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Mount Etna Ride in Sicily
Sicily
Italy
To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. At approximately 10,050 ft it is Europe's highest active volcano. Etna offers breathtaking mountain trails during the summer. Over the course of the ride we will first travel along quiet country roads in the rolling open hills at the base of the mountain, then along higher nature trails and ancient, paved Roman paths until we reach the Luna-like landscape resulting from the vast lava flows of previous eruptions. Dinners are delicious meals prepared by our hosts in cozy inns.
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Meeting:
outside of Catania
Airport:
Catania
Transfer:
Catania
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
Accommodations, daily breakfast, lunches and dinners, full day excursion (incl. boat trip on Taormina Sea), Support vehicles, 5 riding days
Packages and Options
Click here for updated current rates.
| A | 2009 | 8 day trip, AP except dinner last night | 8d / 7n | €1750 | $2450 |
| Group discount (7+) | (€295) | ($405) |
| Single supplement | €270 | $380 |
| Small group supplement (2-3 only) pp | €250 | $350 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Catania airport, port, train station or hotel in city included- no later than 6:30pm
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Transfers to and from Catania airport, port, train station or any hotel in Catania city area can be agreed, but no later than 6.30pm.
We suggest to book a flight which lands early in the afternoon and departs around noon.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| A |
2009
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04/25
- 05/02
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8d / 7n
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4 /
14
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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05/23
- 05/30
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8d / 7n
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4 /
14
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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06/13
- 06/20
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8d / 7n
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4 /
14
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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06/27
- 07/04
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8d / 7n
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4 /
14
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/29
- 09/05
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8d / 7n
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4 /
14
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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09/19
- 09/26
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8d / 7n
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4 /
14
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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10/03
- 10/10
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8d / 7n
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4 /
14
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Available
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Reserve
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Dates Note:
Saturday - Saturday
Rates do not include:
Bottled wines and spirtis.
Guided visit of Taorimina hosted by local expert tourist guide (included when there are 7 or more people).
Dinner in Taormina.
DAY 1 SATURDAY: ARRIVAL
We meet you at Catania Airport and transfer to Frutteto D’Efesto, 1400 m. above sea level, a lovely little farm in the Etna Park territory, set amidst a wooded area, with magnificent views of the mountain that seems now within an arm's reach. Once settled, our hosts will present a dinner of delicious home-cooked food. Then we climb the wooden stairs to bed, from where we can stargaze through the skylight windows.
DAY 2 SUNDAY : EFESTO TO NELSON CASTLE:
Our ride starts in a sweetly smelling pine and beech wood and our horses enjoy walking over a soft carpet of pine needles. When we reach 1600 meters, poplars and pseudo-acacias grow, but quite soon the trees become sparse and suddenly the ride is out on the high mountain path, with the summit area of the volcano dominating the view to our north-east , while, looking down on our left we can see the small towns far away on the low slopes of the mountain, and further afield our gaze takes us to the rugged hills in central Sicily. The ride goes through a lunar landscape made up of lava rocks, upon which pines have grown and also typical pioneering rock-hugging plants of this high altitude (astragalus, rumex and soapwort).These intense blotches of bright color can be seen at high altitudes all around the volcano. The lunar landscape of lava rock soon becomes greener again. A few kilometers further on we leave the high mountain nature path and, sloping gently, we come to the Contrada Difesa (1000 m.); here we leave our horses and have a country-style hot lunch and a rest. In the early afternoon the trek continues along the nature path on the western slopes of Mount Etna, till at last, the ancient castle of Maniace, standing in the hollow of a vast mountain-surrounded plateau, covered with the immemorial lava of Etna, and watered by the Simeto river.
You enter in the Castello di Nelson through a massive stone portal. A large black Celtic cross on a large pedestal carries the inscription "Heroi Immortali Nili". The reason he became a Sicilian duke had nothing to do with victories on the Nile, at Trafalgar or anywhere else. It was a generous thank-you gift for his involvement in the brutal repression of a revolt against the Spanish Bourbon Kings who once ruled all of southern Italy. In 1799 it was this same green gold that provided a healthy pension of £3,000 a year for an unlikely beneficiary, the British admiral, Lord Nelson. Having rescued Ferdinand IV and his family from war-torn Naples, Nelson was rewarded by a grateful Bourbon king with the dukedom of Bronte – and most of the Simeto Valley which the town overlooks. Although the admiral never visited his estate, road signs around Bronte all point proudly in the direction of neighboring Maniace and Il Castello di Nelson. More fortified farmhouse than actual castle, it remained the family home for nearly two hundred years before the town council of Bronte bought it back again from Nelson's descendants. Before a short visit of the castle, we give shelter to our horses inside the Nelson Farm, opposite the main entrance of castle. Nelson farm is situated at the border between Etna and Nebrodi Nature Parks. Once settled we gather for a pleasant dinner before retiring for the night.
