Italy - Sicilian Trails
These rides explore the wilder and most unspoilt areas of the Sicily. The riding is through varied scenery; from the green hills, forests and vineyards in the Madonie Natural Park to the lava flows and craters surrounding Mount Etna. Each day you move on between comfortable accommodations. Please note that all the trail rides have long hours in the saddle each day.
The Wild Sicily is a linear trail ride that winds it’s way through the Nebrodi Natural Park to finish at Mt Etna. This trail is the most remote and has the most hours riding per day.
The Deep Sicily is also a linear trail ride. This itinerary doesn’t visit or finish at Mt Etna but there are more historical visits built into the itinerary and there is a swimming pools available on most nights.
The Madonie Trail is a circular trail ride starting and ending at the same location. You ride through the olive groves, woodlands and valleys of the Madonie Natural Park.
The Coast to Coast is a linear trail ride that journeys through the mountains to finish on the coast. There is a swimming pool available on most nights.
Riders should be confident at all paces riding a forward going and responsive horse outdoors on the trail. The pace is varied and there are opportunities for long trots and canters where the terrain allows.
Its important that everyone is riding fit because the usual day includes six to eight hours of riding. Some days may be longer on certain itineraries.
There is a varied mix of breeds and all are picked for their good temperaments. The horses are mostly ridden in good quality English saddles and on a loose rein. They are well trained, well-mannered and sure-footed.
The rider weight limit is 90 kg, and this is strictly enforced. Please also note that sometimes you are required to get off and lead your horse.
The accommodation is comfortable and ranges from rural guesthouses to small hotels. Twin and double rooms are available, and, in most cases, these have private bathrooms.
The Deep Sicily and the Coast to Coast trails have swimming pools available on most nights. On the Wild Sicily and Madonie trails, there is one or two nights where a swimming pool is available. Please note that the pools are only open during the summer months.
The rides require a minimum of four people to confirm.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast to Coast | 8 Oct 2022 - 15 Oct 2022 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,836.10 |
|
Book | |
| Madonie Trail | 15 Oct 2022 - 22 Oct 2022 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,724.51 |
|
Book | |
| Wild Sicily Trail | 29 Oct 2022 - 5 Nov 2022 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,836.10 |
|
Full | |
| Coast to Coast | 8 Apr 2023 - 15 Apr 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Book | |
| Deep Sicily Trail | 22 Apr 2023 - 29 Apr 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Book | |
| Wild Sicily Trail | 13 May 2023 - 20 May 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Full | |
| Madonie Trail | 24 Jun 2023 - 1 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,815.81 |
|
Book | |
| Wild Sicily Trail | 8 Jul 2023 - 15 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Book | |
| Wild Sicily Trail | 26 Aug 2023 - 2 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Book | |
| Madonie Trail | 16 Sep 2023 - 23 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,815.81 |
|
Book | |
| Deep Sicily Trail | 30 Sep 2023 - 7 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Book | |
| Wild Sicily Trail | 14 Oct 2023 - 21 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Book | |
| Coast to Coast | 28 Oct 2023 - 4 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,927.39 |
|
Book |
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure; wine with meals; airport transfers.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A supplement of $263.75 is payable if you are in a single room. If you are prepared to share this will be refunded once a sharer is found.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Tips & alcoholic drinks.
NEAREST AIRPORT Please see the 'getting there' details for each individual ride.
TRANSFERS Included from the nearest airports.
Transfers are included to and from Palermo airport on arrival day and departure day.
On arrival day, your flight should arrive before 6pm so that you don't miss the first dinner. On departure day your flight can depart from at any time.
Transfers are included from Palermo airport on arrival day and to Catania airport on departure day.
On arrival day, your flight should arrive into Palermo before 6pm so that you don't miss the first dinner. The journey from the airport to the start of the ride takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.
On departure day your flight can depart from Catania at any time. Lunch is not included on this day. The journey back to the airport takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Private transfers can also be arranged for an additional cost if you wish to fly in and out of the same airport.
Collection and drop off is available from some hotels.
Transfers are included to and from Palermo airport on arrival day and departure day.
On arrival day, your flight should arrive before 6pm so that you don't miss the first dinner. On departure day your flight can depart from at any time.
Transfers are included from Palermo airport on arrival day and to Catania airport on departure day.
On arrival day, your flight should arrive into Palermo before 6pm so that you don't miss the first dinner. The journey from the airport to the start of the ride takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.
On departure day your flight can depart from Catania at any time. Lunch is not included on this day. The journey back to the airport takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Private transfers can also be arranged for an additional cost if you wish to fly in and out of the same airport.
The rides are on the island of Sicily off the coast of mainland Italy.
Every aspect was excellent, horses, tack, accommodation and food. Our hosts Lizzie and Alex were very competent, knowledgeable and exceptionally hard working. The route had been designed to highlight the very best of NE Sicily.
Jane ,Hereford
Overall rating: 5/5
Although your luggage is moved by vehicle, it's best to travel light as you will be packing your bags to move on each day.
In The Saddle says
Varied scenery on forward going horses with great Sicilian food along the way.