The Peak of the Madonie and the Abies Nebrodensis

June 15th and 16th, 2024
On this excursion, we will have the pleasure of visiting one of the most fascinating mountain ranges that make up the Sicilian Apennines: the Madonie! Specifically, we will head up to the second-highest peak in Sicily after Etna, Pizzo Carbonara (1,979 m). The trail, starting from Piano Battaglia, winds through an environment of exceptional scientific and scenic value, characterized by lush beech and holm oak forests, and a rich wildlife population including fallow deer, foxes, wild boars, rabbits, porcupines, and much more. The effort of the 420m ascent is ultimately rewarded by the incredible view from the summit, which towers over the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north, overlooking Isnello and Castelbuono, and looks south over the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli. It is in this very valley that our second day's trail will unfold, as we set out to discover the wonderful Abies Nebrodensis, stunning conifers endemic to Sicily that now number only about thirty specimens and are at risk of extinction. This route also features an elevation gain of approximately 400m, which, combined with the conquest of the Pizzo Carbonara summit, makes this two-day trip suitable for more demanding and experienced hikers.

Fee: € 65.00 includes - Guide service, insurance, and excursion organization.
Other expenses: € 75.00 – Includes - overnight stay at a hotel in Petralia Sottana (PA), Saturday dinner, and Sunday breakfast.
Costs do not include: Travel expenses to reach the meeting point, packed lunches for Saturday and Sunday (the latter can be purchased in Petralia Sottana on Saturday afternoon).
Deposit: € 50.00 at the time of booking. We kindly ask you to send us your details for insurance purposes: first name, last name, and tax code (codice fiscale).
Meeting point: Saturday, June 15th, at 09:30 AM at Piano Battaglia (Madonie Park), parking lot/intersection between SP54 and SP113. Here is the link for the Google location.
https://goo.gl/maps/R121esChLLdUxBsC8
End of trip: Sunday, June 16th, at 6:00 PM at Piano Battaglia.   
Difficulty: Challenging.
Daily walking hours: 6/7 hours per day. Approximately 8km on the first day and 10km on the second.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, backpack, hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, 1.5/2 liters of water.
Booking deadline: June 12th, 2024, subject to availability.
N.B. The itinerary may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events and weather conditions.
Bookings: 3513347770 - Email: [email protected]
AIGAE Guides: Paolo Costanzo and Javier Marletta
Guide Contacts: 3804747532 and 3287484939 - www.ciaotrekking.com