Sicily and its volcanoes: Mount Etna and the Aeolian archipelago

Eastern Sicily and its volcanoes

With its heritage of historical and cultural importance melt with spectacular landscapes, Sicily is a land of overwhelming natural beauty, made all the more special by its particular volcanic nature. If You are volcanoes amateurs let yourselves be fascinated and dive into our Eastern Sicily’s Volcano Route. We invite You on a journey to explore the greatest natural attraction of the island!

On ‘mainland’ Sicily You will discover Europe’s biggest still active volcano, Mount Etna. With its imposing mass over 3350 meters high, it dominates the bustling city of Catania, and the whole east coast. Stroll along the historical heart of the city, rich of Baroque architecture, where You can find beautiful palaces, churches and fountain. Make a stop in Duomo Square to admire the Elephant Statue of the 17th century, which is the symbol of Catania.

During the first half of  the tour You will take the ferry boat from Milazzo harbour to reach the beautiful Lipari, the largest and most populous of the Aeolian Islands. Historically, it has been the heart of the trade of obsidian, a volcanic glass, and nowadays the largest manufacturer of pumice stone. Stroll along the city center at the foot of the impressive Castle, visit the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo and the Norman Cloister. You are free to explore the island’s natural and cultural treasures at will.

Enjoy a full day boat excursion to explore the Aeolian archipelago’s wild nature and ever changing geological aspects. You will first reach the island of Salina, situated north-west of Lipari, made by six ancient extinct volcanoes including the highest one of the archipelago, the Fossa delle Felci Mount,  962m high. Its name is due to a small lake from which the salt was extracted in the past. Today the island is well-known for its capers exported all over the world and for the high quality grapes of the wine Malvasia. Then You will hike on the black beaches and ebony slopes of Vulcano, observing its ‘fumaroles’ constantly erupting hot gasses. This island, dominated by the spent crater of Vulcano della Fossa, takes its name from the Roman god ‘Vulcanus’. You will have plenty of time for individual visits and You will also be able to bath in its thermal springs and sulphuric mud.

Enjoy a full day 4×4 excursion off-road to Etna Volcano together with a professional licensed guide. You will have the opportunity to walk on the slopes of the mount, witnessing the scars left by its past eruptions and observing the actual making of a new landscape. During the excursion You will admire lava flows, breathtaking craters and place such as the “Valle di Bove”, a wide basin on the eastern slope of Etna. Visit the Alcantara Gorge up to 25m high, small villages such as Castiglione di Sicilia famous for the production of the red wine Etna DOC.

End the journey by visiting Taormina, one of the most wonderful Sicilian town with its Greek Theatre, the second largest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. The city lies on a natural terrace overlooking the Ionian sea, offering  enchanting views of the rugged landscape and the Etna Volcano.

The rate includes

• 7 Overnights in 4 star hotels on bed & breakfast basis;
• Private transfers and coach service as in the program;
• Ferry tickets to Aeolian islands as in the program;
• Assistant during the whole tour;
• Walking guided visit of Catania (4 hours);
• Walking sightseeing tour of Lipari city centre with your assistant;
• Walking sightseeing tour of Salina with your assistant;
• Full day excursion (about 9 hours) by 4×4 vehicles with a local licensed guide, lunch included;
• Walking sightseeing tour of Taormina & entrance tickets to the Greek Theatre.

• Hotel city taxes to be paid on spot;
• Single supplement (€ 260 per person);
• Tips to driver and guides;
• Lunches and dinners, except for the lunch during the Etna excursion;
• Porterage;
• Coach ZTL taxes & parking (about € 10 per person);
• All items not specified in the chapter “the rate include”.