DAY 3 MONDAY: NELSON CASTLE TO SALETTI MOUNTAIN REFUGE
The ride today begins, just for a short stretch of road, following the previous evening path and continues as far as the Mount La Nave refuge (1273 m.) - maintained, like all the refuges, by the Forestry Commission. Here we leave our horses in stalls and have a country-style hot lunch and a rest. In the early afternoon the trek continues along the high mountain nature path with the scenery changing as Mt. Etna dons different colored robes. Our horses hooves clip-clop away the kilometers taking us to the beautiful beech woods at Mount Spagnolo (1547m.). Near here is the Saletti mountain refuge where, after a wash and brush-up, we sit down to our pasta, local produce and barbecue dinner. Then off to bed in real mountain style in sleeping bags on camp beds (provided).
DAY 4 TUESDAY: SALETTI TO BRUNEK CHALET HOTEL
In the morning the group goes on horseback to visit the extinct craters formed during the eruption of 1980. We cross vast lava flows through which a nature path has been cut by the Forestry Corps. Along the way we pass the Lamponi (Raspberry) and the Palombe caves in a wooded area of pine and larch in the territory of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the northern slopes of the volcano. This pleasant route crosses fragrant woodlands and gives spectacular views of the Alcantara valley. At lunchtime we arrive at the Pirao refuge where a tasty hot lunch is ready for us. After a two-hour lunch break, we remount and ride through wooded areas towards the little mountain chalet hotel, Brunek (1370m.), which is well-equipped with modern comforts. Dinner is in its restaurant and a good night’s sleep.
DAY 5 WEDNESDAY: BRUNEK TO ST. ALFIO
After breakfast we ride along a forest path leading to Piano Pernicara Inthe Ragabo pinewoods of the Commune of Linguaglossa. Crossing the Chiovazzi area we reach Mount Crisino (1345m.) and then Mount Stornello (1150). The track crosses immense lava flows from 1865, 1928 and 1971.From there a mule track of great anthropological importance takes us through chestnut woods to the Magazzeni area near the village of St. Alfio. By about 1:30 we reach the Cirasella farm a few kilometres from the Chestnut tree of a Hundred Horses. Here we have a complete hot lunch, and after a brief siesta we set out on our horses again to visit the pluri-millenary tree under whose breadth of foliage, as legend has it, one hundred horsemen took shelter from a storm. We get back to our cosy farm about 18.00 for dinner.
DAY 6 – THURSDAY: ST. ALFIO TO FRUTTETO DI EFESTO FARM
We ride across the Felcerossa ( red fern) area and go through the Nicolosi wood, along a nature path that takes us to Piano dell’Acqua at 717 meters from where we can gaze with awe on the impressive lava flow that threatened the village of Zafferana from 1991 to 1993. Here and there, trees, patches of greenery and small country houses and lava shelters , encircled by the flow , bear witness to the past. We now enter a larch wood in the Ilice area and skirt Mount Arcimis (1284m.). Here the scenery changes again totally and we ride across the lunar landscape of the 1634 lava flow to reach Mount Serra Pizzuta Galvarina (1704m.). Our group now leaves the forestry park behind and goes along the quiet provincial country road, and can admire lava flows and extinct craters on either side, especially the Silvestri craters (2000m.). These craters mark the beginning of the small Etna South tourist area. This area was partly covered by recent lava flows: The cablecar taking visitors almost up to the summit has now re-opened and starts from here. We stop here for lunch and can also buy souvenirs in the many little shops, admire the breathtaking view down to the Ionian Sea and the Plain of Catania. With saddlebags full of souvenirs, we now start our downhill ride back to the Frutteto di Efesto for our last memorable night on Mount Etna.
