37.574126955739, 14.46407665
The heart of Sicily on horseback: history, traditions, culture of Sicily.
SICILY HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1: Meeting at Palermo airport or directly at your accommodation in northern Sicily, a restored 19th century farmhouse, in the green hills of the Rainò river valley. Delicious dinner prepared with fresh farm produce and overnight at the farmhouse.
Day 2: Cefalù - Casalvecchio (approximately 7 hours on horseback).
Breakfast and departure at 8:30 am. You start the horseback trek crossing an area of dense Mediterranean vegetation with magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Passage near Castelbuono and picnic, before starting the ascent of the Pollina river valley, one of the most fascinating, wild, panoramic and lesser-known places in Sicily, between the territories of Castelbuono, San Mauro Castelverde and Geraci Siculo, through paths and old forgotten paths, to Agriturismo Casalvecchio, an old farmhouse dating from the 19th century, which has been restored, immersed in the green hills of the valley of the River Rainò. Hearty dinner based on farm produce and overnight.
Day 3: Casalvecchio - Baglio San Pietro (approximately 6 hours on horseback).
After breakfast, you leave Casalvecchio around 8:30 am. You start by riding along a "trazzera" (old track for transporting goods and animals across the island), towards Gangi: a city perched on a hill, of ancient and mysterious origin. After passing Gangi, you cross the mountain pastures with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, to reach the Sperlinga wood. A natural forest, where you take a picnic break. In the afternoon, you drive to the village of Sperlinga, a fascinating place characterized by cave dwellings some of which are still in use, and its unique castle carved into the rock. You visit the village and its castle, before a short ride to reach Baglio San Pietro: a restored 17th century farmhouse equipped with a swimming pool, where you dine and spend the night.
Day 4: Baglio San Pietro - Agira (approximately 7 hours on horseback).
You set off on horseback around 8:30 am, and you start the day riding into the the Salso Cimarosa river valley that you follow, surrounded by unspoiled nature and the Erei mountains. Picnic break and continuation along the wild valley, to arrive in the territory of Agira: an interesting town of very ancient origin, perched on a hill with magnificent views of the interior of the island. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Agira - Raddusa (about 6 hours on horseback).
You leave Agira on horseback around 8:30 am and cross rolling hills, endless fields of grain and fodder. You reach the impressive and little-known Castello di Pietratagliata: a castle perched precariously atop a jagged rock, first documented in the 14th century, whose origins are shrouded in mysteries and legends. Picnic break below the castle, and continue through the agricultural countryside to your accommodation in the territory of Raddusa. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Raddusa - Torre di Renda (approximately 6 hours on horseback).
You set off on horseback around 8:30 am and will cross hills and fields, to reach the site of Morgantina: one of the largest archaeological sites in Sicily, which was a town founded by the indigenous populations of the island. Picnic break and site visit. In the afternoon, you cross hilly fields, to admire beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the rest of the island, up to Mount Etna on a clear day. You then continue your trail ride, following sandy tracks through eucalyptus and pine woods, to reach Torre di Renda, an ancient structure that was once the residence of the local bishop, equipped with a swimming pool. Hearty dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Torre di Renda - Agriturismo Il Mandorleto (approximately 6 hours on horseback).
After breakfast, you leave the hotel around 8 am. You descend a picturesque valley, arriving after about an hour ride, at Villa Romana del Casale: one of the most important historical sites in Sicily, 
which contains around 3500 m² of spectacular mosaics dating back to the fourth century. After visiting Villa Romana, you head north through rolling farmland and stop for a picnic in a wood. In the afternoon, you will cross peaceful eucalyptus forests and reach the Digue Olivo lake. You continue through pine and eucalyptus woods, then wheat fields and meadows, to reach the Agriturismo Il Mandorleto, which is located in an old agricultural hamlet, known for its production of almonds: one of the most important ingredients in the Sicilian culinary tradition. You enjoy a hearty dinner and spend the night on the farm.
Day 8: Departure. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Catania airport.
* Indicative itinerary: may be changed if necessary. Riding times are indicative.
MEETING:
Free transfer from Palermo airport at the end of afternoon.
DEPARTURE:
Free transfer to Catania airport after breakfast.
FLIGHTS:
Caution: Arrival is at Palermo airport, depature from Catania airport.
Flights are not included in our prices because it is generally more interesting to book your flights yourself, an inclusive flight package is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates or to offer you a trip including transport on request: free service.
LOW-COST FLIGHTS TO CATANE:
Easyjet from Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, Paris-Roissy, Bâle-Mulhouse, Genève.
Ryanair from Marseille.
Transavia from Lyon, Nantes, Paris-Orly.
Vueling from Lyon, Paris-Orly.
Volotea from Toulouse.
RIDING LEVEL: 
You must be able to walk, trot, canter and galop outdoor on open spaces.
RHYTHM:
6-7 hours riding per day.
HORSES:
Sicilian or crossbred, well trained, accustomed to the region, live in breeding. The guides clean, dress and saddle the horses.
TACK:
Comfortable English Saddles coated on request of sheepskin, and / or on request western, with hunting collar and croupiere.
GUIDE:
The qualified guide speaks English, French, Italian, Spanish and Sicilian.
NUMBER OF RIDERS:
8 riders maximum.
