What you can expect

Enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience walking on Etna the highest active volcano in Europe

Marvel at stunning landscapes across the Island

Explore picturesque villages and spectacular archaeological sites

Enjoy the Taste of the Mediterranean food with a Sicilian twist

About the trip

Join us on a week of walking amidst the diverse landscapes of eastern Sicily. From our base at a beachfront hotel in the scenic costal town of Latojanni, we’ll follow various trails which will take us through the stunning pumice strewn lava fields of Mount Etna, the picturesque countryside of La valle d’Agrò, stopping at the town of Forza d’Agrò where some scenes from ‘The Godfather’ were shot, and along the Alcantara river with its crystal clear waters and its stunning gorges with bizarre natural mosaics of basalt columns. We will also join a guided tour of the city centre of historical Catania which is a world heritage UNESCO site. Along with these three walks and the city tour we will also seek out some of the area’s most beautiful vistas and views and still have some free time remaining to relax or further explore this fascinating region.

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What's Included?

  • Flights & Transfers
  • Airport Taxes & Charges
  • Twin for Sole Use room
  • Welcome drink and information meeting
  • Breakfast & dinner daily
  • Guided tour of Catania
  • 3 Guided Walks - 1 Full Day & 2 Half Day
  • Accompanying Solo's Tour Leader
  • Fully financially protected

Itinerary

  • Arrival Day
  • Etna
  • Catania
  • La valle d'Agrò
  • Day at leisure
  • Alcantara Gorge
  • Day at leisure
  • Departure Day
Extras
  • Insurance see here
  • Tourist City Tax – EUR 1.00 – 2.00 per night payable to the hotel locally at the end of your stay (amount subject to change)

What you'll be doing

DAY 1

Arrival Day

We arrive on the island of Sicily. We will transfer from Catania Airport to the town of Latojani which will be our base for the week. Situated on the eastern coast of the island its easy pace of life offers visitors a relaxing beach getaway with stunning sea views and easy access to nearby natural, historical and cultural attractions.
  • Dinner included
DAY 2

Etna

After breakfast at our hotel we will take a coach to the Rifugio Sapienza area on Mount Etna at an altitude of 1,900 meters. From here, with an expert guide, we will first visit the Silvestri Craters (two extinct volcanic calderas) and then take a trail through some of the most recent lava fields which resulted from the eruptions of 2001. Our course will take us to the Valle del Bove (Valley of the OX), a large depression that resulted from the collapse of eastern flank of the mountain, caused by lava flows, an estimated 8000 years ago. On the way back we will take the Schiena dell’Asino (Donkey’s Back) route with its spectacular panoramas both towards the coast and towards the summit craters of Etna along which we will take the short side trail that goes to the ‘Grotta di Pitagora’ cave. We then return to our hotel to relax and freshen up before enjoying dinner there. Height altitude 2000-2100 meters; journey time 3-4 hours; path on volcanic ash; flora made of endemic bushes.
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 3

Catania

This morning after breakfast we depart from our hotel for a half day guided tour of Catania the second largest city on Silicy after Palermo. We start out walking tour at the Piazza Alcalá through the streets of the World Heritage listed city centre taking in the Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city with its Baroque palaces and the central Elephant Fountain. From there we will walk along the Via Etnea and visit Piazza Stesicoro to see the remains of the ancient Roman city of Catania with its impressive amphitheatre. We will also visit the monument to Vincenzo Bellini, the famous opera composer, and an open-air fish market that is famous for its vibrant colours. The rest of the day is free time to relax of to explore more
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 4

La valle d'Agrò

Today after breakfast we will take a more rural walk passing through the tranquil rolling countryside around Forza d’Agrò, a medieval town north of Taormina that was made famous when scenes for the “The Godfather” movie were filmed there. We will make our way through the beautiful flora of the regions along paths through an ancient rural landscapes with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian coast, Calabria and the peaks of the nearby Nebrodi Mountains. We will return by the same route. Once back at our hotel we will have the rest of the day as free time to relax as we please before dinner that evening in out hotel. Height altitude starting at 400 meters and varying between 200 to 250m. Total trail length 7km taking about 3-4 hours.
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 5

Day at leisure

Today is a day for leisure and to spend how we wish. Latojani offers a relaxed slice of the Sicilian coast with its picturesque winding streets, great local restaurants and a long, sandy beach with azure blue lapping waves to laze on.
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 6

Alcantara Gorge

Today we visit the Alcantara Gorge which is a spectacular canyon bordered by 50-meter-high walls fashioned from basalt columns, formed by the action of the waters of the Alcantara River and by lava flows from Etna before it. We start from the MOL (Museum Of Land), to discover the Alcantara Gorge through the modern 4D multimedia room, and then continue along a charming nature trail which will take about 45 minutes and which will allow us magnificent views above and inside the gorge During the visit, there will be an opportunity to a taste a range of typical local products such as Olive oil, liqueurs and citrus-based jams.
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 7

Day at leisure

Another day of free time to use as we like whether this is again relaxing around Latojani or making explorations farther afield to one of the many other beautiful parts of the region. Upmarket Taormina – dubbed the Monte Carlo of Sicily – is right on our doorstep and there is a local bus stop 3 min walk from our hotel for a bus that can take you there in 20 minutes In Taormina town there are numerous land marks to visit like the Ancient Theatre, strolling along the Corso Umberto and admiring its many fountains and churches or just stopping to take in the many splendid views around the town. Your Tour Leader will be happy to assist you with any arrangements you may like to make.
  • Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 8

Departure Day

It’s time to say “Arrivederci”! After breakfast we will transfer back to the airport to take our flight home.
  • Breakfast Included

Accommodation

Hotel Palazzo Durante 3*

Our base for this week is Hotel Palazzo Duarante located at the central piazza of Letojanni town, along the boulevard and directly in front of the pebble beach of Letojanni. With shops, restaurants, gelaterias and coffee shops out the front steps. Spiaggia di Letojanni Public Beach is 1.6 km from the hotel. Guests can reach Letojanni city centre in 5 minutes on foot.

Facilities Include

Palazzo Durante provides concierge services, restaurant,  a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.

Room Includes

Non smoking rooms have a private bathroom, flat screen tv, hairdryer, mini fridge and air conditioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Average Temperatures

Month(s) Highest temperature Lowest temperature
April 19 °C 12 °C
June 27 °C 20 °C
September 27 °C 22 °C

Our Reviews

“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”

“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”

“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”

“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”

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