Itinerary
Fiery Mount Etna and the exciting and intriguing Aeolian Islands
A 9 day enticing tour exploring the delights of Sicily and the Aeolian islands enjoying Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano and one of the most active in the world, and nearby explosive Stromboli.
Experience and enjoy the stunning cobalt-blue sea and the wild windswept mountains swathed in colourful flowers.
Day 1
Arrive in Sicily where you will be met and transferred to a friendly hotel. As you settle in, the rest of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the surrounding area. In the evening we will meet to enjoy a welcome cocktail and have an opportunity to learn and discuss the tours schedule and forthcoming activities before heading off to a local trattoria (small restaurant) for some excellent food.
Accommodation and evening meal included.
Day 2
This morning we will enjoy a hydrofoil journey to the island of Vulcano, after which all volcanoes have been named. The morning is free to relax and enjoy the beach, explore the warm bubbling volcanic mud pools and steam vents close to the beach or enjoy an optional 2-3 hour boat trip around the island visiting the Grotta del Cavallo. Later in the afternoon we will climb Fossa di Vulcano (391m and taking about 1 hour). From the rim of the crater much of the island can be seen including the mini-crater of Vulcanello beyond the small harbour at Porto de Levante.
Accommodation, breakfast and evening meal included.
Day 3
Today we will visit the island of Lipari to explore the Old Town and castle. There will be time to visit the archaeological and vulcanogical museums, if desired. On Lipari we will take a local bus to observe the world famous obsidian flow and pumice deposits from Monte Pilato.
Accommodation, breakfast and lunch included.
Day 4
The next two days of our tour will be spent on the exciting island of Stromboli.
Once we have checked into our hotel there will be time to explore the uniqueness of Stromboli and in the late afternoon we will prepare for the 3-4 hour climb to the summit craters. From here we will be able to observe and wonder at several active crater eruptions from very close range. After spending some time enjoying the scenery we will descend a quicker route directly to the village of Stromboli.
Accommodation, breakfast and evening picnic included.
Day 5
Today further activities that can be enjoyed on Stromboli are optional additional trips to view the amazing active craters as well as optional boat trips around the island.
Accommodation, breakfast and evening meal included.
Day 6
Today we will continue our journey on to Milazzo in Sicily and have plenty of time to explore the lively city of Catania, with plenty to see and do: there are exquisite baroque architecture and numerous ancient relics to enjoy as well as the bustling fish market and the adjoining food market to be experienced.
Accommodation, breakfast and lunch included.
Day 7
Today, weather and volcanic activity permitting, we will take a cable car up Mount Etna to 2500m and prepare for a full day of hiking and volcano watching, those who wish can take an optional 4WD tour accompanied by state registered local guide to view the recently active SE crater at the summit. On the descent back down the mountain there will be the chance to view a variety of lava flows and other interesting volcanic features.
Accommodation, breakfast and lunch included.
Day 8
Today we will visit the Valle del Bove, which measuring 7km by 5km is a caldera on the eastern side of Etna formed after a cone collapsed several thousand years ago.
Accommodation, breakfast and evening meal included.
Day 9
Today offers a last minute chance to soak up the atmosphere and buy any last minute souvenirs before the tour concludes after lunch, at which point you will be offered (if required) transfers either back to the airport, train station or port.
Breakfast and lunch included.
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