AEOLIAN AND SICILY: THE ISLANDS OF THE VOLCANOES
11 – 19 September 2021
Exclusive departure for our group, maximum 15 people. Adventure among the volcanoes of Sicily and Aeolian Islands, between craters and lava flows, immersed in a primordial nature and surrounded by the fragrance of spring flowers. We will have the opportunity to explore the majestic Mount Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli and experience the lifestyle of the islanders. We will visit Catania and its famous fish market, the Riviera dei Ciclopi, the Iblei mountains before reaching the Aeolian islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli. The volcanoes and the phenomena related to them will be the common thread of the journey as well as the cuisine and the typical wines of Sicily. All accompanied by an expert guide, Piero Bosco.
PROGRAM
11 September Arrival by plane to Catania (not included). Transfer by bus to the historical center of Catania and visit of the baroque monuments and the historic fish market. Continue by bus to the Riviera dei Ciclopi, with a guided tour of Acicastello and Acitrezza, two seaside villages north of Catania. Along this splendid coastline, created over the centuries by Etna with its lava flows, spectacular rocks with contorted shapes and steep cliffs surround coves with clear waters, here we will obsere the first lava manifestations that originated the Etna volcano. Overnight in Catania or surroundings at Hotel ***.
12 September After breakfast, transfer by bus to the Iblea mountains area in the province of Syracuse. Here we plan two excursions in the nature of the preetnean volcanic areas of the Iblei mountains. These mountains represent the least known and most unusual part of Sicily, in fact the plateau is deeply engraved by narrow and fascinating river valleys, places of spectacular beauty that are of great importance from a naturalistic point of view. During these easy walks we will explore the preetnea volcanic zone of the Oxena and Loddiero rivers. Overnight in Catania or surroundings at Hotel ***.
13 September Transfer by bus to his majesty the Etna where a we plan an excursion along the northern slopes of the Etna Park at about 1700 meters of altitude where we will visit the site of the eruption of 1865 and the related eruptive apparatus. In particular, the eruptive apparatus of the Sartorius mountains, a typical example of lateral eruption, particularly interesting due to the presence of a birch wood. A tasting visit at a winery will follow. Overnight in Nicolosi at Hotel Alle Pendici dell'Etna *** or similar.
14 September The Etna is waiting us for a big adventure today! We will reach the summit area of the volcano and the eruptive apparatus of 2001. Departure from Rifugio Sapienza and by cable car and 4x4 car we will reach an altitude of 2900 meters. With this excursion we will enter the lunar landscape that characterizes the summit and active part of the Etna volcano, exploring one of the last craters originated by the violent eruption of 2001. In the afternoon honey tasting at local honey factories. Overnight stay in Nicolosi at Hotel Alle Pendici dell'Etna *** or similar.
15 September In the morning we will leave Etna and reach Milazzo, embarkation port fof the ferry or the Aeolian Islands, primordial archipelago lost in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once in Vulcano, the island of sulfur fumaroles, a naturalistic excursion to the Grande Fossa di Vulcano is planned, the large still active crater surrounded by evocative views and sulfur fumaroles. In the afternoon visit to the hot mud pond where a refreshing bath is possible and excursion to Vulcanello, another small crater, from whose eruption the Valle dei Mostri, a bizarre lava flow, has been created. Late afternoon departure by hydrofoil to the island of Lipari. Overnight in Lipari at Hotel Villa Meligunis **** or similar.
16 September After breakfast we will go at the discovery of the island of Lipari following the slow pace of the islanders and we will take a wonderful walk that from Quattropani will take us to the Terme di San Calogero, a historical thermal area and from here will continue, through a path immersed in a florid Mediterranean scrub, along the west coast of the island and the ancient kaolin mine. At the end of the excursion we will have a wine tasting at a local winery. Return by bus to Lipari. Overnight in Lipari at Hotel Villa Meligunis **** or similar.
17 September In the morning we will board the boat at exclusive use of our group and sail to Stromboli where in the afternoon we plan the naturalistic excursion of the island, through an easy circular route, we will visit the ancient town of Stromboli, up to the panoramic point of the Belvedere in altitude 400 meters. Later we will have the unique possibility of seeing the nocturnal explosions of the summit area of the volcano from the sea aboard our motorboat. Return to Lipari. Overnight in Lipari at Hotel Villa Meligunis **** or similar.
18 September Full day dedicated to the island of Panarea. Easy walk to discover Capo Milazzese and the southern part of the island. Through the enchanting inhabited area of Panarea, between lanes and panoramas, up to the Bronze Age archaeological area and the Cala Zimmari cove with its sandy beach. After lunch we will return to Lipari. Overnight in Lipari at Hotel Villa Meligunis **** or similar.
19 September After breakfast we will return to Milazzo and from there to Catania airport in time for the return flight (not included).
VOYAGE MAP
Rate includes: - Full board accommodation (all meals included), excluded lunch April 25. - Excursions as listed. - Lunch boxes September 12 - 18. - Transfers from/to airport - Ferries
Not included: - Flights - Lunch on September 11.
PRICE PER PERSON Euro 2400,00