide all the information regarding the public transfers so you can have a worry-free end to your holiday.

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 35-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings

Shade hat/cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Toiletries

The Magna Via Francigena has been a route of faith for centuries and offers a unique pilgrimage experience across the heart of Sicily, spanning 180 kilometers from Palermo to Agrigento.

As you walk, you'll encounter historic churches, sanctuaries, and relics that have guided pilgrims through the ages – from the golden mosaics of Monreale to the serene sanctuaries nestled in the Sicilian countryside.

This demanding 8-day journey combines the physical challenge of hiking through rugged, sun-soaked landscapes with the spiritual fulfillment of traversing ancient paths walked by pilgrims for centuries.

As you walk this historic route, you'll pass through the diverse terrain of central Sicily, where rolling hills, valleys, and remote villages paint a picture of the island's rich and varied history. Each day's hike ranges from 20 to 25 kilometers, often with significant elevation changes.

The journey is physically demanding, requiring a solid level of fitness. However, it's equally rewarding, offering moments of reflection, stunning vistas, and a deep connection to the land deeply embedded in the Christian tradition.

At the end of each day, you'll rest in quaint historical towns, staying in B&Bs and local guesthouses that offer comfort and a warm welcome.

All logistics are managed seamlessly, from booking accommodations to ensuring your luggage is transferred daily. We provide a detailed travel booklet, GPS navigation through our app, and personalized recommendations to enhance your journey.

It's a challenge, both physically and spiritually, but one that offers profound rewards to those who undertake it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you. However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 749 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+59

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

My friend and I went with Triglav Tours for a 3 day, 2 night hike this summer and had the most amazing time!! Our guide, Bine, was awesome and had lots of cool facts to share about the area we were hiking. Additionally, my friend and I had not completed such a technical hike before and the guide and other guests were very patient with us and encouraging, ensuring we felt safe the entire time. The overnights were also such a fun way to get to know Bine, the other guests, and other hikers as well. Cannot recommend Triglav tours enough!!!

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Michael White

Verified customer

I arranged a six-day/five-night trip with Hut to Hut Slovenia. It's the first time I've gone with a tour organizer and I can say it went really well. In the past I've arranged huts myself and it is a huge hassle figuring out how to make the bookings, if the bookings actually exist, and what good/viable routes might be. Having this all sort was, at least to me, totally worth it. The routing is via Ride with GPS, which was great. I'd recommend bringing 1:25,000 scale paper maps as a backup, just in case. The huts themselves differ wildly. Some are really rustic with, ahem, interesting toilet facilities. One was accessible by road and thus had showers, a long menu, and even espresso. All will have some sort of food, but you might only have two options for dinner (one with meat, one vegetarian). The cuisine in the Slovenian huts leans strongly to stews and goulashes with minimal fresh vegetables and/or fruit. Certainly good and hearty but pretty much everyone I talked to said the food was better in the Italian and Austrian huts. Some huts are cash only, some take cards (but the card reader might be down). A 1.5 litre bottle of water is about 6 euro, so if you have a beer with dinner and also buy lunch you need to carry about 25-30 euro per day in cash (assuming you have a booking that includes breakfast). Of the six days of hiking, four were ridiculously spectacular, with the highlight being sunrise from Mt Stol. Getting up to the high mountains, though, can be crazy steep, with switchbacks only sparsely used. Descents are similarly tough, and you have to watch every step. For the first time ever I used trekking poles and my knees thank me. Two days were a bit of a slog, but this is probably unavoidable getting up to or down from the high terrain. Would I do something like this again? Yes, absolutely! But next time it will probably be the Dolomites.

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

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Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

Tina and her team gave me perfect support on my hut hike through the Triglav National Park in July. In particular, they had to cater to my specific needs twice, which they did for me with no problem. I once had to cancel at short notice before the start of the trip because my father was not feeling well, but then we found a solution and I was able to start the hike. Tina and team first canceled the huts immediately and then reserved them again for me. Even when my condition caused a little tour change again, I immediately had suggestions and these were immediately available in the Trip plans app. I liked this app very much because it was easy to handle and the huttohut-team gave a short overview how the daily tour will be and which highlights – mostly beautiful views – I will see“

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

Show all 3 photos

Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Michael White

Verified customer

Show all 10 photos

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

Show all 3 photos

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...

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Only the best adventures across the world, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the regions.

VALUE YOUR TIME

With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.

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Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

We are a team of outdoor specialists equipped with the knowledge and insight to bring you the best hiking experiences.

from 749 € /person

Magna Via Francigena: Sicily

Choose your style

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

Day 2: Palermo – Santa Cristina Gela

Day 3: Santa Cristina Gela – Corleone

Day 4: Corleone – Prizzi

Day 5: Prizzi – Castronovo di Sicilia

Day 6: Castronovo di Sicilia – Acquaviva Platani

Day 7: Acquaviva Platani – Milena

Day 8: Milena – Aragona

Day 9: Aragona – Agrigento

Day 10: Departure from Agrigento

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

What to bring to the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Choose your style

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

VALUE YOUR TIME

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

TRUSTED BY MANY

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

Day 2: Palermo – Santa Cristina Gela

Day 3: Santa Cristina Gela – Corleone

Day 4: Corleone – Prizzi

Day 5: Prizzi – Castronovo di Sicilia

Day 6: Castronovo di Sicilia – Acquaviva Platani

Day 7: Acquaviva Platani – Milena

Day 8: Milena – Aragona

Day 9: Aragona – Agrigento

Day 10: Departure from Agrigento

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

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