April 12 – May 5 Sun – Sat
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Catania
Based: Francavilla di Sicilia
Walking: Easy

Description: Mount Etna, largest volcano in Europe, is the ever present backdrop for most of our travels through that area of eastern Sicily embraced by this tour We travel up the mountain through laval landscapes, sampling birdlife and taking in the breathtaking colours of spring wildflowers. The wooded slopes of Etna are a stronghold for Crested Porcupines, numerous reptiles and an array of butterflies. 

If weather patterns are favourable raptor migration is strong in hill districts above the Straits of Messina, this being one of Europe’s major flyways. These uplands also serve up a variety of smaller passerines, including Mediterranean warblers, Short-toed Treecreeper, Nightingale, Woodchat Shrike, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Wryneck, Firecrest, Cirl and Rock Buntings, and the attractive Italian Sparrow.

Uplands also feature unforgettable displays of wildflowers, of which uninterrupted swards of Field Gladiolus, statuesque Giant Fennel, Common Peony, Peacock Anemone, Bellavalia and a variety of orchids are worthy of mention.

In coastal areas we see Mediterranean and Cory’s Shearwaters, Little, Slender-billed and Audouine’s Gulls and, at inland waters, egrets, herons, Glossy Ibis and Greater Flamingo, also many waders, marsh terns and possibly a hunting Lanner Falcon.

Excursions extend to the lakes of the south-east, migrant hot-spots near Syracuse and the tranquil environs of Nébrodi National Park. We enjoy lots of wildlife walks that are guaranteed to cater for all aspects of wildlife interest.
 

Itinerary
Day 1 Sunday:  Morning flight from London to Catania and transfer to Francavilla

Days 2 - 6  Monday - Friday:  Explore the south-east slopes of Mount Etna; excursions to Nébrodi National Park, Straits of Messina and lakes of the south.

Days 7  Saturday:  Return to Catania for afternoon flight to London

Cost:  £845...Includes: Accommodation, ground travel within Sicily, meals.

Excludes: Air travel,  lunches,  tips,  bar items etc.

Deposit:  £150                                                

Single Room Supplement:  £90

Flight costs from London Heathrow to Catania about £200

See 'About Us' for statement about flights.