Walking in Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
Walking in Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
Walking in Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
8 Days Starting and ending in Catania, Italy
Visiting: Lipari, Lipari Island, Stromboli, Taormina, Mount Etna, Catania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
304
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable walking adventure through Sicily's stunning Aeolian Islands, Taormina, and Mount Etna. This tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, starting with a visit to the 18th-century Castello di Lipari and the vibrant fish market on Lipari Island. Enjoy a variety of scenic walks across Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, and Panarea, each offering unique landscapes and cultural experiences. Witness the active volcano on Stromboli, with an optional guided summit trek, and explore the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina. A guided walking tour on Mount Etna reveals breathtaking lava flows and a lava cave, complemented by a delightful lunch at a local winery. Travel conveniently between islands using buses, trains, hydrofoils, and ferries, with comfortable accommodations on Lipari, Stromboli, and Taormina. This tour promises an enriching journey through Italy's captivating landscapes and historical treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Catania – Lipari
Location: Lipari
Accommodation Name: Accommodation on Lipari Island
Arrive at Catania Airport on the island of Sicily. We recommend arriving before 16.00 so that you have time to get to the island of Lipari. Take a bus or a train to Milazzo or Messina, where you board the hydrofoil to Lipari, home for the next four nights, and a perfect base for some island-hopping. It is also possible to pre-book a private transfer from Catania airport to Milazzo or Messina. Once you get to Lipari, we recommend taking time to visit its 18th-century Castello di Lipari, stroll around the fish market or just chill at a restaurant in and around the marina.
Day 2 : Selection Of Aeolian Island Walks 5-14Km
Location: Lipari Island
Accommodation Name: Accommodation on Lipari Island
For the next few days, you have a selection of walks and excursions to choose from. Three walks are on Lipari Island, while the other three are on Vulcano, Salina and Panarea islands.
Day 3 : Walk 1 – Lipari Island: Southern Tip
Location: Lipari
This varied walk on the south tip of Lipari, with views of Vulcano Island, starts and ends at the port. Start off by walking to an astronomical observatory overlooking Vulcano Island and to some rugged cliffs, known as faraglioni locally. Then descend to the Old Town of Lipari to take in its many historical and cultural sights. Walking: 11km, 5h, ?470m ?470m
Day 5 : Stromboli
Location: Stromboli
Accommodation Name: Accommodation on Stromboli
Take a ferry to the island of Stromboli. At the port, your luggage is taken to the hotel while you stroll through narrow whitewashed streets to the hotel. The walk on Stromboli is a very spectacular experience as this volcano is active. You have two walking options here:The easier circular walk takes you to 272m, from where you can see the lava flow field known as Sciara di Fuoco.The second option is a strenuous climb to the top of Mt. Stromboli (900m) with an authorised volcanologist guide in a guided group. The walk starts in the late afternoon, reaching the top at sunset, where you can take in the active volcano from close up. The descent is at night, so you need to bring a flashlight as there are no public street lights on this island. The climb/descent of the top half of the volcano is on volcanic ash.Please note: access to the top of Mt. Stromboli is limited to 80 people and only accompanied by a volcanologist/mountain guide. This walk may be restricted or cancelled at short notice due to volcanic activity or bad weather. The guided tour to the top of Stromboli should be pre-booked, but paid for locally. There are several companies that run tours, such as Magma Trek, and you're advised to book it as soon as possible.
Day 6 : Taormina
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Taormina
Take a hydrofoil from Stromboli to Milazzo, then a train or bus to Taormina. You have the whole afternoon to explore this beautiful city with no shortage of ancient sights, including Duomo di Taormina, and the beautifully-preserved ancient Greek theatre.
Day 7 : Mount Etna
Location: Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Taormina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you are transferred to Piano Provenzano, where an easy guided walking tour takes you up Mount Etna. Walk through lush vegetation on old and new lava flows and enter a lava flow cave carved into the mountain. Lunch in a winery, serving locally-sourced produce, is included in this tour. The afternoon continues with a visit to Alcantara Gorge with its bizarre rock shapes that were formed as the lava hit the cold river. Return to Taormina around 18.30, leaving plenty of time to enjoy a last night in Sicily.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Catania
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast. Take a bus to Catania Airport or train to Catania and then a shuttle bus to the airport. Or we can help you extend your stay in Taormina.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided on Lipari Island, Stromboli, and in Taormina.
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Guided Walking Tour
An easy guided walking tour on Mount Etna is included.
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Lunch
Lunch in a winery, serving locally-sourced produce, is included during the Mount Etna tour.
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People and Luggage Transfer
People and luggage transfer from Stromboli port to Stromboli hotel and back is included on Day 5 and Day 6.
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Full-day Guided Tour
A full-day guided tour of Etna, Wine & Alcantara with pick up and drop off in Taormina is included on Day 7.
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Route Notes and Maps
Extensive route notes with a description of the routes, maps at 1:25,000 scale (or better), and GPS-data to use via our smartphone app are included.
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24/7 Phone Assistance
24/7 phone assistance by our local office is included.
What's Not Included
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Transport to Lipari
Transport from Catania Airport to Lipari is not included, but options such as bus, train, or private transfer are available.
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Guided Tour to the Top of Stromboli
The guided tour to the top of Stromboli is not included and should be pre-booked and paid for locally.
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Departure Transport
Transport from Taormina to Catania Airport is not included, but options such as bus or train are available.
Mode of Transport
Travel between islands and destinations using a combination of buses, trains, hydrofoils, and ferries, with options for private transfers from Catania Airport to Milazzo or Messina for added convenience.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays on Lipari Island for four nights, followed by accommodations on Stromboli and in the charming city of Taormina, providing a perfect base for exploring the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of buses, trains, hydrofoils, and ferries for travel between islands and destinations. There are also options for private transfers from Catania Airport to Milazzo or Messina for added convenience.
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Is the guided tour to the top of Stromboli included in the tour package?
No, the guided tour to the top of Stromboli is not included in the tour package. It should be pre-booked and paid for locally.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided on Lipari Island for four nights, followed by stays on Stromboli and in the charming city of Taormina.
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Are meals included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast for each day and a lunch in a winery during the Mount Etna tour.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour includes 24/7 phone assistance by the local office, as well as extensive route notes, maps, and GPS data to use via a smartphone app.
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What are the options for walking on Stromboli?
On Stromboli, there are two walking options: an easier circular walk to 272m to see the Sciara di Fuoco, and a strenuous climb to the top of Mt. Stromboli (900m) with an authorised volcanologist guide.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.