Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Striking active volcanoes, black beaches, thermal springs, and a stunning cobalt sea make the Aeolians Islands a unique must-see destination. Exploring the varied landscape by boat and on foot is without doubt the best way to take in the natural beauty and contrasts of this part of Sicily. During the week we trek on the archipelago’s best islands: Lipari, with its archaeological ruins and lively harbour, Vulcano, with its craters and famous fumaroles, and fiery Stromboli, which will hopefully greet us with spectacular shows of its explosive activity. The trip culminates with a memorable trek on the famous Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe.
We start in the harbour town of Milazzo, the gateway to the Aeolian Islands located in the northern tip of Sicily's mainland. We strongly recommend joining the group transfer at Catania airport and travelling to the start point with the group, as public transport connections from Catania to Milazzo are limited.
You stay at Hotel Milazzo.
Hotel Milazzo is a new **** hotel located at the entrance of Milazzo, about 550m from the port and ferries to the Aeolian Islands. The hotel is located within a few minutes of the shopping area, shopping mall and the historic centre of the town. The elegant and modern hotel rooms, with private balcony, are all air-conditioned and offer cool, tiled floors, flat screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi and ensuite bathroom with hydro-massage shower. The restaurant specialises in fresh local seafood and Chef Antonio Nocerino delights your palate with Sicilian flavours. The buffet breakfast can be taken in the garden or the dining room.
Today we travel by boat across the cobalt waters to Vulcano (1hr), one of the seven Aeolian Islands, famous for its long stretches of black beaches and bubbling thermal springs. Our first walk takes us to the area of Vulcanello, on a narrow peninsula of the island. We visit the Valley of the Monsters, so-called because of the many unique and eerie volcanic rock formations that were created during Vulcano's eruptions. In the afternoon, there will be some free time for bathing in Vulcano's hot springs and mud baths. Hydrofoil back to Lipari and overnight in Lipari. *Please note, if the ban on visiting Vulcano's crater rim is lifted prior to or during your visit, the group will be given the option to do this instead of the Valley of the Monsters walk.
You stay at Oltremare Residence.
Just 2 minutes’ walk from the beach, the Oltremare Residence is just 150m from the sea and 350m from the centre of the town of Canneto, on the island of Lipari. The building is indicative of the area, made of white pumice, and features traditional furnishings, modern design and decorations made by local craftsmen. The self-catering apartments, with a fully equipped kitchenette and a large furnished terrace or balcony, have wonderful views of the bay. Breakfast is served on the terrace.
If this hotel is not available, alternatives are the Hotel Oriente or the Giardino sul Mare Hotel in Lipari town
This morning we will walk along the rugged southern coast of Lipari. Our 4-hour hike take us down to the southernmost point of the island, where we can enjoy a wonderful view of the crater of Vulcano. In the afternoon there is some free time to discover the historic part of the town, including the castle and the archaeological museum. We conclude the day with a well deserved Sicilian wine and produce tasting.
In the early afternoon, we will board our private boat to Panarea, the oldest and most charming of the Aeolian Islands. We will have some free time to walk through tiny alleys decorated with brightly colourful bougainvillea, or enjoy a swim at the idyllic cove of Cala Junco. After a short stop at Panarea's largest islet, Basiluzzo, we board for Stromboli. At sunset, we take a walk on the western side of the island to discover the 'Sciara del Fuoco' (Streams of Fire) and approach the famous Stromboli eruptions with an ascent up to 400 metres accompanied by a volcanologist guide, who will bring the history and geology of the area to life. Overnight in Stromboli.
You stay at Hotel Villa Petrusa.
This intimate hotel is located just 500m from the beach of Ficogrande and is surrounded by tree-lined gardens. Villa Petrusa offers a bar, a lounge and a terrace on which to relax, whilst the Aeolian styled rooms, each with a private bathroom, offer amenities that include air-conditioning, a fridge and a hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Stromboli Port, where ferries depart for Lipari and Milazzo, is just a 10-minute drive.
If this hotel is not available, the alternative is Hotel Ossidiana in Stromboli.
Free morning and afternoon to visit the lovely village of San Vincenzo, or relax on Stromboli's black beaches. In the evening, we will take a boat trip to admire Stromboli's dramatic explosions from the sea. Overnight in Stromboli.
Leaving Stromboli in the early morning, we take a boat ride to Milazzo (approx 2 hrs 30 mins journey) and transfer by vehicle to the charming hilltop town of Taormina (approx. 2 hrs). Get to know the town in your own time, perhaps enjoying a mulberry gelato or paying an optional visit to Teatro Greco, a spectacular horseshoe-shaped Greek theatre with vast and impressive views. Afterwards, we will continue to our accommodation at 1900m above sea level, from where we can enjoy great views over the sea and the east coast of Sicily. Our lodge is located very close to the most recent lava flow and on arrival, we will enjoy a short hike around Silvestri Craters, which date back to the eruption of 1892. Overnight at Rifugio Sapienza.
You stay at Hotel Rifugio Sapienza.
The Rifugio Sapienza sits at 1920m, the highest point reachable by car, and is next to the Mount Etna cable car. The hotel is decorated in alpine style and features a traditional restaurant, a bar and a shared lounge. The bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, include a flat-screen TV, minibar, hairdryer and safe. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
For departures on 25th March, 8th April and 13th May the Hotel Le Pendici in Nicolosi is used
Today, we take the cable car up Etna to 2500 metres then begin our trek with a volcanologist guide, eventually reaching an altitude of 3000 metres*, where we will be rewarded for our efforts with awe-inspiring views of the volcano's craters and beyond. This excursion takes approx. 5 hours. In the afternoon, we will be transferred to Catania by a private minibus; overnight in Catania. *Please note is is currently prohibited to reach Etna's summit at 3350 metres due to ongoing volcanic activity.
You stay at Hotel Valentino.
The Hotel Valentino is located in Piazza Spirito Santo, in the heart of Catania's historic centre, within an elegant, late 19th century building. The hotel has a historic and relaxing atmosphere with antique furnishings, high, vaulted ceilings with frescoes and traditional terracotta flooring.
The comfortable and spacious rooms are air-conditioned and feature a balcony, TV, minibar fridge and internet access. The hotel offers a bar, snack bar and guests can take breakfast in their rooms.
If this hotel is not available, the alternative is the B&B Gattopardo House in Catania.
The trip ends in the morning of day 8 in Catania.
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 our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Operated by
Exodus Travels