ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

WALKING WITH VOLCANOES in SICILY 2008

A SELF-GUIDED WALK ON ETNA AND THE AEOLIAN  ISLANDS

The Aeolian Islands Archipelago is made up of 7 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

£485 per person based on two people sharing. Supplement of £30 per person in July. Single supplement £90.

INCLUDED

7 nights accommodation (5 in hotel** and 2 in mountain hotel on Mt Etna); 7 continental breakfasts, 2 dinners; maps and route descriptions; Transfers from hotel to Milazzo harbour, Milazzo harbour to Etna refuge, refuge to Piano Provenzana, Hotel on Mt Etna to Catania airport; Luggage transfers from/to Lipari harbour, from/to Stromboli harbour; Volcanological guide on Stromboli.

NOT INCLUDED

International flights; transfer from airport on arrival, hydrofoils between islands (about 40 euro per person); taxes for island entry and to climb Vulcano and Stromboli (7 euro per person approx.).

Departure dates 2008:

April to November (except August)



To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days walking

Day 1: Arrival in Catania, Transfer to hotel** in city centre near cathedral. Historic centre easily discovered on foot. Overnight stay in hotel** with breakfast included.

Day 2: Lipari: In the morning private transfer from hotel to Milazzo harbour (1h30). Hydrofoil from Milazzo to Lipari (1h).  Check-in to family-run hotel near the small harbour of "Marina Corta"  In the late morning walk in the west side of th island to the thermal Spring of San Calogero. Overnight (2 nights) with breakfast. 4 hours walking +290m -430m 

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. 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: In the morning free time to discover the old centre or the Archeological Museum and then take boat 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 panorama 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 (2 nights) in hotel breakfast and dinner each night with local dishes.  (2 hours walking +200m -200m) 

Day 7: Etna: Excursion to 2900 m where people without a guide are allowed to walk.  Discover the line of big craters opened during the 2002/3 eruption.   Amazing view of the Ionian coast of Sicily. Return to the hotel passing the edge of teh "Bove Valley" and huge "caldera" formed from the collapse of an old volcano.  Dinner and overnight mountain hotel. (7 hours walking. +1000m, -1000m).
*Alternative option: proceed up to 2900m with cable car and 4x4 (one way ticket 25 Euro).  Or, weather 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.  From there walk back to the hotel (55 Euro per person).

Day 8: Private transfer from refuge to Catania airport. 

 

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Moderate overall (though fairly demanding on Stromboli and Etna). Hilly to steep.

GROUP SIZE

This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.

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HIGHLIGHTS

If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

LUGGAGE/LUGGAGE TRANSFERS
All 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).  

GETTING THERE

Catania Airport is served by charter and scheduled flights. Good public bus service from airport to city centre. Taxis easily available - approx. Euro 20 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

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 whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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