Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
8 Days Starting in 38.464840,14.954080 and ending in 37.851630,15.285310
Visiting: Italy
Tour operator:
Tour code:
304
Recommended For:
Group size:
1 - 8
Tour operated in:
EnglishFrom:
$869
$830 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$39
NB: Prices correct on 15-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea just north of Sicily. During the tour, you will visit the most attractive islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina and Stromboli. Then you will explore beautiful Taormina, and finish your adventure with a guided climb of Mount Etna
Itinerary
Arrive to Catania Airport - we advise that you arrive before 4 pm in order to use the local public transport. Here you take a bus or a train to Milazzo or Messina where you board the hydrofoil boat to Lipari - your overnight place for the first four nights. It is also possible to pre-book a private transfer from Catania airport to Milazzo/Messina. Lipari is the liveliest of the Aeolian islands; you can visit the old fortress, stroll around the fish market or enjoy some good music in a bistro of Marina Vecchia.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel on Lipari Island (
Days 2-4: A Selection of Aeolian Island Walks
For the next days you have a selection of walks and excursions you can do. You are free to choose which ones to do and in which order. Three walks are on Lipari Island while the other two are on Vulcano and Salina islands. Three overnights in a 3-star hotel on Lipari Island.
Walk 1 - Lipari Island: The southern tip and Mt. Guardia
This varied walk on the south tip of Lipari with views on the Island of Vulcano starts and ends at the port. In the first part, you walk to an astronomical observatory, overlooking Vulcano Island and the rugged cliffs called “faraglioni”. In the second part, you descend to the old town centre of Lipari with its historical and artistic sights.
Walking: 11 km, 5 hours ?470 m ?470 m
Walk 2 - Lipari Island: Walk from Acqualcalda to Canneto
From Lipari, take the local bus to Acquacalda, where you walk from one beach to another through the evergreen vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub. On your way, you have pumice caves and magnificent views on the surrounding islands. Take your time to absorb the views at the panoramic viewpoint (346m) before descending to Canneto, the most popular beach of Lipari, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim before taking the local bus back to your hotel.
Walking: 5 km, 2 hours ?350 m ?350 m
Walk 3 - Lipari Island: Walk from Lipari to Quattropani
From Lipari take the local bus to Quattropani, the starting point of this walk along the western coast of the island - the wildest part of Lipari. After some magnificent land and sea views you reach the San Calogero thermal baths, considered to be the oldest spa in the Mediterranean, dating back to the Mycenaean period. You then walk back to Lipari, through villages and fumaroles.
Walking: 14 km, 5 hours ?586 m ?950 m - Shorter option: 9 km, 4 hours, ?255 m ?581 m
Walk 4 - Vulcano Island: Round walk to the Great Crater
Vulcano is a small and spectacular island. Here you walk up through an almost lunar landscape to the “Gran Cratere”, the great crater, yellowish from the sulphurous smoke constantly emitted by the volcano. From the top, you have exceptional 360° views of the island and the volcanic archipelago. The descent along green slopes offers amazing contrasts of colours with the blue sea and the dark grey rocks. You return to Lipari with the afternoon boat. If the walk to the summit is closed, there is an alternative route from Capo Grillo back to Vulcano port.
Walking: 5.7 km, 2 hours ?290 m ?290 m - Alternative route: 12 km, 4 hours, ?310 m ? 670m
Walk 5 - Salina Island
Salina is an island with a magical, out-of-time atmosphere - a short hydrofoil ride from Lipari. Take the bus to Semaforo of Pollara where the walk along the western coast of Salina starts. It is a demanding climb through steep ups and downs, but your efforts are rewarded with amazing views on the Filicudi and Alicudi islands. The walk ends in Rinella, where you can take a bus back to the main port of Salina. Pollara is the village where the film “The Postman” was filmed in 1995.
Walking: 9 km, 3 hours ?430 m ?430 m - Shorter option: 7km, 4 hours, ?412 m ?687 m
Walk 6 - Panarea Island (from 2024)
Panarea is a short hydrofoil away from Lipari. Follow the route all around the island, passing through the ridge of the ancient volcano, from which you have 360° views over the Eolie Archipelago (Aeolian Islands). Take an optional detour to explore the famous prehistoric village on the island.
Walking: 7 km, 3 hours, ?487 m ?487 m
Day 5: Stromboli
Today you transfer to Stromboli, at the port your luggage will be taken to the hotel while you stroll through the narrow whitewashed streets to the hotel. The walk on Stromboli is a very spectacular experience as this volcano is active and constantly erupting. The circular walk takes you to 272m, from where you can see the lava flow field called the “Sciara di Fuoco”; this option is open to everyone, and is normally always accessible.
Walking: 9 km, 3 hours ?425 m ?425 m
Overnight in a 3-star hotel on Stromboli
Day 6: Taormina
Today you go from Stromboli to Milazzo by hydrofoil and then take the train or bus to Taormina. You have the whole afternoon to explore on your own this beautiful and lively city. Visit the Cathedral and the ancient Greek theatre, built in the 3rd c. B.C. and wonderfully preserved. Quench your thirst with a frozen “granita”, a local speciality made up of shaved ice and syrup accompanied by a delicious brioche.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Taormina
Day 7: Mount Etna
After breakfast, you are transferred to Piano Provenzano, where an easy guided walking tour takes you up the majestic Mount Etna. You will walk through lush vegetation, on old and new lava flows and enter a lava flow cave carved into the mountain. We have included lunch in a winery, serving locally-sourced produce. The afternoon continues with a visit to unique Alcantara Gorge with its bizarre rock shapes formed as the ancient lava flow entered the freezing cold river. You return to Taormina around 6.30 pm where you can enjoy a last evening in town.
Walking for the day: 10 km, 5 hours ?450 m ?450 m
Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Taormina
Day 8: Departure
End of the programme after breakfast. You can take a bus to Catania Airport or train to Catania and then shuttle bus to the airport. Or you can extend your stay in Taormina.
What's Included
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7 nights in 3-star hotels as listed above
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7 breakfasts
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1 lunch
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People and luggage transfer Stromboli port - Stromboli hotel - Stromboli port on Day 5 and Day 6
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Full-day guided tour Etna, Wine & Alcantara (pick up and drop off in Taormina) on Day 7
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Extensive route notes with a description of the routes (one set per room)
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Maps at 1:25.000 scale (or better)
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GPS-data to use via our smartphone app
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Check out our Q&As
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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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May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
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