DAY 7 - FRIDAY: FULL DAY TOUR
After a relaxing breakfast at Efesto farm, at about 10 am, we are driven by private minibus to Catania., about 30 minutes’ drive. We go for a short walk along the streets of the historic center and visit the colored local open fish market. For lunch we dine on locally caught fish at a nearby trattoria. After lunch we leave to Taormina Sea where, by private boat, we sail around the Isola Bella, the Blue Cave and the wonderful creek of Mazzarò. Of course you will have the opportunity for a swim in the crystal blue waters. At mid-afternoon we come up to to the small mountain town of Taormina, famous for its monuments and Greek Theatre. As soon as you arrive in Taormina, you will feel the magical, mythical atmosphere spread all around which has enchanted visitors from all over the world for years and years. Settled on a hill of the Monte Tauro, Taormina dominates two grand, sweeping bays below and on the southern side, the top of Mount Etna, offering a breathtaking, dramatic and memorable view over almost one hundred miles of Mediterranean sea. Take time to walk and shop along the quaint streets of this historic center. Dinner (á la carte - not included) and overnight in this beautiful romantic village with is small streets (no cars) and its many boutiques and restaurants.
Day 8 – SATURDAY: Departure
In the morning after breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Catania Airport by minibus.
subject to change
Options for Day 7:
1. Relax at Efesto Farm - you can rest and have lunch at Efesto Farm. Later, in the afternoon, you follow the above program entirely.
2. Wine Tasting at Etna Vineyard
At 11 am, by private bus, we leave to a vineyard on the north-eastern Etna slopes. In an exclusive natural environment, at 800 meters above sea level, the vineyards lay on sunny and airy terracing, facing a breathtaking landscape. Wine tasting is partnered with the tasting of typical home-produced products. Later, in the afternoon, you follow the above program entirely.
3. Culinary Day min. 4 people (plus € 60,00 per person)
At 10 am you transfer to a village, located on the south-eastern foothills of Mount Etna. Over there, our female friend, offer to guests who take part in their cooking class - in a small and family run restaurant, some classic Sicilian recipes. Then, all together, we have lunch in a friendly atmosphere. At the end, about mid-afternoon, you transfer directly to selected hotel in Taormina
4. Volcano Adventure (from May to October) min. 4 people (plus € 75,00 per person)
We hike to the summit craters of Mount Etna visiting the active vents and the fumarole area. We will also visit the eruptive fractures, the awesome cinder cones that have modified and enriched the volcanic landscape on the upper flanks of the mountain during the spectacular eruptions of 2001 and 2002-2003. Once you get to the top, you can see a large part of Sicily from the Aeolian Islands to the Gulf of Augusta. We cover the 15 km from Rifugio Sapienza (1910 m a.s.l) to Torre del Filosofo (2900 m a.s.l.) using at first the cableway and then, the FWD minivan . The hike begins from Torre del Filosofo to reach the summit area 3260 of the main cone of Mount Etna. On the way down we will not ride on the FWD minivan but we will walk down to Rifugio Sapienza along the Piano del Lago, from the Cisternazza enjoying the view of Valle del Bove, we will then go down on the sandy slopes from the southern face of the Montagnola.
The walk is easy but we must also take into account high mountain conditions (strong wind, cold and snow even in summer) and high level of volcanic hazard in the summit area.
The above hike is loaded by an expert volcanologist guide. The participants must be in good health not suffer asthma or any breathing disease or suffer with heart or blood pressure problems.
Proper shoes for rugged terrain and a wind-proof jacket are indispensable. The guide can modify the hike itinerary for bad weather conditions or sudden increase of volcanic hazard.
Timing of the hike 5/6 hours Difficulty: MEDIUM For fit people
At the end of volcano adventure about mid-afternoon, you transfer directly to Taormina hotel.
Meeting:
outside of Catania
Airport:
Catania
Train station:
Catania
Transfer:
Catania Transfers to and from Catania airport, port, train station or any hotel in Catania city area can be agreed, but no later than 6.30pm.
We suggest to book a flight which lands early in the afternoon and departs around noon.
Passport and Visa Requirements: Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport Note(a) Italy is. more
Note: At the higher elevations on and around Mount Etna the temperatures during the summer months can be very pleasant and maybe 10 degrees cooler than in the lower elevations of the island.
January: in the deep midwinter the average temperatures on the coast should still be hovering around the 10 deg.C mark, though on sunny days it can be warm enough in the sun to walk around in a tee-shirt. It is cooler at night and much cooler in the higher mountains. Skiers will be hoping for some serious snowfalls on the slopes at Piano Battaglia and on Mount Etna. The citrus harvests are continuing apace.
