Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
10% early booking discount on selected trips. Book by 22 Oct 2024.
This 7 night walking holiday leads you on a self-guided adventure along Sicily's stunning eastern coast, taking in some of the island's most precious jewels, from the spectacular Greek theatre of Taormina to the immense Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. You'll also spend four 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 two nights on the island of Stromboli, known also as the 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean' for its constant volcanic eruptions and two nights on Lipari, the largest island of the Aeolian Archipelago.
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 - vents from which a steady stream of gases and vapours eerily seep out of the ground - and ascending to a wonderful vantage point to witness the intermittent explosions on Stromboli. A day is spent on Mount Etna itself, where you are guided through an impressive volcanic landscape with infinite views over the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Your hotels vary from an elegant, family run hotel just yards from the Greek theatre in Taormina to a sea front hotel overlooking one of Stromboli's black sand beaches.
Please note that the itinerary on this trip is subject to change in the event of bad weather or an increase in volcanic activity. This will be arranged locally for you by the local agent.
This holiday follows mule tracks, stony coastal roads and footpaths through a volcanic landscape of dried lava rock and sand, with frequent, often stony, ascents/descents. Walking boots are essential, and poles strongly recommended.
Arrive and settle in at your comfortable city centre hotel.
You stay at Hotel Katane Palace.
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The Katane Palace Hotel is in the heart of Catania's city centre, just a short walk to a choice of restaurants, cafes and shops. Bedrooms are simple but spacious and comfortable, whilst the public rooms are grand and classically decorated. There's a restaurant as well as a charming terrace within a courtyard where breakfast can be taken.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
After your briefing, we take you to Milazzo (90 mins), the gateway to the Aeolian Islands. There's time for lunch before taking the hydrofoil (130 mins) to the dramatic volcanic island of Stromboli. Relax on the island's black beaches and explore the lovely village of San Vincenzo, with its pretty whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, before dinner.
You stay at Hotel Villaggio Stromboli.
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The Hotel Villaggio Stromboli is 900m from the port and 400m from the village centre, and sits overlooking the island's black sand beach and Strombolicchio. The hotel dates back to 1949, shortly after the film 'Stromboli' was made; the hotel has many photographs of the film in production and of its famous main actress and director, Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman. The spacious rooms at the Villaggio Stromboli are simple but come with ceiling fan, air conditioning and patio. There's also a bar and restaurant at the hotel.
Set off this morning for the Sciara del Fuoco, a steep lava scar gorged deep into the volcano's flank; reaching a height of 250m, it's the perfect vantage point to marvel at the volcano's intermittent fiery explosions. In the afternoon, there's the option to take a boat to the scenic village of Ginostra on Stromboli's south western shores or take a evening group guided walk up to the observation point (400m; book locally) to enjoy the sound and light show by night!
You stay at Hotel Villaggio Stromboli.
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The Hotel Villaggio Stromboli is 900m from the port and 400m from the village centre, and sits overlooking the island's black sand beach and Strombolicchio. The hotel dates back to 1949, shortly after the film 'Stromboli' was made; the hotel has many photographs of the film in production and of its famous main actress and director, Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman. The spacious rooms at the Villaggio Stromboli are simple but come with ceiling fan, air conditioning and patio. There's also a bar and restaurant at the hotel.
Take the morning hydrofoil to Lipari (110 min), then set out through the winding cobbled alleyways of Lipari's charming Old Town to Marina Corta, the island's tiny old fishing harbour. Continue to the panoramic Punta della Crapazza for sweeping views over to the faraglioni and Vulcano.
You stay at Hotel Gattopardo.
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The Hotel Gattopardo is a short walk from Lipari's pretty marina. The hotel consists of a series of typical Aeolian style whitewashed buildings surrounding an 19th century villa, with gardens dotted around the complex. Rooms here are traditional but comfortable and ensuite, with most rooms having an outdoor patio area. The hotel has a lovely swimming pool as well as a bar, reading room and restaurant.
A 10-minute hydrofoil takes you to the island of Vulcano, famous for its black beaches, hot springs 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 an optional mud bath.
Please note that if the local authorities have closed the walking paths on Vulcano, there is an alternative walk on the island of Salina on day 5
You stay at Hotel Gattopardo.
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The Hotel Gattopardo is a short walk from Lipari's pretty marina. The hotel consists of a series of typical Aeolian style whitewashed buildings surrounding an 19th century villa, with gardens dotted around the complex. Rooms here are traditional but comfortable and ensuite, with most rooms having an outdoor patio area. The hotel has a lovely swimming pool as well as a bar, reading room and restaurant.
Return to mainland Sicily this morning (70 mins) and transfer (75 mins) to Taormina, the jewel in Sicily's crown. Your afternoon is free to visit the town's historic Greek theatre, bathe in the azure waters of the Isola Bella Nature Reserve or admire the amazing view of mighty Mount Etna. Alternatively, climb the Sentiero del Saraceno up to medieval Castelmola, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and enjoy superb vistas over Taormina and beyond.
You stay at Hotel Isabella.
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Just a few steps from the Greek-Roman Theatre in the heart of Taormina, Hotel Isabella has 30 well-equipped rooms overlooking the rooftops of the old town, the ancient Greek Theatre or the beautiful sea below. A shuttle bus connects guests daily (May - Sept) with their sister Hotel Caparena where you can enjoy the private pebbled beach and wellness centre.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
We take you (1 hr) up onto Mount Etna's northern flank to join a group walk with a guide, following a scenic path beside a deep volcanic fracture, carved out of the ground during Etna's last major explosion in 2002. Cross the lava strewn landscape, with sweeping views along the entire Ionian coastline, to the edge of the 2002 crater. Alternatively, ascend by cable car and jeep to 2900m and join a volcanologist guide to ascend to Etna's summit (3350m; book and pay locally).
Please note that today's walk is subject to change depending on weather and volcanic conditions.
You stay at Hotel Isabella.
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Just a few steps from the Greek-Roman Theatre in the heart of Taormina, Hotel Isabella has 30 well-equipped rooms overlooking the rooftops of the old town, the ancient Greek Theatre or the beautiful sea below. A shuttle bus connects guests daily (May - Sept) with their sister Hotel Caparena where you can enjoy the private pebbled beach and wellness centre.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Given the island hopping nature of this trip, you are responsible for your luggage when using the hydrofoil services. Transportation of luggage to and from the hotels and the ports of Stromboli and Lipari is provided.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £516.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Catania airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
