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Aeolian Islands & Etna
- 8 days walking tour to Sicily's active volcanoes, individual (self-guided) & group departures -
 
Highlights
 | Active volcanic activity on Etna and Stromboli
| | Breathtaking volcanic moonscapes
| | Relaxed island feeling
| | Delicious south-Italian food and wine |
 Tour itinerary: Catania (1n) - Lipari (2n) - Stromboli (2n) - Etna (1n) - Catania (1n)  
In short
Tour code: ITA_ESE
Tour type: Walking tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Tour character: Guided or individual walking tour (full- and half-day hikes varying from easy to moderate-challenging)
Best travel period: April - October
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Dates:
Custom and scheduled dates   16-23 Apr 10 7-14 May 10 4-11 Jun 10 Price (p.p.): from 760 EUR
(1-15 participants / prices for smaller or larger groups on request.)
Included: | Accommodation in double (shared) rooms in family-style hotels (***)
| | Group tours: all transfers and hydrofoils from and to the hotel in Catania
| | Self-guided tours: all transfers on Sicily from Catania airport to Milazzo, Milazzo-Etna, Etna to Catania
| | Half board (breakfast and dinners) (self-guided tours: breakfast only)
| | Entrance fees to the Aeolian Islands & taxes to climb Vulcano and Stromboli
| | Volcanologic guide in Stomboli and Etna
| | Cable-car and 4X4 vehicles on Mt Etna (group tours only)
| | Local Italian & English speaking guide for all the tour (group tours only)
| | Comprehensive roadbook (self-guided version) |
Arrival info:Travel arrangements to and from Catania are not included in the tour package, in order to give everybody the best chance to plan his/her trip according his preferences. Catania is easily reached by plane or train (e.g. from Rome airport or other cities). We will be happy to make suggestions and can help you with such travel arrangements, as well as assist you with your international travel to Italy.
The Aeolian Islands are not only a world-class volcanic highlight, but also a paradise to combine an active hiking holiday with relaxation, great food and the laid back island life. On Stromboli, you experience one of the world's most active volcanoes, Stromboli, called the "Lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian Sea" because of its regular fireworks. On Vulcano, you'll be impressed by the surreal world of fumaroles, craters and hot springs at the beach. Lipari awaits you with its lively Medieval charm. Last but not least, we visit Mt Etna volcano, the largest and most active volcano in Europe. Etna offers a unparalleled contrast of different landscapes and features, wether there is an ereuption going on or not at the time of visit.
This tour is a modified version (slightly reduced and designed for a different group size) of our popular "Stromboli to Etna" study and walking tour.
Self-guided / individual tours:
In addition to group tour departures where a competent local guide will be accompanying the group, this tour is offered as a self-guided program: we provide you with transfers, accommodation and a comprehensive roadbook with maps, detailed descriptions of excursion options in each place, necessary and useful local information & suggestions for you to plan your trip with lots of flexibility. Itinerary (8 days)
Day 1: |
Arrival in Catania on Sicily
Arrival at Catania. Meeting with the guide at 7pm at the hotel in Catania, placed in the very heart of the city centre. Briefing on the program.
Acc.: hotel*** in downtown Catania (D)
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Day 2: |
Transfer to the Vulcano Island - La Fossa's crater and fumaroles, hot springs
Transfer to Milazzo harbour (1h30 drive). Hydrofoil or ferry transfer to the island of Vulcano (ca. 1-2h) famous for its hot thermal springs. Hike up to Vulcano’s impressive crater and its steaming yellow fumaroles and sulphur deposits. There is time for going to the beach and bath in the thermal springs before we continue to nearby Lipari island.
Acc.: hotel*** or good B&B in Lipari (B, D)
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Day 3: |
Lipari island
In the morning we take an walk to the southern side of Lipari island to Monte Guardia, from where we have enchanting views over neighboring Vulcano island and its crater. The afternoon is free for own activities, e.g. to visit the pumice and obsidian deposits near Aquacalda, and the colorful and lively Medieval centre of Lipari town with its interesting Archaeological Museum.
(3 hours hiking, +250 - 250 m)
Acc.: as before (Lipari) (B, D)
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Day 4: |
Vulcano - Stromboli - Sciara del Fuoco
Hydrofoil transfer to Stromboli - free time to explore beaches & the village - afternoon/evening climb to the Sciara del Fuoco (400 m altitude) with its great viewpoint to the craters.
(4 hours hiking, +400 - 400 mt.)
Acc.: hotel*** on Stromboli (B, D)
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Day 5: |
Stromboli Island - climb the active craters
Free morning on Stromboli island. In the afternoon climb to Stromboli's active craters, eruption viewing from close range (conditions permitting).
(5 hours hiking, +924 – 924 mt.)
Acc.: as before (Stromboli) (B, D)
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Day 6: |
Stromboli - Etna - Valle del Bove
After breakfast we take a speed boat back to Milazzo on Sicily Island. In the early afternoon, we continue by private minibus directly to the southern side of Mount Etna at 1900 m a.s.l. (2h transfer). On Etna, before dinner we make a short walk over the edge of the huge depression of the Valle del Bove.
(3 hours hiking, + 150 mt – 150 mt)
Acc.: Mountain hotel*** on Etna at 1900 m a.s.l. (B, D)
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Day 7: |
Excursion to Etna's summit craters
Full day excursion towards the summit region of Etna, to observe its smoking craters and volcanic activity if present..
Acc.: hotel*** in historic center of Catania (as on D1) (B, D)
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Day 8: |
Departure from Catania
End of our services.
Acc.: none (B)
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Self-guided version (8 days)
Day 1: |
Arrival in Catania on Sicily and transfer to Milazzo
Arrival at Catania airport / train station. A private car brings you straight to the port of Milazzo, where you spend the night in a B&B.
Acc.: B&B in Milazzo
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Day 2-8: |
as day 2-8 in group tour program
Acc.: 2xhotel**-*** / B&B on Lipari, 2xhotel*** on Stromboli, 1 night in hotel*** on Etna, 1 night in hotel*** in Catania as on day 1 (B)
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