SICILY
ORCHIDS OF MONTE IBLE
Ninety kilometres south of still active Mount Etna lies Monte Ible's dry limestone slopes which in spring are adorned with a wonderful show of flowers.
Anemones, Irises and Asphodels are abundant in the marvellous abandoned fields and terraces above Syracusa but it will be the Orchids that will steal the show. A dozen or more species can be seen in many of the tiny fields. Spectacular Pink Butterfly Orchids are joined by Orchis longicornu whose deep purple, white and pink flowers make it perhaps one of Europe's prettiest orchids. Amid Giant and Naked Man Orchids we'll enjoy a prolific show of Bee Orchids with abundant yellow and pink Sawfly Orchid, colourful Ophrys bertolonii and fur-rimmed Mirror Orchid. Sicily is a hotspot in the evolution of this group of orchids. Yellow-edged Ophrys biancae and both Ophrys lunulata and Ophrys panormitana are found nowhere else in the world and several others can only be seen here or on 'Italy's foot'. We'll explore limestone gorges, wooded valleys and even coastal nature reserves where a fascinating saltmarsh and dune flora will keep us busy when we're not looking at the Flamingos, Blackwinged Stilts and Slender-billed Gulls!
INFORMATION
Focus
Flowers (in particular Orchids), Birds and Landscapes.
Leaders
Walking
Relaxed and easy. Up to two or three miles a day and always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to flower photographers.
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Italy. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, tips and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
The whole week will be spent at the delightful Masseria degli Ulivi set amid carob and olive trees in the heart of the Iblean countryside. A large country house dating from the late 1800’s, the Masseria has thoroughly modern light and airy rooms with en suite bathrooms. The restaurant is exceptional and provides plenty of traditional Sicilian fare.
Climate
Variable. Often warm and sunny with some showers though sometimes cooler with occasionally prolonged wet weather.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Flower and bird checklists are available.
