Islands of Sicily Walk

Taormina – 'Pearl of the Ionian Coast' – and awesome Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe Extremely varied landscapes of the Aeolian Islands, each a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 Panoramic coastal footpaths; dramatic lava trails; natural bubbling mud baths; lots of island-hopping opportunities Sulphurous smouldering green craters, molten red lava skies, black sand beaches, secluded bays for swimming Wonderfully varied hotels – two with pools – run by proud and passionate people

New for 2010, this 9-night walking holiday leads you on an independent adventure along Sicily’s stunning eastern coast, taking in some of the islands’ most precious jewels: from the spectacular Greek Theatre of Taormina to the charming historic city of Catania, to the immense and impressive Mount Etna - the largest active volcano in Europe! You’ll also spend 5 days island hopping between the astonishingly beautiful Aeolian Islands – a string of seven volcanic islets that glimmer like black pearls off Sicily’s Mediterranean shoreline. You’ll stay 3 nights on Lipari - the largest island of the Aeolian Archipelago and 2 nights on the island of Stromboli, known also as the ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean’ for its constant volcanic eruptions.

The walks themselves are as varied as the places you’ll visit. Highlights include climbing Vulcano’s Gran Cratere della Fossa crater to see the fumaroles a steady stream of gases and vapours that eerily seep out of the ground and, in Stromboli, there’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a nocturnal ascent, with a volcanologist, towards the summit to witness the flow of lava and intermittent explosions that paint the night in a glorious red light. Your final day is spent on Mount Etna itself. Setting off at 1,900m you walk up through an impressive volcanic landscape towards the summit, enjoying infinite views down to Catania and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

We’ve hand picked a number of great hotels, each conveniently situated in a central location. In some places, evening meals are included, in others, where there are lots of restaurants on your doorstep, we’ll book you in on B&B basis.

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