This nine-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 and impressive Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe! You'll also spend five 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 three nights on Lipari, the largest island of the Aeolian Archipelago, and two 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, vents from which a steady stream of gases and vapours 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. A full day is spent on Mount Etna itself, where you ascend through an impressive volcanic landscape towards the summit, enjoying infinite views down to Catania and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Your hotels vary from a prime location in Taormina's historic centre, to an C18 palazzo just a stone's throw from Lipari's bustling fishing port.
Fully guided departures for this holiday are available departing Apr 6 and Oct 5 2017. These follow the same itinerary as the self-guided version and all transportation/transfers are included.
Read more about this holiday in Stumpy's Blog.
This holiday follows mule tracks, stony coastal roads and footpaths through a volcanic landscape of dried lava rock and sand. Due to the frequent, often stony, ascents/descents these walks are more challenging than the distances might suggest. Customers with a fear of heights may have difficulty with the Stromboli evening hike. Walking boots are essential, and poles strongly recommended. Please note: The above itinerary is wholly dependent on weather and volcanic conditions and is therefore subject to change. Days 8 and 9 may be inverted. Volcano excursions will be refunded if inclement weather / volcano conditions mean they do not go ahead.
Arrive at your hotel, a short stroll from the town's Baroque centre. (Staying at Hotel Mediterraneo, Breakfast only)
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. This afternoon you're at leisure to explore Lipari's old town and harbour. (Staying at Hotel Villa Meligunis, Breakfast only)
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. (Staying at Hotel Villa Meligunis, Breakfast only)
A 10-minute 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 an optional mud bath. (Staying at Hotel Villa Meligunis, Breakfast only)
Head 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. There's time for a circular walk that takes you to the Sciara del Fuoco - a viewpoint overlooking an incredibly steep landslide where rocks spurted out from the crater roll directly down into the sea. (Staying at Hotel Ossidiana, Breakfast only)
Today you have free time on Stromboli to explore the island, visit the lovely village of San Vincenzo or have a swim in the sea. In the early evening, you join a guided sunset hike (included) to the summit of the volcanic crater - an amazing experience! (Staying at Hotel Ossidiana, Breakfast only)
After taking the hydrofoil back to Milazzo you'll be transferred to Taormina (1 hour), the jewel in Sicily's crown. There's time to soak up the atmosphere and explore this charming historic town and to admire the amazing view of mighty Mount Etna. (Staying at Hotel del Corso, Breakfast only)
A private transfer takes you up to Etna's flanks where you meet your volcano guide (included) and ascend by cable car and jeep to 2900m, before starting your walk, discovering the line of craters from the 2002 eruption. Weather permitting, we walk to Etna's summit (3350m) before continuing along the ridge of the Bove Valley, a huge caldera formed by a volcanic collapse. In the afternoon, we take you back to your ideally located hotel in Taormina. (Staying at Hotel del Corso, Breakfast only)
Today it's a morning walk up to mediaeval Castelmola. Perched precariously above Taormina, it's one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. You have free time to visit historic Taormina and its Greek theatre, or bathe in the blue sea of the natural reserve of Isola Bella, before your final dinner. (Staying at Hotel del Corso, Breakfast only)
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 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The modern 3* Hotel Mediterraneo is situated in Catania's vibrant centre, just a short walk from the city's historic Baroque quarter. It boasts bright, modern and spacious rooms, which even come with individual coffee makers. Unusually, the hotel also has a pillow menu and you are invited to choose your pillow from the hotel's extensive pillow menu before settling down to a good night's sleep.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Situated in Lipari's pretty fishermen's quarter, the Hotel Villa Meligunis is just a stone's throw from Marina Corta and overlooks the port itself. There are gorgeous sea views from the hotel's rooftop terrace and panoramic pool as well as vistas over Lipari's ancient Castello. Although the villa dates back to the 18C, the hotel boasts all the modern comforts for the 21C traveller - as well as a modern art exhibition in its spacious public rooms.
Room upgrades: Superior room or Deluxe room.
Superior rooms are larger, with a terrace. Deluxe rooms have a sea view.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Built in a typical Mediterranean style, this small, family run hotel has been totally renovated and offers a marvellous view of the beach and the sea. Behind the hotel rises the lofty volcano of Stromboli, known for its eruptive activity called 'Strombolian'. Headwater customers are allocated the superior rooms here, which afford lovely sea views and also come with a small balcony. The Ossidiana Hotel offers you the opportunity to stay in a really unique place, where you can still experience crystal-clear waters and the island's peace in a restful atmosphere.
Room upgrades: Deluxe room.
Deluxe rooms come with a large balcony and a sea view.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The Hotel del Corso is located right in the historical centre of Taormina, on the town's pedestrianised Corso Umberto I, which also gives the hotel its name. This is the central hub of the town, offering a wealth of shops and cafes, and with easy access to all the major attractions.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
An excellent service focused on the client’s needs
Prompt contact and delivery of service. Friendly and accommodating. Andrew reassured us when going through the details, offered support if ever we should need it.
process handled very well.
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 9 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All continental breakfasts
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
GPX files available
Most walking transfers
Guided excursions up Etna and Stromboli
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All continental breakfasts
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.