Sicilian Volcano Trail

Itinerary

Day 1 Catania

Arrive in Catania at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel (check-in time is approx 3pm) and enjoy the city. In the evening, you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip and for the leader to collect your local payment. Check the notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of this group meeting. After the meeting we will be heading out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant (optional). If you arrive late, no worries, the leader will leave you a message at the front desk.

Day 2 Lipari (B,D)

Start the day with an easy 3-hour hike on the island of Lipari. First, travel overland to Milazzo harbour, where a hydrofoil takes us to Lipari Island. In the afternoon, join an easy hike to the south coast of the island, with wonderful views of Vulcano Island’s crater. The evening is free to relax before our first dinner as a group in the small harbour of Marina Corta, Lipari’s nightlife centre, with plenty of bars and small restaurants.Lipari is the biggest island in the Aeolian Archipelago, and the only island in which man has been living continuously for 6000 years. Worth visiting in Lipari are its 18th Century castle and cathedral, and the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Italy.

Day 3 Vulcano (B)

Today we venture to Vulcano via a short hydrofoil ride. One of the seven Aeolian Islands, Vulcano is famous for its black beaches and thermal springs. A 3-hour hike takes us to Vulcano’s crater where we should be able to see ‘fumaroles’ (gaseous eruptions). Afterwards, relax on the beach or go for a dip in the thermal springs. In the late afternoon return to Lipari by hydrofoil; free evening to wander Lipari’s centre or visit the excellent Archaeological Museum. The Aeolian Islands Archipelago is made up of 7 islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. It is a land of contrasts: vast ebony beaches against light-coloured shores; inaccessible and winding coasts drop down to low, hospitable rivieras; large sterile areas extend alongside fertile, pleasant gardens. The geography is often strange, with perforated rocks resembling bridges and arches (I faraglioni), areas where the sea boils from underwater fumaroles, and rocks peppered with holes from which boiling water gushes. Another attraction of the Aeolian Islands is the therapeutic hot springs of Vulcano. The island of Vulcano was deserted long ago due to its strong volcanic activity; its last major eruption happened in 1888. Today the volcanic activity is limited to the fumaroles concentrated on the rim of the crater, at 390m above sea level. The word "volcano" owes it's origin to Vulcano: Vulcan, the Roman god of fire (who was responsible for making the weapons of the gods) was said to live within the volcano we call Vulcano.Fumaroles refer to volcanic activity that consists of a vent or opening, through which steam, hydrogen sulphide, or other gases escape. The craters of many dormant volcanoes contain active fumaroles, and Vulcano’s are easy to see (and smell!) as soon as you arrive on the island.

Day 4 Stromboli (B)

Embark on a boat ride on the Tyrrhenian Sea today, to the island of Stromboli, where we enjoy a sunset trek. A 4-hour hike takes us to the western side of the island, and the “Sciara del Fuoco,” where the power of this active volcano is easy to see. After watching the glow of the lava, we return to the village for a night on Stromboli Island.Stromboli Island is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and the only island of the archipelago with permanent—and spectacular—volcanic activity. For more then 20,000 years, Stromboli has been constantly erupting, about every 20 minutes: a guaranteed show! 2000 years ago, Romans used the light of the explosions for sea navigation.The “Sciara del Fuoco” is a huge scar left when one section of the northwest side of the volcano collapsed about 5000 years ago. Today, this scar is mostly filled with the products of Stromboli’s more recent eruptions. Here, lava stones expulsed from the craters fall dramatically into the sea, rolling down a natural landslide.

Day 5 Stromboli (B)

Take time to relax this morning on the unique black beaches, or visit the lovely village of San Vincenzo. In the afternoon, leave on a 6-hour hike to the active volcano, accompanied by certified volcano guides. Along the way, learn more about volcanoes, and how life on the islands is governed by these natural wonders. San Vincenzo is the main village at the foot of the volcano. Here, about 500 people live off an economy based almost exclusively on fishing and tourism.The volcano of Stromboli is 924m high, and according to Italian law can be climbed to the top if escorted by a certified volcano guide. The volcano guides reserve the right to decide whether it is safe to climb, whether due to volcanic activity (constantly monitored), weather, or physical condition of the hikers. The hike takes about 6 hours, and is demanding; we start in the afternoon and return after the sunset, in order to fully appreciate and enjoy the red colors of the lava.

Day 6 Etna North (B,D)

In the morning travel back to the Sicilian mainland via hydrofoil. From Milazzo Harbour, travel to the northern side of Mt Etna, (1460m). Before dinner we take a short walk on Etna, over the area of lava flow from a 2002 eruption. Tonight we taste some of the fine local cuisine, and stay in a local mountain hotel.Mt Etna has a boundary of 250km, covers 1260 square metres, and rises to 3350m, making it the largest (as well as the highest active) volcano in Europe. Its height varies as a result of on-going constructive and destructive explosive activity that constantly reshapes the summit crater area. The volcano offers many different landscapes, from the black flows of lava and vast plain of black sand to luxuriant vegetation on the lower slopes. There, Mt Etna abounds with oak and chestnut forests, punctuated by ancient man-made terraces where premier-quality vineyards, pears and apple orchards, hazelnut and pistachio groves grow.

Day 7 Mt Etna/Catania (B,L,D)

Today explore one of the world's most famous active volcanoes, Mt Etna, before one last group dinner in Catania.A 6-hour hike takes us to the northern area of the volcano, to see the area affected by the most recent (2002-2003) eruption: a crater line called The Bottoniera. Our walk takes us through woods, lava tunnel and different lava flows where you can experience the power of this volcano first hand. Mt Etna is known for having the world’s longest period of documented eruptions, with a variety of eruption styles. Depending on weather and volcanic conditions, there may be the option of an excursion by 4x4 jeeps to climb as high as 2900m, continuing on foot to 3350m (escorted by a volcano or alpine guide), returning on foot to the chalet. (6 hours hiking, 450m ascent, 1550m descent)

Day 8 Depart Catania (B)

You are free to depart at any time on Day 8, though remember check out from the hotel is approx 11am.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Hotel (7 nts).
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Meals Included	7 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners.
Recommendation	Why not add the mainland onto this adventure? Check out The Best of Tuscany EIBT.
StartFinish	ex Catania
Transport	Private and public bus, Hydrofoils, Boat, Walking.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2009-04-03	2009-04-10	7+
2009-04-17	2009-04-24	7+
2009-05-01	2009-05-08	7+
2009-05-15	2009-05-22	7+
2009-06-12	2009-06-19	7+
2009-06-26	2009-07-03	7+
2009-09-04	2009-09-11	7+
2009-09-18	2009-09-25	7+
2009-10-02	2009-10-09	7+
2009-10-16	2009-10-23	7+

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