Sicilian Plants & Traditions Experience

Wellness & Nature Immersion
FromEUR€75
Wellness & Nature Immersion
FromEUR€75

Lowest price guarantee

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A hands-on immersion into the world of medicinal plants, wild edibles and traditional cultivations in the most biodiverse corner of Sicily

  • Duration3 hours
  • WhereTerritory of Castelbuono (30 min. from Cefalù - 1½ hours from Palermo)
  • Private tourGreat for travelers seeking unique Sicilian experiences, foodies, wellness-focused travelers
  • Included in the experiencePlants observation and picking, olive oil tasting, manna tasting, biscuits with manna, manna beauty mask, balm making (to take back with you), herbal tea with local plants.
  • WhenMorning 10 am - Afternoon 2 pm, 3 pm or 4 pm according to the period of the year
  • PriceFrom €75 per person

Why you will love this experience:

  • An immersive way to discover Sicily's nature and traditions
  • Taste local olive oil
  • Meet one of the last manna producers
  • Learn new skills
  • Amazing panoramic views

This exclusive nature experience is an intimate introduction to Sicilian ethnobotany and traditional knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. It combines our popular Manna Experience with other activities focused on wild medicinal and edible plants, as well as local cultivations like olive trees and almond trees.

Laetitia and Mario will welcome you to their hilltop land, with 360° panoramic views over the Madonie Mountains, the surrounding countryside and the sea. Both English-speaking nature guides, they share a deep passion for Mediterranean nature, ethnobotany and local traditions. Mario is also one of the very few remaining manna producers and you will discover with him the secrets of this special nectar.

The experience includes the following activities:

  • Manna Experience
    With manna tasting, biscuits with manna and manna beauty mask.
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  • Short guided walk to get familiar with the local vegetation
    Immerse yourself in the charm of the Mediterranean scrub and the hills covered by olive, almond and manna ash trees.
  • Wild plants picking (plants will vary according to the season)
    Get familiar with wild edible and medicinal plants foraging, discover how much nature has to offer in terms of scents, tastes and unexpected properties.
  • Local olive oil tasting
    Experience the true taste of artisanal olive oil and learn how to recognize quality oil.
  • Balm making
    Learn how to make a natural balm from very simple ingredients, a remedy rich in beneficial active ingredients that you will take back with you.
  • Preparation of herbal tea
    Enjoy a flavorful herbal tea from local plants.
Have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when to meet?

Meet Laetitia and Mario on their land near Castelbuono (30 min. from Cefalù – 1½ hours from Palermo). You will be provided with a map indicating the meeting point when you book. If you don’t have a car, please contact us before booking.

Meeting time:
– morning 10 am
– afternoon 2 pm, 3 pm or 4 pm according to the period of the year – please check on our booking calendar using the Check Availability button.

Prices

Private tour:

2 adults: 150€ (75€ per person)
3 adults: 180€ (60€ per person)
4 adults: 220€ (55€ per person)
5 adults: 250€ (50€ per person)
6 adults: 300€ (50€ per person)
Children (6-16 years old): 34€
Children (0-5 years): free
More than 6 people: please contact us

Want to make this experience even more specialContact us
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What to Bring

  • Comfortable shoes suitable for trail walking
  • Clothes suitable to the weather conditions(e.g. summer hat, sunglasses, etc.)

Madonie Explorers' Guarantee

  • Expert English-speaking guidesLaetitia and Mario have been sharing with travelers their passion for Sicily's nature and traditions for more than 15 years. They are both nature guides members of AIGAE (Associazione Italiana Guide Ambientali Escursionistiche). Read more about Madonie Explorers' guides
  • 10% Discount on the second excursionYou will find the discount code in the first booking confirmation email
  • Free cancellationUp to 48 hours before the tour
  • Rescheduling or cancellation with refund in case of bad weatherIf Madonie Explorers cancels the excursion because of bad weather conditions, you can choose to reschedule the excursion or to be refunded

Optional Extras

  • Transport to the meeting pointParticipants must have a car. If you don't have one, please contact us before booking and we will find the best solution.

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the guide and the producer speak English?

Yes! Laetitia and Mario speak English fluently, and are experienced in guiding English-speaking guests. Meet our guides

What is manna exactly?

Manna is the naturally dried sap from ash trees (Fraxinus angustifolia and Fraxinus ornus). When producers make precise incisions in the bark, the tree “bleeds” a sweet sap that crystallizes in the Sicilian sun. It’s completely natural and has been harvested here for centuries.

Where is the meeting place?

The meeting place is located near Castelbuono (10 min. by car). You will receive a map with clear directions when you book.

What if I don't have a car?

Transport is not included in our services, but you may be able to ride in the guide/producer’s car to reach the experience place (please check with us before booking). A small additional fee may apply.

Do we need to walk a lot?

This experience is not a hike, but it involves some short walking. Please contact us if you want to participate with very young children or if you have limited mobility, so we can adapt the tour to your needs.

What if the weather is bad?

We constantly monitor the weather to ensure that guests can enjoy the experience under the right conditions. Of course, this doesn’t mean the tour will only run with perfect sunshine, but in case of consistent rain or strong winds, Madonie Explorers will cancel the experience. Participants can rebook for another date or request a refund.

I'm travelling solo. Can I book for one?

Solo travelers are welcome! Our minimum booking is two adults (€150 total), but you can book as a solo traveler at the 2-person rate, or we may be able to pair you with another solo traveler – please contact us to check availability. Private tours are available from one participant.

What if I want to book last minute?

You can book online through this website until 6 p.m. the day before the experience. We encourage you to book or contact us as soon as possible to ensure we are available during your visit.

What if I change my mind/can't do the tour at the last minute?

We fully refund bookings cancelled at least 48 hours before the excursion. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable. This policy is necessary for planning purposes and also ensures fair working conditions for our guides, who are independent professionals.

Where to stay before the experience?

We suggest staying in Castelbuono, Cefalù, or the nearby area the night before, so you don’t have to drive far to reach the meeting place. Feel free to contact us for any additional information regarding accommodation.