Introducing the newest Esperienza hiking trip, “In The Steps of St. James,” a slow-paced journey that passes through historic villages, idyllic countryside, UNESCO sites, and places related to the life of San Giacomo (St. James). This trip offers a unique path of discovery that takes you far from the crowds into the peace and tranquility of rural Italy, on a less physically demanding trail than our original hiking trip “In The Steps of St. Francis.”

The path we will travel, located in rural Sicily, is the newest segment of the well-known Camino de Santiago. It offers pilgrims an experience of personal growth and authentic encounters with rural Italy, while learning about St. James and sharing the journey with others — but without the crowds you’ll likely find in Spain. As always, we will travel in the Esperienza Way, with a special emphasis on experiencing local treasures, and interacting with the people we meet. Whether you’re interested in pilgrimage hiking for cultural, physical or spiritual reasons, we encourage you to learn more and consider joining us!

Tour basics:

Length: 10 days, 9 nights

Price: $4900* per person double occupancy; $500 single supplement for solo travelers.

Deposit: $600 per person

Includes:

• Accommodations throughout the tour, carefully selected rural hotels and agriturismo

• Transportation to and from Catania (city center) and for all scheduled excursions, and luggage transfers each day

• Support van available during all hiking days

• All scheduled programs and tours with local expert guides as specified in the tour itinerary

• Breakfast and other meals as described in tour itinerary

• Comprehensive assistance and information during tour, from pre-arrival to departure, including help with flight arrangements (please inquire if needed)

• Customized advice on pre- and post-trip destinations

Activity Guide & Dietary Restrictions:

*Please note: Prices subject to change. Take advantage of our flexible cancellation policy. Start planning now!

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

The program unfolds over 10 days and 9 nights, designed and managed by the non-profit Borgo San Giacomo Association in collaboration with Esperienza. Less rigorous than the Cammino di San Francesco, participants in this program will hike 7-12 miles per day. The group will be accompanied throughout the journey by qualified guides and on-call logistical support service will be available, making the experience more accessible than the Cammino di San Francesco.

While this pilgrim's path is affiliated with the well-known Camino de Santiago in Spain, you'll experience much less congestion as you cross the heart of central Sicily. The trip integrates walking the stages of the Way of St. James with cultural visits of international importance, food and wine experiences, and moments of relaxation and contemplation.

Interested in learning more? Continue reading, or click the button below to request an itinerary.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Experience the peaceful beauty of central Sicily. Visit historic villages, experience true Sicilian hospitality, learn about the followers of St. James, and much more, as we hike “The Way of St. James,” led by knowledgeable, local English-speaking guides.

After meeting in Catania on arrival day, we’ll begin our hike in Caltagirone, an UNESCO Heritage City known for its ceramics, and travel on foot through towns you may have never known, but which will become beloved places where beautiful memories will be made: Mirabella Imbaccari, Piazza Armerina, Enna, Assoro, Nissoria, Nicosia and the final destination of Capizzi. All along the way, we’ll connect with the natural wonders of the landscape, the generosity and culture of the region. And every night you’ll feel content as we enjoy the fresh local cuisine.

The 45-mile trail winds through grasslands and forests, past farms and vineyards, over gently rolling hills with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain per day. With 7-12 miles of hiking per day, some guests may need to train in advance to be fully prepared to enjoy each day, while others will find it within their capacity. (A support vehicle is available for those who may need to shorten the day’s route due to injury or other issues.)

Either way, we encourage you fully immerse yourself in the journey, and embrace a spirit of adventure, for the occasional experience of serendipity and surprise. We’ve also built in several days for rest and cultural exploration in the historic towns of Caltagirone, Piazza Armerina, Aidone, and Enna, and will also take time to enjoy local food experiences along the way.