Welcome to Trails of Sicily, the perfect place to explore the beautiful land and culture
of this amazing region. From the mountains to the sea, from the islands to the history,
we offer you a journey of discovery that will leave behind your footprints some of the most breathtaking landscapes.
Our tours also give you a chance to learn about the culture, and diversity of the region all in the
"La Dolce Vita Style".
So come along and explore the "Land of Beauty" with us!
LOOKING TO TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE? HIKING FOR SOLOS MATCH!
Hotel Stays
Our collection of handpicked charming hotels are located in prime locations, ensuring to make the most of your hiking adventure in Sicily. You will immerse yourself in the cultural and historical treasures at Il Duomo in Ortygia, Syracuse, escape to the tranquility of The Abbey in the Parco Madonie, enjoy sunsets that will stay with you forever at Therasia Resort and Spa in the Aeolian Islands, and Marina di Petrole where you will step back in time and experience the rich history of this charming town; Castellammare del Golfo.
Itinerary
Feb 2026
Day 1
Arrival Quito Airport
Day 1
Arrial Quito Airport
Day 2
Full Day TeleferiQo & Trekking Ruco Pichincha's Cueva del Oso
Day 2
Full Day TeleferiQo & Trekking Ruco Pichincha's Cueva del Oso
Being one of the closest mountains from Quito, Rucu Pichincha is one of the favourite peaks for acclimatization purposes. It towers up just above Quito; therefore the parking lot (10,827ft/3.300m) is only 15 to 20 minutes by car. From here we will ride a cable car (Teleferico), one of the highest in the world, for about 15 minutes up to the trailhead (13,451ft/4.100m). From this point, we will follow a long ridge for about 1,5 hours to the base of steeper and narrow ridge, which we will be climbing and scrambling on for about 3 hours to get the summit, we will be passing by some sections of very interesting drops and cliffs under our feet, with very good quality of rock to enjoy our ascension. Total climbing time is around 5 hours. Return to Quito in the afternoon (-/-/-)
Elevation:
(15,413ft/4.698m)
Difficulty
Easy / Intermediate
Duration
1 Day
Lunch included: BOX
Day 3
Transfer from airport to hotel and Highlands of Santa Cruz & Lava Tunnels
Day 3
Transfer from airport to hotel and Highlands of Santa Cruz & Lava Tunnels
Without any doubt, the most emblematic representatives of the archipelago are the Galapagos giant tortoises. The archipelago’s name even refers to their saddle-shaped shells. Santa Cruz Island offers excellent opportunities to encounter these creatures in the wild, roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the giant tortoise reserve of Cerro El Chato, which is great for birdwatching as well. On the way back, a stop will be made at one of the largest lava tunnels of Santa Cruz.
Highlights:
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Approach Galapagos giant tortoises within a few meters in their natural environment
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Exotic scalesia forests with daisy trees overgrown with ferns and lichens
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Birdwatching paradise with vermillion flycatcher and the woodpecker finch
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Unexpected panoramic view into an interesting pit crater
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A walk through one of the largest lava tunnels of Santa Cruz
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Five different climate zones with dramatic scenic changes towards the lush highlands
Highlands: Giant tortoise farmlands
Because wild Galapagos giant tortoises don’t stop at official National Park boundaries, dozens of them also roam and even mate on the adjacent farmlands in the populated agricultural zone of Santa Cruz Island. Thanks to the semi-open pastures, scalesia woodlands, and their concentration around muddy pools, Rancho Primicias or Rancho Permiso are the best places for a quick visit. Armed with a rain poncho and rubber boots, you will get good chances to approach wild Galapagos giant tortoises up to a few meters away. Moreover, it is also an excellent place for birdwatching!
Lava tunnel
Lava tunnels provide fascinating insights into the volcanic origin of the islands. These underground structures are typical for the shield volcanoes of Galapagos and Hawaii, where molten lava is fluid as water. The surface of a lava stream cools first and forms an insulating crust that keeps the interior lava hot and running. As soon as the eruption settles down, the molten rock drains out and leaves a hollow tube. The largest has the size of real tunnels through which you can walk! These dark spaces are also preferred resting places for short-eared owls.
