Internationale groepsreis Sicilian Volcanoes

Sicilian Volcanoes

I went specifically for the volcanoes to Sicily and I'm certainly not disappointed. It truly was an amazing trip. I recommend this trip to everyone!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There is no guarantee that you will see a volcanic eruption, but we were very lucky. We saw the Etna erupting. Alessandro took us on an extra evening hike because he knew she was erupting. For me it was the best night of the entire trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide, Alessandro Vianni is a great guy. He was very enthusiastic about HIS islands. He knew and told us so much about the history, geology and of course his passion with volcanoes.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go to it and love these beautiful islands!

Sicilian Volcanoes

A great trip exploring the beautiful Aeolian islands on foot. A good mix of structured activities and freetime with lots of sicilian food, wine and culture and amazing volcanic activity.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking around the crater of Stromboli with steam and sulphur from fumaroles and breathtaking views over the islands. Climbing Stromboli at dusk listening to the thunder of eruptions and watching the explosions and lava fountains in the dark and then descending ash slopes by moonlight. Wine and antipasti evening at Gilberto and Eva in Lipari Descent of Etna and snow covered black ash craters with amazing thunder and lightening show! Watching dolphins leaping off the Bow of the boat on the way to Stromboli lovely coastal walk on the free day with superb views

What did you think of your group leader?

Maria was excellent, she managed expectations from the start but delivered well above them. She watched the whole group and gave as much or as little attention as people wanted. She was attentive without being smothering. she had lots of suggestions for free time and good recommendations for eating. i think she did a very good job and gave up her free time in catania to eat with the group at a local restaurant on the last night.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A lot of this trip is weather dependent. if the wind is in the wrong direction then its not safe to walk all the way round the rim of vulcano and if the sea is rough the boats cant cross so be prepared for changes of plan. Walking is quite challenging due to heat rather than difficulty, i found poles a great help. The beaches are all volcanic and sharp stones so water shoes are advisable. sicily is chaotic and timetables can be rather flexible so be warned patience is required on this trip!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

the mountain hut is actually a very nice hotel so dont fret! apartments are lovely and canneto is much quieter than lipari to stay in but only 10-15mins on bus to the action should it be required! dont expect canneto to provide wild socialising as its a sleepy and empty place in june where you may be the only drinkers left in the bar. Gelato and Granita are amazing so you will come back fat. supermarkets are very cheap but hotels and bars are not.

Sicily , the Aeolian Islands and Volcanos

An absolutely beautiful and rewarding trip around the Aeolian Islands in the company of some fun people. The week was very well organised by Exodus with a good balance of walking, cultural activities, eating, drinking delicious and great value local wine and then sleeping off the day's efforts in pretty good comfort.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was all good fun but wandering up through the choking sulphuric fumaroles on Vulcano and a great evening climb up Stromboli followed by watching the volcano erupt at pretty close quarters was hugely exciting.

What did you think of your group leader?

Tancredi De Lisi was charming and worked hard to ensure that we all stayed happy and well informed throughout our trip. He has a great dry sense of humour and even appears to like us brits! If he is your guide take advantage of the fact that he is a passionate photographer and ask him to show you some of his great work.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for some pretty stiff leg work, especially a long hot climb up Stromboli. However, it's all worth it and some of the views are simply breathtakingly beautiful. Budget enough in order to take advantage of the extras on offer such as the boat trip around Stomboli Island and the trip further up Etna.... what's the point of going all this way and not maxing out on the experiences???!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There is the option of a rest day on Lipari. Don't really see the point in resting when you are in such a beautiful place, go out and explore! Here is a link to my photo story of the trip .... Enjoy https://www.flickr.com/photos/markgreen/sets/72157644226087437

Volcanoes!

Enjoyable island hopping, volcanoes, plenty of different things to keep you entertained. Very busy and touristy walk on Stromboli though.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Loved the boat trip to Volcano and the wine tasting and meal were perfect. Loved the quieter walks.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eva was an inspiration! Full of energy and enthusiasm and organised everything perfectly. Made sure everyone was looked after. A wonderful group leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The Stromboli walk was VERY busy and touristy. Group after group after group, many in street clothes and hired boots being herded to the summit ridge where we were told where to sit. Don't expect any freedom, wilderness or tranquility. It felt like I was a consumer of a "volcano experience".

