Sicily Zafferana Etnea 2017

Transcription

1 Sicily Zafferana Etnea 2017

2 Welcome to Sicily Zafferana, Pearl of Etna, is located in eastern Sicily and surrounded by lush green forests of the Etna Nature Park. Thanks to its location, on a clear day, you can enjoy a breathtaking view: north to the Calabrian coast and south to the Gulf of Syracuse. This region of Zafferana is ever-changing because of the many lava flows that have affected it over the centuries, regenerating and redefining the landscape. This area is rich in local products such as apples, mushrooms, wine and chestnuts but not to be missed is the honey. Zafferana is also known as the city of honey and is one of the largest national producers. There are many varieties such as orange, lemon, wildflower, eucalyptus flowers, chestnut and even prickly pear! Don t miss out on trying the delicious sciatori, milk biscuits coated in dark chocolate as well as other specialities like zeppole made with rice and honey. We will explore the regions of this island with its fascinating history and the stunning architecture of Taormina, walk on the rich foothills of Mount Etna which have beautiful landscapes. We will discover the geology of dominating Mount Etna with a local guide and learn about the various lava flows and how they are formed. Your free day should definitely include a visit to Syracuse, rich in art, culture and history. 2 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

3 Accommodation Esperia Palace Hotel Via delle Ginestre 27/D Zafferana Etnea CT Italy Tel: The modern 4-star family-run Esperia Palace Hotel set within its 2-hectare grounds. The garden is filled with green pine and magnolia trees. The hotel is located about 800m from the edge of the town of Zafferana Etnea, known as the honey city. The hotel's restaurant is a separate building, a 19th Century villa, within the hotel grounds. Bedrooms: There are 34 rooms, all en-suite, tastefully decorated with modern comforts. All rooms have a fridge, telephone, TV, complementary toiletries and hairdryer. Wi-Fi is available. Facilities: There is an outside swimming pool set in an attractive terrace, both offering spectacular views towards the sea. A Wellness Centre has an indoor pool with whirlpool, Turkish bath, sauna and treatments for an extra cost. Please note that swimming caps have to be worn when using the pools. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. The hotel caters for most dietary needs; we advise you to discuss your requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival. Breakfast: A continental breakfast is from 7.30am to 10.30am in the breakfast room as a self serve buffet. Evening meal: The evening meal is served from 8pm in the Parco dei Principi restaurant. This was the family's first business and then they decided to build the Esperia Palace Hotel. Every evening you will walk from the hotel, through the delightful gardens to the restaurant. Lunch: You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops; your leaders will advise you of the options. To book online visit 3

4 Holiday itinerary A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. On Sicily you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. Easier Walks: 5 to 8 miles (8-13km) on good but occasionally rough paths, with some rocky sections. Up to 1,500ft (450m) of ascent in a day. Harder Walks: 6 to 11 miles ( km) on rougher volcanic terrain, with some rocky sections. Up to 2,300ft (690m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Please Note: Walking boots are essential for this holiday for walking on volcanic terrain. Day 1: Arrival day On arrival at Zafferana Etnea, you will have time to meet your fellow guests over the first evening meal. Day 2: Around Zafferane Etnea Both walks will introduce you to the area around Zafferana, this volcanic area and the importance of small scale agriculture. Easier Walk: Our walk starts at a shrine to the west of Fornazzo. We will head south on a gently descending track over ancient lava flows. Plants have colonised these flows, giving a delightful walk through an area of abundant wild flowers. There are spectacular views down to the sea from Taormina in the north down to Catania in the south. We descend through small agricultural villages and hamlets to the edge of Zafferana where we will stop to visit a honey production centre and get a first taste of some of the rich diversity of agricultural products that come from this area. We continue onto Zafferana for a well-earned refreshment. 5 miles (8km) with 100ft (30m) of ascent and 1,200ft (360m) of descent. Harder Walk: Also starting from the shrine, we follow a good ascending path through typical Sicilian mixed woods of beech, holm oak, chestnut and pines. Much of the land has been farmed intensively in the past and you pass ruined farmsteads, field systems and the reconstruction of a charcoal burner s hut. Our route continues with fantastic views onto more recent lava flows dating back only as far as 1951 before dropping down into an area of small hamlets, smallholdings and vineyards. We too will visit the honey centre before joining the easier group for a drink in Zafferana. 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent. Day 3: Castelmola and Taormina Today both groups travel towards the Etnea coast to Castelmola, a hilltop village with glorious views to Taormina and the sea. Easier Walk: We will start with a town trail of Castelmola, a myriad of little alleys and streets, crowned with a castle which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. We then descend steeply on a good path to the viewpoint of the Madonna of the Rock and then onto the bustling tourist town of Taormina. There is opportunity to explore this ancient town with its stunning Greek theatre and public gardens. 5 miles (8km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent and 1,600ft (480m) of descent. Harder Walk: From Castelmola, we head up to Monte Venere, with outstanding views along the east coast of Sicily and to mainland Italy. From the top, we descend quite steeply on rough paths before joining quieter tracks through farming hamlets 4 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

