Hiking and sailing at the Aeolian Islands A journey through red lava and the blue of the Mediterranean Sea
On board our gullet, we discover the archipelago of the Aeolien Islands, tracing the steps of history from the active volcanoes to the seasurrounded the islands and ash and lava deserts. The Aeolien archipelago consists of seven islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. All the islands are different and full of contrasting scenery:from the black sandy beaches of Vulcano and Stromboli to the pristine white sand of Lipari, and from the eruptions of Stromboli to the fumaroles of Vulcano. However, the beautiful blue of the sea is the most stunning attraction.
Highlights:
- Gulet trip visiting one of the most beautiful archipelagos of the Mediterranean
- Stromboli and the night time trekking trip to witness the eruptions
- The Aeolien Islands, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day 1: Milazzo
Arrival in Sicily and make your own way (allow approximately 2 hours by bus from Catania airport and 2hrs 30min by train from Palermo airport) to the port of Milazzo. From4.30pmonwards you can board the gulet and check into your cabins. At 7pm, during the welcome meeting (including a complimentary cocktail),you will meet your guide who will brief you on the itinerary of the week. Night transfer to Vulcano. Dinner and overnight in roadstead on Vulcano.
Day 2: Vulcano (3hrs walking + 390m – 390m)
In the morning,tour of the island of Vulcano, well-known for its thermal mud and gas fumaroles. Free time for your first dip in the sea or simply relax on one of the many beaches or hot thermal springs on the island. In the afternoon, we walk to the crater of Vulcano. Dinner and overnight in roadstead on Vulcano.
Day 3: Panarea (2hrs walking + 200m - 200m)
We sail to the Island of Panarea, the smallest of the seven islands. Stop for a swim near the small islands of Basiluzzo and Lisca Bianca, characterised by the turquoise-coloured sea. In the afternoon, we walk towards the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese and there will be free time to visit the nice fishing village of Panarea. Dinnerand overnight in roadstead onPanarea.
Day 4: Stromboli (5hrs walking + 924m – 924m)
In the morning, navigation to Stromboli. We stop to visit the quaint village of Ginostra. Lunch is served on board and in the afternoon group excursion with our volcanologist guide to the top of Stromboli in order to safely enjoy the explosive activity by night. Packed lunch during the excursion. Night transfer to Salina.
Day 5: Salina (4hrs walking + 150m – 290m)
In the morning, we arrive in Salina. We disembark at the little port of Rinella and transfer by bus in order to enjoy our trekking along the coast of Monte dei Porri and down to the beautiful bay of Pollara (used as set for many films). Time for a swim, dinner andovernight in roadstead on Salina.
Day 6: Lipari (3hrs walking + 250m – 250m)
Transfer to the village of Acquacalda and walking around the north-west coast of the island of Lipari towards the ancient pumice quarries. In the afternoon there will be free time to visit the interesting historical centre of Lipari, the capital of the Aeolian Islands, famous for its castle (dating back to the 16th Century), which rises majestically with its titanic bastionsright above the sea. Dinner and overnightin the port of Lipari.
Day 7: Lipari (4hrs walking, + 200m - 450m)
In the morning, we hike around the southern coast of Lipari, between vineyards and terraces overlooking the sea. In the afternoon, we sail to Milazzo. In the afternoon, you have free time to visit the medieval village of Milazzo. Dinner and overnight on board at Milazzo port.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, check out at 9.00am, then make your own way to Catania or Palermo Airport.M
Grade: moderate, 4 to 6 hours walking each day. A hilly-to-steep terrain whit large dirt roads, mule tracks and wooden paths. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: provided in double cabins. Triple rooms are available on request.
- 2 nights at the port of Milazzo and Lipari
- 5 nightsanchored in roadstead
Equipment: trekking shoes, trekking socks, trekking t-shirt, warm shell, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream, daily backpack (min. 30 liters), trekking poles advised.
Getting there: We will set a meeting time with the guide at Milazzo port. At the end of the trip individual departure by train or bus from Milazzo port. There are daily lines to Catania.
Supplements Price per person
Single room when possible + €490
Included:
- Accommodation in ensuite double cabins
- Full board, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- English and Italian-speaking trekking guide
- Towels and bed sheets (towels will be changed twice a week and bed sheets once a week)
- Crew: skipper, chef and sailor
- Bus transfer as stated in the itinerary to Salina and Lipari
- Excursion to Stromboli crater with a volcanologist guide
Not included:
- Transfers from Catania Airport to Milazzo on Day 1 and returning on Day 8
- Alcoholic beverages
- Boarding tax to be paid on board (€25per person)
- Tips and any additional items not listed above in the section "Included in the price"
Trips Note
Destination: Etna and the Aeolian Islands
Travel Style: Guided Walking holiday
Interest: Sea & Coastal hiking, Volcanoes
Comfort: Charming
Grade: Moderate
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Departures: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Group size : from 4 to 12 people
Airport: Catania
Embark/disembark: port of Milazzo
