8-day Magna Via Francigena Walking Holiday

As soon as you get settled in your accommodation, step outside and breathe in the incredibly fresh, crisp air of this multicultural city. and in the evening, let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead.

You start the day being transported to Santa Cristina Gela, by the Lake of Piana degli Albanesi. This town is home to a historical community of Albanese people (the largest Arbereshe community in Italy) who still lives and professes its faith here. After a stroll and a local delicacy “cassatella” (fried cannolo) you will start your walk towards Corleone.

You climb along the “antica trazzera” (old route) towards the Santuario Maria S.S. del Rosario di Tagliavia. According to legend, in 1800, two shepherds found a rock with the sacred image of the Holy Mary. In the same place, while digging, they later discovered a miraculous spring of water that is said to have healed King Ferdinando I of Bourbon. The Sanctuary, erected in 1841, constitutes a must-stop along the pilgrimage route.

The path takes you to Corleone, a town renowned as the birthplace of several Mafia families; it was immortalized by Mario Puzo's "The Godfather". While here, it is a must to visit the CIDMA: Mafia and Anti-Mafia Movement Museum.

Distance: 4,5/6 hours, 19 - 25km / 12 - 15,5 mi, 500/900m total ascent, 690/770m total descent 

While exiting Corleone, take your time to admire the waterfall “delle due rocche”, 10 mins out of town. Then the path takes you through vineyards and open fields, passing by dry-stone masserie (country farm) where you may encounter farmers who want you to try their freshly made ricotta!

From Lake Prizzi a steady climb takes you into town, the perfect opportunity to grab a cannolo with pistachio and candied orange! Yummy!!

Distance: 5 hours, 19 km / 12 mi, 860m total ascent, 430m total descent 

The majority of today’s walk is within the peaceful Carcaci Natural Reserve, home to numerous species of birds of prey. Between the trees, you can see what remains of the abandoned village of Riena, with its old-world charm and the unaltered symmetry of its cross design.

Explore the rural houses, barns, the cozy manor homes and the small stone churchs. In the last part inside the Bosco Comuni (Comuni forest) you encounter the typical “pagliai” (hay)farmers.

When you arrive in Castronovo, you get transferred to the hotel in Cammarata (20min). You can shorten today’s walk of 4.5 km with a transfer on request.

Distance: 4,5/5,5 hours, 21 - 24 km / 13 - 15 mi, 620/650m ascent, 660/960m descent 

Energize yourself for today's walk by tasting some local delicacies at the central Bar Sicilia. Your journey then begins along the railway, gradually proceeding uphill to Acquaviva Platani. The last part of the path to Sutera, a little gem on the other side of the rock face in front of you, is along a stunning ridge.

Get lost in the maze of alleys and chalk houses of the Arabic neighbourhood, called Rabato, and visit the rich ethnographical museum.

Distance: 5 hours, 20 km / 12,5 mi, 850m total ascent, 820m total descent 

You descend to the bed of the Platani River, ford it and then climb up the other side to Milena; here the path goes up into the hills that surround the village and gives you a panoramic view of all the valleys nearby.

Racalmuto, the destination of the day, is the hometown of the famous writer Leonardo Sciascia.

Distance: 6 hours, 21 km / 13 mi, 660m total ascent, 830 total descent 

27 km / 17 mi, 885m total ascent, 1030 total descent 

Today, the last day of the walk, you will pass through through the village of Grotte, where life slowly follows the rhythm of the seasons.

A "must do" is to taste the local arancini (fried rice balls filled with ragù, spinach or ham). When you reach Aragona you take the train to Agrigento where you enjoy a free afternoon to explore the old town or the Valley of the Temples.

Distance: 3 hours, 11.5 km / 7 mi, 225m total ascent, 332m total descent 

Our services end after breakfast (unless you have booked extra nights)

Arrivederci! We wish you a safe trip home