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Scillian Volcanoes

Boat trips, Volcanoes, Night Hiking, Swimming in the ocean, good food , good drink, history, culture. A week long holiday that covers so many things

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing on top of Stromboli volcanoe in the evening above the clouds, looking at the bright stars and moon. Below us every 20 mins or so watching the erruption of lava and listening to the roaring sound. Fantastic !!

What did you think of your group leader?

I have been on many adventure holidays with various companies and many good leaders so I can honestly say that Lea Fazio was excellent . Lea really took interest in ensuring we all had a good time and her knowledge on local subjects from gealogy to history , food to local customs was excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Dont forget your walking poles.Usually I dont use them but they were handy for the deep dust decending Strombolli. If your boots and socks fit well then gaiters are not needed but again a personal choice.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

An excellent fun holiday and adventure holiday all in one.

Sicilian volcanoes

A great group, guide, weather and location. An excellent itinerary with a mixture of contrasting activities and locations, from hiking and swimming on the peaceful Aeolian islands, to climbing the moonscape of Etna, whilst there is still free time to do other things.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing Etna and walking around the main craters, listening to the distant rumbles from within. Also watching Stromboli erupt at night with lava rolling down to the sea.

What did you think of your group leader?

Chiara was excellent - she was knowledgeable, friendly, very good at organising the group and making sure that everything ran smoothly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go on the optional trip up Etna, it's well worth the expenditure. Stromboli is (as of early Oct 2014) more active so the top is closed - nor would you want to go there - the view from halfway up is excellent. If the weather is good and you like to swim, a boat trip onto and around Salina on the free day is recommended. Also I went to Siracuse for a day or so before the holiday started to see more of mainland Sicily - I enjoyed this and there's a good bus service from Catania airport (see Interbus web site). If you are wheat intolerant the holiday is doable, but I advise you to take some of your own snacks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Book it!

You have to be a seriously committed walker to survive and enjoy this adventure, especially in July

This was my first Exodus trip and I underestimated the demands it would make on my almost 70-year old body, especially in early July. The group blended well, but were clearly much more experienced hikers/walkers than I was. The hikes up volcanoes are quite demanding, even over sunset, and I found the volcanic dust very trying as a walking surface.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at Catania airport for the return trip, having reached the top of Etna, but not Stromboli, all without serious injury!!

What did you think of your group leader?

I have recent experience of a first class tour leader, but Leah was not in that league. She looked after my food intolerances, and was always there when I found the going tough up the volcanoes. Her knowledge of geology was adequate to explain the situations we were observing but I thought her planning left a bit to be desired, and she failed to impose a regular briefing session, leading to significant uncertainty about what we were supposed to be doing and when over the next 24 hours. The one briefing session we had was at the beginning of the week, details of which had faded two days later. I think also she needed to be more demanding of the group in terms of the equipment required, as her failure to recommend using proper walking boots throughout the week,as well as walking poles, rather than just trainers, is a major reason for my sore feet from early on.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have the equipment mentioned in the trip notes, and use it throughout. Climbing 45 degree volcanic slopes in the heat and humidity of early July, is very demanding, and should not be devalued by random comments from fitness fanatics considering the walks not a challenge at all.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I recommend taking some soft shoes e.g. flipflops/thongs, in addition to walking boots, and casual shoes e.g. trainers. Also consider how you might seize the opportunity just to jump into the clear cool Mediterranean, if you didn't bring a towel with you...

Sicilian Volcanoes

A truly excellent trip with something for everyone. The walking is strenuous on a couple of days and relaxed on others, but there is a wealth of experience to be gained with the variety of walks, culture, and especially the unique experience of being up close and personal with real live volcanoes!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Stromboli at night on two evenings, and Etna at the end of the trip. Etna was particularly exciting as we were among the first groups able to climb to the top after an eruption which curtailed climbing for 2/3 weeks. We were able to see amazing evidence of all the new lava action.

