Hike the Volcanoes of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

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.

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 sulphuric 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 take a 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.

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 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.

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 on the majestic Mount Etna, trekking along the Pista Altomontana – a circular path that goes around Etna, at an average altitude of 1800m. Along route you'll experience a dramatic and varied landscape passing through ragabo pine forest, across ancient lava flows and around old eruptive fractures, and glimpsing old volcanic cones in striking shades of red and black. You'll even explore inside one of Etna's longest lava scroll caves, a naturally formed hollow tunnel in the volcanic rock. After a fascinating hike on this incredible living mountain, you'll arrive at Piano Provenzana, 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.

Optional Extra: Subject to favourable weather conditions and volcanic activity, on this day you can instead climb to the summit area of Mount Etna, guided by a specialist volcano guide. Due to the requirement for this specialist guide there is an additional supplement for this hike, which is payable locally (See Optional Extras for pricing). This hike takes 4-5 hours, and includes a cable car journey and a short drive in a 4WD vehicle to ascend from 1800m to 2900m. With the guide, you will then hike 450m up to the central craters at an elevation of 3350m. If you choose this option, it replaces the standard hiking route (described above) included in the itinerary. Please indicate at the time of booking if this is of interest to you; but do note that given the variability of conditions on Mount Etna, it cannot be guaranteed (or paid for) in advance. Your host will reconfirm if it is possible at the start of your trip.

Your volcano adventure on Sicily comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you were lucky, you may have even had the unique chance to observe a live volcanic eruption from a safe distance – a once in a lifetime opportunity! If you're travelling home today, Catania Airport is a short taxi ride or public bus journey from the hotel. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your time in Sicily – we recommend some extra days in Catania, or perhaps head to the beautiful coastal town of Taormina.