Eolian Islands and Volcanic Fireworks

Discovery of a volcanic archipelago famous since ancient times, a veritable string of islands between Sicily and Italy where volcanic peaks stand majestically above the azure Mediterranean. Featuring: various islands for swimming, The discovery of a volcanoes' character, impetuous or tranquil and, as a bonus, Stromboli night observation providing us with a unique firework display, as it is almost always in a state of permanent eruption.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Catania
• Day 2/  Milazzo-Lipari, crater of Fossa on Vulcano Island
• Day 3/  Salina, cirque of Pollara
• Day 4/  Monte Pelato
• Day 5/   Panarea
• Day 6/  Sapienza, Etna volcano
• Day 7/  Etna: hiking in del Bove valley, transfer to Catania.
• Day 8/  Depart from Catania.

Grand show of natural fireworks! Close to France, the volcanic archipelago of the Eolian islands, created 40000 years ago by the confluence of water and fire, continues, even today, its eruptive activity. Our program offers the advantage of taking our time on each visited island. Thus, as we move from one island to another, we imbue each one's particular environment. During the journey, we also engage in hiking on the various islands. Swimming is on our agenda, with the added bonus of a night on the Stromboli volcano for a unique display of fireworks.

Day 1/ Arrival in Catania
Meeting at Catania airport.
Transfer to hotel 4 star (Il Principe, or similar).

Day 2/  Catania - Milazzo - Lipari - crater of Fossa on Vulcano - Lipari
Transfer to the port of Milazzo by bus for a hydroplane crossing to Lipari. Settle in at the village for three consecutive nights. Ferry boat for Vulcano for an easy ascent of the volcano, the crater of the Fossa (1,283 feet). The crater, one of the most watched in the world, has been blocked off since its last eruption in 1883. At the summit, volcanic atmosphere: fumaroles and flowers of sulfur! Tour of the crater and down to the beach where... on the beach, where we can enjoy mud baths and underwater hot-water springs. Back on the boat to Lipari. Discover the very lively Mediterranean atmosphere...
Settle in at a 3 star hotel (Oriente Lipari, or similar) for 3 nights.
2 H 30 walk - Ascent and Descent : 1,310 feet

Day 3/  Lipari - Salina - cirque of Pollara - Lipari
Boat traverse for Salina, the island of caper trees and vineyards. After a short local bus transfer, we move towards the village of Pollara, inserted into a cirque, a former collapsed volcanic cone; evidence of past eruptive activity.  Via a nice balcony path, we discover the western part of the Aeolian archipelago and views on the remote islands of Filicudi and Alicudi. Possible tasting of the typical local wine, the Malvoisie. Back to Lipari by boat.
Overnight at hotel.
4  H walk. Ascent and Descent: 1,640 feet.

Day 4/  Lipari - Monte Pelato - Lipari
Local bus transfer heading north on the island for the start of our hike. We pass by pumice stone quarries whose activity has resumed in recent years. Easy ascent to Monte Pelato with the discovery of obsidian, a black volcanic rock prized by island jewelers who handcraft jewelry. Descend to the small coastal village of Canneto and picnic on the beach. Walk back to Lipari along the seaside.
Overnight at hotel.
5 H walk. Ascent and Descent: 1,310 feet.

Day 5/  Lipari - Panarea - Stromboli
Hydroplane traverse to Panarea, stopping on the most picturesque and most famous of the seven islands in the Aeolian archipelago, with its pretty white houses with blue shutters. Discovery of the prehistoric village by foot along with Junco Creek and its beautiful colors OR a climb to the top of the island. Climbing Pizzo del Corvo takes us into the wilderness, an area not very frequented, allowing us to better enjoy the site. By mid-afternoon, return to port and sea crossing to Stromboli. Upon arriving, settle in at the inn (Ossidiana, or similar) and start of hike. The road climbs steadily and gets steeper when it comes to the volcano slopes. The spray of fire coughed up from the mouth of the volcano is a marvel to behold. Ascent on the slopes of Stromboli and night observation. During the night, back to the starting point and night at the inn.
2 to 4 H walk. Ascent and Descent: 1,300 to 2,600 feet.
Note: since the eruptions of 2003, climbing to the summit of Stromboli requires special supervision. We approach the craters at an altitude of 1,312 feet. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible to continue up to the summit with the service of a local guide (2 more hours of climbing and 1 H maximum stay at the top).

Day 6/  Stromboli - Lipari - Milazzo - Sapienza (Etna)
Hydroplane morning transfer to Milazzo via Lipari.  Land transfer on Mount Etna, south side, at Sapienza. Settle in at the hotel 3 stars (Corsaro, or similar) and first stroll on the volcanic cones near our lodge.
Meals and night in a 4 star hotel.
1 to 2 H walk. Ascent and Descent: 300 to 1,300 feet.

Day 7/  Sapienza - Etna - Catania
Hike up valley del Bove, "lunar" valley, location of the last eruption. We approach the most recent lava flows. It is possible to climb to the summit via a 4x4 bus or cable car (depending on the eruptive activity). By mid-afternoon, transfer to Catania and back to our first day hotel.
Night in 4 star hotel (Il Principe, or similar).
2 to 4 H walk. Ascent and Descent: 1,300 to 2,600 feet.

Day 8/  Depart from Catania
Transfer to the airport for flight back home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice. 

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day of the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
Luggage transported by a carrier or with the group during transfers. Luggage stays at the hotel if the program provides several nights on the same site.

The guide
An English speaking Italian professional Mountain World Travel guide, hiking and vulcanology specialist with good cultural knowledge.

- Bus and train
- Boat, hydroplane between islands; sometimes private boat (depending of the group size).

It is varied, in hotels or charming/excellent category inns. The trips are based on 4 and 3 star accommodations (or inns/lodges of a similar standing category).
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price / quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors. 

Meals
In hotels offering half-board: breakfast and dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
In hotels with no restaurants: morning and evening, standard meals taken in inns and local restaurants. Your leader will know the best spots!
- Lunch: picnics organized by your guide, prepared with local products. Feel free to accompany him later in the day to go shopping and participate in the choice of foods.
During meals, in addition, you can taste sunny and scented wines that are also part of discovering this country. Each region has its own "terroir" (soil) that your guide will explain to you.

Drinks
Mineral water provided, coffee provided at the restaurant.

To taste, absolutely...
In Tuscany, “Bruschette” (slice of bread with oven roasted tomatoes), “Cantucci” (biscuits), Gallo Nero wines.
In Southern Italy, “Arancini” (marinated octopus salad with olive oil and lemon), “Canolli”, and the famous “Limoncello” (lemon liqueur).
Some specialties of the Genoa gulf: “Pesto” (basil, sesame, olive and garlic)
Rome: “Carciofi alla giudea” (artichokes), “Caponata di melanzana” (ratatouille tart).
Not to mention tomatoes and Roman salads, Italian cheeses, seafood and meats.
Remember that Italians claim to have the best food in the world!

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Catania
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water and coffee during meals)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Catania:
-  Alitalia, the national airline, flies daily from Boston, Miami, New York to Catania, through Milan/Roma
-  Skyteam (Delta, Northwest), in cooperation with Air France/Alitalia, flies from anywhere in the States to Catania, through Paris/Rome/Amsterdam/Rome/Milan.

Formalities for US, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days.
For other nationalities, please contact the Italian embassy of your country.
Please check with:
US Department of State

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.
Dentist and doctor: A check up before departure is recommended.

LEVEL 3
2 months prior:  Hike 9 to 10 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity for a cumulative duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per week, you should be up to speed.  

 

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).