ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION and ADDITIONAL INFOWALKING WITH VOLCANOES in SICILY 2012
A SELF-GUIDED WALK ON ETNA AND THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
The Aeolian Islands Archipelago is made up of seven islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi - islands of wild aspect which fall sheer into the sea, offering visions of staggering beauty. Just like Sicily, the islands are characterised by many different landscapes that usually do not exist in the same place. Vast ebony beaches contrasting with dazzling seas; areas of wilderness alongside fertile gardens. And then there are the many natural eccentricities - strange perforated rocks resembling bridges and arches ('I faraglioni') and rocks with clefts from which boiling water gushes. Another attraction of the Aeolian Islands is the hot springs, located in Vulcano, an unique example of a healing mixture of natural volcanic mud with natural hot spring water.
Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. It offers different aspects, from the black flows of lava and vast plain of black sand to luxuriant vegetation on the lower slopes, which abound with oak and chestnut forests, alternating with ancient man-made terraces where premier quality vineyards, pear and apple orchards, and hazelnut and pistachio groves grow.
PRICE
£699 per person based on two people sharing. For 4 or more people: £649 pp. Supplement for departures in July: £42 pp. Supplement of £100 per person in August and at Easter.
Single supplement £180.
Cost for person walking alone: £1100
INCLUDED
7 nights accommodation (
1 night in B and B** in Milazzo, 2 nights in family run hotel in Lipari, 2 nights in hotel** in Stromboli, 1 nights in hotel*** on Etna with dinner included, 1 night in Hotel** Catania);
7 continental breakfasts,
1 dinner (on day 6);
Maps and route descriptions;
Transfers from Catania to Milazzo harbour (day 1), Milazzo harbour to Mt. Etna (day 6), Hotel on Mt. Etna to hotel in Catania (day 7);
Luggage transfers from/to Lipari harbour, from/to Stromboli harbour;
Volcanological guide on Stromboli.
Local emergency assistance
NOT INCLUDED
International flights; transfer to airport from Catania on departure day (1 euro approx by public bus), hydrofoils between islands (about 70 to 80 euro per person according to season); taxes for island entry and to climb Vulcano and Stromboli (7 euro per person approx.). Option for Etna Summit craters, guide + cable way + jeeps (60 € per person)
DEPARTURESApril to November
To book email:
info@worldwalks.com T: (44)(01242) 254353
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days walking
Day 1: Arrival in Catania, private transfer to Milazzo Harbour (2 hours) and hotel**, with breakfast included.
Day 2: Lipari: In the morning hydrofoil from Milazzo to Lipari (1h). Check-in to family-run hotel near the small harbour of "Marina Corta". Hiking to the old roman spa of “San Calogero” with a wonderful view over Vulcano’s crater. Overnight (2 nights) with breakfast. 3 hours walking +250m -250m
Day 3: Vulcano: In the morning hydrofoil to Vulcano (10 min), famous for its black beaches and thermal springs. Go to Vulcano's crater to see the 'Fumarole' with time to go to the beach and thermal springs. In the late afternoon, take hydrofoil to Lipari (10 mins). Overnight stay at the same hotel with breakfast included. (3 hours walking +390m -390m)
Day 4: Lipari-Stromboli: Transfer by hydrofoil to Stromboli (1h), check-in to hotel** and relax on Stromboli's black beaches. In the late afternoon walk to the "Sciara del Fuoco" where you have the first hint of Stromboli's volcanic activity with a wonderful panoramic view of the craters.
(4 hours walking, +400m, -400m) Overnight (2 nights) with breakfast.
Day 5: Stromboli: In the morning free time to visit the lovely village of San Vincenzo or to take an optional boat ride around the island to visit the enchanting village of Ginostra, one of the loveliest corners of the entire archipelago. In the afternoon leave for the excursion to the volcano* with certified volcanological guide. Overnight in hotel with breakfast. 6 hours walking +924m -924m
*The volcano is 924 mt high and according to Italian law, when it is not erupting people are allowed to climb up the top accompanied by a certified volcanological guide. At the moment the climb is permitted. The guides reserve the right to cancel the climb according to safety considerations (weather, data from volcano which is constantly monitored, physical condition of walkers). The walk is quite demanding and requires a torch for the descent which takes place in the dark.
Day 6: Etna: In the morning hydrofoil from Stromboli to Milazzo (2 h). Private transfer from Milazzo harbour to mountain hotel on the southern side of Mt. Etna at 1900m. Short walk along the track "crateri Silvestri" for a first view of Etna's volcanic activity. Overnight in hotel breakfast and dinner each night with local dishes. (2 hours walking +100m -100m)
Day 7: Etna to Catania: Excursion to 2900 m where people without a guide are allowed to walk. Discover the line of big craters that appeared during the 2002/3 eruption. Amazing view of the Ionian coast of Sicily. Return to the hotel passing the edge of the "Bove Valley" and huge "caldera" formed from the collapse of an old volcano. At 1700 private transfer from Etna to hotel in Catania for overnight. Catania has many baroque churches and buildings, all placed in the very heart of the city centre. Overnight stay with breakfast included. (6 hours walking. +1000m, -1000m).
*Alternative option: proceed up to 2900m with cable car and 4x4 (one way ticket 25 Euro). Or, weather and hiking conditions permitting and depending on the acitivity of the volcano, it is possible to travel to the summit (3350 m) at the central craters guided by a mountain escort with a 4WD vehicle to 2900 m, then walk to the top. (60 Euro per person). From there walk back to the hotel.
Day 8: Departure after breakfast using public bus to airport.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Moderate overall (though fairly demanding on Stromboli and Etna). Hilly to steep. Those with respiratory problems may experience discomfort from sulpurous fumes.
GROUP SIZE This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 1 or more people.
Getting close to active volcanoes including Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Beauty of the southern Mediterranean and the way of life of southern Italy. Aeolian Islands UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights.
Mail Us
ACCOMMODATION
1 night in B and B** in Milazzo, 2 nights in family run hotel in Lipari, 2 nights in hotel** in Stromboli, 1 nights in hotel*** on the Etna with dinner included, 1 night in Hotel** Catania
LUGGAGE/LUGGAGE TRANSFERSAll transfers are made by car. Sometimes you will have to carry luggage for short distances (eg when you catch the hydrofoil or to your room in hotels).
FOR THIS REASON WE RECOMMEND ONE LARGE BAG WITH WHEELS. GETTING THERE
Catania Airport is served by charter and scheduled flights. Good public bus service from city centre to airport (about 1 euro). Taxis easily available - approx. euro 25 for the journey.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), trekking trousers and shorts, rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle per person with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, gloves, alpenstock, multitask knife, sun block/cream, compass, torch and batteries, first-aid kit, mobile phone, swimming costume and a fleece.
WHEN TO GO
April to November
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
info@worldwalks.comT: (44) (0)1242 254353