Trekking Experience - Madonie and Caltavuturo

From April 24th to 26th, 2020
In the north-central part of Sicilia, the peaks of the island's highest mountain range offer vast and varied panoramas, stretching from the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea deep into the Sicilian hinterland. The entire area boasts a rich diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna, thanks to its vast expanse reaching from the inland hills to the coast. Plateaus and valleys are occasionally broken by sudden cliffs, while the landscape reveals itself in all its colorful forms, with oaks, birches, holm oaks, and beeches shading various parts of the territory. Its woods are home to many Mediterranean animal species, such as hares, hedgehogs, wild boars, and fallow deer. This is complemented by a particularly varied birdlife, graced by the presence of eagles and hawks. On Saturday, we will meet Prof. Romana, author of the book "Neviere e Nevaioli, 2007". Luigi R. was among the first in Sicilia to study the preservation and trade of snow. He recently published a study on the origins of gelato and, through interviews with elderly Sicilian gelato makers, has revived the traditional method of producing granita (a semi-frozen dessert) using a mixture of ice and salt, achieving truly excellent results. These granitas recreate the original sorbet, which the most sophisticated modern machines cannot replicate. Naturally, we will taste the granita.
On Saturday evening, we will move to Caltavuturo, where we will be hosted by Tommaso, a fellow GAE. In the evening, we will visit the historic center and enjoy a convivial dinner prepared with local products. On Sunday, again with Tommaso, we will set off for an adventure in a natural playground off the beaten path. A short but intense itinerary: Cozzo Rosso – Gole di Gazzara – Cozzo Ebreo – Torrente Caltavuturo.

Fee: € 35.00, including guide service, RCT insurance, and excursion organization.
Other expenses: € 140.00 - Includes: overnight stay in a hotel in Petralia Sottana on Friday and B&B in Caltavuturo on Saturday, accommodation in double or triple rooms, dinner on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and a packed lunch on Sunday.
Expenses do not include: fuel costs for travel and packed lunch for Saturday.
Deposit: € 50.00 at the time of booking.
Meeting point: Friday the 24th at 6:00 PM at Hotel “Il Castello”, Via Generale di Maria, 27, 90027 Petralia Sottana (PA). For carpooling arrangements, the departure point from Ragusa and its province will be communicated upon your confirmation for the weekend.
End of excursion: Sunday the 26th at 6:00 PM in Caltavuturo.
Difficulty: challenging
Route type: loop
Booking deadline: April 10th, 2020, provided that spots are still available.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, k-way (rain jacket), small backpack, hiking boots, hat, sweater, windbreaker, 1.5 liters of water, and personal toiletries.
Notes: the excursion may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events; in such cases, an alternative route will be taken if possible.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact 3334987946
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]