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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Sicily Highlights Hiking Tour

9 days / 8 nights

Explore Sicily’s top hiking spots and historic cities, from Palermo to Catania, with panoramic views, coastal trails, and mountain summits across the island.

Starting point

Palermo

Finish point

Catania

Season

From April to October

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Travel & Hike

Explore Sicily’s top hiking spots and historic cities, from Palermo to Catania, with panoramic views, coastal trails, and mountain summits across the island.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.469 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

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Explore Sicily’s top hiking spots and historic cities, from Palermo to Catania, with panoramic views, coastal trails, and mountain summits across the island.

Starting point

Palermo

Finish point

Catania

Season

From April to October

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Travel & Hike

Highlights

Hike the scenic coastal trails of Zingaro Nature Reserve, with crystal-clear Mediterranean waters
Explore the vibrant streets and historic sites of Palermo, Taormina, and Catania
Ascend to panoramic viewpoints above the cities, including Monte Pellegrino and Monte Veneretta
Discover the rugged beauty of the Madonie Mountains, reaching the summit of Pizzo Carbonara
Experience the diverse landscapes of Sicily, from sun-soaked beaches to mountainous terrain
Savor breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian coast from Taormina’s trails

Itinerary of the trip

Your adventure begins in Palermo, the Arab-Norman capital and the vibrant heart of Sicily. As you explore, you might wander through the lively markets, where the aroma of street food fills the air, or visit the magnificent Palermo Cathedral. Strolling through the narrow streets, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped this city, from the intricate mosaics of the Palatine Chapel to the grandeur of the Teatro Massimo. You can savor a leisurely dinner at a local trattoria, sampling traditional Sicilian dishes.

Accommodation

Hotel Posta

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

Gallery

Your hike today takes you to the fascinating Semaforo dell’Eremita in the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve. Starting your ascent after a brief bus ride, you’ll follow a paved path that winds through the Mediterranean scrub. The route leads you to the Semaforo dell’Eremita, an abandoned signal station perched atop Monte Gallo. You’ll have time to explore the area around the Semaforo, perhaps discovering the hermit caves that give the site its name. The hike concludes with a return to the bus stop and your accommodation in the heart of Palermo.

Hiking

11 km and 520 m of elevation gain/loss

Accommodation

Hotel Posta

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

Gallery

Your day begins in the heart of Palermo, where you’ll hike to the stunning Monte Pellegrino, praised by Goethe as the most beautiful promontory in the world. The trail winds through lush greenery, leading you first to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, a sacred cave where the patron saint of Palermo once lived. As you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The descent takes you down the other side of the hill, bringing you back into Palermo, where you’ll finish your journey with a stroll through its vibrant streets, returning to your accommodation.

Hiking

18 km and 600 m of elevation gain/loss

Accommodation

Hotel Posta

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

Gallery

This morning, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to the trailhead of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. After arriving, you'll set off on a hike through this wild and rugged stretch of coastline, where towering cliffs plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. The circular route begins at the reserve's southern entrance, leading you through panoramic open hillsides before guiding you onto a scenic coastal path. This lower path is surrounded by lush vegetation and dotted with inviting white-shingled coves. Returning to your car, you'll drive back to Palermo for another night.

Hiking

15 km and 800 m of elevation gain/loss

Accommodation

Hotel Posta

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

Gallery

Today, you’ll start by driving to the trailhead of Pizzo Carbonara, the second-highest peak in Sicily in the heart of the Madonie Mountains. The trail gradually ascends through lush forests and rocky terrain. As you climb higher, the landscape reveals stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, with the Mediterranean Sea visible in the distance. Reaching the summit of Pizzo Carbonara, you’ll find yourself at 1979 meters. After taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll return to the trailhead. From there, you’ll drive to the town of Taormina on the eastern side of the island.

