Southern Italy Volcano Route - Guided Walk

Southern Italy Volcano Route - Guided Walk

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9 Days From

$3021

Southern Italy Volcano Route - Guided Walk

9 Days Starting in Naples, Italy and ending in Catania, Italy

Visiting: Naples, Capri, Sicily, Vulcano, Stromboli, Catania, Mount Etna

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

VOG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

8 - 15

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $3021

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Southern Italy with the "Southern Italy Volcano Route - Guided Walk." This tour offers a unique blend of breathtaking coastal scenery, stunning volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Explore the iconic Mt. Etna, Mt. Vesuvius, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Discover the charm of Capri, the Aeolian Islands, and the historic town of Cefalù. Enjoy delicious regional culinary specialties and wine tastings in Vesuvius and Lipari. With comfortable accommodations in 3-star hotels and a night ferry, this tour promises an immersive adventure filled with history, nature, and the Italian dolce vita.

Highlights

  • Experience breathtaking coastal scenery and the stunning volcanic mountains of the Aeolian Islands

  • Visit Mt Etna – Europe’s highest volcano, Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii

  • Discover history, culture, volcanoes and the Italian dolce vita

  • Enjoy delicious culinary specialties of the region

  • Experience Capri and the home of Pizza, Naples

  • Explore the Island of Capri and its hidden caves

  • Hike on the volcanic island of Vulcano and soak in thermal baths

  • Trek to the 'Sciara del Fuoco' on Stromboli and witness its eruptions lighting up the night sky

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Naples

Location: Naples

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Naples can be reached via rail connections from Rome or by air. Vibrant, chaotic, classically Italian, historic Naples invites travellers to discover its vast assortment of world-class museums, atmospheric neighbourhoods and fabulous restaurants. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt to begin your exploration of this fascinating city independently or relax before our initial group rendezvous this evening. An orientation meeting at 4:00 p.m. will be followed by guided visit of Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples).

Day 2 : Explore The Island Of Capri (2.5Hrs)

Location: Capri

Accommodation Name: Hotel

A hydrofoil across the Gulf of Naples transports us to the rugged Isle of Capri where we begin our first day's hike. From Capri Town's central piazza, we'll walk past colorful villas with flower-filled gardens to the Grotta di Matromania, a series of hidden caves tucked into the island's limestone crags and the site of ancient pagan worship ceremonies. Continuing along the path, we'll step onto the Terrazza di Tragara, a spectacular stretch of trail offering picture-postcard views of Capri's iconic Faraglioni sea stacks and the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Returning to town, we'll have free time to stroll through the narrow alleyways or swim in the Mediterranean. We return to Naples. Free time for dinner and overnight stay in Naples.
Terrain: Paved and dirt paths, some stairs; +-300m/1,000ft

Day 3 : Transfer To Vesuvio, Walk To Crater, Visit Pompeii, Ferry To Aeolian Islands (2Hrs)

Location: Naples

Accommodation Name: Ferry

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we have a private transfer to Mt Vesuvio, the first of three volcanoes along our route and the destination of this morning's hike. Vesuvius last erupted in 1944 and currently sits dormant allowing for closer exploration. We'll hike to the volcano's summit, the Bay of Naples serving as our backdrop, while our guide shares their knowledge of the mountain's geological and natural history. After the hike, short transfer to a winery located nearby for a wine and local produce tasting. We will end our day, with a visit of one of the world's premier archaeological sites: the ruins of Pompeii. The catastrophic eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius in the 1st century AD buried Pompeii in 60 feet of volcanic ash and hid its existence from the rest of the world for 1,700 years. Rediscovered in the mid-18th century, ongoing excavations have uncovered a city frozen in time, filled with well-preserved buildings, frescoes and thousands of personal artifacts. Return to Naples for dinner and overnight ferry to the Aeolian Islands in a double cabin with private facilities.
Terrain: Dirt pathways, Ascent +350m/1155ft, descent -350m/1155ft

Day 4 : Arrive Sicily, Visit Cefalù Enroute To Hydrofoil To Lipari

Location: Sicily

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lipari

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrival in Sicily in the early morning. Breakfast then a private transfer brings us to the tiny Sicilian town of Cefalù. Located on a rocky headland and beneath a massive crag called the Rocca, Cefalù is a picturesque historic town. Sites we may see include an imposing two-tower Norman cathedral that dates to 1131 AD, the medieval ruins of the Osterio Magno 13th-century palace and the town’s charming port which is lined with fishing boats. Introductory walk through its walls then lunch. In the afternoon transfer to Milazzo, then we take a hydrofoil to Lipari, our first island in the Aeolian archipelago. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Lipari.

Day 5 : Hike On The Volcanic Island Of Vulcano, Soak In Thermal Baths (3Hrs)

Location: Vulcano

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lipari

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we cross by hydrofoil to Vulcano famous for its black sand beaches and hot springs. From the port we will hike to La Fossa, the island's volcanic center, for a close-up view of the steaming fumaroles of Gran Cratere. La Fossa cone began to form about 11,000 years ago, and last erupted from 1888 to 1890. In the afternoon, hydrofoil back to Lipari. Enjoy a wine tasting. Dinner is at your leisure.
Terrain: Dirt and rock paths; Ascent: +394m/1,300ft, descent: -394m/1,300ft

Day 6 : Transfer To Stromboli And 'Sciara Del Fuoco' Trek (4Hrs), Return To Lipari

