Trekking Experience - Madonie

June 17th to 18th, 2023
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 incredible diversity in its landscapes, flora, and fauna, owing to its vast expanse from the interior to the coast. Plateaus and valleys are occasionally broken by sudden escarpments, while the landscape reveals itself in all its colorful forms, with oaks, birches, holm oaks, and beeches shading parts of the territory. Its woods are rich in Mediterranean wildlife, such as hares, hedgehogs, wild boars, and fallow deer. This is complemented by a remarkably 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 conservation and trade of snow. He recently published a study on the origins of gelato, and through interviews with elderly Sicilian gelato makers, he has revived the traditional method of producing granita (a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings) 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 an exquisite granita at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. On Sunday, we will hike from Laghetto Mandria del Conte, through Vallone Giumenta and Piano Cervi, to Portella Colla.
Dinner and overnight stay in Petralia Soprana. Petralia Soprana is part of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) circuit and was named "Borgo dei borghi 2018". Our colleague, GAE Giovanna Gebbia, president of the Proloco, will accompany us on a tour of the historic center.

Fee: € 50,00 - Includes guide service, accident insurance, and excursion organization. For insurance purposes, please kindly send us your: full name and tax code (codice fiscale).
Other expenses: € 70,00 - Includes: B&B accommodation on Saturday in Petralia Soprana (double or triple rooms), Saturday dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch for Sunday.
Expenses not included: fuel for travel and Saturday's packed lunch.
Deposit: € 50,00 at the time of booking.
Balance: € 70,00 to be brought and paid on-site.
Meeting point: Saturday, June 17th at 09:30 AM at Piano Battaglia (Madonie Park), at the parking lot/intersection between SP54 and SP113. Click the link below for the Google Maps location.
https://goo.gl/maps/R121esChLLdUxBsC8
End of excursion: Sunday, June 18th at 5:00 PM in the Madonie.
Difficulty: challenging
Route type: loop
Booking deadline: June 10th, 2023, subject to availability.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, rain jacket (k-way), 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]