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Aeolian Islands & Etna - 8 days walking tour to Sicily's active volcanoes, individual (self-guided) & group departures -  
 Tour itinerary: Catania (1n) - Lipari (2n) - Stromboli (2n) - Etna (1n) - Catania (1n)      
Tour code: ITA_ESE
Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Dates:Custom and group dates13-20 Apr 13 25 May - 1 Jun 13 15-22 Jun 13 Price (p.p.): from 790-850 EURShow in other currencies
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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, on Vulcano, you'll be impressed by the surreal world of fumaroles, craters and hot springs at the beach. As the crowing highlight, you visit Mt Etna volcano, the largest and most active volcano in Europe.
Self-guided / individual tours: In addition to guided group tour departures this tour is offered as a self-guided program: we provide you with transfers, accommodation and a comprehensive roadbook.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Day 6:
Stromboli - Etna
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 the the famous Monti Silvestri craters and around the recent lava flows from 2001 and 2002. Acc.: : Mountain hotel*** on Etna at 1900 m a.s.l. (B, D)
Day 7:
Excursion to Etna's summit craters
Optional 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)
Day 8:
Departure from Catania
End of our services. Acc.: : none (B)
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
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)
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. Accommodation:2 nights in hotel*** in historic down town Catania, 2 nights in hotel*** or B&B on Lipari, 2 nights in hotel*** on Stromboli, 1 night in hotel*** on Etna South |
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