Hiking down into the Valle del Bove on Etna volcano
Strombolian eruption from Stromboli volcano
Fire and Flavours - an Incentive idea to Italy's active Volcanoes
Day 1:
Arrival in Catania, at your arrival time, a modern, spacious minibus or bus will be waiting for you to bring you to your first-class hotel in Taormina. Depending on arrival time, you might spend the day to relax in the outdoor hotel bar, go to one of the beaches or simply sight-seing in the small, but very picturesque old city of Taormina. In the evening, an experienced volcanologist will give you a visually attractive, informal introduction about volcanism and the volcanic activity of this fascinating area. Accommodation: Taormina.
Day 2:
Taormina-Stromboli Visit the Ancient Greek theatre in the morning, before we depart for the port of Milazzo port, where a hydrofoil brings you to the island of Stromboli. In Stromboli, you stay in the best hotel on the island (****) on a beautiful black-sand beach. In the evening, be prepared for a culinary once-in-a-lifetime experience: a special gourmet dinner with original Eolian specialties will be prepared for us in a probably the best restaurant to be found on the islands, exclusively for the group. Accommodation: Stromboli.
Days 3:
Full day on Stromboli After a leasurly taken breakfast and free time, e.g. to swim in the wonderful blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, a private motor boat takes you on a scenic tour around the island. Among others, we stop at the Sciara del Fuoco, where you can see the ash-clouds from the eruptions of the volcano and possibly impressive rock-falls that often detach from the large steep slope under the craters. In the afternoon, you pack your day-packs with what is necessary for an exciting 5-6 hours excursion (climb of 900m/2700ft) to Stromboli's summit craters, where you can enjoy the unique spectacle of Stromboli's fiery fireworks (conditions allowing). Descend in the dark with flashlights through a steep sandy slope and small canyons. Accommodation: as before (Stromboli).
Day 4:
In the late morning, transfer to Etna via Milazzo (speedboat, ca. 2 hrs) and minibus/bus (ca. 2 hrs) to a simple mountain hotel located at 1900 m a.s.l. in a lunar landscape near the eruption vent of the 2001 lava flow: an impressive sight of volcanic devastation combined with magnificient views over the sea and the city of Catania. In the evening we descend into one of the typical villages of Etna for a typical Sicilian pizza dinner (learn what a "real" pizza is!). Accommodation: hotel on Etna volcano.
Days 5:
Adventure day! - Europe's largest volcano In small groups we attempt the climb the summit craters of Etna, and gaze into its gaping abyss. An unforgettable experience! The exact program will depend on the weather, volcanic activity and restrictions by authorities, and will be decided on location. Depending on the fitness of the group, the tour will include cable-car, jeeps as well as several hours of hiking through the ashy slopes of Etna's summit area. Gas-masks and any other special equipment will be provided for. After the climb, in the afternoon, we drive back to Taormina (alternatively: Catania) to our comfortable hotel. In the evening, special Sicilian dinner in a top-end restaurant. Open-end evening (pubs, bars, etc.)... Accommodation: Taormina or Catania.
Please contact us if you are interested in this (or a similar program) for your corporate incentive. The above itinerary can be adapted to your preferences. We will not publish or share with third parties any details related to your company and the incentive for reasons of discretion.
Physical requirements:
Good overall fitness
Climbing and descending of up to 900m (ca. 3000ft), partly on steep (but not dangerous) slopes
No fear of heights
No breathing or serious respiratory problems
Equipment:
Sturdy walking or mountain boots
Light clothes + 1 set of warm clothes (for temperatures around freezing point, depending on season)
