In the Steps of Saint Francis

Tips and FAQs

Esperienza’s pilgrimage hiking program offers an extraordinary 10-day immersive cultural experience highlighted by five days of hiking on The Way of St. James (or, in Italian, “Cammino di San Giacomo”). The trip will start in Caltagirone, a UNESCO World Heritage City and conclude in Capizzi, the destination of the Cammino. Below is information to help you prepare and plan for your journey. For general questions about traveling with Esperienza, please click here.

Hiking Route Summary

The distance in kilometers and elevation gain and descent for each day we will be hiking on the Cammino di San Giacomo is provided below.

San Michele di Ganzaria – Mirabella Imbaccari: Miles: 9; Elevation change: +200 ft/-200 ft
Piazza Armerina – Aidone: Miles: 7.5: Elevation change: +200 ft/-200 ft
Piazza Armerina – Valguarnera Caropepe: Miles: 10; Elevation: +200 ft/-300 ft
Assoro – Nissoria – Nicosia: Miles: 9; Elevation +600 ft/-700 ft
Nicosia – Capizzi: Miles: 10; Elevation: +700 ft/-300 ft

Please note that we will also have additional days during the hike for rest and guided exploration.

Weather

In May, the weather in central Sicily is becoming drier, as the rainy spring season ends. That being said, rain is still possible and conditions can be quite windy in some locations. The average high temperature is in the low 70’s, and the average low is in the low-60’s. Click here for details.

Recommended Clothing and Equipment

Clothing

Footwear: The right shoes are very important, preferably high on the ankle and of good quality, sculpted vibram sole and a perfect fit. Be careful not to leave with fresh shoes from the shop! Buy them in time and take a few walks with them, so that the foot gets used to the shoe and you do not experience blisters.
Socks: Just as important: avoid cotton as it is heavy, absorbs a lot of moisture and doesn't dry quickly. The preferred materials for socks are modern synthetic yarns and merino wool; they provide good wicking properties.
Other Clothing: Choose comfortable and appropriate clothing for the season. The weather in central Sicily can change very quickly so it is recommended to wear non-bulky and breathable clothing, dressing in layers to better adapt to the weather conditions. Before leaving, we will consult the weather forecast which, while remaining only a forecast, will help us to make the right choices.
Outerwear: We will hike rain or shine. But rain is not a problem, provided you wear the right clothing. A good quality waterproof jacket (preferably Gore-Tex) is essential, and rainproof pants and gaiters will provide additional protection, keeping you dry in the event of rain.
Non-Hiking Clothing: For dinners and other non-hiking activities, you may wish to take a break from your hiking clothes. Meals will be fairly casual while on the trail, and while some people prefer to wear something more “dressy” than hiking clothes on our cultural days and for dinners, you’re welcome to dress relatively informally off the trail.

EQUIPMENT

Trekking Poles: Poles can be helpful, as they provide an extra point of contact as you go uphill and downhill, and also offer additional support in case of rainy or muddy conditions.
Backpack: Because our luggage will be transported separately to our overnight stay location, a moderately-sized daypack is all you’ll need for our hike. Your pack will always be on your shoulders and even a few grams make the difference on long journeys, so it’s important to carry only what you need for the day.

Daily Supplies

Below is a list of essentials to carry in your backpack:

Bottle with water;. 2L or 2.5L on average is sufficient. We are generally able to refill at some point during the day
Energy snacks, if desired. Most days we will be carrying our lunch
Waterproof jacket/windbreaker
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Protective sunscreen
Mini first aid kit (bandages, plasters of various sizes and anti-blister, disinfectant wipes, sterile gauze, small scissors, tick remover, personal medicines ...)
Telephones, smartphones and GPS: they are useful tools, but reception is unpredictable. An external battery charger can be helpful.
Identity document, health card with vaccinations and blood group, telephone numbers

Optional items:

Notepad and pencil
Small knife
Extra socks