5 back to Castlemola. Here will also follow the town trail before descending to Taormina, where there should be time to explore. 7 miles (11km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent and 2,800ft (840m) of descent. Day 4: Monte Nero and the 2002 eruptions Today we will be accompanied by a local guide who will give us an insight into this area rich in both volcanoes and agriculture. Our coach journey will gradually ascend criss-crossing old and new lava flows to our starting point at the small ski area of Piano Provenzana nearly 5,900 ft (1,800m) above sea level. Easier Walk: Our walk begins uphill onto a lava sand track. Here we see the devastation caused b the 2002 earthquake and lava flows. Walking gradually uphill, we will see how vegetation is gradually starting to come back. We will meet our guide at the line of volcanic vents and start to explore in detail this fascinating area of volcanic activity. Our walk then takes us on more gently, sometimes on rough ground back to Monte Nero before returning to the ski area. 4 miles (6.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: On arriving at Piano Provenzana we will walk gently uphill, at first, on lava sand tracks and see the devastation caused by the 2002 earthquake and lava flows. We will learn about the volcanic activity in this area and the significance of rows of lava vents before continuing round the back of Monte Nero. We then ascend more steeply to explore some of the old crater rims and enjoy the fun of descending on lava sand as we make our way to the ski area with time for a drink and a look round the souvenir shops before meeting our coach. 5 miles (8km) with 2,100ft (630m) of ascent. Day 5: Free day Taormina Explore the ancient hilltop village, its church and baraque-style buildings. Walk through the narrow lanes, visiting the ancient Greco- Roman theatre which is still used today. There are magnificent views of Giardini Bay, coves and sandy beaches. There is a narrow stretch of sand that connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve. Syracuse and Noto Syracuse is rich in art, culture and history. It is known for its ancient ruins, a Roman amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a limestone cave shaped like a human ear. The museum has a fine collection of terracotta, Roman portraits and oldtestament scenes carved into white marble. Close by is Noto where you can visit the iconic Noto Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local information website: for information on Zafferana Etnea and Sicily please visit Day 6: Upwards to Etna Today our coach will take us on a short scenic journey to the south side of Mount Etna, with time for a photo stop en route. Easier Walk: Today s walk lies around the 6,500ft (2,000m) contour on the southern side of Mount Etna. We have a short, gentle ascent onto a wooded volcano rim, with views down into its flat bottom and far ranging views to the coast and Catania before picking up a nature trail, with views opening up to Mt Etna, old ice storage grottos and different types of lava and regrowth vegetation. We then start to ascend up by the 1983 lava flow and up to the cafes and souvenir shops along the way to Etna Sud and the end of the walk. We finish with a short easy ascent of Monte Silvestre interior. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,200ft (360m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Starting from the bustling tourist hub of Etna Sud at 6,500ft (2,000m), we soon take a quieter track that gently ascends to the spectacular rim of the Valle de Bove. All around there are fantastic vistas especially into the huge open gorge of the Valle del Bove with its 100m high volcanic walls. We then ascend more steeply on rougher terrain along a broad ridge leading towards Monte la Monagnola, reaching a high point of 7,550ft (2,300m) before a long descent traversing on lava sand to view both Mt Calcarazi and Monte Silvestri before a wellearned drink at one of the many cafes at Etna Sud. 7 miles (11km) with 1,800ft (540m) of ascent. To book online visit 5