Day 4
Bartolome or Seymur or Plazas Islands (Shared Navigable Tour)
Day 4
Bartolome or Seymur or Plazas Islands (Shared Navigable Tour)
artolomé Islet is located in the northwest corner of Galapagos. In the Itabaca Channel (north side of Santa Cruz) you will be welcomed aboard and we will navigate for two hours. Soaring frigatebirds commonly escort yachts that pass this ocean area. Maybe even a pod of bottlenose dolphins will swim by. Bilingual guides, snorkeling gear and lunch are included.
Bartolomé may appear lifeless at first sight, but it's inhabited by lava lizards, Galapagos hawks and Galapagos racer snakes. Upon landing, we will climb 350 steps to the summit of Bartolomé Islet (600m/2000ft long, 114m/375 ft high, 30-45 min). The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views, a unique experience to find yourself in the middle of desolate spatter cones, craters and lava droplets.
Arriving at the properly named Golden Beach is like arriving in paradise. This gorgeous coral sand beach lies directly beneath the emblematic obelisk of Pinnacle Rock. Swimming here resembles a crystal-clear tropical aquarium with precious coral formations and colourful reef fish everywhere. Swimming further out you mighty spot (harmless) whitetip reef sharks, some families of endangered Galapagos penguins, and Pacific green turtles.
Day 5
Seymour
Day 5
Seymour
Today you will enjoy a navigable tour to Seymour. Transportation from the hotel to the dock is not included. Round trip navigation, snorkelling equipment, naturalist guides, and box lunch on board are included.
North Seymour is a 2 hour speedboat ride from Santa Cruz, and is considered a bird watching paradise.
This is a flat islet formed by layers of lava and marine sediments that were submerged, but over thousands of years were raised to the surface by the collision of tectonic plates.
When you disembark, you'll explore a trail that passes through giant colonies of frigatebirds, renowned for the sheer beauty of their aerial acrobatics, as well as the impressive red pouch the males inflate on their chests to attract females. They share their habitat with the iconic blue-footed boobies, which they sometimes chase and intimidate to steal their food. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to observe endemic wildlife, including land iguanas and numerous bird species.
After completing the shore excursion, the boat will anchor in the adjacent Seymour Channel (one of the best deep-water snorkelling spots in the Galapagos), where you can swim among birds diving for game, sea lions, colourful reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, and much more.
Return to the dock in Puerto Ayora.
Day 6
Floriana Islands
Day 6
Floriana Islands
ocated at ‘the end of the world’, Puerto Velasco Ibarra on Floreana island is the the smallest human settlement of the Galapagos islands, and still breaths a pioneering spirit. Though colonized centuries ago, no more than 150 residents try to make a living from agriculture, fishery and tourism.
At the waterfront of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, there is a black sand beach. This was the historical landing site of the early arriving colonists and sailors. It is nice for relaxing, nearby snorkelling or a stroll to approach the resting Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas or sally lightfoot crabs that contrast with the dark background. If lucky, you may also spot some Galapagos penguins.
This tour then visits the historical site of a now distant in time Galapagos’ penal colony called Asylum of Peace, as well as fresh water springs where pirates lived in caves. Here you can also stroll between Galapagos giant tortoises in a native humid forest.
About 1 km south of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, a rocky headland holds a half-open cove, where adorable Sea lion cubs grow-up. In contrary to Black Beach, this smaller, wedged stretch consists of white coral sand, mixed with black rocks and topped with some candelabra cacti and mangrove. Close encounters with Pacific green turtles, Galapagos sea lions and incidentally spotted eagle rays make snorkelling an amazing experience.
Day 7
Transfer to Isabella Island
Day 7
Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
In the breeding centre Arnaldo Tupiza, many giant Galapagos tortoises of all sizes can be seen. Vulnerable hatchlings are not gigantic at all, even smaller than the size of your hand! This project, just outside Puerto Villamil, is created to rescue the endangered tortoise population of Isabela’s both southernmost volcanoes, including some of the only Cinco Cerros subspecies with a flat shell. The breeding centre also has a beautiful botanic garden, which displays a wide range of native flora species, including Galapagos cotton, Galapagos croton, Darwin bush, yellow cordia, cat’s claw, and poison apple. This peaceful garden also attracts colourful songbirds, such as yellow warblers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos and vermillion flycatchers.
Day 8
Sierra Negra
Day 8
Sierra Negra
Today we have our own private skipper & boat to explore two islands.
Panarea is the smallest island of the Aeolian archipelago and is an incredible source of naturalistic and archaeological secrets.