What did you think of your group leader?

Maria was an excellent guide. She spent time getting to know everyone, and made sure that our experiences were memorable. She was keen to share her love of Sicily through her knowledge of the culture, geology and flora. She also ensured our safety at all times.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Gaiters were useful. Poles also useful. Buy the hotel pre-packed lunches when available - they are substantial! Be prepared for easy walking but don't underestimate the Stromboli climb. Enjoy sea swimming when possible but be prepared not to be able to swim because of jellyfish!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you to everyone for such a great week.

Sicilian volcanoes

This was a most enjoyable trip- a very congenial group of fellow travellers,a fabulous guide & getting up close to some volcanoes in the stunning Aeolian islands

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sitting on the rim of Stromboli in the dark ,on warm volcanic ash watching fireworks every 15-20 minutes preceded by a deep roar emitting from the depths of the earth. The walk back down the side of the volcano in the dark was pretty special too!

What did you think of your group leader?

Maria Merlini was an exceptionally good leader - always in good humour despite the fact that she was unwell.She was very knowledgeable about the flora of the region as well as the geology & history.Always aware of everyone's safety & providing options for those in the group who didn't want to do some of the major climbs. Being of a more mature age she was perfect for our group who were all post 40.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a great trip if you would like to get really close to volcanic activityY

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sicilian (Eolian) Volcanoes

A fine walking holiday mainly on the Eolian Islands north of Sicily.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

A different volcano each day! Sunset on Stromboli, standing on Etna and looking down through the clouds at Catania, and reaching various summits on different islands during the week.

What did you think of your group leader?

Chiara was simply excellent, taking very good care of the entire group and going beyond her remit time and again to ensure that we were looked after and happy - aided by Virginie (who was also incredibly good) on this occasion; it's unusual to have two guides in my experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The walks are fairly short and the ascents/descents are not too difficult. Travelling to Lipari takes a lot of the first day, it would perhaps be an idea to extend the holiday for a day or two on Sicily if you have the time. If you normally walk with poles then take them, if not then you'll manage fine. Hot mud bath on Vulcano - it's perhaps an idea to just dump the swimming togs afterwards, the sulphurous smell still hasn't washed out of mine! Also perhaps wear old trainers/water shoes if you plan to swim to the fumeroles on Vulcano, the sea bed is slippery and stony thanks to the nutrients in the sea. We didn't quite reach the peak of Etna due to the snow, but the cable car and snow cat ascent were interesting with a small ascent afterwards. Take a scarf for your face if taking the snow cat, the diesel fumes are quite strong. Arancini, Pizza, Pastas, Pistachio Gelato and Ricotta Cannoli...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Some early starts to make the most of the day/get the hydrofoils on time. Pay attention to the kit list, the night time descent of Stromboli does need a torch! Gaiters handy too. Pack layers for warming up/cooling off between sea level and summits, and take sun tan lotion. Perhaps go out of season to avoid the tourists and the biting insects. A walk to the peak of Monte Fossa delle Felci, Salina was good use of the free day in the middle of the week. A grand walking holiday, good local food and friendly people.

Sicilian Volcanoezs Adventure!

Very well organized, not a minute wasted in the whole trip! A great balance of walking/trekking alongside visiting/free time. Often trekking was around half a day, so it gives you time to enjoy other things. Extra trek options available to push yourself!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The difference and contrast of scenery, landscapes and experiences in just one week!

What did you think of your group leader?

Could not of had a better one!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Even though we spent the first 4 nights in the same hotel, the last 3 were all different. So if moving around and packing a few times is not what you're looking for- this might not be the trip for you however...it is worth it! Especially as transport is all organized. Be wary of traveling during low season- food may not be as good (certain bars/restaurants not yet opened) though not having the place swarming with tourists would definitely encourage me to take a trip during low season again!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The only downside of the trip was not enough time was spent on mainland Sicily, it would have been great to have an extra day there at the end of the week part guided/part free time.

Great Trip

A first class trip from start to finish.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Managing to get to the top of Stromboli on the evening hike.