PUBLIC:
From 16 years old. Maximum weight: 90 kg.
ACCOMMODATION: 
In comfortable hotels and guesthouses (Agriturismi). Single bedrooms available with supplement.
MEALS:
An assistant prepares nice buffets at picnic places or in restaurants:
Picnic lunch, typical Sicilian dinner in the evening (minimum four litters).
Refined sicilian cuisine based on local products. Evening meals include: starter, pasta, meat, dessert, wine, water and digestif (liqueur, grappa, limoncello or any other choice), coffee or tea. Continental or American-style breakfasts on request. Picnics: fresh bread, salad, cheeses, olives, charcuterie, Sicilian specialties, wines or other drinks on request, coffee or tea. (Meals brought by the stewardship car). Tables, chairs, cutlery are provided. le midi, diner typique sicilien complet le soir (minimum quatres services).
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS:
By an assistance vehicle every day from Inn to Inn.
2024 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2-3 person bedrooms: 1900 €Single bedromm supplement *: 260 € (unless 1 night in shared bedroom)
Booking fees: 15 €
* If you book in shared bedrooms and there is no one to share, the single bedroom supplement will be charged, refunded if a person wishing to share, subsequently registers.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Horse and tack rental, guide, assistant preparing meals and transfering luggage, full board accommodation, free transfers from Palermo airport (arrival) / to Catania airport (departure) at fixed times, the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator deposit.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, tips, personal expenses, drinks out of meals, lunch if you arrive in the morning, any visits and optional activities, travel to / from Sicily, anything not indicated in "the price includes".
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) are compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information
FLIGHTS :
Flights are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices or to offer you a flight included package on request (free service).
| Dates | From | Infos | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | 1900€ | LAST SPACES | Information request |
| - | 1900€ | LAST SPACES | Information request |
Efficient pick up at airport . Lovely welcome at our first night accommodation which was the base for Wild Sicily. The food was delicious. The owners were first class ride guides. They established our riding requirements and matched us with our horses.
I cannot speak too highly of the quality and nature of all of the horses. They were forward going and their stamina was incredible. They were sure footed and an absolute pleasure to ride. The terrain was incredibly challenging in parts, but the horses coped easily. This trek provided me with riding opportunities I had never encountered before, however, I trusted my horse, Elena, implicitly with my and her safety. As a group we were all located within the ride to suit the nature of each horse, which meant they were very content.
They were well looked after and their health was as important as our own.
The staff were very attentive to our requirements. They had great attention to detail to ensure we all had a memorable holiday. I would say that it is very important to do as the guide instructs, never overtake the front guide a, or any horse in front. Each evening, when we arrived at our accommodation, we were taken by one of our guides who stayed with us until we were allocated our rooms.
Again, they ensured that we were happy with our accommodation and had what we needed. Every day we were given a briefing on our next days trail.
By the very nature of the trail ride, some accommodation was quite remote and much more simple than other hotels we stayed in. Overall , the accommodation was good, clean and the food was excellent. Huge portions at meal times.
I hadn't expected this holiday to be as physically challenging as it was and the long distance covered. I did have a few aches, however, I felt the experience had increased my rider confidence. Our lunch time meal was provide by Giovanni, who did a great job. He also transported our luggage for us. The scenery was interesting, varied and, in parts, spectacular. The ride around the crater on Etna, was a once in a lifetime experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, the other guests were great company and our guides, the staff were first class.
Cap Rando services: Didier, was very efficient and ensured that we had all the necessary documentation. He kept us fully informed to the rapidly changing regulations during the covid crisis and spoke with us and the owner to ensure we had arrived safely.
The team were very welcoming and addressed all questions with patience
Everything was arranged with great attention to detail.
When I asked for a fast horse I did not realise that Viola had at least three "go faster" stripes ! Her energy and fitness levels were amazing and she always had something left in her tank even after a very long day.
Tack: This was all fine and in good order.
Great care and consideration was shown towards each rider. Requests to stop for a break were always accommodated.
Accommodation: one of the places was not as good as the others, though I quite understand why it was used as there was literally nowhere else that we could have stayed en route. The room was not clean and the bathroom smelled really badly. Three of the stops were absolutely excellent and the food was so good everywhere we stayed !
This was an excellent holiday for someone who is really fit and enjoys contrasting countryside and the sense of seeing a hidden part of the island. Some of the views were amazing. I loved the WhatsApp group that was set up so we could share photos.
I did not deal directly with Cap Rando myslef but Elaine felt that we were kept in the loop at this difficult time. I do feel that there could have been more information as to just how fit you needed to be for this holiday and of the need for more warm and waterproof clothing.
This riding holiday takes you through amazing contrasting terrain on extremely fit horses with knowledgeable and considerate guides who attend carefully to your needs.
The staff was : More than excellent !
Horses generally and your horse specifically was: Excellent - Nice and safe, in good condition
Tack generally and your tack specifically was: Excellent
The accommodation(s) was / were: Excellent
Your stay was : Excellent. Very good, it was a perfect riding holiday
Cap services were General feeling : Excellent. I booked the trail from Sweden and I thougt it would be difficult - but it was not !
Cap Rando booking confirmation & informations
Provided documents were : Excellent