Sicily - Magna Via Francigena

Arrive in Palermo and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city's range of historical attractions, ancient buildings, and dramatic coastlines. We can assist with pre-trip accommodation if you'd like to fully discover this intriguing city.

After breakfast a private transfer (at 9am, approx. 1 hr) takes you to Santa Cristina di Gela to commence walking. Setting out on foot you will start climbing along the “antica trazzera” (old route) towards the Santuario Maria S.S. del Rosario di Tagliavia. According to legend, in 1800 a rock with the sacred image of Mary was found by two shepherds, and in the same place while they were digging to build a fence for their animals they discovered a miraculous spring of water that healed King Ferdinado I di Borbone. The sanctuary was erected in 1841 and is a must-stop. Continue towards the peaks of Argentaria and Pizzo Nicolosi at the Gorges del Drago, and on to Corleone, sadly infamous for the Mafia, where you stay overnight. Enjoy the town's Spanish baroque influence or visit the Cidma museum, which recounts the history of the Cosa Nostra (allow an hour). Another interesting spot is the waterfall “delle due rocche”, 10 mins out of town. Distance: 26km/16mi, Ascent: 520m/1706ft. Descent: 720m/2362ft. Surf/Unsurf 33/67% Option to shorten: on request to the taxi driver this morning you can be dropped off at Sant'Agata (walk 7km less) if you wish to spend more time in Corleone. Alternatively you can have a longer walk, starting from Piana degli Albanesi (walk 5km extra).

Today is a beautiful hike. The path will lead you through vineyards and open fields and past dry stone Masserie (country farms) where you may encounter a farmer who'll want you to try their freshly made ricotta! From the lake of Prizzi a steady climb takes you into town. Time to grab a cannolo with pistachio and candied orange! Distance: 20.6km/13.8mi, Ascent +885m/2904ft, descent -466m/1529ft Surf/Unsurf 44/56%

A large part of today’s walk is inside the peaceful Carcaci Natural reserve, home to numerous species of birds of prey and a beautiful piece of forest to discover. Through the trees you can see the abandoned village of Carcaci. Its old world charm remains, along with the unaltered symmetry of its cross-layout, rural structures and small stone church. In the last part inside the Bosco Comuni (Comuni forest) there are the typical “pagliai” farmers. On arrival at Castronovo there is a transfer (at 4pm, approx 25 mins) to your overnight accommodation, an agristurismo in Cammarata. Dinner is included tonight. Distance: 24.5km/15.3mi, Ascent +602m/1975ft, descent -894m/2933ft, Surf/Unsurf 36/64%

Start your walk along the railway then gradually uphill to Acquaviva Platani. The Platani Valley is in front of you, and in the distance the charming villages of Mussomeli and Sutera, today's destination. The last part of the path to Sutera is along a stunning ridge. In Sutera, enjoy exploring the maze of alleys and chalk houses of the Rabato neighbourhood, founded by the Arabs around 860, and visit the rich ethnographic museum. Distance: 15km/9.4mi, Ascent +650m/2133ft, descent -700m/2297ft Surf/Unsurf 53/47%

Departing Sutera, descend to the Gallo d'oro river, a tributary of the Platani, which you ford and climb on the other side to Milena. Here the path goes up the hills that surrounds the village and gives you a panoramic overview of all the valleys nearby. Racalmuto, your destination today, is the hometown of the famous writer Leonardo Sciascia. Distance: 21km/13mi, Ascent +660m/2165ft, descent -830m/2723ft Surf/Unsurf 46/54% *If there has been recent rain, it may not be possible to ford the river in which case you should take the winter variant or book a taxi transfer to avoid the river crossing. Distance: 27km/16.7mi (ascent +885m/2903ft, descent -1030m/3379ft)

On your walk today you will pass through several charming villages such as Grotte and Comitini, where the pace is slow and you'll find some fabulous arancini (fried rice balls filled with eg ragu or spinach and ham). The Baroque village of Aragona is below you with the sea just beyond. Descend to Aragona and take the train to Agrigento (payable locally) where your pilgrimage ends. Be sure to explore the old town and the Valley of the Temples. *An optional transfer is available Aragona to Agrigento - must be pre-booked and pre-paid, please ask our consultants. Distance 11.5km/7.2mi, Ascent +225m/738ft, descent -332m/1089ft Surf/Unsurf 61/39%