Sicilian Volcano Hike

8 days - from $1360

This exciting one-weeker takes in north-east Sicily and the remote Aeolian Islands. We plan to climb three active volcanoes: Vulcano (500m), Stromboli (924m) and Mount Etna (3323m) - the highest in Europe. Between climbs, we'll relax and enjoy the lively local scene.

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Ascent of Mount Etna
Spending our first few days on the Sicilian mainland, on the northern slopes of Etna, we tackle this massif with 4WD vehicles and on foot. Exploring the rumbling craters and lava fields of this active volcano is an extraordinary experience; our summit traverse is quite a challenge, and subject to current volcanic activity and local conditions. On a clear day, the vistas extend across all of Sicily and beyond.

Fiery Stromboli
Sailing past the jagged cliffs of Panarea island, the mysterious cone of Stromboli looms in front of us. The island's active crater towers above the black volcanic beaches and tiny port. We zigzag up a broken path (3-4hrs) through the dense vegetation of the lower slopes, to peer into the crater. Stromboli is one of the world's most active volcanoes - it constantly rumbles and belches out fumes. Seeing the glow of incandescent lava at night is an experience that defies imagination!

Lipari & Vulcano
We make for the Aeolian island of Lipari. For our first climb we cross to Vulcano, famed for its rugged peaks which rise directly from the sea. We climb a steep path to the crater rim, enjoying the spectacular views of the other islands. Local hot sea-springs make for some great bathing! Finally we head back to the Sicilian mainland for a final night next to the Ionian Sea.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Catania; drive Sant' Alfio, on slopes on Mount Etna; afternoon walk over lava flows. 2 4WD to 2900m; walk to Etna craters; descend via Torre del Philosofo and Valle del Bove (5-7hrs). 3 Etna North: minibus to 1900m; walk through pine forests; visit 2002 eruption site and lava flows (5-6hrs). 4 Hydrofoil Stromboli; PM ascent on foot to the crater rim (total 5-7hrs). 5 Ferry Lipari; optional tour island and thermal baths. 6 Lipari; boat to Vulcano island; walk up to crater (1hr); visit beach and hot sea springs. 7 Hydrofoil to Milazzo; drive to Rocca Novara and Gola Alcantara for walks; continue to Giadini Naxos via Taormina. 8 Visit Taormina AM; drive Catania airport where tour ends.

Accommodation: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Minibus/Ferry/Hydrofoil/4WD/ On foot.
Comment: A short, adventurous tour with several days walking on some of Sicily's many volcanoes. Walking is graded as moderate to strenuous. Although some of the ascents are steep and quite demanding, the panoramic views and volcanic scenery are simply stunning.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, plus driver and support crew.
Trip Reference: SV

Dates & Prices
Start	End	Prices in US$	Local Payment	Availability
11 Oct 08	18 Oct 08	$1360	EUR200
18 Oct 08	25 Oct 08	$1360	EUR200
25 Oct 08	01 Nov 08	$1360	EUR200
02 May 09	09 May 09	$1420	EUR200
09 May 09	16 May 09	$1840	EUR200
16 May 09	23 May 09	$1860	EUR200
23 May 09	30 May 09	$1860	EUR200
30 May 09	06 Jun 09	$1860	EUR200
06 Jun 09	13 Jun 09	$1860	EUR200
05 Sep 09	12 Sep 09	$1860	None
12 Sep 09	19 Sep 09	$1860	None
19 Sep 09	26 Sep 09	$1860	None
26 Sep 09	03 Oct 09	$1860	None
03 Oct 09	10 Oct 09	$1860	None
10 Oct 09	17 Oct 09	$1860	None
17 Oct 09	24 Oct 09	$1860	None
24 Oct 09	31 Oct 09	$1860	None
08 May 10	15 May 10	$1970	None
15 May 10	22 May 10	$1970	None
22 May 10	29 May 10	$1970	None
29 May 10	05 Jun 10	$1970	None
05 Jun 10	12 Jun 10	$1970	None
11 Sep 10	18 Sep 10	$1970	None
18 Sep 10	25 Sep 10	$1970	None
25 Sep 10	02 Oct 10	$1970	None

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2009 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2009/10 brochure, due to be published in October 2008.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 360, depending on availability.

Sicilian Volcano Hike

8 days - from $1360

Itinerary:

Dates & Prices