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Sicily-Unknown Madonie Mountains
- Wonderful open landscapes dotted with medieval villages and hamlets
- Authentic accommodations in traditional farms
- Gorgeous flora and fauna
- A rich history brought to life in castles, churches and museums
- Cefalù, vibrant fishing town with a fabulous beach
- Warm, welcoming locals
- Mouthwatering Sicilian culinary specialties
From: 615 €
Tripcode: ITSW060
3 Comfort
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
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2 Difficulty
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
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Duration: 8 days
Details
Madonie Mountains
In the shadow of Sicily's world-famous volcano, Mt. Etna, the incredibly beautiful mountains of the Parco delle Madonie emerge, with peaks reaching 2000 meters. On your journey, climb up rugged cliffs for breathtaking views of small villages perched like eagle's nests amongst the steep slopes. Walk this timeless landscape at ease, as daily life passes slowly here, following the endearing rhythm of the seasons. You shall enjoy deliciously fresh food, prepared by locals who still live off the land, tending their vegetable gardens, olive groves and vineyards and harvesting figs, almonds and hazelnuts. From the highest mountains to the emerald sea, this is a first rate trekking experience. Serenity is yours.
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrive in Palermo airport and transfer to Petralia Sottana
Arrive in Sicily and breathe in the warm island breezes and aroma of the outstanding local cuisine. When booked in advance, a transfer will take you from the airport to the first accommodation in the south of the Monti Madonie. Enjoy your first dinner in a local restaurant of your choice trying the many flavors of the tasty regional cuisine.
Challenge: Arriving in Petralia Sottana
Villages along the way: Petralia Sottana
Day 2: Petralia Sottana round walk
Warm up with a loop walk through the hills and dales around Petralia Sottana. You will be rewarded with breath-taking views over Central Sicily’s rolling hills before descending back to the traditional Sicilian town where you stay overnight.
Challenge: 17 km, 699m climb, 698m descent, 6 hours
Villages along the way: Petralia Sottana
Day 3: Petralia Sottana to Pomieri
Today’s walk takes you into the heart of the Madonie Mountains.
A sturdy climb through wooded hills leads you up a 1.500 metres high pass to your rustic accommodation at Pomieri.
Immersed in the woods, this isolated mountain hotel offers outstanding high elevation panoramas. During springtime walks, look down at the limestone rocks and marvel at the gorgeous assortment of wild orchids.
Challenge: 13 km, 882m climb, 522m descent, 6 hours
Villages along the way: Pomieri
Day 4: Pomieri round walk via Vallone Madonna degli Angeli or Monte San Salvatore
Today’s walk starts off on a fairly steep and rough surface but it eases out as you reach the higher lands where views begin to unfold and you follow panoramic dirt roads and well-marked trails, making a loop around the fascinating Vallone degli Angeli. Part of the route follows the long distance ‘Sentiero Italia’ where you can still find a few examples of the Nebrodi Fir tree, that once covered a vast section of the uplands.
Challenge: 13,6/11 km, 878m climb, 878m descent, 4,5/3,5 hours
Villages along the way: Pomieri
Day 5: Pomieri to Rocca di Gonato
Climb from Pomieri to the “Piano Battaglia” plateau (1.700 metres), a well-known area which name derives from a battle which took place here in the 11th century between the Arabs and Normans. Take a large circular tour around the picturesque Monte Ferro (1.900 metres) before walking down to a one-of-a-kind agriturismo (farm) where you will spend the night.
Challenge: 10/6 km, 344/128 m climb, 853/564 m descent, 4/2,5 hours
Villages along the way: Piano Battaglia & Rocca di Gonato
Day 6: Walking from Gonato to Castelbuono
Bid adieu to the lovely Madonie Mountains and take a three hour walk down to tonight's agriturismo and enjoy a stroll around their delightful flower garden. Don't miss a visit to the nearby medieval village of Castelbuono, built in the 14th century around the noble Ventimiglia family castle. Stroll along ancient narrow streets and squares for a true taste of small-town Sicily.
Challenge: 7,4 km, 116m climb, 637m descent, 2,5 hours
Villages along the way: Castelbuono
Day 7: Cefalù round walk
After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to the bus stop in Castelbuono where you board the bus with your luggage to Cefalù. Check in at your hotel and explore the town’s breath-taking Norman Cathedral and awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics. Climb the ancient fortifications of the Rocca or go for a refreshing swim on the long sandy beach in front of the hotel. To end this fabulous walking trip celebrate with a delicious dinner in one of Cefalù’s many fine fish restaurants.
Villages along the way: Cefalù
Day 8: Arrivederci Cefalù
The tour ends after breakfast, unless you have booked extra services withus. To get to the airport you can go either by train or taxi
Villages along the way: Cefalù
Practical info
Included:
- 3 night accommodation on B&B basis
- 4 night accommodation on HB basis with dinners from day 3 till day 6 (drinks excluded)
- 3 package lunches from day 3 to day 5
- Transfer on the day of arrival from Palermo airport or train station to Petralia Sottana
- Luggage transfers on day 3, 5 and 6
- Transfer from the accommodation to the bus stop in Castelbuono on day 7
- 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
- Detailed maps and road book in English
Not Included:
- Flights and public transportation
- Local bus ticket from Castelbuono to Cefalù on day 7
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal extras and expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, etc.
- Any items that have not been mentioned in the programme
- Possible CITY TAX to be paid in cash on the spot (it varies depending on the city and on the hotel’s category)
Optional Services:
- Airport arrival and/or departure transfers from other locations than Palermo
- Guided tour of Palermo, Cefalú or Catania with a local private city guide
Extra Overnight:
Additional night/s at any of the accommodation along the way or other destination in Italy
Getting there and away:
The best airport to fly into is Palermo Punta Raisi. The arrival transfer from Palermo Airport or Palermo down town to the first accommodation in Petralia Sottana is already included in the package.
From Cefalù, at departure, take a train to Palermo and then another one to Punta Raisi airport.
Reviews
Start: Petralia Sottana
Finish: Cefalù
Dates & prices
Trip availability: Starting any day from 1 May to 31 October
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 615 €/person |
| twin room: | 715 €/person |
| double room: | 715 €/person |
| single room: | 825 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 1030 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 615 €/person |
| twin room: | 715 €/person |
| double room: | 715 €/person |
| single room: | 825 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 1030 €/person |