Coast to Coast, Cefalù a Agrigento

After breakfast the group will be assigned horses before departing at around 08:30am. This morning ride heads toward the historical town of Castelbuono, which has been the administrative headquarters of Ventimiglia for several centuries. These barons were feudal aristocrats among the most powerful of the island. The route travels through cultivated fields with olive groves and follows the river Pollina and its tributary Raino in the territories of San Mauro Castelverde and Geraci Sicul; an area covered with bush and scrub.This region was notorious between the late 800s and early 900s for the legendary exploits of bandits and outlaws who resided the area. Enjoy a picnic lunch of local produce en route before arriving at 'Casalvecchio Geracithe' (or similar) a restored farmhouse dating back to the IXX century. Dinner and overnight stay. 

After breakfast the ride heads through an old 'trazzera' to reach the medieval village of Gangi, approximately 1000m above sea level. and considered among the most beautiful in Italy (awarded in 2014). The ride then heads to the territory of Blufi, where there is an oil well that, for centuries was considered miraculous. Thiis is the site for a picnic lunch before continuing toward Resuttano, crossing the river Imera and passing through ancient semi-abandoned farms, fields and pastures. Late afternoon brings the trail to 'Feudo Tudia' (or similar), a restored farmhouse located in a sparsly populated agricultural village, and the accommodation for the night. 

Riders depart at around 08:30am and travel through the farm's organic vineyards and ancient Sicilian crops. The trail follows the 'Royal Trazzere' route which was established by the Bourbon government of the island during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to allow free movement of herds and people across the island. Stop for a picnic lunch en route before continuing to the sanctuary of 'Our Lady of Bilici', the train station of Marianopoli, and on through a eucalyptus forest which today makes up part of a private nature reserve. Overnight and dinner at 'Mappa' (or similar), the ancient residence of Prince Spadafora. 

After breakfast, riders cross fields to the charming old town of Sutera with its fascinating prehistoric rock formations and remains. After a short break, continue to the valley of the river Plantani (one of the major rivers of western Sicily) after passing through the picturesque nature reserve of Monte Conca. After a picnic lunch the ride continues through the valley to the next overnight stop at Agriturismo Casale Leto`, another restored farmhouse. 

Riders depart around 08:30am and head toward Sant'Angelo Muxaro, the small historic town that was the seat of Kokalos, King of Sicans, a mysterious indigenous people that inhabited the island before the Greeks and Sicules. The trail takes one past the prehistoric tombs carved into the rock at the base of the town, some of which have been turned into stables over the years. A tour of the town is available before enjoting a picnic lunch in a eucalyptus grove. The afternoon route takes riders to the Tower of Anjou, an ancient aristocratic mansion from the thirteenth century.  The afternoon gives riiders a chance to vist an abandoned sulphur mine before arriving at Principe di Aragona (or similar), the accommodation for the night.

The ride continues after breakfast and travels though an agricultural area near to the town of Aragona before reaching 'Macalube' where methane gas seepage has caused small, cold craters. Continue in the direction of Agrigento, the ancient Agrakas, which was founded by people originating from Crete and Rhodes around 580BC. Today's picnic lunch is in the village of Monte Aperto where the group can rest before riding in the direction of the temples in the afternoon. A  guided tour of the  monuments is available. This area is considered one of great importance by UNESCO and includes the temples of Hera, Concordia, Hercules, Zeus and Castor. The trail continues towards the seaside village of SanLeone for the final night of the trip. Overnight at the  B&B Villa Maiolica (or similar). A delicious seafood farewell dinner will be enjoyed in a prestigious local restaurant.

After breakfast and depending on flight times, there may be an opportunity to arrange a guided visit to the archaeological museum and some free time for shopping in the city's medieval centre.