Donkey-Assisted Trekking on the Nebrodi Ridge

August 24th to 29th, 2021 
Donkey-assisted trekking is a practice rooted in "slow tourism," where we hike alongside donkeys. These gentle animals not only make the journey lighter by carrying our backpacks and gear, but they are also true adventure companions that help us embrace a slower pace, allowing us to fully savor the landscapes and vistas that unfold along the way. The donkey is a peaceful, calm, and reliable creature—a perfect travel partner! The Parco dei Nebrodi is characterized by a landscape with striking contrasts between its slopes; it harbors a variety of environments, from lush beech and oak forests to the rare Tassita (yew forest), high-altitude pastures, and mountain wetlands. This makes the Nebrodi a precious and highly valued treasure trove of biodiversity. Within the Park, we can traverse the ridge, which crosses the entire protected area from east to west for about 70 km, allowing us to visit its most evocative spots. It also offers a unique opportunity to discover the silvo-pastoral culture and traditions of the Sicilian mountains. Our trekking journey with the donkeys is planned over 6 days and 5 nights in tents; dinners, breakfasts, and packed lunches will be prepared by local restaurateurs using typical local products, delivered or prepared right at our campsite. Our journey begins south of the Nebrodi ridge, at Serra Merio, and ends in Longi, with our final night spent at the Rocche del Crasto.
During this donkey-led adventure, we will experience an itinerant route that requires adapting to camping life, with the exception of the third night, where showers will be available.   

Trip Fee: € 530.00. The price includes: guide service, sharing and service with the donkeys, insurance, accommodation in two and three-person tents, dinners and breakfasts from the evening of the first day until the morning of the last (beverages included), and packed lunches for every day (except the first). It also includes a private shuttle service for drivers to bring their cars to Longi, our final destination. We will arrange this service after we meet at Serra Merio in the late afternoon of August 24th.
Costs do not include: travel expenses to reach the meeting point (Serra Merio, SS117 Nicosia/Mistretta) and the return from Longi, as well as any extra expenses not specified.
Deposit: € 150.00 upon registration. Once your participation is confirmed, we kindly ask you to email your details for insurance purposes to [email protected]: full name, place and date of birth, place of residence, and tax code (codice fiscale).
Balance: € 380.00 – To be brought and paid on-site.
Meeting Point: Tuesday, August 24th, 2021, at 5:00 PM at Serra Merio, SS117 Nicosia/Mistretta. Here is the Google Maps link for the meeting location: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/G7sfJFSaUTM6zr799
Trip End: Sunday at 3:00 PM, Longi.
Trip Type: Itinerant with a light backpack.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Daily walking hours: 4/7.
Nights: Sleeping in tents.
Meals: Dinners, breakfasts, and packed lunches brought to the campsite by local restaurateurs; on the third evening, dinner and breakfast will be at a restaurant in Villa Miraglia.
Highlights: Walking with donkeys, Parco dei Nebrodi, Tassita forest, Biviere and Maulazzo lakes, Rocche del Crasto, Longi, historical, cultural, naturalistic, and local gastronomy.
Necessary equipment: Trekking clothing, hiking boots, long trousers, hat, trekking poles, flashlight, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, shower sandals, microfiber towel or bathrobe, rain poncho (k-way), sweater, waterproof jacket, 1.5-liter water bottle, and personal toiletries.
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights. Hot shower available on the third night.
Booking deadline: August 10th, 2021, provided that spots are still available.
Health Notes: Each participant must bring their own masks and hand sanitizer and must comply with all instructions and further information regarding Covid-19 that we will send via email one week before departure.
Notes: The excursion may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events; in such cases, the guides will make the final decision.
Guides: Michele Barbano -3286812913; Salvatore Marletta – 3334987946
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]