Meet your guides at Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti, located in the heart of Palermo's UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel overlooks the iconic Quattro Canti intersection, the baroque heart of the city, where four ornate buildings create an octagonal piazza, marking the intersection of Palermo's main streets. After a trip briefing, we'll begin our adventure with a culinary introduction to Sicily's diverse local cuisine in the charming La Kalsa district of the old town.

Overnight: Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, we'll take a guided walking tour of Palermo's Arab-Norman route. We'll visit Piazza Pretoria, which has its ornate fountain, and the stunning Chiesa della Martorana. Our exploration of the city's historical center includes a stroll through vibrant markets, culminating in a lunch of superb street food at Ballarò market. In the afternoon, we'll marvel at the magnificent Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa) and the crown jewels of Palermo: Palazzo dei Normanni and the Cappella Palatina. The day concludes with dinner at a local traditional restaurant.

Overnight: B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we'll drive northwest to Castellammare del Golfo, a picturesque village overlooking its namesake gulf. Here, we'll launch our kayaks for our inaugural paddle, heading towards Scopello. Our journey takes us along the stunning coastline, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters as our companions. We'll conclude our paddle at the historic Tonnara di Scopello, a former tuna fishery turned scenic landmark. Our day ends at the charming Hotel Il Baglio di Scopello, a restored 18th-century farmhouse that offers traditional Sicilian hospitality and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and sea.

Overnight: Hotel Il Baglio di Scopello

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Launching our kayaks from Scopello, we'll paddle into one of Sicily's most stunning marine protected areas, the Riserva dello Zingaro. We'll glide along the shoreline, marveling at the pristine beauty of rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. Throughout our journey, we'll make stops at secluded sandy beaches for refreshing swims before returning to Scopello, having experienced the unspoiled natural splendor of this coastal gem.

Overnight: Hotel Il Baglio di Scopello

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we'll head to the Regional Reserve of Monte Cofano, launching our kayaks to paddle around the striking Cape Cofano with its pyramid-shaped peak. Our journey along rugged shorelines and hidden coves opens to views of pristine beaches as we approach Custonaci, which is renowned for its high-quality marble quarries, picturesque beaches like Baia Cornino, and the sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Custonaci. After landing, we'll drive to Trapani, checking into our charming 17th-century accommodation on the main pedestrian street. This restored palazzo, blending historical ambiance with modern comfort, places us at the heart of Trapani's vibrant old town, perfect for evening exploration and immersion in local Sicilian life.

Overnight: AI LUMI B&B and Holiday Home

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, we'll visit the medieval town of Erice perched high above Sicily's western coast.  Occupied since at least the 8th century BCE, Erice is a microcosm of the captivating and complex history of this region. The  Carthaginians built a famous temple dedicated to Venus here, and the town has traces of Byzantine, Arab, and Norman rule and Erice's strategic hilltop location made it an important defensive site, which explains the presence of numerous fortifications and watchtowers. We'll enjoy breathtaking sea views (including our paddling route around Monte Cofano). After wandering narrow alleys, exploring castle ruins, and sampling local almond pastries, we'll embark on a scenic drive southwest to Marsala. This coastal city is renowned for its fortified wine, and we'll spend the afternoon touring historic wineries, learning about the traditional production methods, and indulging in tastings of various Marsala styles - from dry aperitifs to sweet dessert wines. This journey from mountaintop to seaside offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomic delights.

Overnight: AI LUMI B&B and Holiday Home

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Returning to Marsala, we'll launch our kayaks into the shallow, crystal-clear lagoon that houses the ancient salt pans for a truly unique day of paddling. As we paddle through this unique ecosystem past iconic windmills, we'll make our way to the small island of Mozia, a hidden gem of Phoenician history. Here, we'll land and explore the fascinating archaeological site and visit the Whitaker Museum, home to an impressive collection of Phoenician artifacts. This excursion beautifully blends the natural beauty of western Sicily's coast with its rich cultural heritage, offering a truly immersive experience of the region's past and present. This evening, we'll enjoy a dinner of Cucina marinara trapanese (Trapanese maritime cuisine), with its distinctive North African influences.

Overnight: AI LUMI B&B and Holiday Home

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Departing Trapani, we drive eastward through the Sicilian countryside towards the ancient site of Segesta. The majestic Doric temple set on a hillside is a testament to Sicily's Greek heritage. Segesta comprises a well-preserved temple and an ancient theater that offers breathtaking vistas. After exploring this archaeological wonder, we head north and back to Palermo and our hotel in the Quattro Canti district.  This evening, we'll enjoy a celebratory final dinner of classic Sicilian cuisine. 

Overnight: B&B Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we say Arrivederci!  Transportation to the airport from the hotel is easily arranged.

Overnight: NA

Meals: Breakfast

Tofino Expeditions was the highest rated sea kayaking adventure travel company in a National Geographic Adventure survey of international outfitters based on:

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