6 Day 7: Castiglione and the Alcantara Valley Our coach will take us round to the north side of Etna, firstly to Linguaglossa for the harder group and then on via a photo stop to Castiglione for the easier group. Easier Walk: We will have an opportunity to explore Castiglione, which dates from the 5th century BC, and has a wealth of medieval buildings in its hilltop location before gently descending to the Alcantara River, and the diverse small scale agriculture irrigated by ancient water channels built by the Arabs. We will then explore this area before a gentle ascent into the small medieval town of Francavilla where we can drink to toast the end of a great holiday. 5 miles (8km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Our walk starts on the outskirts of Linguaglossa and follows a newly renovated cycle track through small agricultural holdings and up towards Mt Pizzo, with Mt Etna as our continuing backdrop. We then descend to Castiglione, its hilltop location gives us opportunities for fantastic photos. We will then have time to explore before descending to the rich agricultural area of the Alcantara River and on via Francavillas Castel taking us into this medieval town with time for a celebratory drink. 9 miles (14.5km) with 1,400ft (420m) of ascent and 2,200ft (660m) of descent. Day 8: Departure day In the evenings The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening. We ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may also like to join your leader for an evening stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar with your fellow walkers talking about your day. 6 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

7 Transfer information If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Catania Airport. From the UK, we offer flights from London Gatwick and Manchester. Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may already be at the airport. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. The onward journey to Zafferana Etnea by coach takes approximately 1 hour. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Catania airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional HF Holidays flight times can be found on or call (0) ). Cost per single journey is 31. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Our Airport Taxi is available at a cost of 165 per single taxi journey. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at To book online visit 7

8 Walking information Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local interest guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 8 Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

9 Walking safely We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be modified or cancelled following the leaders assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any medication, including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment details are available at EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel. Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during the walks. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. There are reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK that allow free emergency treatment. In non urgent cases payment (normally in cash) may be required. Further details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. To book online visit 9

10 Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise. What to wear and bring To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at high altitudes (up to 4,000ft). The temperatures can be as low as 0 C. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses In addition to the above, the following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. In Sicily we walk through volcanic landscapes and by nature the rocks and volcanic sand can be sharp. Modern 'approach shoes', whilst offering the appropriate grip, are not suitable for this type of terrain. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. Holiday tips Language: Italian Currency: Euro Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Zafferana Etnea where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial an Italian number Reservations - local rate (standard rate )

11 Where next? If you enjoyed your holiday on Sicily, we recommend our new holiday in French Catalonia, Argelès sur Mer. Guided Trail holidays Discover a great sense of achievement on a Guided Trail holiday. We have a great collection of trails on famous routes and outstanding locations across Britain and Europe. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as San Quirico in Tuscany and Bonassola on the Liqurian coastline. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected European destinations, you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. Cycling With a wealth of exciting European destinations, we have a range of guided and self-guided holidays to suit all abilities. We also offer guided cycling tours based at some of our UK Country Houses. If you prefer to plan your own itinerary, our UK Country House Escapes also cater for cyclists. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Save on outdoor clothing From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit to see the current offers. To book online visit 11

12 About HF Holidays We have been organising outdoor holidays for over 100 years and we are the only holiday provider that is a co-operative. We are owned by our 36,000+ members and have no big corporate shareholders. Responsible tourism We have always been committed to acting as a responsible tour operator, and community is at the heart of everything we do. HF Holidays supports a range of projects helping to protect our environment and improving access to the countryside for future generations to enjoy. We support the work of the Ramblers, air ambulances, and mountain rescue teams. To find out more about our policy and commitment to the environment visit hfholidays.co.uk/responsibletourism On returning from your trip, we would like to hear your thoughts on any best practices that you observed and considered positive. Please sarahdavis@hfholidays.co.uk Pathways Fund Last year guests donated 30,000 to our Pathways Fund. Find more information on our website hfholidays.co.uk/pathways Holiday feedback We value feedback from our guests. All holiday surveys are read by the team that plans our holidays and it plays a valuable part in helping us plan future holidays. If there is any information we have not provided that you feel would be useful for future guests, please do let us know. If we have your address you will be sent a survey after your holiday; alternatively you can go to hfholidays.co.uk/surveys. Membership of HF Holidays If you have enjoyed your holiday and would like to help support our objectives, call for details of membership (standard rate +44 (0) ). For the latest news and special offers register for our e-newsletter at hfholidays.co.uk/register Social media Contact details HF Holidays contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY Call For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: (local rate) (0) (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday 9am-7pm info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details In all instances during your holiday,your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or: Friday 7pm to Monday 9am +44 (0)