Highlights
- Climb to the top of Mt Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano
- Experience the coastal scenery of the Aeolian Islands
- Dine on delicious culinary specialties of the region
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Catania | Catania |
| Day 2 | Vulcano | Lipari |
| Day 3 | Lipari | Lipari |
| Day 4 | Salina Island | Lipari |
| Day 5 | Stromboli | Stromboli |
| Day 6 | Stromboli | Stromboli |
| Day 7 | Hiking Etna South | Etna South |
| Day 8 | Mount Etna to Catania | Catania |
| Day 9 | Depart from Catania |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Catania
Arrival in Catania. Catania has many baroque churches and interesting buildings situated in the very heart of the city center. Meeting with your guide for a short briefing about your week before enjoying the city nightlife with a choice of pubs, restaurants, pizzerias and “trattoria” to choose from for dinner. Overnight stay in Catania.
Day 2: Vulcano
After breakfast, transfer to Milazzo harbor and hydrofoil to Vulcano (1hr). Vulcano is famous for its black beaches and Thermal Springs. Enjoy your first hike up to the crater enjoying an incredible view of the island chain beginning with Lipari. Boat to the island of Lipari for overnight.
3 hours hiking, +390 m -390 m
Day 3: Lipari
In the morning we make an easy walking to the southern side of the island. Afternoon free for visiting the center of Lipari and its interesting Archaeological Museum. If you want to have a lovely swim, choose from plenty of beaches around the island! Overnight stay in Lipari.
3 hours hiking, +250 - 250 m
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Salina Island
A day to explore the greener of the Aeolian island. With a hydrofoil, we will reach Salina and We will visit a capers production located in the stunning promontory of Pollara. We will proceed and stop in a famous local winery well known for the “ Malvasia” wine. The owner will show the cellars and vineyards and the tour will finish with a delicious wine tasting and light lunch. Back to Lipari and overnight stay.
Day 5: Stromboli
After breakfast, hydrofoil to Stromboli. Check in at the hotel and relax on one of Stromboli’s unique black beaches. In the late afternoon, there is a great walk to the “Sciara del Fuoco” where you first experience the incredible activity of Stromboli and take in the wonderful panoramic view of the craters and the immense path created by rock fall. Overnight stay in hotel with dinner at a local pizzeria.
4 hours hiking, +400 m -400 m
Day 6: Stromboli
A free day to explore and enjoy this amazing and energetic island! Visit lovely village of “San Vincenzo” and also the interesting volcanological center of the island. Take a private boat for a tour around the island and visit the enchanting small village of “Ginostra. For those who want, there is a great chance to climb the volcano with certified volcano guides. You arrive after sunset to see the full impact of the short eruptions that occur regularly. This is an unforgettable experience. Return to the hotel afterward for overnight accommodation.
The volcano is 924 mt high and group sizes for the climb are a maximum of 20 people, escorted by a certified volcanic guide, in accordance with Italian law. You will walk with a group of 20 (max) and the guides speak English together with German, French and Italian. The volcano guides reserve the right to not climb the volcano according to safety measures that are constantly being monitored, the weather and also the physical condition of the walkers. If you are considered not fit enough to ascend you will be asked to descend.
6 hours hiking, +924 m -924 m
Day 7: Etna South
In late morning we take a hydrofoil from Stromboli to Milazzo (2h), then a private transfer from Milazzo harbor to the southern side of Mt Etna (2h). On Etna, before dinner we make a short walk over the edge of the “Sivestri Craters”. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel on Etna south at 1900 mt of altitude.
2 hours hiking, +150 m -150 m
Day 8: Etna - Catania
Excursion till 2000 meters on the southern side of Etna. We’ll discover the edge of the “Bove Valley” en huge “caldera” formed from a collapse of an old volcano. Amazing view on the Ionian coast of Sicily. Return back to our hotel. Private transfer from Mt. Etna to the hotel in Catania. Overnight stay with breakfast included.
*Option: according to the weather condition and volcano activity it’s possible to climb till the summit at the central craters (3350 mt.), guided by a mountain escort with cable way and 4WD vehicle till 2900 mt. then trek to the top. From there we walk back on foot or by cableway to our hotel
4 hours hiking, +200 m -200 m
Day 9: Depart Catania
After breakfast, say farewell to Sicily. Head to the airport for your flight home.
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