Internationale groepsreis Sicilian Volcanoes

We start in the harbour town of Milazzo, the gateway to the Aeolian Islands located in the northern tip of Sicily's mainland. We strongly recommend joining the group transfer at Catania airport and travelling to the start point with the group, as public transport connections from Catania to Milazzo are limited.

Today we travel by boat across the cobalt waters to Vulcano (1hr), one of the seven Aeolian Islands, famous for its long stretches of black beaches and bubbling thermal springs. Our first walk takes us to the area of Vulcanello, on a narrow peninsula of the island. We visit the Valley of the Monsters, so-called because of the many unique and eerie volcanic rock formations that were created during Vulcano's eruptions.  In the afternoon, there will be some free time for bathing in Vulcano's hot springs and mud baths. Hydrofoil back to Lipari and overnight in Lipari.*Please note, if the ban on visiting Vulcano's crater rim is lifted prior to or during your visit, the group will be given the option to do this instead of the Valley of the Monsters walk.

This morning we will walk along the rugged southern coast of Lipari. Our 4-hour hike take us down to the southernmost point of the island, where we can enjoy a wonderful view of the crater of Vulcano. In the afternoon there is some free time to discover the historic part of the town, including the castle and the archaeological museum. We conclude the day with a well deserved Sicilian wine and produce tasting.

In the early afternoon, we will board our private boat to Panarea, the oldest and most charming of the Aeolian Islands. We will have some free time to walk through tiny alleys decorated with brightly colourful bougainvillea, or enjoy a swim at the idyllic cove of Cala Junco. After a short stop at Panarea's largest islet, Basiluzzo, we board for Stromboli. At sunset, we take a walk on the western side of the island to discover the 'Sciara del Fuoco' (Streams of Fire) and approach the famous Stromboli eruptions with an ascent up to 400 metres accompanied by a volcanologist guide, who will bring the history and geology of the area to life. Overnight in Stromboli.

Free morning and afternoon to visit the lovely village of San Vincenzo, or relax on Stromboli's black beaches. In the evening, we will take a boat trip to admire Stromboli's dramatic explosions from the sea. Overnight in Stromboli.

Leaving Stromboli in the early morning, we take a boat ride to Milazzo (approx 2 hrs 30 mins journey) and transfer by vehicle to the charming hilltop town of Taormina (approx. 2 hrs). Get to know the town in your own time, perhaps enjoying a mulberry gelato or paying an optional visit to Teatro Greco, a spectacular horseshoe-shaped Greek theatre with vast and impressive views. Afterwards, we will continue to our accommodation at 1900m above sea level, from where we can enjoy great views over the sea and the east coast of Sicily. Our lodge is located very close to the most recent lava flow and on arrival, we will enjoy a short hike around Silvestri Craters, which date back to the eruption of 1892. Overnight at Rifugio Sapienza.

Today, we take the cable car up Etna to 2500 metres then begin our trek with a volcanologist guide, eventually reaching an altitude of 3000 metres*, where we will be rewarded for our efforts with awe-inspiring views of the volcano's craters and beyond. This excursion takes approx. 5 hours. In the afternoon, we will be transferred to Catania by a private minibus; overnight in Catania.*Please note is is currently prohibited to reach Etna's summit at 3350 metres due to ongoing volcanic activity.

The trip ends in the morning of day 8 in Catania.