What did you think of your group leader?

Can not fault Maria, a credit to Exodus

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go, a brilliant trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoyable but misgraded

This is an enjoyable trip in a beautiful part of the world. A reasonably fit person would have no difficulty on this trip - don't be put off by the grading. I would have said leisurely/moderate rather than moderate/challenging. Note that there is a lot of free time on the trip - which you can spend sightseeing, lazing on the beach or in a bar. I have thought quite a bit about how to grade the trip but in the end I have given it an overall grade of Good. I have marked it down because I feel the difficulty grading is too low and without the optional walks it would pretty much be a sightseeing/beach holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

From a sightseeing perspective the eruptions on the top of Stromboli were pretty spectacular. From a fun perspective the descent from Etna (we couldn't go to the summit because of recent activity) was great - don't go down on the cable car if you can possibly avoid it.

What did you think of your group leader?

We had a great guide in Maria. She was always very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and helpful. If I was just grading the guide I would give the trip 5 stars.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The walking is not particularly challenging and the time allocations in the brochure are generous. The longest walks were about five hours (Etna/Stromboli) and I would have graded them moderate at best in terms of difficulty. They certainly weren't challenging - at least at the pace we tackled them at. On Stromboli in particular a moderately fit walker could have tackled the peak in about half the time allocated. Both Etna and Stromboli were optional and had specialised guides. They have to cater for a wide variety of abilities which I thought was a bit unfortunate, especially on Stromboli where we were restricted to a glacial walking pace (there were not just Exodus clients in the group) which was very frustrating. Etna was better - the guide was happy to join in running down the mountain (thick volcanic dust) which was great fun. Everyone was at great pains to warn us of the jellyfish (I began to wonder whether this was a local in-joke). I saw a few, certainly not great blooms of them. I got stung a couple of times. Perhaps I was lucky, but it was at worst a mild tingling - certainly nothing to worry about. Take swimming shoes for the beach - walking on the stones in bare feet is much more uncomfortable! On the free day most of us took the boat trip. This was a full day trip unlike the optional walk which was a couple of hours. It was well worth it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It is very hot in June. Drink plenty of water and bring lots of sunscreen.

Volcanoes up close and personal

A varied trip with some great activities

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the lava on Stromboli. The Acropolis on Lipari is deserted after lunch - ideal time to visit and see all the sleeping cats.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent leader, organised and friendly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

All the included trips except the climb on Mt Etna can be done in trainers. The tap water on Lipari can be drunk so bring a water bottle. There are fridges in the room too to keep drinks cold. The pizza evening was interesting - Italian pizza is not the same as that served in the UK! Take food and drink for the boat trips - there is nothing available onboard. The Streetfood restaurant in Catania was a nice venue for the final meal. On Etna there is the option to go to a top crater via cable car and bus - definately worth it if you don't want to do the optional summit climb, and you can always walk back down.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Relaxing islands and easy volcano hikes

A great trip that has built-in free time so that you can make it feel like your very own holiday. Experienced/fit hikers will find the hikes extremely easy.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The three volcano hikes are all completely different. Vulcano is not very high but delivers superb views as you walk through the sulphur fumaroles on the crater rim. Experienced hikers will be very frustrated at the slow pace on Stromboli because you have to go with a guide in a group of about 20, some of whom will definitely not be hikers but it's all worth it when you see the first eruptions. The summit area of Etna is often closed and the alternative hike with a guide is not worth paying 62 Euros for, instead you can do your own hike by taking the cable-way and then spending a few hours hiking around all the craters that are accessible.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alessandro Viani was the perfect leader: he was organized yet flexible; spoke perfect English and was excellent company; and as a film maker he lives & breathes volcanoes. We were lucky enough to be able to watch his documentary on Etna after dinner at the Sapienza Rifugio. Top leader!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There are several periods of free time in between the itinerary activities so bring a mask and snorkel if you plan on going to the beach as the water is perfectly clear but also bring water shoes as not all of the beaches are sandy. For the free day, a boat tour of Salina is a wonderful experience if the weather is good and the sea is calm, with lots of swimming opportunities. Gaiters proved indispensable for the descents of Vulcano, Stromboli and Etna. You will need a headlight/torch for Stromboli as you descend after dark. We experienced mosquitoes at night so bring some counter-measures and anti-itch ointment for when you do get bitten.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The mix of hikes and free time worked for us but some of the hikes could easily be longer and more involving. For example, it would be no problem to take in the highest point on Vulcano as well as the crater itself. For times when the summit of Etna is closed you need an alternate plan as the guided excursions are very poor value and only take 1/2 a day.

