What could be better than a whole week exploring Sicily’s glorious countryside, imbibing small-batch wines, gorging on farm fresh produce, connecting with salt-of-the-earth Sicilians, and learning about their unique history and way of life?
Doing it all on horseback, of course!
We’ve curated four itineraries that reveal the very essence of this extraordinary island and the people who call it home: three journey-based treks, and one itinerary based at the charming home of your guides, Alex and Lizzie. Get ready to discover the wild heart of Sicily, with full days in the saddle crossing rugged mountain ranges, rolling meadows, verdant valleys, medieval townships, sun-speckled forests, wide open farmland, untouched beaches and more. Your fit, surefooted horses will take everything in their stride, and put on an exhilarating turn of speed when the terrain allows.
Sicily has a unique history and geography, both shaped by powerful forces over the millennia. From volcanic activity to castles that seem to have grown straight out of the rocks below, your guides will reveal how the tapestry of Sicily’s past is woven into the very ground at your feet. They will share stories under the Sicilian sun, and coax more out of the friendly locals you’ll encounter every day. And of course, they’ll show you the very best of Sicilian cuisine: fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, homemade pastas, provincial pastries and countless other delicacies, all with farm fresh ingredients front and centre.
Saddle up to explore Sicily in THE most authentic way possible.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Sicilian indigenous breeds crossed with Arabs. They are hardy, surefooted, and trained to be forward-going and energetic, yet obedient and well-behaved.
- Pace:The pace varies from a walk right through to a gallop depending on the terrain. Please note that for safety reasons, the horses are always ridden single-file in a set order.
- Type of tack:Lightweight English saddles with gel seat savers; bridles with light snaffle bits.
- Time in Saddle:Deep Sicily, Wild Sicily & Coast to Coast: 8 hours per day. You’ll depart each day at 8-8:30am and reach your destination at 6:30-7pm.
A Taste of Sicily: 5 hours on centre-based days (x4); 7 hours on travelling days (x2). - Ride Length:8 days, 7 nights (6 riding days).
- Seasons:April, June, July and September.
- Group size:A maximum of 10 guests.
- Riding Ability:A Taste of Sicily: Strong intermediate to advanced riders.
Deep Sicily, Wild Sicily & Coast to Coast: advanced riders only.
You MUST train for this ride to ensure that you have the high level of riding fitness required for the LONG hours in the saddle. You must be able to control a horse at a gallop in open countryside. You will also need to dismount and lead your horse across challenging terrain at times. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Weight Limit:A maximum of 85kg / 187lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Accommodation:A Taste of Sicily: 6 nights at your hosts’ base, Casa Il Bosco, a charming, restored 19th century country house immersed in the wild countryside of Madonie Regional National Park, with breathtaking views of Sicily’s north coast and the Aeolian Islands. There are six double rooms; four with ensuites, and two with a shared bathroom.
1 night in a simple but comfortable mountain lodge.
Deep Sicily, Wild Sicily & Coast to Coast: after 1 night at Casa Il Bosco (above), you will stay in a variety of clean and comfortable 2 and 3 star accommodations, including farmhouses, hamlets, and small rural hotels. Each has its own charm and offers authentic opportunities to meet the locals.
At some places, you’ll need to share a bathroom, including those who have purchased the single supplement. Oh, and it’s Europe, so be prepared to stay in modest-sized single beds in a twin-share room.
*2x single supplements are available per departure, and these will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. - Inclusions:
The price includes airport transfers on days 1 & 8; riding; guides; accommodation; all meals (from first day dinner through to last day breakfast); wine with lunch and dinner; and luggage transfer each day.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international or regional flights; travel insurance (compulsory); or other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!PLEASE NOTE: There are only 2x single supplement rooms per departure. These will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes airport transfers on days 1 & 8; riding; guides; accommodation; all meals (from first day dinner through to last day breakfast); wine with lunch and dinner; and luggage transfer each day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international or regional flights; travel insurance (compulsory); or other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change due to weather and other influencing factors.
Full day-to-day itinerary descriptions can be found in the fact sheet (download via the prompt at the bottom of this page).
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Deep Sicily
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Wild Sicily
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Coast to Coast
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A Taste of Sicily
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Transfer Information