Two days. A different pace.

From the centre, the trail climbs towards Pollina, a hilltop medieval village known for its amphitheatre. It descends to the Pollina river, gateway to the Nebrodi, before reaching a small lake for a picnic and rest for the horses. Beyond a cork-oak wood lies Tusa. The night is spent at a country lodge or, weather permitting, in tents beside a spring, with a campfire and supper under the stars.

After breakfast cooked over the embers and caring for the horses, the journey resumes among small lakes and springs. From Pizzo Volturo at 1,223 metres, the view reaches Etna, the Aeolian Islands and Enna. After a stop in San Mauro Castelverde, three rivers are crossed before returning to the centre for a warm drink and local pastries.

The route crosses Castelbuono and climbs towards Monte Milocca, Pizzo Castellana, Frattasella, Pizzo Canna and Portella Mandarini, among the park’s most striking viewpoints. After lunch, fields of wheat and hay line the way towards Petralia Sottana. A historic royal drove road finally leads to Castellana Sicula and an overnight stay at a country lodge.

From the village of Nociazzi, the trail climbs towards Madonna dell’Alto, skirting Monte San Salvatore and Pizzo dell’Inferno. The descent crosses pastures and places still inhabited by shepherds who preserve traditional production. After a stop at the Church of the Annunciation, a spring and cork woods accompany the return to Castelbuono.

Towards the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, old mule tracks wind through cork oaks and Mediterranean scrub, passing herds, flocks and shepherds. Beyond Gratteri and a lunch stop, the route opens onto karst caves and the medieval Abbey of San Giorgio, then descends through woodland to Collesano for an overnight stay at a country lodge.

An early start leads towards Piano Zucchi through woods inhabited by fallow deer, wild boar, foxes, hares and eagles. After a pause at Vallone Favara and its spring, the route crosses the medieval village of Isnello. Lanzeria marks the final stretch towards Castelbuono and the return to Cavallonatura.