Sicily, Aeolian Islands and volcanic hikes

Once in Catania, go to your hotel in the heart of the historic center. After settling in and depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to visit the center of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free dinner and overnight stay in Catania.

Accommodation: Hotel or B&B

In the morning, private transfer to Milazzo. A hydrofoil will then take you to the island of Vulcano for the ascent of its Great Crater, which peaks at 391m*. At the summit, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the immense crater and the entire Aeolian archipelago. Possibility of sulfurous mud baths, or swimming on the most beautiful black sand beach of the archipelago. In the afternoon, departure by boat for Lipari where we will settle into our accommodation. The ascent to the summit is subject to volcanological conditions. A ban is currently in effect (January 2022)

Accommodation: Guesthouse or small apartments

Boat transfer to the island of Salina and climb to the highest point of the Aeolian Islands: "Monte Fossa delle Felci". A nature reserve for several years, it is a true paradise for hikers. A boat will take us back to Lipari in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in Lipari..

Accommodation: Guesthouse or small apartments

In the morning, walk on the south coast of the island of Lipari, magnificent panorama of the island of Vulcano on our way to Punta Caprazza, easy and hilly path. After the picnic, afternoon for the free visit of the village. Possibility of swimming. Free meal. Accommodation: Guesthouse or small apartments

New transfer by hydrofoil to reach the island of Stromboli. Upon arrival, check-in at the accommodation and free time to stroll around the village of San Vicenzo and enjoy a good lunch. In the afternoon, excursion towards the Sciara del Fuoco, a magnificent depression that was generated by several collapses of the north-western flank of the volcano. Following an easy and panoramic path, you reach quota 290 meters, the limit accessible without a guide, from where you can observe the Strombolian activity. Possibility of dining at the L'Osservatorio restaurant, an ancient volcanology observatory, illuminated by the lava jets of Stromboli. Optional: if the weather and volcanological conditions allow it, it will be possible to go up the craters to an altitude of 918 meters to observe the explosive activities of the volcano up close. Excursion in groups of up to 20 people, accompanied by a certified volcanological guide. Accommodation: Hotel or B&B

Day of junction between the Aeolian Islands and Sicily. After breakfast, morning of relaxation in Stromboli then return by hydrofoil to Milazzo (3h) and transfer by minibus towards Etna. Installation in the refuge, located at the foot of the southern slope of the largest active volcano in Europe. Dinner and overnight stay in our accommodation. Accommodation: Refuge

This day is dedicated to the discovery of the Etna volcano. Beautiful hike to the "Valle del Bove", an incredible "caldera" of volcanic origin, to admire the last volcanic formations that date from the eruption of 2002/2003 and the numerous lava flows that it left. The opportunity for us to learn about the activity of the volcano and the particular ecosystem of the Etna Natural Park. In the afternoon, return to Catania. Free dinner and overnight stay. OPTION - If you wish, you can climb to the summit of Etna in 6 hours of walking, with a difference in altitude of + 450/-850 m. Depending on the weather and volcanic conditions, the provisions of the Prefecture of Catania and the motivation of the group, it is possible to go up by funicular and jeep to an altitude of 2900 m, then take the hike to the summit craters of Etna (3340 m altitude). This excursion must be supervised by a volcanologist guide, in groups of 20 people maximum. The price to be paid on site is €90 per person. Accommodation: Hotel or B&B

After breakfast, free transfer to Catania airport according to flight departure times.