Day 1
Arrive at Catania airport and transfer to our riding centre and your first nights accommodation in Le Terre di Castel Leone. Where we host a traditonal four course sicilian dinner with drinks.
Day 2 (hours of riding: 5/6)
We will begin by riding to the Alcantara River, which we will cross at various points, immersed in the wildest and most unspoilt parts of the river valley. We will ride on through the Alcantara River Park to reach the village of Gravà, where we can stop for a snack, before reaching the famous Alcantara Gorges, where we will stop to visit this beautiful natural site. Once we have passed the gorges, we will ride through citrus and olive groves, fields and woods to reach the byzantine fortress of Calatabiano, which dominates the Alcantara Valley and the Ionian coast from its hilltop position. We will arrive at the mouth of the Alcantara River at Giardini Naxos, where the first Greek colony in Sicily was established, and from where, on a clear day, it is possible to take in an unforgettable view, stretching as far as the Calabrian coast. You will be able to enjoy sunset on the beach and swim in the sea with the horses. We will then arrive at Villa Laura, a typical residence immersed in citrus groves, nestled in a peaceful location between Etna and Taormina. The residence is an old farmstead which has been renovated into small apartments, equipped with everything you need and tastefully decorated to ensure guests feel at home. We will enjoy dinner at Villa Laura, where you can sample local homemade specialities.
Day 3 (hours of riding: 5/6)
The following morning, after breakfast, we will set off along the beach, before following the route of the Alcantara River back in the opposite direction. We will stop off along the way at the Gurne di Francavilla, a series of small lakes carved out of the volcanic rock by the course of the river. Late in the afternoon we will arrive back at our starting point.
Day 4
Breakfast followed by return transfer to Catania Airport.
Prices
2 full days riding, 3 nights accommodation and all meals £630 per rider
For one rider only: £725
2020 Dates
This trail is available at any time on request for two or more riders from April to December, but the dates need to avoid our week long tour dates.
Additional Info
Level: Comfortable at all three paces (walk, trot and canter), with experience of hacking out in the open.
Group size: Ten people maximum.
Key information/requirements: Between six and eight hours in the saddle per day. You must be comfortable at all three paces (walk, trot and canter) and physically fit. This programme is aimed at intermediate and advanced riders and it is not suitable for beginners or riders with only limited experience. The terrain is varied and there may be long trots and gallops along the way.
Equipment: It is possible to hire riding hats and chaps on site. The following items are essential: waterproofs, layers (it can be cold at altitude), boots and chaps, and sun cream.
Accommodation: Agriturismi, B&B or good quality hotels.
Meals: Evening meals consist of authentic Sicilian cuisine prepared with local produce. A typical evening meal will include: a variety of starters, a pasta course, a meat/main course, dessert, wine, water and a digestif. Picnic lunches are provided by support vehicle (together with tables, chairs and cutlery) and include: fresh bread, salads, cheeses, olives, charcuterie, Sicilian specialities, wine or other drinks on request, coffee or tea.
Tack: Comfortable English saddles, with a sheepskin cover, or Western saddles on request. Guests are not required to groom or tack up the horses.
Languages spoken: English, French, Italian, Sicilian.
Airport: Arrive Catania - Depart Catania
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.