This area is a sea of ever changing colors, textures and perfumes. As we head up the coast we explore fertile gorges with citrus groves, wild figs and caper bushes cascading onto the openings of Bronze Age tombs; ascend active volcanoes with obsidian and pumice rocks; stroll elegantly in the sophisticated hill-town of Taormina whose scenic beauty bewitched writers such as D.H. Lawrence and Oscar Wilde; sail on the Mediterranean Sea to reach the Aeolian Islands. Our journey ends on the Aeolian Island archipelago, a group of seven islands, literally chunks of volcanic land lying like sleeping giants in the emerald blue Mediterranean Sea off the north coast of Sicily. Settlers have been here since 4000 BC, trading valuable volcanic rocks like obsidian and pumice across the ancient world. This unspoilt corner of paradise seems frozen in time and exudes a natural harmony and tranquility for us to savor and enjoy. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Catania airport - Siracusa. We meet at 2:00 p.m. at Catania airport and travel to Siracusa. Time to settle into our charming hotel before meeting a local guide and immersing ourselves in the ancient history of Siracusa, once capital of Magna Graecia and most powerful city of the Greek world. Day 2: Prehistoric tombs of Pantalica. A leisurely morning to explore the historic quarters of Siracusa and experience the lively fish market. Later we travel a short distance to the plateau of Pantalica to walk along paths in the Anapo valley along a series of stunning limestone gorges and explore the hillside honeycombed with 4000 year old tombs of various shapes and sizes. Total time and distance: 3 hours/6 miles. Day 3: Mount Etna. We travel to the slopes of the active volcano, Mt Etna, watching an ever changing landscape of lava fields, pioneer flowers and shrubs, ancient and new craters. Once we reach the end of the drivable road at 6000 ft, weather permitting we ascend to Mt Etna using four wheel drive vehicles and then on foot. Sometimes Mt. Etna even chooses to erupt specially for us! We end the day at the very beautiful resort town of Taormina. Total time: 2-4 hours. Day 4: Free day to explore Taormina. An attractive footpath from our hotel lined with blooming bougainvillea goes past a Norman castle, down the Via Crucis and emerges in the heart of the charming hill-town of Taormina. Visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater, do a little shopping, explore the narrow alleys and sit in a street cafe to watch the world go by. Evening excursion to go out for dinner in the fishing cove of Mazzaro on the Ionian Sea. Total time and distance: 1 hour/3 miles. Day 5: Panarea. We sail to Panarea, the smallest and arguably most charming of the Aeolian Islands and walk to a Bronze Age village at the south-west end of the island. This is a good day for a swim off one of the coves dotted around the island or around the underwater crater which continuously shows thermal activity. In the evening absorb the island’s soothing atmosphere at sunset over a glass of wine. Total time: 2 hours. Day 6: Salina and Stromboli. Salina is distinguishable by its twin volcanic peaks and lies at the heart of the Aeolian archipelago. Our walk ascends Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest peak and as we climb we have clear views of Malvasia vineyards on the slopes opposite. Exhilarated as we arrive on top among ferns, juniper and heather, we can take a long rest and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands as we enjoy our picnic. Return to Panarea in the afternoon to swim in the sea or relax at our hotel. Optional evening excursion to Stromboli departing at sunset to sail past the eruptive firework spectacle called the "Sciara del Fuoco". Day 7: Lipari - Volcano. A morning excursion to volcano for the unforgettable experience of walking up a volcano, going around the rim and looking into the smoldering sulfurous crater (1280 ft). In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely walk to get acquainted with Lipari, the largest of the islands and rich in Neolithic and Mycenaean culture. Then stroll round the characteristic fishing harbor or visit the archaeological museum up on the old Greek acropolis where you can also see excavations of prehistoric settlements. Total time: 4 hours. Day 8: Departure from Catania airport. We travel by hydrofoil back to the mainland Sicily. Transfer by bus to Catania airport for afternoon flights. If you wish, we can help to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements. Notes: Price Includes: 
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Also see tour packages in: Europe Italy Outdoor: Land Rambler Walking Tours Hiking & Trekking |
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