Valley dei Templi, Agrigento, Sicily
Monreale Cathedral, Palermo in Sicily
Fallen statue of Atlas at the Temple of Olympian Zeus in the Valley of Temples near Agrigento, Sicily
View of the historic centre and Cathedral  in Palermo. Sicily
fresh sicilian cannoli dish
The temple of Juno, in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento
Landscape near Corleone in Inner Sicily in Spring in Italy, Europe
Aragona Sicily
Small truck filled with vegetables and fresh fruits
1/9

Magna Via Francigena: Sicily

10 days / 9 nights

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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

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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

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
Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer
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

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

Our tours are designed to cater to a broad range of people, but some days can be quite challenging, with long distances and significant elevation gain. We aim to minimize this as much as possible while ensuring a high-quality experience. To fully enjoy our tours, you should be accustomed to walking for 4-6 hours, overcoming around 600 meters of elevation gain.


However, Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hikes and Tour du Mont Blanc are more demanding and require a higher fitness level. On these tours, you may need to hike up to 8 hours per day and tackle substantial elevation gain.

Yes, our hiking holidays are appropriate for children who are physically prepared and have a good balance. However, to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of our young participants, we suggest that they should be at least eight years old to join our tours.

Proper footwear is crucial for our walking tours. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all our hikes. The terrain can be uneven, rocky, and slippery. Wearing sneakers can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to hiking on such surfaces, as they do not offer enough protection and support. Robust shoes also provide the necessary support when your legs get tired during long hikes.

Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. The earlier you book, the better the chances are of getting your preferred options. If you book close to the start of the season or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in the hotels and apartments. Therefore, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.

It is essential to note that accommodations at the destinations of our walking tours are in high demand during the summer season. Therefore, early booking is crucial to secure your preferred type of housing. However, we assure you that we will always try our best to provide you with the most suitable lodging based on your preferences. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.

Our tours are well-organized, and all the destinations are easily accessible and straightforward to navigate. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will require a guide. Our comprehensive handout will provide you with all the essential information while still allowing you the freedom of a self-guided holiday.


However, if you prefer to have a guide, please let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Most of the accommodations we provide offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. Additionally, you will find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan menus in restaurants during the tour. However, it is worth noting that some mountain huts on Alta Via 1 or Tour du Mont Blanc may not offer vegan meals. In such situations, it is advisable to bring your own food to ensure that your dietary needs are met.

The best time to go on a walking holiday in Italy varies depending on the location you plan to visit. Destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Sicily are best visited during early spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.


However, in areas like the Dolomites or around Mont Blanc, hiking is not possible when there is snow high up in the mountains. Therefore, the hiking season in these areas is limited from late June to late September. It is advisable to plan your trip accordingly to get the best out of your walking holiday in Italy.


We can best advise you after receiving a filled-out inquiry form.

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Are you looking for a good adventure and limitless flexibility? Then you should try out a self-guided tour, perfect for independent explorers who want to set their own pace. Without the need to stick to a group schedule, you’re free to linger at scenic viewpoints while the logistics are taken care of in advance.

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

Trusted by Many

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Handpicked Adventures

Only the best walking tours of Italy, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 1.149 € /person
Towering rock faces of the Dolomites, Tuscany’s unique architecture, and charming towns on the Amalfi Coast — discover it all on walking holidays in Italy!

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Anja Hajnšek
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