From the port start an easy walk into the wild to discover little naturalistic and anthropological “worlds”: the path brings you to explore the south-east area, above the village of Iditella from where you can admire Stromboli and the little islets around Panarea. Following narrow picturesque roads you reach Calajunco and the bronze age village of Punta Milazzese; finally back again to the harbor.
Difficulty: ** 2/5 - Difference in level: 100 meters (300 ft) - Excursion time: 3 hours
STROMBOLI
The island of Stromboli stunts for its dazzling and mysterious beauty, through its narrow and smelling streets you feel the gruff and benevolent presence of "Iddu".
The impressive “Sciara del Fouco” hike.
From San Vincenzo church. You will follow an ancient path with a fantastic view, crossing the old cemetery and passing through the Mediterranean bush, suddenly reach the fire line of the Sciara: around you only ash, sand and few pioneer plants, this is the point where is possible not only hear the “voice” of the volcano, but also to see stones rolling down from the top straight inside the deep blue sea...
Difficulty: ** 2/5 - Difference in level: 300 meters (900ft) - Excursion time: 4 hours
Day 9
KICKER ROCK
Day 9
KICKER ROCK
Isola di Salina
Departure from Vulcano: 9:25AM (45 minute ferry)
Return from Salina: 17:15 (45 minute ferry)
Though Salina’s rocky beaches nod to its volcanic composition, today the island is as tranquil as can be. Think olive farms, think caper bushes, think storybook trees heavy with plump figs and citrus fruits. Salina is a place for your taste buds to swoon over nature’s sweetest and saltiest bounties. Cap each meal with a sip of the islands signature Malvasia dessert wine. When your belly needs a break, explore Salina’s stone lanes, pebble beaches, and the twin volcanos, dormant for 13,000 years.
The sweet and elegant Salina welcomes you with a unique blend of Mediterranean atmosphere.
Trekking on the west.
Beautiful and panoramic walk suitable for everybody: we start from the village of Leni, following an ancient dry-walls path, then we reach Valle Spina passing through an olive trees bush in the south-west part of the island; here we reach a view point overlooking Filo di Branda, in this area it’s possible to see the queen’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) and other predaceous birds with Alicudi and Filicudi on the horizon…at the end a real home food experience.
Difficulty: Moderate (2/5)
Starting point to be reached by TAXI/bus
Difference in level: 300 feet
Excursion time: 2.5-3 hours
Day 10
EL JUNCO- GALAPAGUERA -PUERTO CHINO
Day 10
EL JUNCO- GALAPAGUERA -PUERTO CHINO
his morning you will be picked up from the hotel by a guide, who will take you to explore unique places in the highlands and the southern coast of San Cristóbal.
First you will visit El Junco, the only freshwater lagoon on the island, located in the middle of the crater of a volcano, at a height of 680 meters. In its waters you can see beautiful frigate birds cleaning the salt from their wings. The paths around the lagoon lead through moss-covered bushes, bathed in a permanent curtain of mist, giving the area a mystical atmosphere.
Then you will arrive at a breeding and rescue center for giant Galapagos tortoises, where you can enjoy the majesty of these animals, as well as learn about their evolutionary history.
The staff of this center collects turtle eggs in nature, to raise them, reproduce them, and finally re-introduce them to their natural habitat. If it were not for this work, several species of giant tortoises would probably have already become extinct, since the human presence in the Galapagos has had negative effects on the balance of the ecosystems.
Finally, you will descend from these highlands towards Puerto Chino, one of the most beautiful coral sand beaches on San Cristóbal Island. Deep black lava rocks contrast with populations of red crabs, and nearby are parts of an ancient whale skeleton. While you're enjoying the beach, some intrepid blue-footed boobies and fur seals may approach you. After optional snorkeling, return to the hotel.
Day 11
Flight to Quito- Night City Tour
Day 11
Flight to Quito - Night City Tour
Day 12
Departures
Day 12
Departures
Prices
Included in the Tour: 13 nights accommodations, all Transfers to Day Hikes, Ferries to the Aeolian islands with a boat tour to Panera & Stromboli, & Daily Breakfast. Not Included: Airport Meet & Greet with Private Transfers, bell boy luggage handling, international airfare, entrance fees to parks: Zingaro, Mont Cofano, Cefalu, Vendicari (approx. 30 euros)
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