Madonie Road Trip: Discovering Manna and Medieval Villages

PROGRAM

Day 1 (Castelbuono and Geraci Siculo)

Morning: Castelbuono and the Manna Experience

The Road Trip Madonie will start in the morning from village of Castelbuono with the 'Manna Experience', the white gold of the Madonie. Manna is the crystallised, sugary sap extracted in the spring season from the Ash tree, now a Slow Food Presidium. The excursion on foot with an environmental excursion guide aims to introduce the explorer to the scenic beauty of the Madonie Park, with particular reference to the Manna and the butterflies present along the path between Castelbuono and Pollina. Here, an expert will talk about its culinary and cosmetic uses, allowing visitors to taste the delicacies and prepare a customised face cream.

Lunch: The Eagle Refuge

Lunch organised at the Museum-Trattoria 'Il Rifugio dell'Aquila' in Geraci Siculo, which offers excellent typical cuisine with specialities based on 0 km products and ancient local recipes. Immersed in the Madonie Park, the medieval high mountain village offers a breathtaking panorama.

Afternoon: Visit to Geraci Siculo

In the afternoon, the visit to Geraci Siculo continues. This village, perched on a rocky hill, is characterised by narrow, winding streets, alleys, and courtyards that retain their medieval imprint. Visit the Salto dei Ventimiglia, a panoramic overlook over the eastern valley, with views as far as Mount Etna.

This is also the starting point of the Gaginian itinerary, a route dedicated to the works of art of the Gagini family, including the marble Cona by Antonello Gagini in the Church of S. Bartolomeo in Geraci Siculo. In the evening, transfer to the hotel in Petralia Soprana, free dinner at the participants' charge and overnight stay.

Day II (Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana)

Morning: Petralia Soprana

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the three belvederes of Petralia Soprana: the Loreto belvedere, which includes Etna and other areas of Sicily in its view; the Carmine belvedere, with a panorama towards Palermo; and the Piazza Duomo belvedere, which turns towards Gangi. Continue with a visit to the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, with its splendid Cona Marmorea attributed to Giandomenico Gagini.

Lunch and Outdoor Activities

Afterwards, transfer to the Madonie Adventure Park, a modern, eco-friendly amusement park where you can participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Lunch at the park's restaurant and opportunity to try out various activities.

Afternoon: Petralia Sottana

Next, you will move on to Petralia Sottana, a village nestled in the heart of the central massif of the Madonie Park. Here you will visit the marble Retablo by Gian Domenico Gagini in the Church of the Holy Trinity at the Badia. In the evening, return to the hotel in Petralia Soprana for an overnight stay.

Day 3 (Madonie Park and Castelbuono)

Morning: Madonie Park

After breakfast at the hotel, the tour will continue into the heart of the Madonie Park, a mountainous region of great interest for its biodiversity and geology. You will visit the main massif, the Carbonara (1979 metres), the second highest mountain in Sicily.

Lunch: Rifugio Marini

Lunch at Rifugio Marini di Piano Battaglia, in the heart of the Madonie Mountains, in a unique landscape.

Afternoon: Castelbuono

In the afternoon, return and visit the village of Castelbuono, located in the Madonie valley and surrounded by numerous forests. The historic centre still preserves ancient buildings, such as the Ventimiglia Castle and the Matrice Vecchia. Strolling through the village streets, you will hear tips and anecdotes from the locals, who will point out the most significant monuments.

THE FEE INCLUDES:

Services included

• Manna Experience lasting about 2 hours in Castelbuono (PA), with a guided tour and Manna extraction techniques.
• 1 typical lunch at the Museum-Trattoria Il Rifugio dell'Aquila in Geraci Siculo (PA), drinks included.
• 2 overnight stays at the Hotel Residenza Petra or similar in Petralia Soprana (PA).
• Accommodation in a double room with breakfast included.
• 1 lunch at the refreshment point of the Adventure Park in Petralia Sottana (PA), with beverage of your choice.
• Entrance booking at the Adventure Park in Petralia Sottana (PA).
• Multi-Activity Ticket at the Adventure Park: All courses + Orienteering + Archery + Climbing + Powerfan.
• 1 typical lunch at the Rifugio Marini at Piano Battaglia in Petralia Sottana (PA).
• Recommended itinerary with all the places mentioned to visit.
• Medical/baggage insurance per participant, valid throughout the Schengen area.
• VAT, taxes and service charges.

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Car rental at one of the Sicilian airports.
• Meals and drinks not mentioned.
• Everything not expressly indicated under 'the fee includes'.
• Tips and porterage.
• Tourist tax.

SUPPLEMENTS/REDUCTIONS:

• Supplement for Double Room Single Use: € 20.00 per person per night.
• Third bed supplement: € 30,00 per person per night.
• Fourth bed supplement: € 35,00 per person per night.

PAYMENT METHODS:

• Down payment of 30% at the time of booking.
• Balance within 30 days of departure.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• In case of cancellation global made from 29 days prior to arrival and up to 11 days prior to arrival, a penalty of 40% of the total will be charged.
• In case of global cancellation made 10 days prior to arrival, and in the event of a No Show, a penalty of 100% of the total will be charged.

IMPORTANT

None of the services covered by this quotation have been opted for or booked. All services are subject to reconfirmation based on actual availability at the time of booking.

PARTICIPATION QUOTE WITH ACCOMMODATION IN A DOUBLE/MATRIMONIAL ROOM FOR YOUR Madonie Road Trip