February: The days are starting to get warmer, although conditions in the mountains are still very wintery. Ski touring, snowshoeing and horse trekking on the snow are unforgettable experiences. The almond trees are in blossom and are at their finest in the valley of the temples.
March: on the coast the winter is truly over, with wild flowers starting in abundance, the days lengthening and the average temperatures making warm clothes decidedly uncomfortable. Inland the farmers start preparing the land, tending the vines and planting the grain.
April: the wild flowers begin to truly explode all over Sicily and on the coast the first bathers start taking to the waters (though the water is still bracing). The interior is now warming up fast and the array of colours is spectacular. It’s well worth making a trip just to experience the Easter processions, bringing together folklore and tradition in an incredibly mystic way.
May: The interior is spectacular, with the mountain slopes exploding in colour and the temperatures ideal for walking. The temperatures on the coast and in the islands will now be extremely comfortable. If you’re lucky, you might get to witness the “mattanza” or tuna harvest in the fishing towns all over the western part of the island.
June: The first smells of summer waft through the island as the strong colours on the coast and the lower plains succumb to the bleaching rays of the sun. This is probably the perfect time for walking in the higher mountains. The temperatures everywhere are generally agreeable, though the Sirocco wind can send them soaring for a few days. The sea is warm but the beaches are still deserted, except at weekends when the first Sicilians start to brave the waters. The fruit trees are laden with cherries, plums and the local speciality "gelsi".
July: The sea becomes the focus for most Sicilians (and visitors) and the major resorts testify to the glorious temperatures and sea conditions. Do not shy from the interior though, where the walking is wonderful and the upper slopes cool and still luxuriantly green. Peaches and water melon are in season.
August: the sometimes stifling heat of the cities and the general holiday feel pushes almost everyone to the coasts, which are almost invariably crowded. The beautiful areas of the interior (and a few “undiscovered” parts of the coast) are however relatively unfrequented. Towards the end of the month begins the spectacle of the salt harvest in the salt pans around Trapani and the grape harvest or “vendemmia” all over the islands. The fig trees are laden with their welcoming fruit.
September: The vendemmia continues in earnest and all hands move to the fields. The summer is often interrupted by coastal storms, which can be accompanied by high winds. Temperatures remain very comfortable everywhere, and the coast and islands retain that summer feeling, but without the crowds. The olive harvest is also well under way. Hazel nuts are plentiful and many small villages celebrate their arrival with traditional "feste".
October: The abandoned vines turn to reds and oranges giving the vast areas of vineyards a spectacular range of hues and making this one of the most beautiful periods for country walking. Seasonal rainfalls help develop an astonishing variety of mushrooms. The prickly pears are at their best.
November: Autumn is well and truly here, though the temperatures can stay in the high twenties during the day to produce a surprisingly balmy Sicilian “Indian summer”. This is generally the month with the highest rainfall, though the big storms that often sweep the Italian peninsula generally pass safely to the north of Sicily. The orange and mandarin season is starting.
December: One can still have extremely agreeable temperatures during the days, though the sunlight hours are clearly at their lowest of the year. Still, Christmas is an important festival here and many small towns light up the night with their traditional processions.
Western dress and riding breeches more trekking shoes and gaiter or high boots are recommended . Light shirts and blouses in summer (June, July, August, September) - Sicily can get very hot.
Think in terms of layers which can be easily removed or put on as the weather warrants. A visor or cap, sunglasses, a sunscreen camera (with a fresh battery) and film. A pair of comfortable walking shoes for when you’re not on the trail.
Swimming costume for the boat ride on day 7.
*If you choose the Volcano Adventure option (n.4), have to take into account high mountain conditions (strong wind, cold and snow even in summer are possible). Proper shoes for rugged terrain and a wind-proof jacket are indispensable.
You should bring gloves, pocket outdoor knife, pocket flashlight. We provide rainwear.
We supply canteens with fresh water each riding day.
Saddle Bags are provided. No laundry facilities available.
| this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Normal riding gear or comfortable, yet sturdy pants. No leggings please. |
| Riding boots or shoes with flat soles that cover the ankles. We recommend mini chaps. |
| Long sleeved cotton shirts (for sun protection) |
| Riding helmet - provided (manditory) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| A wind breaker, rain gear that can be pulled over the saddle |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjamas |
| Light summer jacket |
| Comfortable shoes/sneakers |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and extra batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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