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Sicilian Volcano Hike

8 days - from $1800

• Walk on the remote Aeolian Islands
• Climb three active volcanoes including the highest in Europe
• Relax and enjoy the lively local Sicilian 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.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Catania Airport; 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; tour ends.

Accommodation: 7nts hotel - staying in standard hotel accommodation; 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
05 Sep 0912 Sep 09$18200
12 Sep 0919 Sep 09$18200
19 Sep 0926 Sep 09$18200
26 Sep 0903 Oct 09$18200
03 Oct 0910 Oct 09$18000
10 Oct 0917 Oct 09$18000
17 Oct 0924 Oct 09$18000
24 Oct 0931 Oct 09$18200
08 May 1015 May 10$18900
15 May 1022 May 10$19100
22 May 1029 May 10$19100
29 May 1005 Jun 10$18900
05 Jun 1012 Jun 10$19100
11 Sep 1018 Sep 10$19100
18 Sep 1025 Sep 10$19100
25 Sep 1002 Oct 10$19100

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2010 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2010/11 brochure, due to be published in October 2009.

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$ 210, depending on availability.