Hiking

8.5 km and 500 m of elevation gain/loss

Accommodation

Hotel Bel Soggiorno

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

Gallery

After four days of hiking and driving across the island, today offers a chance to rest and gather your strength. You can explore Taormina and its surroundings at your own pace. You might visit the Teatro Antico di Taormina for stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea. If you’re up for a drive, head to Castelmola for a peaceful retreat or explore the Alcantara Gorge with its striking rock formations. For relaxation, the beaches along the coast, like Isola Bella, provide a perfect spot to unwind. As the day ends, a sunset stroll along Corso Umberto in Taormina is an ideal way to soak in the town’s charm.

Accommodation

Hotel Bel Soggiorno

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

Gallery

Today, you’ll hike to Monte Veneretta above Taormina. You’ll gradually ascend through lush Mediterranean vegetation, with the landscape opening up to reveal panoramic vistas of the Ionian Sea. As you climb higher, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Taormina, the majestic Mount Etna, and the coastline. The path winds through a mix of rocky terrain and verdant hillsides. After taking in the breathtaking surroundings from the summit, you’ll begin your descent, retracing your steps. The hike concludes with your return to Taormina, where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Hiking

9.5 km and 820 m of elevation gain/loss

Accommodation

Hotel Bel Soggiorno

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

Gallery

Today, you have a full day to explore Catania and its surroundings after driving there in your car. In Catania, you might start with a visit to the Piazza del Duomo, with the stunning Catania Cathedral and the iconic Elephant Fountain. You can wander through the bustling markets or explore the historic streets lined with Baroque architecture. With the rental car, you can even drive up to Mount Etna. Alternatively, a drive to the nearby coastal town of Acireale offers the chance to visit charming seaside spots and enjoy fresh seafood. For a more relaxed pace, consider heading to the beaches along the Ionian coast.

Accommodation

Hotel Romano House

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 bid farewell to Catania. After a final morning to soak in the city’s atmosphere or enjoy a quiet coffee, you’ll gather your belongings and prepare for departure. You’ll drive to the Catania airport, where you’ll return your rental car before heading to your next destination. The memories of the incredible hikes, the vibrant culture, and the stunning landscapes that have made this journey unforgettable will remain with you. Safe travels!

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

8 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

Car rental

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

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

This self-guided tour offers an expansive exploration of Sicily, combining hikes through stunning natural landscapes with city stays in Palermo, Taormina, and Catania.

Throughout this journey, you’ll drive across the island, visiting iconic locations such as the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the Madonie Mountains, and the charming towns along the coast.

The hikes are designed to showcase the diversity of Sicily’s landscapes without being overly demanding, making them accessible to most travelers. You’ll trek through rugged coastal paths, ascend to panoramic viewpoints above the cities, and explore the island’s mountainous interior.

One of the highlights is the hike to Pizzo Carbonara, the second-highest summit in Sicily, offering breathtaking views over the surrounding peaks and the distant Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to the outdoor adventures, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in Sicily’s rich cultural heritage, visiting the culturally rich cities of Palermo, Taormina, and Catania.

With a rental car at your disposal, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore Sicily on your own terms. Whether you choose to extend your hikes, spend extra time on the beaches, or take a leisurely day in one of the historic cities, this tour is as flexible as you want it to be.

We handle all the logistics, including accommodations, a detailed travel booklet, and GPS navigation through our app, ensuring that your journey is as seamless as it is memorable.

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 1.469 €/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...

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

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.

TRUSTED BY MANY

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 1.469 € /person

Sicily Highlights Hiking Tour

Choose your style

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

Day 2: Monte Gallo Semaforo Hike

Day 3: Monte Pellegrino Hike

Day 4: Riservia Naturale dello Zingaro Hike

Day 5: Pizzo Carbonara Hike

Day 6: Free day in Taormina

Day 7: Monte Veneretta Hike

Day 8: Free day in Catania

Day 9: Departure from Catania

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: Monte Gallo Semaforo Hike

Day 3: Monte Pellegrino Hike

Day 4: Riservia Naturale dello Zingaro Hike

Day 5: Pizzo Carbonara Hike

Day 6: Free day in Taormina

Day 7: Monte Veneretta Hike

Day 8: Free day in Catania

Day 9: Departure from Catania

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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