Southern Italy Volcano Route - Guided Walk
Southern Italy Volcano Route - Guided Walk
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:
Tour code:
VOG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 15
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
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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.
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Guides
English speaking guide throughout, Volcano Guide at Stromboli and on Mt Etna, and Private guide at Pompei.
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Transfers
All transfers by bus on the land sections and hydrofoils on the islands.
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Wine Tasting
Wine tasting at Vesuvius and in Lipari.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to Pompei, Napoli Sotterranea, and Vesuvio.
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Travel
Travel to Naples and from Catania.
What's Not Included
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Meals and Beverages
Meals not noted as included and all beverages are excluded.
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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.
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Additional Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for sites not listed as included are excluded.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.