Dynamic Earth Adventures - Grand Tour lasting 13 days of the most famous and active volcanoes in Italy

Itinerary

A Grand Tour of the volcanoes of Italy

Experience and enjoy a grand tour of the most famous and most active volcanoes in Europe.

A 13 day tour visiting two different major volcanological areas within the beautiful country of Italy.

Explore and experience Vesuvius and the picturesque Bay of Naples before heading off to the Aeolian Islands to enjoy stunning cobalt-blue sea and wild windswept mountains swathed in colourful flowers .

Day 1

Arrive in Naples 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 begin our journey to Somma Vesuvius, last active in 1944. A short easy walk from the car park takes us to the summit of the volcano to view the crater. From the rim of Vesuvius we can see deep into its still smoking crater on one side and views into and across the Bay of Naples and out towards the islands of Capri and Ischia on the other. On our way back down the volcano we will visit the Vesuvius Observatory where old instruments are on display and where an exhibition takes the visitor on a fascinating tour through the world of volcanoes.

After lunch we will visit the Roman town of Herculaneum which was destroyed by pyroclastic flows during the eruption of Vesuvius in AD79.

Tonight will be a free evening for you to explore Naples and find your own special tratorria for dinner.

Accommodation, breakfast and lunch included.

Day 3

This morning we will visit Campi Flegrei (the Phlegrean Fields) a lesser well known volcanic region close to Naples. The Campi Flegrei caldera is an area well known for a geological phenomenon named 'bradyseism' which is the alternating uplift and sinking of the ground within the caldera. Our tour will lead us first to Pozzuoli, located near the centre of the caldera, where excellent recent examples of volcanic uplift can be seen.

We will then make our way to nearby Solfatara crater where there is a unique opportunity to experience and examine its bubbling mud pools and steam vents.

Further stops depending on time available could include Monte Nuovo and the Roman ruins near Capo Miseno.

Dinner will be taken at a local trattoria.

Accommodation, breakfast and evening meal included.

Day 4

Today we will visit the well known and well documented Roman town of Pompeii which has been exceptionally well preserved having been covered by volcanic ash for nearly two thousand years. The afternoon will be free time spent in Naples soaking up the atmosphere and buying any last minute souvenirs.

Accommodation, breakfast and lunch included.

Day 5

This morning, for our last day in Naples, we will head into the city centre to visit the National Archaeological museum which houses some of the best artefacts that have been collected from both Pompeii and Herculaneum. The rest of the day will be free time where you can take the opportunity to experience the best view of the city from the roof of Castel Sant'Elmo, a short walk and climb away.

This evening we will enjoy the last views of Naples by night as we depart for Stromboli.

Accomodation, breakfast and evening meal included. The nights accommodation on board the ferry is spent in double cabins.

Day 6

This morning as we approach Stromboli at early dawn we will be able to observe the frequent fiery eruptions which gave the volcano the name 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean'.

The next two days of our tour will be spent on this exciting island.

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 at 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 7

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 8

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 picnic included.

Day 9

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 evening meal included.

Day 10

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 and breakfast included.

Day 11

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 evening meal included.

Day 12

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 lunch included.

Day 13

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.