Discovery Etna and Aeolian Islands
Sicily's active volcanoes and great coastal scenery
Independent adventure along Sicily’s stunning eastern coast, taking in some of the islands’ most precious jewels: from the spectacular Greek Theatre of Taormina to the charming historic city of Catania, to the immense and impressive Mount Etna - the largest active volcano in Europe! You’ll also spend 5 days island hopping between the astonishingly beautiful Aeolian Islands – a string of seven volcanic islets that glimmer like black pearls off Sicily’s Mediterranean shoreline.
Highlights:
- Taormina – 'Pearl of the Ionian Coast' – and awesome Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe
- Extremely varied landscapes of the Aeolian Islands
- Panoramic coastal footpaths and dramatic lava trails
Highlights:
- Taormina – 'Pearl of the Ionian Coast' – and awesome Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe
- Extremely varied landscapes of the Aeolian Islands
- Panoramic coastal footpaths and dramatic lava trails
Day 1: Sunday, arrival day
Arrival at the hotel in Catania and meeting with the tour leader. Introduction to the tour, briefing and dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in the city centre.
Day 2: Lipari
In the morning private transfer to Milazzo harbour and hydrofoil to Lipari the capital of the Aeolians Island. Arrival in Lipari and luggage transfer to hotel. Free time to explore Lipari town and harbour.
Day 3: – Lipari (Walk: 10,5 km 4hrs +360m – 500m)
After breakfast, public bus to the village of Quattropani. Start the walk along the west coast of Lipari passing the Old roman spa of St. Calogero along the way. In the afternoon free time for discovering the historic part of Lipari including the castle (the archaeological museum). Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4: Vulcano (Walk: 7,5 km 3hrs +390m - 390m)
Walk to the port and hydrofoil to the neighbouring island of Vulcano. Vulcano, one of the seven Aeolian Islands, famous for its black beaches, the presence of sulphur and thermal Springs. Walk to the crater to see the “fumaroles” a steady stream of gases and vapour. After the walk free time to relax at the beach and drink a “granita” or try a mud bath at the thermal springs. In the afternoon hydrofoil back to Lipari. Overnight stay in Lipari.
Day 5 : Stromboli (4 h hiking, + 400 – 400 mt.)
Time to leave Lipari and take an hydrofoil to Stromboli - one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean, with its cone-shaped volcano and the black beaches contrasting with white houses splashed with scarlet bougainvillea. In the afternoon walk to the “Sciara del Fuoco” - a steep landslide where rocks that are spurted out/erupted from the craters run down directly into the sea (this can be viewed from a safe viewing point). Overnight in Stromboli.
Day 6 : Stromboli(6 hours hiking, + 924 – 924 mt.)
After breakfast free time to visit the lovely village of “San Vincenzo” or bath in the sea. In the afternoon (usually starting at 5.00pm/sunset) clients have the possibility to hike up to Stromboli’s volcanic crater at 924m. The volcano of Stromboli has been erupting for at least 2000 years at intervals of about 15 minutes. Join a guided group of 20 people to reach the summit escorted by a volcano guide – an incredible and unique experience. At night the glow of the red-hot lava and volcanic activity can be watched from just a few hundred meters away. Overnight stay in Stromboli.
Day 7 : Transfer to Taormina
In the late morning hydrofoil to Milazzo where a private transfer will be waiting at the harbour. Transfer to the hotel in Taormina, then free time to relax and discover this wonderful town overlooking the Ionian sea .Overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 8 : Etna (Walk: 8 km, 5hrs + 450m – 800m)
Private transfer on the southern side of Mt Etna (1,900m above sea level). Today take part on an group guided excursion to climb till the summit at the central craters (3,350m) * with cable way and 4WD vehicle till 2,900m. On the way back we take a walk to discover the massive ridge of The “bove valley” an huge caldera (formed by an old volcano collapse) located on the southern east flank. There’s also amazing views down to the Ionian coastline and Catania. Walk back to the Cable way (2500 mt). From here down with the cable way to 1900 mt. In the afternoon transfer back to Taormina. Overnight stay in Taormina.
* Please note that the Etna excursion is subject to change at the last minute depending on weather and volcano condition. The volcanologist guide can change the itinerary any time.Day 8 and 9 may be inverted to do the Mount Etna excursion the better day possible according to weather and volcanic conditions
Day 9 : Taormina (walk: 4,5 km, 3 hours hiking, +300 –300 mt)
In the morning walk to Castelmola, a medieval hamlet perched precariously above Taormina. The village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its thirteenth-century Castle dramatically situated to command the hills and valleys. In the afternoon free time for visiting historic Taormina and its Greek theatre, or bathing in the blue sea of the natural reserve of “Isola Bella”. Celebration dinner and overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 10 : Departure
After the breakfast end of our services.
Note: This day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. Although we update our itineraries on a regular basis, to take into account such things as changes to trekking routes and changes in the routing or availability of local transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any of our trips will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, ccan lead to enforced changes. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary.
Arrival at the hotel in Catania and meeting with the tour leader. Introduction to the tour, briefing and dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in the city centre.
Day 2: Lipari
In the morning private transfer to Milazzo harbour and hydrofoil to Lipari the capital of the Aeolians Island. Arrival in Lipari and luggage transfer to hotel. Free time to explore Lipari town and harbour.
