Island Hopping in the Sicilian Archipelago

Your Sicilian adventure begins with a welcome at Catania Airport, where you’ll be met at 14:00 for a private transfer to the coastal town of Milazzo. Surrounded by sea, Milazzo's many sandy beaches are located along a stunning protected marina. The evening will begin with a briefing by your local host, setting the stage for the adventurous days ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your new travel companions.

Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast before taking the ferry for Lipari, the largest gem of the Aeolian Islands. Hike to abandoned kaolinite quarries perched on the sea cliffs known as the Cave di Caolino. Then soak up the panoramic views of Salina and Filicudi, a kaleidoscope of coloured rocks, lava basalts and fragrant Mediterranean scrub. In the evening you are free to explore the culinary highlights of this charming Aeolian island.

Today, you’ll take a two-hour boat journey to the most unique of the Aeolian Islands – Stromboli. This volcano is in a near-constant state of eruption, with regular small explosions occurring. This unique characteristic makes it one of the few volcanoes on Earth that displays continuous, mild explosive activity. After a couple of hours at sea, you’ll arrive at at the island, setting out on a hike with panoramic views of the coastline, and the beautiful islet of Strombolicchio in the foreground. The trek will take you to just over 300m away from the volcano's crater. From here, you can see the spectacular Sciara de Fuoco ('Stream of Fire'), with the black lava flow sinking into the blue sea. On the return boat journey to Lipari, you’ll get unique views of the volcano from the water. Enjoy another relaxed evening in Lipari with dinner at your leisure.

Start your day with breakfast and a short hydrofoil ride to the magnificent island of Vulcano. This island in the Tyrrhenian Sea has been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. Paddle out in kayaks to explore the island from the water, discovering hidden coves and secret beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs. You’ll tuck into lunch before hiking to the summit of Vulcano's volcanic crater, taking in the sulfuric fumaroles and breathtaking panoramic views. Wrap up the day with a hydrofoil journey back to Lipari, where you can relax and enjoy another evening indulging in more Sicilian cooking.

This morning you'll hydrofoil to Salina – a lush, green island a stone's throw from Lipari. Explore Salina's scenic west coast, with a trek to Pizzo Corvo, winding through terraced olive groves with picture-postcard views of Alicudi and Filicudi islands. Trek the vast woodland of heather and arbutus, before arriving at the coastal haven of Pollara where you'll take a break at a renowned winery and sample 'malvasia' (the local wine). In the garden you'll taste various Aeolian wines and enjoy them alongside local delicacies such as cheese, capers, bread, olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes. After lunch, take some free time to explore Salina before heading back to Lipari, where the evening is yours to spend wandering.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as you take the late morning hydrofoil back to the port of Milazzo on Sicily. From there, you'll be transferred to the foothills of Etna, stopping at a local winery on the volcano's slopes for a wine tasting along the way. Late afternoon, you'll get whisked off to Etna Nord, wild and quiet side of the volcano, where you'll arrive at your refuge for the night – the perfect spot to avoid the crowds. Located at 1500m above sea level, it is surrounded by lush pine forest. You’ll enjoy dinner at this relaxed and cosy refuge with local and seasonal products, including typical mountain dishes that honour Sicilian traditions. Rest up and get ready for tomorrow's epic hike.

Get ready for an epic day ahead – the journey to the top of the majestic Mount Etna. After breakfast, you’ll drive to the meeting point at Piano Provenzana-North Etna (1800m) where you’ll meet your specialised volcano guide. Drive in special off-road vehicles along the panoramic path on the northern side of the volcano – one of the highest tracks in Europe – then trek 5km across the volcanic scoria to reach the edge of the central crater of Mount Etna at 3300m. From here you can marvel at the unique volcanic activity and breathtaking views from the highest point in Sicily (access and visibility can change depending on the weather or volcanic conditions). Descending along the crater you come to the Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory, from where you'll be transported back to Catania. As the day comes to a close, immerse yourself in the lively streets where people gather for an aperitivo. Tonight, enjoy dinner and share stories of the day's adventures over a well-deserved final meal together.

After enjoying a final Sicilian breakfast, check out and take some time to discover the charm of Catania before heading back to the airport for your journey home – you'll be transferred to Catania Airport at 12:00.