Islands of Sicily Walk

Location: Sicily, Italy. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed by Headwater appointed agent. Activity level: 2 boots Duration: 10 days (9 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and 3 evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Selected Sundays from 1 Apr '12 to 21 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular, varied and unique walks in our portfolio, taking in the beautiful Aeolian Islands as well as the immense and impressive Mount Etna - the largest active volcano in Europe!

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Catania

We meet you at Catania airport and take you to our comfortable *** hotel in the historic centre.

Day 2 - Catania to Lipari

After your welcome briefing, it's a private transfer to Milazzo harbour to catch the hydrofoil (50 mins) to Lipari, capital of the Aeolian Islands. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Lipari old town and harbour.

Day 3 - At Lipari 10km/6.5mi/4hr

A short bus ride takes you up to the village of Quattropani, on Lipari's western coast and the start of today's walk. Enjoy breathtaking views over the entire archipelago from Lipari's verdant peaks as you descend to its bustling harbour.

Day 4 - At Vulcano 7km/4.7mi/3hr

A 10-min hydrofoil takes you to the neighbouring island of Vulcano, famous for its black beaches and volcanic mud baths. Walk up to the Gran Cratere della Fossa crater for beautiful views over the other islands before descending back down to the beach in time for lunch and - optional! - mud bath.

Day 5 - Lipari to Stromboli

Down to the port to hop across on the hydrofoil (90 mins) to Stromboli - considered one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean, with its cone-shaped volcano and black beaches contrasting with white houses splashed with scarlet bougainvillea. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the island, with the option to join a guided sunset hike (pay locally) to the summit of the volcanic crater - an amazing experience!

Day 6 - At Stromboli 8km/4.8mi/4hr

A circular walk that takes you to Sciara del Fuoco - a viewpoint overlooking an incredibly steep landslide where rocks spurted out from the crater roll directly down into the sea. In the afternoon there's time to visit the lovely village of San Vincenzo or have a swim in the sea.

Day 7 - Stromboli to Taormina

After taking the hydrofoil back to Milazzo you will be transferred to Taormina (1hr), the jewel in Sicily's crown. Time to lap up the atmosphere and explore this charming historic town and to admire the amazing view of mighty Mount Etna.

Day 8 - At Taormina 4km/3mi/3hr

A morning walk up to mediaeval Castelmola - perched precariously above Taormina, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Free time for visiting historic Taormina and its Greek theatre, or bathing in the blue sea of the natural reserve of Isola Bella.

Day 9 - AtMount Etna 8km/5mi/4hr

A private transfer on to Etna's southern flank (1900m) to discover the massive ridge of the Bove Valley - a huge caldera formed by a volcanic collapse, with amazing views down to the Ionian coastline and Catania. Alternatively, ascend by cable car and jeep to 2900m and then walk to Etna's summit (3350m) to discover the line of craters that opened during the 2002 eruption (guided tour only, pay locally). We then take you back to Taormina for your final night.

Day 10 - Leave Catania