ITALY

The Madonie Mountains self-guided tour ()

G uaranteed departure dates for 2008: Every day during the period April-October Ref. number: - (Other dates also possible within the best period if the requirement for min group size is fulfilled) Last edited by: IN, 19/12/07

Introduction your first dinner at an ancient Olive Mill. the woods, this isolated mountain In the shadow of Sicily’s world-famous Your palette will be overjoyed with the hotel offers outstanding high volcano Mt. Etna, emerge the incredibly regional flavor and zest. Overnight in a elevation panoramas. During beautiful mountains of the Parco delle farmhouse in . springtime walks, look down at the Madonie, with peaks reaching 2000 /dinner/ limestone rocks and marvel at the meters. On your journey you climb up gorgeous assortment of wild orchids. rugged cliffs for breathtaking views of Day 2: Scillato round walk Overnight in hotel in Pomieri. small villages perched like eagle’s nests Ride up part of the mountain in a 4x4 Walking distance: 16 km; walking amongst the steep slopes. Walk this jeep and hop off to begin an invigorating time: 6 h; uphill/downhill walking: timeless landscape at ease, as daily life four hour walk along the impressive cliffs 830/490m passes slowly here, following the to the Portella Castellaro. You will be /breakfast, dinner/ endearing rhythm of the seasons. You will rewarded with breathtaking views over enjoy delicious fresh food, prepared by Central Sicily’s rolling hills and emerald Day 5: Pomieri to Rocca di Gonato locals who still live off the land, tending blue Tyrrhenian Sea. The descent back Today’s walk is probably the most their vegetable, olive groves and to the estate is peaceful and panoramic. interesting one. As you walk in vineyards and harvesting figs, almonds Overnight in a farmhouse in Scillato. between the highest peaks of the and hazelnuts. From the highest Walking distance: 12 km; walking time: Monte Madonie, look out for the giant mountains to the emerald sea, this is a 4,30 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 530/900m Sicilian toads in the brooks of the first rate trekking experience. Serenity is /breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Faguara, here you have wonderful yours. views and will fully experience the Day 3: Scillato to silence of the Monte Madonie. Climb Special highlights: You are in for an angelic day today. from Pompiere to the plateau “Piano - Wonderful open landscapes dotted with Transfer to the Vallone Madonna degli Battaglia” (1700m), a well-known medieval villages and hamlets Angeli where your scenic adventure area that derives its name from a begins. The walk leads you through the battle which took place there in the - Authentic accommodations in traditional th farms `Valley of angels’ -where the last 26 11 century between the Arabs and - Gorgeous flora and fauna specimens of the endemic ‘Nebrodi Normans. Take a large circular tour - A rich history brought to life in castles, spruce-fir’ grow to the high summits around the picturesque Monte Ferro churches and museums around Monte San Salvatore. Walk over (1900m) before walking down to a - Cefalù, vibrant fishing town with a the top of the Monte Cavallo and down one-of-a-kind agriturismo (farmhouse) fabulous beach along a small footpath to the charming in Gonato where you will spend the - Warm, welcoming locals town of Petralia Sottana. Overnight in a night. - Mouthwatering Sicilian culinary hotel in Petralia Sottana. Walking distance: 17 km; walking specialties Walking distance: 15.5 km; walking time: time: 7,5 h; uphill/downhill walking: 6 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 580/860m 650/1150m Itinerary /breakfast, lunch, dinner/ /breakfast, lunch, dinner/

