Looking Back
On the trail
Sea Views
The old bridge
To the far mountains
Stopping for a drink
Riding upstram
Cooling off
Village view

Presenting a new equestrian trail for advanced horseback riders with up to 8 hours riding per day that is immersed in nature, history and Sicilian culture. Follow the route from the Madonie Park to the Sicani Mountains, while ascending to the Sosio River. Luggage is carried along the route in Jeeps and available each night. Riders are invited to spend six days on horseback crossing the central-southern part of Sicily between Agrigento and Palermo.

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Day 1
Riders are met at Palermo Airport (transfer not included), or Cefalù and transferred to Tenuta Luogo Marhese in the afternoon. Check in and freshen up before a briefing and orientation session with the guides over dinner. Overnight at Tenuta Luogo Marhese.

Day 2
Luogo Marchese – Collesano.Today’s destination is the small town of Collesano. Set off after breakfast to ride through the Madonie National Park, where the landscape is rich with vineyards and cork trees. There is also a good view of the majestic Carbonara Mountain (1979m), the second highest mountain in Sicily after Etna. Stop for a picnic on the outskirts of Gratteri village followed by a walk through the picturesque streets of Gratteri. The route leads through a forest before reaching the farmhouse Casale Drinzi (or similar) in Collesano where the group enjoy dinner and overnight (7 hours riding)

Day 3
Collesano - Mandria Giumenta: Leave Casale Drinzi farmhouse at 9.00 am after breakfast. Walk through the town of Collesano before riding on one of the oldest trazzeras in the area, that leads across the river towards the Sclafani Bagni, the picnic spot for the day. After lunch (weather permitting) there is an opportunity to relax in the thermal sulphurous waters. In the afternoon, tour the village and visit an ancient ruin of the medieval castle. Dinner and overnight at the Mandriagiumenta farmhouse in Caltavuturo area. (7 hours riding)

Day 4
Mandria Giumenta - Villa Dafne: Departure at from Mandria Giumenta and ride towards Valledolmo, past Caltavuturo, across rolling hills with vast wheat fields. Stop to explore the Gurfa caves, an ancient archaeological site housing the tomb of Minos (an ancient king of Greta) who came to Sicily on a to hunt the mythical Daedalus. During the Roman times the caves were used as warehouses to keep grain. Enjoy a picnic at this ancient site before continuing to the Villa Dafne, overlookin the town of Alia. Dinner and overnight at Villa Dafne (or similar). (5 hours riding)

Day 5
Villa Dafne - Palazzo Adriano. Depart after breakfast for the territory of Roccapalumba, a town traditionally known as a producer of prickly pear. Ride past the town of Lercara Friddi and stop for a picnic in one of the 15 villages that was built in Sicily in Mussolini ‘s time, for Mussolini. Explore this historic site after lunch before continuing to Palazzo Adriano for dinner and overnight (8 hours riding)

Day 6
Palazzo Adriano - Burgio: Spend a relaxed morning exploring the town. This is where the movie Nuovo Cinema Paradiso’ was filmed, and one can visit the cinema museum, church, piazza that were the fim's setting. After the tour, depart on horseback for Burgio through the magnificent woods with breath taking views of the Sosio Valley, the ideal setting for a picnic. Dinner and the accommodation is at the Le Querce farmhouse, where riders will spend 2 nights.(4 hours riding)

Day 7
Burgio - Valle del Sosio. The last riding day on the trail immerses riders into the wonders of the Sosio Valley. Descend toward the Sosio River through an area brimming with both history, and beauty. On reaching the river, stop for a picnic, and (weather permitting) a swim. Ride upstream in the river during the afternoon before climbing into the mountains to explore the forests on the way back to the farmhouse for dinner. (7 hours riding)

Day 8
Riders are transferred to the airport after breakfast.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

There are 12 horses available for guests ranging in height from 15hh to 16hh. They are local Sicilian breeds or Sicilian/Arab and very surefooted, forward going and responsive. Riders have the choice of English or Western saddles.

The riding days are long with varied paces due to the terrain, but there are plenty of opportunities for some faster canters and gallops.


