Immaculate Conception Long Weekend in the Parco dei Monti Sicani

December 08-09-10, 2017
Join us for a trekking experience at a relaxed pace through "I SICANI", Sicily's fifth protected natural area, established as a Regional Park on December 19, 2014. The historical, cultural, and food and wine heritage of the Parco dei Monti Sicani is remarkable. Its twelve municipalities offer a biodiversity that is a true treasure, one that can be enhanced by integrating the unique features of each town. The Park's mission is to create a synergy between them to foster sustainable development, revitalizing both agriculture and tourism. Our itinerary includes a guided hike and tour of Caltabellotta, a town steeped in history, accommodation near Burgio, hikes within the Parco dei Monti Sicani, and on the final day, a visit to the Teatro di Andromeda in Santo Stefano Quisquina.

Fee: € 60.00 - Includes guide service, RCT insurance, and organization.
Other expenses: € 120.00 – Includes: overnight stays in a local estate with double and triple room accommodations, dinners, breakfasts, packed lunches for Saturday and Sunday, guided excursion in Caltabellotta, and entrance to the Teatro Andromeda.
Costs do not include: round-trip travel expenses to the meeting point, Friday's packed lunch, and any unspecified extra expenses.
Deposit: € 50.00 upon registration.
Meeting point: Friday, December 08 at 07:30 AM at the Lukoil gas station on the SS 514 in Contrada Coffa. Alternatively, at 10:30 AM at the entrance to Caltabellotta (arriving from Agrigento via the SS 115, exit at the Sant’Anna junction) in front of the gas station, in the lower part of the town known as Canale.
End of excursion: Sunday at 5:00 PM in Santo Stefano Quisquina.
Lunch: packed.
Loop trails: forest tracks, marked and unmarked paths.
Difficulty: moderate.
Required equipment: winter trekking clothing, rain poncho, small backpack, hiking boots, trekking poles, headlamp, hat, sweater, waterproof jacket, and 1.5 liters of water.
Lunch: packed.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta – [email protected] – 3334987946; Salvatore Nicosia - [email protected] – 333/7447419.

PROGRAM

December 08, 2017 – Meeting at 10:30 AM at the entrance to Caltabellotta, arriving from the Sant’Anna junction, in front of the gas station in the lower part of the town known as Canale.
The hike begins through the characteristic alleys of the town. After about three hundred meters, we reach a "trazzera" (ancient mule track) that runs behind the Pizzo di Caltabellotta, offering views over the Verdura valley, a panorama stretching from the mountains to Giuliana. After this stretch, we will climb a path leading to the upper part of the town, where we will reach the area of the church of San Pellegrino, the patron saint of Caltabellotta. Needless to say, the landscape is stunning. We continue towards the church of San Cono and Lu Pirtusu (a suggestive natural opening in the rock that connects the north and south sides of Caltabellotta at its highest point), ending at the Norman-era Mother Church of Caltabellotta. A loop trail, both naturalistic and urban, totaling approximately 9 km.

December 09, 2017 – The trek in the Valle del Sosio, approximately 15 km long, will be an unforgettable experience along a large loop trail with interconnected, marked paths. Within the forest, you can admire breathtaking cliffs, ancient oaks, rivers, lakes, and natural springs in an unspoiled natural setting.

December 09, 2017 – In the morning, a hike along a path of remarkable natural beauty within the Park. Loop trail, approximately 3 hours.
In the early afternoon, we will move near Santo Stefano Quisquina to visit the Teatro di Andromeda by Lorenzo Reina, a sculptor-shepherd. It is his dream come true: a theater built stone by stone by an extraordinary man, in a place rich in charm and beauty, which will serve as the conclusion to our weekend.