Sicilian Volcanoes

Walking, Boating and enjoying the coastal Islands off Sicily.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Skiing down the ash sands on the side of Etna. Watching the Lava eruptions at night on the top of Stromboli and yes we saw a Lava lake when the wind changed and the smoke drifted away. Lipari was a lovely relaxed island a far cry from the Chaos of the mainland

What did you think of your group leader?

Great leader, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his country and surrounding area

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Gaters worked really well with Ash descents. And don't be like me and forget the Mozzie repellant; it might be Sicily, but the little critters can bite

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great Trip, Great people, Great weather. A nice relaxing break away from the hectic office world

Not for harden walkers

If you like your walking do not do this trip , its says on the brochure moderate/ challenging ,i have done far harder moderate walks than this one , saying that the stromboli trip was cancelled due to bad weather so maybe that may have been a decent walk who knows !!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sicily

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sicilian Volcanoes

Great combination of hiking, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on the islands and the Sicilian cuisine.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Facing the strong, sulfurous wind on the edge of one of Etna´s craters, above the clouds, was a special experience.

What did you think of your group leader?

Federica did an excellent job; she´s energetic and friendly, and very knowledgeable of the geology, fauna, flora, history and gastronomy of the islands, and gave some good tips on what to do in our free time (for example I got a detailed written description for a hike to the observatory on Lipari, and those of us who stayed an extra day in Catania got a map with a proposed walk along the sights of the town). Her resilience was tested when we couldn´t sail out to Stromboli because of stormy weather at sea and she had to arrange an alternative program for us that day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I read some reviews saying the hikes were much easier than they expected; I thought they were more than challenging enough, be it that these are not day-treks and only take a few hours up and down. Be prepared for quite a lot of free time on Lipari - Lipari town where we stayed is only so big; doing a hike on your own or a boat trip is recommended. Also remember things don´t always go as planned: force of nature did not allow us to go to Stromboli, which for most of us was supposed to be the highlight of the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A fantastic experience

I went on this holiday to challenge myself, having been used to going on holiday with my husband, and following his lead all the time. I found I was able to mix well with the great group of people on the trip, who were also very supportive when I was not always up to the fitness standard of some of them. The walks were of a good standard, although I did decide to take a easier option on a couple of occasions, due to a knee problem. This did not affect the group as on those occasions, the volcanologists took the main group to the top of Stromboli and Etna leaving Alessandro free to take a small group on a very satisfying alternative walk.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just being with a group of people who were all interested in the same thing, and all able to share their knowledge, and gain so much new knowledge from Alessandro. Just a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable trip - if you like volcanoes and all that goes with them!!!!!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Alessandro was always very calm, patient and helpful. Nothing phased him, and he became a friend to all of us. I was sorry to say goodbye to him and the rest of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared to give everything you have, to get as much back as you can - you will have a great time!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were very lucky with the weather - I hope you will be too!

Sicilian Volcanoes

This was an excellent trip, not too strenuous (except the ascent of Stromboli) with spectacular volcanic sights and views. There was plenty of time for leisure and to sample the local cuisine. It was all too short.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The active crater at the summit of Etna with its hissing vents and beautiful red colours from iron and yellow colours from sulphur was extremely memorable.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide was lovely, doing everything to please and look after everyone so that they all had a great time. All she could perhaps do better would be to every evening at dinner tell the whole group the plans for the following day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We went in October and on our first day on Lipari we faced steep ascents in a temperature of 29C, so beware of going at other times of the year when it's too hot.

Is there anything else you would like to add?