Rider requirements

Advanced riders who are confident at all paces in challenging terrain. Up to 8 hours riding per day.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in comfortable farm houses and guest houses along the way in twin / double rooms. On some nights there may be shared bathrooms. Wine and water is included with meals, soft drinks and other canned and alcoholic drinks are not included. Vegetarians and special diets (within reason) can be catered for and must be mentioned when booking.


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions


Climate Summary

Sicily enjoys a relatively mild climate; high temperatures begin in May, often lasting until sometime in October. While the summers can be very hot and dry, the spring and winter months often bring on torrential rains. Surprisingly, even Sicily has its cold waves in winter, with temperatures falling below zero, especially inland. As of late, it's not been uncommon to see minimal snowfall in Palermo.

Climate Chart

Health

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Italy and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites

Health (ride specific)

Plenty of sunscreen and hydration.

Electricity

In Italy the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Mobile, WiFi and charging

You will be able to charge electrical items each evening in your accommodation. Remember an adapter! If using a GoPro ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed

Packing List

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs.
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a waterproof/ windproof jacket!
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera and Spare Batteries/Charger - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- A copy of your passport

Programmes

8 day / 7 night / 6 riding days itinerary with fixed departure

Departure Dates

2025: 7 - 14 June (Full)

Pricing
No single supplement payable if willing to share with someone of same sex. Should you wish to book a single room, please see supplement price below.
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
20258d/7n6double pp1,545
20258d/7n6single supplement179
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
20258d/7n6double pp1,819
20258d/7n6single supplement209
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
20258d/7n6double pp1,995
20258d/7n6single supplement229
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
20258d/7n6double pp21,729
20258d/7n6single supplement2,485
Recommended Reading

 Chickens Eat Pasta', written by Clare Pedrick



A valley in Italy: confessions of a house addict - Lisa St Aubyn de Teram 



A Room With A View - E.M Forster



A Traveller in Italy - HV Morton



The Italian Tradition of Equestrian Art - Giovanni Tomassini



Privileged Horses. The Italian Renaissance Court Stable - Sarah Duncan



For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit  www.thelongridersguild.com 

A fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com


Wildlife

There are populations of hedgehogs, rabbits, squirrels, beavers, foxes, wild cats and wild boar and birds like the falcon, pilgrim hawk, windhover, kite, eagle, rock partridge and imperial crow. Migratory birds that still use Sicily as a pit stop include the common wader, pink seagull, grater sea swallow and the spoonbill. You can also find insects and invertebrates here such as the spotted grass snake, a rather large toad and varieties of frog and gecko.

Other Country Information

Italy forms a peninsula in Southern Europe extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, including the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Elba and about 70 other smaller islands. It is mostly mountainous, though between the Apennines (which form the spine of Italy) and the eastern coastline there are the fertile plains of Emilia-Romagna in the north and of Puglia in the south. The Alps in the north divide Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

The Roman Empire was once the most powerful in the world, covering Europe and extending into modern day Asia. Their horsemanship skills second only to the Mongols further east. The incredible sophistication of Roman culture still leaves its mark across Europe and has been the foundation for countless artistic movements, including the Renaissance, through cities such as Florence and the medieval university city of Bologna.

Italians are understandably proud of their heritage and are renowned as people of great taste and as having an eye for the aesthetic. Their architecture and fashion leave most of the world in their shadow, appearance is very important to them and the majority of Italians will never leave the house without ensuring they are impeccably and elegantly attired.

Italian food, from pizza to pasta, has been adopted by the rest of the world but you will never taste a better pizza anywhere else. As with the rest of mainland Europe meals are eaten late with plenty of wine and preferably al fresco.

Italy is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. (There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram).

The international dialling code is +39.

Important information regarding rail travel:
Visitors are often caught unawares by train and transport systems requiring validation. Tickets bought in Italy for Regionale and Regionale Veloce trains are not marked for any particular time or train and become valid only when time-stamped at a validation machine. Without this validation, train operators assume the rider is trying to fare dodge, since the ticket could be reused. So validation is absolutely essential before boarding, and there are small boxes in the station or near the platform. After being time-stamped, the ticket is valid for the amount of time shown on the ticket.

Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Palermo Airport
Transfer:
2025: Only transfers from and to Cefalù are included. Transfers from Palermo Airport available (not included) from €230 per car (3 pax)
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Palermo return from £440pp
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