Not only does Monti Sibillini have the distinction of being Umbria’s only national park, it’s also known for its magical properties. I explored it on the back of a donkey named Nina. Before exploring the Piano Grande Plateau in Monti Sibillini by donkey, you choose your donkey. This was easy, Nina’s confidence radiated out of us and she gladly posed for photos:
Nina seemed to think that her left side was her best side as she posed for photos.
Traveling in style with Nina in Monti Sibillini National Park.
Of course it wasn’t all smooth going. Roberto from La Mulattiera informed us that donkeys have an ever changing social structure. Nina was the leader that day, but she was also hungry, stopping to eat every few meters, then quickening her pace to pull out in front again to ensure she was in the lead. Safe to say she justly proved why donkeys are considered to be cankerous. I loved her anyway, but maybe that’s because I didn’t have the difficult job of trying to lead her as Nathalie did from @perfectbotique. Either way, I felt like I was on a pilgrimage in search of the mystical powers that Monti Sibilllini is famous for. It was named after the prophetess, Sibilla who lived in a cave high. During the middle ages she was sought out by knights going into battle for her fortune telling abilities. Sibilla has long passed on but her legend remains.
Nathalie had the difficult job of convincing Nina that she needed exercise more than she needed to stop and eat every few minutes.
Then we were off for a view of what this magical place looks like – from the back of a donkey
Pictured are Nathalie @perfectboutique, our guide Gigi @ViadiFrancesco and Lea @vanilleah. You know you're in for a good time when your guide says "Can you tell who the real donkey is in the photo?" Good times!Mountains hovering over the Piano Grande Plateau - photo taken from the back of a donkey - just from a side view.
We didn’t encounter any prophetess on our journey, but it was magical nonetheless and I plan to return to to search for Sibilli, or at least the remains of her mystical powers. Perhaps Nina will join me.
Know Before You Go Donkey Riding in Monti Sibillini National Park:
- Book in advance
- Bring a hat and gloves, it can be windy
- Trips range from a couple of hours to multi-day expeditions
- Donkey riding is family friendly and children as young as six can do it (sometimes younger, but check with Roberto before you go)
- Piano Grande Plateau is located just 40km from Norcia (we stayed at the Agri-Hotel Ristorante Hermitage in Norcia the night before)
- Donkey riding is surprisingly comfortable – although you will be sore for about 5 minutes upon dismounting
- It’s more difficult than it looks to take photos from the back of a donkey!
Thank you to Roberto and La Mulattiera for our donkey riding experience and introduction to Nina and the piano Grande Plateau in Monti Sibillini National Park.
This photo has been submitted to Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox where you can see more travel photos.
So cute
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Alice Nine – Cross game
Looks like fun and I just read in the Globe that our left side really is our best side for photos – same goes for donkeys I guess.
In Peru we rented 2 donkeys and a donkey driver to hike the Cordillera Blanca. Couldn’t have imagined riding one – highly uncomfortable I bet.
You are all over the place these days Laurel – hope you’re having a good time.
Leigh recently posted..Nature Up Close in Okefenokee Swamp
@Muza chan – I know, I fell in love with Nina almost instantly.
@Leigh – Really? Nina is even smarter than I thought
. It was more comfortable than I expected and the owner says that sometimes kids fall asleep on them they’re so comfortable 
. 2012 has been an incredible year for travel so far.
I’m glad you did get the chance to explore Monti Sibillini – even if you didn’t meet the prophetess.
Italian Notes recently posted..Market day in Bolzano
That looks like so much fun – and I love Nina’s ears in the photos!!
Lisa recently posted..Learning is Fun at Science North
Looks like so much fun! Now I’m definitely sad that we missed it but we’ll always have Rome!
I might be expecting Mike Myers to show up and yell …
“DONKEY!”
Thanks for your post, Laurel; looked and read like a heckuva fine time!
fotoeins | Henry recently posted..Berlin, 2005-2009
This sounds like a fabulous way to explore some of the great countryside! It never hurts to have a guide that is funny
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Charming Biarritz & Her Lighthouse
Nina is so photogenic. What a great way to explore the national park.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Who’s on First?
Awesome stuff…and yeah, it made me think of Shrek too:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Vegas Single vs Married- A Tale of Two Trips
Been to Umbria, but not there.
Dick Jordan recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Natural Disasters, Signs of the Times
I like that the pictures feature the donkey’s ears. Makes them special and original!
I’m surprised to hear riding donkeys is comfortable. I wouldn’t have thought so!
Zhu recently posted..How I Got Sick of French Food
I love the ears in almost every shot! Definitely an authentic view from the back of a donkey.
Jessica recently posted..Big Sculptures, Big Ideas
I had no idea that they even offered rides on donkeys. How neat!
Sabrina recently posted..Kermit Sandhills: Fun With ATVs in the Texas Sand Dunes
Somehow countryside Italy fits very well with the idea of riding donkeys. I would so do that excursion!
Sophie recently posted..Top 5 Camping Survival Essentials
This looks like soooo much fun. I’ve been to Umbria a couple times, such a beautiful area, but haven’t heard of this park. Beautiful hills!
What a good time you had. I have to say riding animals is not my thing. I rode a donkey in Egypt, and it was not my best moment
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — April 26, 2012 — My Five Most Popular Travel Shots on Flickr
Donkeys are super cute! I really like the idea of including the donkey head in your landscape photos. It makes for such fun shots.
Denise recently posted..Puzzling, amazing, surprising Danang
The weather today is cold and blustery —pretty much the same as these fun pictures, but without the donkeys! It was fun to read you account; you guys were troopers up there in the Sibillines in April!