Service Description

The hike follows a partially circular route, almost entirely immersed in the forest, which traverses the valleys surrounding the majestic Abbey of San Martino delle Scale. We will initially descend the San Martino Valley until we reach one of the area's emblems: the "Great Holm Oak of San Martino delle Scale," recently included in the list of Italy's monumental trees. Here, we will shortly reach the slopes of Monte Petroso, whose dense holm oak forest has always characterized the landscape of the area. We will follow the mountain downstream, crossing the wildest part of the trail. This is the most fascinating section of our hike. Returning to the starting point, we will begin the gradual ascent along the Val Gamisia, a narrow valley reminiscent of the passage of men and worlds, evidenced by an ancient bridge that spanned the stream. This bridge was used for ancient connections from the abbey to the city of Palermo. Distance: 5.5 km Elevation gain: approximately 150 m Starting altitude: 550 m above sea level Minimum altitude: 433 m above sea level Maximum altitude: 560 m above sea level INCLUDES • Guided nature hike • Tasting lunch at a bakery • Guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey ON REQUEST + local transfer from Palermo