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Walking & trekking (self-guided)
Madonie Mountains, Sicily
In the shadow of Sicily’s world-famous volcano Mt. Etna, emerge the incredibly beautiful mountains of the Parco delle Madonie, with peaks reaching 2000 meters. On your journey you 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 will enjoy delicious fresh food, prepared by locals who still live off the land, tending their vegetable, 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.
Highlights:
Wonderful open landscapes dotted with medieval villages and hamlets; Authentic accommodations in traditional farms; A rich history brought to life in castles, churches and museums; Cefalù, vibrant fishing town with a fabulous beach; Mouthwatering Sicilian culinary specialties
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Sicily and first taste of the warm island breezes and aroma of the outstanding local cuisine. Transfer from Palermo airport to your first accommodation. Overnight in a farmhouse in Scillato.
Day 2: Loop-like hike around Scillato. Short transfer to the mountains and walk along the impressive cliffs to the Portella Castellaro. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Central Sicily’s rolling hills and emerald blue Tyrrhenian Sea.
(12 km; 3,30-4,30 hrs; uphill walk: 530m; downhill walk: 900m)
Day 3: Transfer to the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli where your scenic adventure begins. The walk leads you through the “Valley of angels” to the high summits around Monte San Salvatore. Overnight in Petralia Sottana.
(15.5 km; 4,30-6 hrs; uphill walk: 580m; downhill walk: 860m)
Day 4: Today you journey into the heart of the Madonie Mountains. A sturdy climb through wooded hills leads you up to a 1500m high pass to your rustic accommodation at Pomieri.
(16 km; 5-6 hrs; uphill walk: 830m; downhill walk: 490m)
Day 5: Today’s walk is probably the most interesting one, following paths in betweenthe highest peaks of Monte Madonie. Climb to the plateau “Piano Battaglia” and around the picturesque Monte Ferro before walking down to Gonato where you will spend the night.
(17 km; 5-7,30 hrs; uphill walk: 650m; downhill walk: 1150m)
Day 6: Bid adieu to the lovely Madonie Mountains and walk down to tonight’s agriturismo, enjoying a stroll around their delightful flower garden. Don’t miss a visit to the 
nearby medieval village of Castelbuono, built in the 14th century. Stroll along ancient narrow streets and squares for a true taste of small-town Sicily.
(7 km; 2,5 hrs; uphill walk: 50m; downhill walk: 570m)
Day 7: After breakfast you will have a transfer to Castelbuono. Then you can take the local bus to the seaside town of Cefalù, famous for its Norman Cathedral and awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics. The fish restaurants here are also not be missed.
Day 8: Public transport to the airport for departure (ordering private transfer is also possible)
Accommodation and luggage transportation:
6 nights accommodation on halfboard, 1 night on bed and breakfast (in Cefalu), picnic lunches provided by the accommodations for days 2,3,5 and 6; Luggage transfer from Scillato to Castelbuono (from day 3 to day 6).
Group size: Min 1 person
Price: 750 Euro
Price of extra services: Single supplement: 960 Euro
The price includes:
Accommodation and boarding as mentioned above; transfers from the accommodation to the start of the walks on day 2 & 3, transfer from Palermo airport to the first accommodation, 24 hour telephone assistance, detailed roadbook and maps in English.
The price does not include:
Flights and public transportation, travel insurance, transfers to the airport on day 8, tips, entrance fees, alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses.
Tips:
We recommend you fly into the Palermo’s Punta Raisi Airport. From there, you can take public transport to Scillato (a bus and then a train). If you prefer booking with us in advance, a transfer will take you from the airport or from the train station directly to Scillato. You can also fly into Catania but the transfer is longer and more complicated. We can organize all your flight (please sk for quotation).
