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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 1-800-267-3347 or email us at usa@exodustravels.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All continental breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
Headwater navigation app
Luggage transfers between hotels
All walk transfers
Hydrofoil tickets
Guided walk on Mount Etna
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
| Departing | Tour only | Prices  |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Jun 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
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| 11th Jun 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
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| 18th Jun 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Sep 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
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| 10th Sep 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
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| 17th Sep 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
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| 24th Sep 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Oct 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
| Check availability | |||
| 8th Oct 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
| Check availability | |||
| 15th Oct 2022 | US$2449 | Tour only: US$2449 | Check availability |
| Check availability | |||
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Selected Saturdays from 4th Jun 2022 to 15th Oct 2022, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All continental breakfasts
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 1-800-267-3347 or email us at usa@exodustravels.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