Day 3: – Lipari (Walk: 10,5 km 4hrs +360m – 500m)
After breakfast, public bus to the village of Quattropani. Start the walk along the west coast of Lipari passing the Old roman spa of St. Calogero along the way. In the afternoon free time for discovering the historic part of Lipari including the castle (the archaeological museum). Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4: Vulcano (Walk: 7,5 km 3hrs +390m - 390m)
Walk to the port and hydrofoil to the neighbouring island of Vulcano. Vulcano, one of the seven Aeolian Islands, famous for its black beaches, the presence of sulphur and thermal Springs. Walk to the crater to see the “fumaroles” a steady stream of gases and vapour. After the walk free time to relax at the beach and drink a “granita” or try a mud bath at the thermal springs. In the afternoon hydrofoil back to Lipari. Overnight stay in Lipari.
Day 5 : Stromboli (4 h hiking, + 400 – 400 mt.)
Time to leave Lipari and take an hydrofoil to Stromboli - one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean, with its cone-shaped volcano and the black beaches contrasting with white houses splashed with scarlet bougainvillea. In the afternoon walk to the “Sciara del Fuoco” - a steep landslide where rocks that are spurted out/erupted from the craters run down directly into the sea (this can be viewed from a safe viewing point). Overnight in Stromboli.
Day 6 : Stromboli(6 hours hiking, + 924 – 924 mt.)
After breakfast free time to visit the lovely village of “San Vincenzo” or bath in the sea. In the afternoon (usually starting at 5.00pm/sunset) clients have the possibility to hike up to Stromboli’s volcanic crater at 924m. The volcano of Stromboli has been erupting for at least 2000 years at intervals of about 15 minutes. Join a guided group of 20 people to reach the summit escorted by a volcano guide – an incredible and unique experience. At night the glow of the red-hot lava and volcanic activity can be watched from just a few hundred meters away. Overnight stay in Stromboli.
Day 7 : Transfer to Taormina
In the late morning hydrofoil to Milazzo where a private transfer will be waiting at the harbour. Transfer to the hotel in Taormina, then free time to relax and discover this wonderful town overlooking the Ionian sea .Overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 8 : Etna (Walk: 8 km, 5hrs + 450m – 800m)
Private transfer on the southern side of Mt Etna (1,900m above sea level). Today take part on an group guided excursion to climb till the summit at the central craters (3,350m) * with cable way and 4WD vehicle till 2,900m. On the way back we take a walk to discover the massive ridge of The “bove valley” an huge caldera (formed by an old volcano collapse) located on the southern east flank. There’s also amazing views down to the Ionian coastline and Catania. Walk back to the Cable way (2500 mt). From here down with the cable way to 1900 mt. In the afternoon transfer back to Taormina. Overnight stay in Taormina.
* Please note that the Etna excursion is subject to change at the last minute depending on weather and volcano condition. The volcanologist guide can change the itinerary any time.Day 8 and 9 may be inverted to do the Mount Etna excursion the better day possible according to weather and volcanic conditions
Day 9 : Taormina (walk: 4,5 km, 3 hours hiking, +300 –300 mt)
In the morning walk to Castelmola, a medieval hamlet perched precariously above Taormina. The village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its thirteenth-century Castle dramatically situated to command the hills and valleys. In the afternoon free time for visiting historic Taormina and its Greek theatre, or bathing in the blue sea of the natural reserve of “Isola Bella”. Celebration dinner and overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 10 : Departure
After the breakfast end of our services.
Note: This day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. Although we update our itineraries on a regular basis, to take into account such things as changes to trekking routes and changes in the routing or availability of local transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any of our trips will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, ccan lead to enforced changes. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary.
Skill level: moderate, 2 to 5 hours walking each day, hilly-to-steep terrain. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation :
1 night in hotel*** in Catania
3 nights hotel**** in
2 nights in hotel*** in Stromboli
3 nights in hotel*** in Taormina
Luggage: we advise you to use two kind of bags. A big one with wheels where you put all your staff. A backpack (40 litres) for your trekking. All transfers are made by car. Anyway sometimes you have to carry your luggage for short distances (for example when you catch buses and hydrofoil).
Equipment: good and solid trekking boots, frontal torch with batteries, trekking trousers and shorts, bathing suit, hat and gloves, wind jacket, sun glasses, sun cream, trekking sticks.
Included:
English speaking tour leader throughout
All private and public (bus and boat) transfers as mentioned in the program
Accommodation as described in the program, with breakfast
Guided excursion in group to Etna Summit craters, including guide + cable way (round trip) + jeeps one way
Guided excursion in group to Stromboli Summit craters
1 Lunch
6 Dinners
Not included:
Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
Local Hotel taxes (allow about 8€)
All beverages
Personal insurances
Flights
Accommodation :
1 night in hotel*** in Catania
3 nights hotel**** in
2 nights in hotel*** in Stromboli
3 nights in hotel*** in Taormina
Luggage: we advise you to use two kind of bags. A big one with wheels where you put all your staff. A backpack (40 litres) for your trekking. All transfers are made by car. Anyway sometimes you have to carry your luggage for short distances (for example when you catch buses and hydrofoil).
Equipment: good and solid trekking boots, frontal torch with batteries, trekking trousers and shorts, bathing suit, hat and gloves, wind jacket, sun glasses, sun cream, trekking sticks.
Included:
English speaking tour leader throughout
All private and public (bus and boat) transfers as mentioned in the program
Accommodation as described in the program, with breakfast
Guided excursion in group to Etna Summit craters, including guide + cable way (round trip) + jeeps one way
Guided excursion in group to Stromboli Summit craters
1 Lunch
6 Dinners
Not included:
Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
Local Hotel taxes (allow about 8€)
All beverages
Personal insurances
Flights
Trips Note
Destination: Sicily
Travel style: Guided Walking holiday
Interest: Volcanoes and coastal hiking
Comfort: Standard
Grade: Easy - Moderate
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Departures: MAR to OCT
Participants: from 4 people
Airport: Catania
