Sicily & Volcanic Walks of the Aeolian Isles

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Total Ascent: 338 feet (103m) 

Total Descent: 338 feet (103m)  

Free time in the morning where you may decide to do one of the following: visit the castle; explore the museum with its archaeological and vulcanological section; swim in the sea; or enjoy some “dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing) in the charming little square of Marina Corta. 

In the afternoon, we’ll set off on a beautiful hike to Punta Crapazza for magnificent views of the island of Vulcano from the Lipari Observatory. We’ll return to the town centre along an ancient path across the remote countryside of the island. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total Ascent: 656 feet (200m) 

Total Descent: 984 feet (300m)  

Starting at Quattropani, our path takes us from the kaolin cellars to reach the thermal baths of San Calogero, the favourite place of the Romans for the hot water that still flows today. This area features beautifully coloured rock formations and stunning panoramic views. 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)

Total Ascent: 656 feet (200m)  

Total Descent: 656 feet (200m) 

After breakfast, we start our excursion to discover this incredible mountain. We’ll walk through pine woods and ferns to observe the lava stream of the last destructive eruption of Etna – the “perfect eruption” of 2002. It is a unique experience to observe and learn about the morphology, geology, and history of volcanoes, and to get to know Etna from within. During our walk we will also visit a lava tunnel – a cave created by the lava flow. We'll enjoy a packed lunch during the excursion before returning to the hotel. 

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) 

Total Ascent: 1,968 feet (600m)  

Total Descent: 1,968 feet (600m) 

We'll transfer to Piano Provenzana to view the lava craters and formations from the most recent spectacular eruption of 2002."From here we start trekking to the Grotta dei Lamponi (1,700m), a very interesting lava tunnel, surprisingly deep and fascinating. 

After enjoying a packed lunch at the Rifugio Timparossa, we’ll continue our path walking through lava rocks and beechwoods before returning to Piano Provenzana. This circular trek is one of the most beautiful on Etna thanks to the variety of its landscapes. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km) 

Total Ascent: 328 feet (100m)   

Total Descent: 328 feet (100m) 

We transfer from the hotel and reach the Monti Sartorius ancient craters – a series of small craters created by the eruption of 1865. A walk along its edge is accessible and we will continue with a stop to see the lava streams from 1928. 

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Total Ascent: 1,640 feet (500m)   

Total Descent: 1,411 feet (430m) 

After a short transfer from our hotel, we’ll reach Rifugio Citelli. From here, we’ll start our climb to the Cave of Serracozzo, passing through a beautiful forest of white birch. The cave itself is an incredible lava tunnel created by an eruption in 1971. We'll see streams of lava rock as we then make our way to Belvedere Serracozzo at the top craters, to admire breathtaking views of the Valle del Bove 

There is also an optional trek to the top of the main crater at a height of 3340m accompanied by an authorised vulcanological guide. This is not included in the cost of the holiday. 

Our whole group will transfer to Catania for our last evening together. The group will be split between the Hotel Agathae and Hotel Umberto House, conveniently located just around the corner from each other. After some free time to explore, we’ll enjoy a farewell group dinner together at a local restaurant.