Great mix between culture and active volcanoes
Known as the Greater Greece by the Romans, Sicily is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Starting from Palermo, capital of Sicily, you will discover the cities of Cefalu and the magnificent Aeolian Islands, an archipelago where the strange depths of the earth are in constant contact with the surface. Our trip is extended to discover Taormina and Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.
Highlights:
- The cultural melting pot of Sicily's capital, Palermo
- The Aeolian Islands, part of the Unesco World Heritage Sites
- Diversity of cultural and natural sites to picturesque villages and delicious food
Day 1: Palermo
Individual arrival in Palermo. In the afternoon meeting with your guide and briefing to review the details of your trip. Dinner and overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 2: Palermo – Cefalù
After breakfast, walking tour around Palermo admiring highlight such as "Quattro Canti", Pretoria Square, the Cathedral and Marina Square. Enjoy a street food lunch in the colourful markets of La Vucciaria or Ballaró. In the afternoon, train to Cefalu, a lovely fisherman village. Night in Cefalù.
Day 3: Lipari
Train to Milazzo (1hr 40min) and hydrofoil to Lipari. In the afternoon, visit the historical centre, famous for its Castle and the Archaeological Museum. Before sunset, we reach a famous local winery and enjoy a wonderful wine tasting accompanied by local food. Back to the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 4: Lipari (3hrs hiking, + 250m – 250m)
In the morning, enjoy a varied walk on the southern tip of Lipari with great views of the Vulcano island. In the afternoon, visit to a local caper producer who will show you the production process from harvest to the final packaging. Dinner and overnight stay in Lipari.
Day 5: Stromboli (4hrs hiking, + 400m – 400m)
Hydrofoil to Stromboli (1hr), a unique island famed for being home to one of only three active volcanoes in Italy. At sunset we enjoy an easy walk to an altitude of 400 metres to discover the spectacular "Sciara del Fuoco", a fiery channel where the lava outflows plunge directly into the sea. Overnight stay in Stromboli.
Option: If the weather and conditions permit, those who wish, can take an extra guided excursion to the summit area of Stromboli (5 hours hiking, + 924m – 924 m, 12km). Here we will be able to witness the pyrotechnical activity of the volcano, with nightfall emphasising the dramatic lava fountains and red-hot spurts of molten rock.
Price: €28 per person
Day 6: Mt Etna (2hrs hiking, + 150m – 150m)
In the morning, hydrofoil to Milazzo (2hrs) and transfer to Mt Etna. Check-in to hotel located very close to the most recent lava flow, in a lunar landscape. Opportunity to take your first steps towards the volcano, visiting the lava flow of 2001's eruption and the "Crateri Silvestri". Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Mt Etna - Taormina (4hrs hiking, + 300 m – 300m)
Today we enjoy a spectacular walk on the southern area of Mount Etna. We hike up past several lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panoramic view of the four craters that make up the top of this famous volcano, plus extensive views of the entire coast of Sicily. In the afternoon we will be transferred to the lovely town of Taormina. Dinner and overnight stay in Taormina.
Option: According to the weather and volcanic conditions there is a chance to climb by 4x4 jeeps to 2900 metres and then further on foot to 3350 metres. You will be escorted by a volcano or alpine guide (6 hours hiking, + 450m – 450m). Price: €75 per person, payable locally.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, group transfer to Palermo airport. Meals (B)
For those departing from Catania airport, private transfer according to the flight schedules.
Grade: easy. 2 to 4 hours of walking. The typology of roads is: dirt roads, mule track. 3 days out hiking are planned. easy. Suitable for most people in good health and generally fit. No trekking experience is required.
Accommodation:
1 night in hotel * in Palermo
1 night in hotel * in Cefalù
2 nights in hotel * in Lipari
1 night in hotel /* in Stromboli
1 night in hotel * in Etna sud
1 night in hotel * in Taormina
Equipment: good hiking shoes, headlamp, mountain jacket, scarf for fumaroles, hat and gloves, cap and sunglasses, sunscreen, plastic shoes (jellyfish type) to swim in the islands, swimsuit, pocket knife , recommended walking sticks and gaiters, bottle minimum 1 liter. Backpack (min 30 liters).
Getting there: the destination airport is Palermo. Individual arrival, there are regularly public transport (subway and bus) between the airport and the city centre. At departure, only one private transfer is scheduled for Palermo. For those departing from Catania airport, private transfers according to flight schedules.
Included:
- 7 nights in hotel /* with breakfast included
- All transfers by public bus, trains, hydrofoils and private minibuses
- Lunches on day 2 and 7
- Wine tasting with local food on day 3
- Visit to local caper producer on day 4
- Dinners on day 1, 4, 6 and 7
- English spoken tour leader, specialist of the region
- Tourist taxes
Not Included:
- Beverages and personal items
- Lunch on day 1, 3, 4,5, 6 and 8
- Dinner on day 2, 3 and 5
- Optional group excursion on Etna, (guide + cablecar and 4x4): €80 per person
- Optional group guided excursion on Stromboli
- Monuments and Museums entrance fees
Trips Note
Destination: Sicily
Travel style : discovery holiday
Interest: Volcanoes; Beaches & Coastal hiking
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Group size: from 4 to 15 people
Airport: Palermo ; Catania
