On this classic among our volcano tours, we visit some of the most active and most interesting volcanoes in the world: Etna, the giant, ever-changing volcano that dominates Sicily; Vulcano, in the Ancients belief home to Vulcanus, God of Fire; Lipari with its spectacular obsidian and pumice deposits; and last, but not least Stromboli, the "Lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian Sea", the permanently active volcano that gave a whole type of eruptions its name.
Highlights:
- Active volcanic activity on Etna and Stromboli
- Small group size
- Beaches and accommodation
- Good levels of effort and relaxation
- Delicious south-Italian food and wine
- Competent volcanologist guide.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Catania on Sicily. Arrival and pick-up in Catania, transfer to Taormina. If arriving not too late, you could visit the famous Ancient Greek theater, explore the romantic old town or visit one of the beautiful beaches of Taormina. Accommodation: *** hotel in old town of Catania or Taormina. Includes: (D).
Day 2: Taormina-Vulcano Island. Transfer to Vulcano Island, visit of fumaroles on the beach, volcanic mud pools, swimming. Climb Vulcano's active crater. Accommodation: Beach hotel *** on Vulcano Island. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 3: Vulcano-Stromboli Island-climb active craters. Transfer to Stromboli. Free time until afternoon, climb to Stromboli's active craters, eruption viewing from close range. Accommodation: Beach hotel on Stromboli ***. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Days 4-5: Two full days on Stromboli. Two full days on Stromboli: boat trips around the island and to the Sciara del Fuoco at night. Optional other excursions (e.g. day-trip to Panarea). Optional additional climbs to the active craters of Stromboli. Accommodation: Beach hotel on Stromboli ***. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 6: Stromboli-Lipari-Etna. Transfer to Lipari Island, visit of castle, archaeological museum and obsidian deposits. In the afternoon, transfer to Etna. Accommodation: Mountain hotel *** on Etna at 1900 m a.s.l. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 7: Excursion to Etna's summit craters. Full day excursion towards the summit region of Etna, to observe its smoking craters and volcanic activity if present. Accommodation: Mountain hotel *** on Etna at 1900 m a.s.l. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 8: Etna: Valle del Bove. Second full day excursion on Etna. An interesting option includes a spectacular hike into the giant Valle del Bove depression on the SE flank. Accommodation: Mountain hotel *** on Etna at 1900 m a.s.l. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 9: Departure or tour extension. Departure from Catania or extension program. Includes: (B).
Physical requirements:
Good general physical condition and hiking experience on loose ground are required. The times spent on individual excursions usually range between 1 and about 6 hours; however, in case of important activity that makes it worth the effort, the time spent in the field could unexpectedly become much longer. You should have no difficulties to hike 5-10 km and climb up to about 500-1000 m during a day.
Equipment:
- Good and broken-in hiking boots
- One set of warm clothing (Etna with its 3300 m altitude can be very cold, even in summer)
- Rain jacket and if possible, trousers
- Good flashlight (torch)
- (Leather) gloves
- Day-backpack
- Sun protection
- Swimming gear
- Ski poles for hiking (optional).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The normal tour price applies to the group tours announced with a fixed date. The tour can be fully customized and depending on the number of people in your party, length of the program etc. the price can be different.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation in double (shared) room
- Half-board (usually including dinner menu with wine, beer, coffee etc. in reasonable amounts; in case of late return from excursions: lunch)
- All transports and excursions as described in the program
- Entry fees to museums, volcanoes, archaeological sites etc. as described
- Fully authorized volcanologist mountain guides.
Price Excludes:
- Travel to and from Catania
- Single room supplement: 350 Euro
- Extra meals and drinks
- Personal equipment.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Volcano Tours
Walking Tours
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