Location: Stromboli

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lipari

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head to the stunning volcano in the sea, island of Stromboli*. Meeting with a volcanologist guide we will follow a nature trail through the Mediterranean vegetation and we will have lovely panoramic views, with the picturesque sea stack Strombolicchio always in the foreground. The path leads up to a viewpoint at around 400m on the slopes of lava and ash. From the viewpoint, we will have a good view of the "Sciara del Fuoco" and we should also be able to see Stromboli's eruptions lighting up the night sky and hear the rumbling from within the mountain. Tonight's dinner is picnic style, which we'll enjoy on the mountain before descending with our head torches. We board our boat and set of back to Lipari. Looking back at Stromboli from the sea we will be able to understand why it is known as 'the lighthouse of the Mediterranean'. We return to Lipari for one last night.
*If the weather condition won’t be good, our guide will propose an alternative hiking itinerary in Lipari or on the Island of Salina.
Terrain: Dirt and rock paths; Ascent: +394m/1,300ft, descent: -394m/1,300ft

Day 7 : Transfer To Catania Via Taormina

Location: Catania

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Catania

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, hydrofoil back to Milazzo. On the way to Catania, we will stop at the medieval town of Taormina, located along the shores of the Ionian Sea. There is free time to visit the town's Greek Theatre – originally built during the 3rd century BC and still used for performances during Taormina's annual summer arts festival – or take advantage of the town's great shopping opportunities and perhaps sample some refreshing mulberry gelato. Arrival in Catania, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage City for its beautiful baroque architecture, and check into our hotel in the city's historic center. Free time for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 : Summit Europe's Highest Active Volcano, Mt. Etna (10,899'/3303M) (6Hrs)

Location: Mount Etna

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Catania

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, private transfer to Mt Etna. Along with our mountain guides, we'll spend an amazing day exploring the largest and highest active volcano in Europe (10,899'). A combination of cable car and 4 x 4 vehicles transport us to 9,100' where we'll begin our hike to Etna's four summit craters (access dependent on weather and other conditions). Walking among the giant lava dunes, we'll appreciate the fantastic views of the Ionian Coast stretching out below our feet before descending the mountain. Transfer back to Catania. We enjoy a celebratory dinner tonight.
Terrain: Loose rocks, scree and possibly snow;
Ascent: +440m/1,450ft, descent: -394m/1,300ft: 4,600'/1394m
Note: Individuals with asthma or cardiovascular conditions are not permitted to hike on Mt. Etna.

Day 9 : In Catania, Trip Concludes

Location: Catania

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast the trip concludes. The airport can be reached easily by bus or taxi.

What's Included

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation in small family-run 3-star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, and 1 night ferry in a double cabin with private facilities.

  • Guides

    English speaking guide throughout, Volcano Guide at Stromboli and on Mt Etna, and Private guide at Pompei.

  • Transfers

    All transfers by bus on the land sections and hydrofoils on the islands.

  • Wine Tasting

    Wine tasting at Vesuvius and in Lipari.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to Pompei, Napoli Sotterranea, and Vesuvio.

  • Travel

    Travel to Naples and from Catania.

What's Not Included

  • Meals and Beverages

    Meals not noted as included and all beverages are excluded.

  • Transfers

    Transfers hotel-airport on days 1 & 9 are not included.

    Assistance with a private transfer is available upon request for an additional cost.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Additional Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees for sites not listed as included are excluded.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Hotel Taxes

    Hotel taxes are payable locally and are not included.

Accommodation

7 nights hotels, 1 night ferry. During your time in Southern Italy you will be accommodated in comfortable 3 star hotels. All accommodation is provided on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Single rooms are also available - supplement applies.

Grading

MODERATE – GRADE 3
The walking is graded moderate with 3 to 6 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. Prior hiking experience is recommended. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Mode of Transport

All transfers by bus on the land sections and hydrofoils on the islands. A combination of cable car and 4x4 vehicles transport us to 9,100' on Mt Etna.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    During your time in Southern Italy, you will be accommodated in comfortable 3-star hotels for 7 nights and 1 night on a ferry in a double cabin with private facilities. All accommodation is provided on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Single rooms are also available for an additional supplement.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners. Meals not noted as included and all beverages are not part of the package.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All transfers by bus on the land sections and hydrofoils on the islands are included in the tour. Additionally, a combination of cable car and 4x4 vehicles will be used to transport participants to 9,100 feet on Mt. Etna.

  • Is there a guide provided throughout the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide will be with you throughout the tour. Additionally, there will be a Volcano Guide at Stromboli and on Mt. Etna, and a private guide at Pompeii.

  • What are some of the key activities included in the tour?

    Key activities include hiking on Mt. Vesuvius, exploring the ruins of Pompeii, visiting the Isle of Capri, hiking on the volcanic island of Vulcano, and summiting Mt. Etna. There are also wine tastings at Vesuvius and in Lipari, and a guided visit of Napoli Sotterranea.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, entrance fees to Pompeii, Napoli Sotterranea, and Vesuvio are included in the tour price. Entrance fees for sites not listed as included are not covered.

  • What should I know about the physical demands of this tour?

    The walking is graded moderate with 3 to 6 hours of walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. Prior hiking experience is recommended, and it is important to be well-prepared with regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, and jogging two to three times a week for three months prior to departure.

  • Are there any health restrictions for participants?

    Individuals with asthma or cardiovascular conditions are not permitted to hike on Mt. Etna due to the physical demands and altitude.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is recommended that participants arrange their own travel insurance.

  • Can you assist with airport transfers on the first and last days?

    Yes, transfers from the hotel to the airport on days 1 and 9 can be arranged. Please ask for a quote for a private transfer.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Kerry Andersen (Google Reviewer)  

We used UTracks to organise...

13-Jul-2023

We used UTracks to organise our self guided Portugal Coastal Camino walk. We were very happy with information provided for our walk and accommodation picked.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Monday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$3021

Sunday - Monday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
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Sunday - Monday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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