In the north-eastern corner of Sicily. Rides start close to the Madonie National Park from a base near the small hamlet of Mongerrati, about 2 hours’ drive north-west of Catania and 1 1/2 hours’ east of Palermo.
Two 7 night itineraries are offered from set dates with a shorter 4 night option for those with less time. The 7 night Transiciliana Ride follows a wonderful place-to-place route through the Madonie and Nebrodi National Parks, then into Mount Etna National Park, with the last riding day climbing the slopes of the volcano itself. The 7 night Madonie Ride and Madonie Short Breaks are more flexible, starting from an ‘agritourism’ guesthouse, with some nights in other guesthouses and simple overnight lodgings. Once a year a ride coincides with the Canedda pilgrimage which many locals still make by horse.
Confident riders who want to discover rural Sicily, with the Transiciliana Ride ideal for those who love a ride that feels like a proper ‘journey’. It gives a superb overview of the area, visiting small hotels and ‘agritourism’ guesthouses, crossing 3 very different national parks and finally climbing Etna itself. Gentle horsemanship means relaxed horses which are very biddable but also keen, there is some lovely going on long winding tracks and staying in local ‘agritourisms’ means delicious rustic food, zero food miles, homegrown wines and a real sense of what Sicily is all about. The mountains in the Madonie National Park are higher and steeper so there is some slow, tricky going to negotiate here.
For the surprise of Sicily’s open, rolling countryside and sense of space when we imagined it to be all about atmospheric towns and villages. For the atmospheric towns and villages, for the tremendous feeling of ‘journey’ with Etna always on the horizon beckoning you forward and because we love rustic Italian food and wine, served with love.
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Below is an example itinerary. Please ask us for other itineraries.
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