Loading search...
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Go Slow on Sicily
Tour Code: ITA25A relaxed 7-day wildlife holiday to Sicily, based throughout in a charming vineyard farmhouse and exploring the island's migrant-rich wetlands, coastal headlands, wildflowers and cultural treasures at the gentlest of paces.
£2,095
£1,895
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, offers a captivating blend of wildlife, culture and scenery. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, it serves as an important stepping stone for millions of migrant birds as they make their way across the Mediterranean. At the same time, the island's rich volcanic soils, influenced by the imposing presence of Mount Etna, support an abundance of wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife. Combined with a history stretching back thousands of years and some of Italy's most beautiful coastal landscapes, Sicily provides the perfect setting for a relaxed natural history holiday.
Designed in the spirit of a 'Go Slow' tour, this holiday allows ample time to explore and enjoy the island at an unhurried pace. Based throughout at a charming 19th-century farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and peaceful countryside, we will make a series of optional excursions to Sicily's wetlands, coastal headlands and nature reserves. Migration will be a particular focus, with Woodchat Shrikes, Subalpine Warblers, Bee-eaters, flycatchers, wheatears and a host of other species all possible. We will also enjoy gentle walks amongst flower-rich landscapes, opportunities for moth-trapping, and visits to some of the island's most attractive towns and cultural sites.
As well as its wildlife, Sicily possesses a distinctive character that rewards slow travel. From the dramatic limestone gorge of Cavagrande del Cassibile Natural Reserve and the historic streets of Noto to the wetlands of Vendicari and the ancient Greek remains of Siracusa, there is always something new to discover. Equally, there will be plenty of opportunity simply to relax at our comfortable accommodation, enjoy the superb local cuisine and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful Mediterranean island. The combination of wildlife, scenery, culture and relaxation makes Sicily an ideal destination for a rewarding escape.
- Explore headlands for recently arrived migrants
- Scour coastal reedbeds for Purple Gallinule, Squacco Heron & Penduline Tit
- Delightful accommodation in Siracusa
- Moth-trapping, tasty food and early sunshine add to avian attractions
Outline Itinerary
Dates & Prices
2027
Tour Leader: Marcus Ward
Marcus is a life-long naturalist specialising in birds, mammals, moths and fungi. Now based in Weymouth, he previously lived in and around the New Forest for most of his life. It is here in the Forest that Marcus is known for his work with Hawfinch, in addition to leading the Pine Marten project, and has spent many 100’s of hours in the field with these species each year. This has led to the publication of numerous papers and articles on these species, alongside literature on Firecrest and ground-nesting waders.
Marcus is a bird-ringing trainer and runs a team of 12 bird ringers as part of the New Forest Ringing Group. He is also a former trustee of Hampshire Ornithological Group and over the years has sat on several working groups and committees advising on woodland birds and mammals.
Marcus is a popular speaker on the circuit and when he isn’t fulfilling his obsession for Hawfinch he can be found on his local patch at Lymington-Keyhaven Marshes where over the years he has found and documented many scarce and rare species.
Tour Leader: Marcus Ward
Marcus is a life-long naturalist specialising in birds, mammals, moths and fungi. Now based in Weymouth, he previously lived in and around the New Forest for most of his life. It is here in the Forest that Marcus is known for his work with Hawfinch, in addition to leading the Pine Marten project, and has spent many 100’s of hours in the field with these species each year. This has led to the publication of numerous papers and articles on these species, alongside literature on Firecrest and ground-nesting waders.
Marcus is a bird-ringing trainer and runs a team of 12 bird ringers as part of the New Forest Ringing Group. He is also a former trustee of Hampshire Ornithological Group and over the years has sat on several working groups and committees advising on woodland birds and mammals.
Marcus is a popular speaker on the circuit and when he isn’t fulfilling his obsession for Hawfinch he can be found on his local patch at Lymington-Keyhaven Marshes where over the years he has found and documented many scarce and rare species.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
