Sicilian Islands hiking
Guided hiking holiday

October 17 (day 1)

Meet in Catania

Our trip begins in Catania. Vibrant, chaotic, classically Italian, historic Catamoa invites travellers to discover this UNESCO World Heritage City , known for its beautiful baroque architecture. Meet your guide in the late afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 

Travel to Sicily, Catania (CT) and join the group (private or public transfer from Catania can be arranged). Meet the guide and group and enjoy a welcome dinner together

Night in Catania 

October 18 (day 2)

Syracuse and the Vendicari reserve

After breakfast transfer by private bus to Vendicari. The Vendicari Nature Reserve wildlife oasis, located south of Syracuse, is a fantastic combination of sea and nature. It offers some of the most beautiful beaches of the south-eastern coast of Sicily characterized by crystal clear, pristine waters, and the possibility to visit archaeological sites in a fascinating context and to observe flora and fauna beyond comparison for nature lovers.In the afternoon free time in Syracuse or OPTIONAL visit to the archaeological site where you will see the Greek theater made of bedrock and the limestone quarry referred to as Dionysus’ Ear (NOT INCLUDED).

Hike: 6.8 miles, 3 hours, Elevation 200 feets

Night in Catania 

October 19 (day 3)

Vulcano Island

Walking tour of the historical center of Catania (2 hrs), before transferring to Milazzo, where we will take an hydrofoil to Vulcano, our first island in the Aeolian archipelago.We will hike to La Fossa, the island's volcanic center, for a close-up view of the steaming fumaroles of Gran Cratere. The La Fossa cone began to form about 11,000 years ago, and last erupted from 1888 to 1890. After the hike, the hydrofoil will take us to Lipari where we will spend the next four nights.

Hike: 4.3 miles, +1280 feet, -1280feet Transfers: Private transfer (2 hrs); hydrofoil (approx 1 hr)

Night in Lipari

October 20 (day 4)

The wild side of Lipari

After transfering to Pianoconte by public bus, we will head to the “Cave di Caolino”, an area of abandoned kaolinite quarries in the sea cliffs on the northwestern coast of Lipari island. A beautiful hike in this wild part of the island will take us to an old roman thermal bath. Back in Lipari , we will have time to visit the historical center and indulge in some shopping.

Hike: 8 miles, +1770feet, -2900feet (alternative bus and -1770 feet) Transfers: Public transfer (20 min)

Night in Lipari 

October 21 (day 5)

Panarea and Stromboli

Today we will take a boat to the island of Panarea and hike to a beautiful beach, Cala Junco, surrounded by wild cliffs. We will have time to stroll around the street of Panarea and taste one of the best sicilian "granita" before heading to the island of Stromboli by boat. Once on the island, depending on volcanic activity, we may be able to hike to reach the Sciara del Fuoco to admire the volcano's active lava flows. Back on the boat at sunset, we will get a chance to witness the volcano's explosions from the sea, before returning to Lipari

Morning hike: 3.1miles, +1377feet, -1377feet
Afternoon hike: 6.1 miles, +900 feet, -900 feet
Transfers: Private boat (3 hr)

Night in Lipari

October 22 (day 6)

Salina, the green island

A boat transfer will take us to Rinella, a small fishermen's village. A short transfer by bus will get us to Val di Chiesa, where we will startour hike. We will be surrounded by holm oak, pine, oak, and chestnut trees, and get to see the mountain ferns that grow on the island. The views as we climb are breathtaking: the green vineyards of Malvasia, the blue Mediterranean sea, and the white houses of Malfa and Leni. After decsending for the same way, we will enjoy a granita or gelato in Santa Marina di Salina before taking the hidrofoil back to Lipari. 

Hike: 4.3 miles, +2100 feet, -2100 feet
Transfers: Hydrofoil (50 min); public transfer (10 min)
Night in Lipari

October 23 (day 7)

Filicudi, the island of dwarf palms

One of the two islands, along with Alicuti, furthest away in the archipelago. Its name from ancient Greek is generally traced to the meaning of dwarf palm, which was very common in ancient times and is still present on the island's headlands today. After a visit to the small port, departure for the excursion to Fossa Felci, to be made along paths carved by rainwater among incredible vegetation that after an intense climb leads to an oasis of peace on the highest peak of the island, from where to admire unforgettable views.

Hike: 5.2 miles, 1640 feet
Transfer Hydrofoil/boat (3 hrs)
Night in Lipari

October 24 (day 8)

Taormina and Etna

After breakfast we will take the hydrofoil back to the Sicilyian mainland. A private transfer will take us from the port town of Milazzo to the tiny Sicilian jewel of Taormina, one of the most famous Sicilian destinations, known for its breathtaking views of Mount. Etna and the sea. We will have time to walk in the old city center and 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.
After the visit we will transfer to Etna Mountain, check-in at the hotel, and enjoy a first walk on the Silvestri craters.

Transfers: Hydrofoil (1 hr); private transfer (2 hr)
Night in Etna mountain

October 25 (day 9)

Summit Europe's highest active volcano, Mt. Etna

Morning transfer to Rifugio Sapienza. A mountain guide will lead us on an amazing day exploring the largest and highest active volcano in Europe. A combination of cable cars and 4WD vehicles will transport us to 2,900 m (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. Back in Catania, we will relax and enjoy a dinner of local delicacies.
Depending on weather conditions and volcano activity it may or may not be possible to climb to the summit area of Etna (3,350 m, 10,990')

Hike: 6.1 miles, +1320 feet, -2624 feet
Transfers: Private transfer (2 hrs total); cable carand 4WD vehicle (approx 30 mins)
Night in Etna mountain

October 26 (day 10)

The Bove valley

From the hotel, we take today a round trip of 4 hours on the southern slopes of Mt. Etna, cinder cones and extinct craters are a feature of the desolate landscape of this part of Etna. We reach a panoramic point at 2000mt of altitude, from where we can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the sicilian coast and the summit craters. In the afternoon, relax. Meals included:
A longher daily hike option is possible fro the hotel to the south-west side of Etna Mountain

Hike: 3.4 miles, +1215 feet, -1215 feet

Night in Etna mountain

October 27 (day 11)

Etna Nord Monte Nero e Grotta dei Lamponi

We drive 40 min to reach the north-estern flank of Etna. The northern slope of the volcano is the least anthropized and wildest area. Ancient flows and caves of lava flow are characterize the moonscape interspersed with beech forests. The hike to Raspberry Cave is a total immersion in a unique, ever-changing scenery. According to myth, the volcano's ash activity and lava eruptions are said to be the fiery 'breath' of the giant Enceladus, defeated by Athena and trapped for eternity in an underground prison under Mt. Etna, and earthquakes are said to be caused by its turning in the chains.

Hike: 11 miles, +1800 feet, -1800 feet
Night in Cabin on Etna Mountain-North side

October 28 (day 12)

Etna Nord and Monte Spagnaolo

Today we enjoy another walk through stunning volcanic landscape on lava flow from the 1981 eruption. A short transfer for the beginning of the hike. Our trek leads us through forests of oak, beech and birch trees, with the peak of snow-capped Mount Etna looming above. Back to Catania check-in at our accommodation, time to relax and dinner. Lunch and dinner included.

Hike: 7 miles, +1240 feet, -1240 feet
Night in Catania 

October 29 (day 13)

Departure

After breakfast, participants will leave at their leisure.