Day 1: Arrive in Sicily and first taste of the Day 4: Petralia Sottana to Pomieri Day 6: Gonato to warm island breezes and aroma of the Today you journey into the heart of the Bid adieu to the lovely Madonie outstanding local cuisine. Transfer (about Madonie Mountains. A sturdy climb Mountains and take a three hour walk 1 hour) from airport to your first through wooded hills leads you up to a down to tonight’s agriturismo and accommodation, a grandiose 17th century 1500m high pass to your rustic enjoy a stroll around their delightful estate south of the Monte Madonie. Enjoy accommodation at Pomieri. Immersed in flower garden. Don’t miss a visit to Penguin Travel DMC-Bulgaria 1 Address: 9 Orfej Str., 1421 Sofia, BULGARIA; Phone: +35924001050; E-mail: [email protected] the nearby medieval village of are mild with light rainfall. The summer Practical information: Castelbuono, built in the 14th century season can often seems long, as spring - Best arrival & departure airport: around the noble castle. and autumn offer a continuation of the Preferably Palermo, but also Catania Stroll along ancient narrow streets and warm temperatures and long hours of - Best arrival & departure stations: squares for a true taste of small-town sunlight. There can be sharp differences on arrival and Cefalù Sicily. Overnight in a farmhouse near in climate on the island, which is caused on departure Castelbuono. both by the height of the larger - Detailed description of the public Walking distance: 7 km; walking time: 2,5 mountains and distance from the sea. transportation connections and h; uphill/downhill walking: 50/570m The finest weather is usually found schedules is provided in the itinerary /breakfast, dinner/ around the coastal perimeter, whereas road book inland and in the larger cities, the climate Day 7: Cefalù round walk becomes very hot and humid. Even if the Equipment and clothing: After breakfast you will have a transfer to weather is nice most of the time, you Nothing compulsory. For the full list Castelbuono. Then you can take the local must always be prepared for suddenly with recommended items see bus to the seaside town of Cefalù. Check developing fog and showers, especially “General”. in to your hotel and explore the town’s in spring and autumn. This is the wettest breathtaking Norman Cathedral and awe- region of Sicily. It is recommended to Extension: inspiring Byzantine mosaics. Climb the inquire about the weather expectations The tour can be extended with a stay ancient fortifications of the Rocca by the before you set out for the day, especially in any of the places throughout the waves of the inviting blue sea. Celebrate in mountainous surroundings. Ask your tour or any other city in . accomplishing a fabulous walking tour with hosts. a delicious dinner in one of Cefalu’s fine Group size: Min. 2 persons fish restaurants. General remarks /breakfast, dinner/ - The walks follow mostly mountain The price includes: Accommodation paths, unpaved ways, forest trails and and boarding as mentioned above; Day 8: Departure passable animal tracks. Sometimes transfers from the accommodation to The tour ends after breakfast. Catch the when the weather is bad the mountains the start of the walks on day 2 & 3, train or a taxi to the airport. You can also can be wrapped in dense fog. When this luggage transfer from Scillato to order a private transfer (about 1 hour) to occurs, it is not advisable to do the Castelbuono, transfer from Palermo the airport. walks. In this case you can ask the airport to the first accommodation, 24 /breakfast/ accommodation owner to take you hour telephone assistance, detailed together with the luggage to the next roadbook and maps in English. DETAILED ROAD BOOK AND MAP hotel on the route. WILL BE PROVIDED UPON ARRIVAL - During your trip you will walk along The price does not include: flights marked or signed paths, but also and public transportation, travel Accommodation & boarding unmarked routes varying between broad insurance, transfers to the airport on You stay in 2 star hotel (day 3), 3 star forest roads and narrow and steep day 8, tips, entrance fees, alcohol hotels (days 4 & 7) and 3 star farmhouses mountain tracks. The use of a (simple) drinks, cigarettes and other personal (agriturismo) (days 1, 2, 5, 6) with private compass is necessary, not only because expenses. facilities on 3 days with fullboard (picnic it is handy for a quick check on direction, lunch packs) and 4 days on halfboard. but also because sometimes, suddenly Optional services (tentative developing clouds and fog can greatly prices): transfers from Cefalu to Luggage transportation reduce your visibility. Palermo/Catania – 100/150Euro (1-3 Luggage transfer is normally provided by - During walks in limestone areas like the pax); 150/170 Euro (4-8 pax), the accommodation itself. Please clearly Madonie Mountains, paths can be 3 hours guided tour of Palermo or mark all your belongings with your name slippery and muddy on rainy days. This Catania with a local private English and put a small note with the name of the happens because lime solves and speaking city guide – 140 Euro next accommodation in order to indicate washes away with rain water, whereas (entrance fees not included) where the bags should go to next (check the clay component in limestone remains your accommodation list). Ask the behind as reddish brown mud. accommodation owner where the bags - Please leave gates and fences always should be left in the morning. Labelling behind you in the situation in which you your belongings prevents mix ups, delays found them. Sometimes you can’t open and loss. Bags should be ready and at the gates or pass fences easily. Please look reception or store room by 9.00am for a spot where you can pass with as little as possible damage to yourself and Tour type: IT the gate or the fence. Always consider that you are crossing someone’s Difficulty grade: B property. - It is important to take along a lot of Best period: April-October. water, tanning cream and head-gear. If it is very hot, we advise you start your walk Group size: Min 1 person as early as possible. If you plan to leave early, you must do your lunch shopping Weather: the day before, or when picnic lunch is The climate in Sicily is known as included, inform the accommodation “Mediterranean” which means that the owner of your plans so he can prepare summers are hot and dry and the winters breakfast and the packed lunch in time. Penguin Travel DMC-Bulgaria 2 Address: 9 Orfej Str., 1421 Sofia, BULGARIA; Phone: +35924001050; E-mail: [email protected] GENERAL support; sandals; light casual shoes for 220 volts electricity without using ======walking and/or for travelling; gaiters; voltage converter will most likely kill it. TOUR TYPES & GRADES loose, casual trousers for trekking; ======We provide different varieties of tours as waterproof trousers; fleece windstopper About Italy regards to their types and difficulty grades! jacket; windproof, waterproof outer shell - Geographical coordinates: 42 50 N, Whether you will choose individual and garment (breathable if possible!); hat for 12 50 E group tours with a guide or combined sun protection; sunglasses with UV - Area: 301,230 sq km (incl. Sardinia tours with a guide for some part of the trip protection; sunscreen lotion and lip balm; and Sicily) depends on you. We emphasize on using water bottle; torch (headlamp); mobile - Borders: France (Northwest), the local experienced guides with knowledge phone; underwear (not cotton); mosquito Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea of the local language, culture, history, art, repellent; trekking sticks. (West), the Ionian Sea (South), the etc. The tours are conducted in the ======Adriatic Sea (East), Slovenia English language. Guides in other Vaccination (Northeast), Austria and Switzerland languages are available upon request. Immunisation against Hepatitis A is (North). Tour types recommended two weeks prior - Coastline: 7, 600 km Our tours are divided in different tour departure. - Elevation extremes: lowest point: types, regardless of being guided or not or ======Mediterranean Sea 0 m; highest if someone travels alone or in a group. We Money and personal expenses point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de have prepared your vacation so that you You will need some extra money to cover Courmayeur 4,748 m (a secondary can concentrate on new impressions and drinks, other sightseeing, museums, peak of Mont Blanc) experiences, awaiting you all the time. laundry and souvenirs. National currency - Land use: arable land: 28.07%; Here is a description of the various tours: in Italy has become the Euro, divided into permanent crops: 9.25%; other: IT: Individual tours 100 euro cents. Some small pensioni, 62.68% (1998 est.) There is no guide on this tour. You travel trattorie and pizzerie will only accept - Population: 57,998,353 (July 2003 individually and we are responsible for the cash but ATMs are widespread and easy est.) hotel overnights and /some/ transfers. to use. Here are examples of some - Religions: predominately Roman Sometimes you will travel together with comparative prices: Catholic with mature Protestant and other people. If you wish a guide can be - Tea/coffee - 0,5-1 Euro Jewish communities and a growing arranged, if ordered. We take it for granted - Beer - 1,5-2 Euro Muslim immigrant community that you can read maps, provided by us - Bottle of water - 1 Euro ======upon arrival. - T-shirt - 10 Euro Weather in Sicily ------Slice of pizza -2-3 Euro The climate in Sicily is hot and dry in Difficulty grades ======the summer and rather mild and To prepare yourself for the best of your Cell phone coverage sometimes humid in the winter. The vacation we recommend that you start Cellular phone coverage in Italy is time when it is rainig more oftenly is planning it in an advance. Good physical excellent. The phone system available in limited on the late autumn and the condition is required. In order to achieve it Italy, GSM, offers superior digital audio months of winter. The drought in we advise you to start walking, jogging or quality and reception and cellular summer sometimes causes trouble: cycling everyday. Swimming a couple of coverage in Italy is virtually all over the Because of the extreme aridity even times a week is also highly recommended. country. There will be some spots where the tap water can become scarce. A You do not need much to get yourself in coverage is not available or even the particularity of the climate in Sicily is shape. And don't forget that the most possibility of areas where there are the „Schirokko“, a hot, dry and often important tip for an unforgettable active temporary downs but in general, cellular dust-loaded wind, which originates in holiday is to choose a trip which coverage and network availability are not the desert regions of North Africa and corresponds to your physical condition! issues. blows from the south over the island. B: Moderate ======On its way over the Mediterranean it Most of you, who are used to walking Electricity can take up much humidity and can during a long weekend, will be in condition Electricity in Italy is 220 volts, 50 cycles cause heavy rain showers. to cope with a tour of this level. You alternating current (AC). For comparison, should be in good health condition and not in the United States it is 110 volts, 60 too bad physical condition. We have cycle AC current. successive days of longer and more If you plan on using Monthly average temperatures in Palermo (C) difficult walking and days of lighter your own 110-volt 35 walking. Some parts of the day routes are appliances, you will done at a higher altitude. The paths are in need a voltage 30 good condition. We walk for 5-7h a day. converter, unless your 25 You are free to skip some walks and have appliance is designed 20 a rest. to also work with 220 Min ======volts electricity (dual Max 15 Equipment and clothing: voltage). For example, You should always remember that you most laptops and Temperature (C) 10 must try to keep the weight of your some electric shavers 5 clothing equipment down to a minimum. are designed to work Your packed rucksack should weigh no both at 110 and 220 0 more than 10-15 kilograms. volts. Plugging in an Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Recommended items: waterproof appliance that is not Months rucksack (60 l) & daypack (35 l); walking designed to run on waterproof boots with suitable ankle

Penguin Travel DMC-Bulgaria 3 Address: 9 Orfej Str., 1421 Sofia, BULGARIA; Phone: +35924001050; E-mail: [email protected]