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Hiking on Italy's Volcanic Islands
 Six Islands, erupting volcanoes, two walks guided by volcanologists, ancient history, mythology, ‘Malvasia’ wine, Sicilian cuisine and even a mud bath all wrapped into one holiday. North eastern Sicily, the deep blue Mediterranean and the jewel-like Aeolians provide the backdrop for, hydrofoil trips, sightseeing and unusual walking opportunities.
This trip starts by the ancient ruins of Taormina where the Greek Theatre is perched above the shore with magnificent views across to the smouldering conical heights of Etna. Arrive early in the day to allow time for some sightseeing because you set off early next morning across the deep blue waters of the Aeolian Sea to the beautiful Aeolian Islands.
Lipari is the largest and most convenient island to use as a base, the town bustles and the fine beaches are of black sand. There is time to walk on the island and 3 days to make excursions to the neighbouring islands of Vulcano, Salina and Panarea. Salina is less visited, has old salt mines, rich flora and a distinctive two-humped profile of Monte dei Porri and Fossa delle Felci (the highest point in the Aeolians). According to the mythology, the island of Vulcano was the forge of Hephaestus, God of fire. The Romans called him Vulcano and since then all mountains 'spiting fire' have been called 'volcanoes'. Vulcano is a land of wild and haunting beauty with a jagged coastline looking like tentacles plunging into the sea. You can climb the 'Gran Cratere della Fossa' and walk round the wide crater which belches varying amounts of steam and sulfurous fumes depending on the mood of the mountain. Volcano offers beautiful views over other islands and you can even pamper yourself with a volcanic mud bath! Panarea is the smallest islands and our walk to its summit promises some rare botanical specimens.
The most active of the Aeolian volcanos is Stromboli on the northern fringe of the archipelago. In recent years there has been much activity both as major eruptions and the famous but smaller 'Strombolian eruptions' that occur every 30 mins or so. We stay for one night to make a nocturnal ascent, with a volcanologist, onto the mountain to witness the flow of lava and intermittent explosions that paint the night in a glorious red light.
The last port of call is back on Sicily at the foot of Etna itself. From here we ascend with the help of a cable car and 4-wheel drive to walk again with a volcanologist through the erie landscapes of lava flows to descend the mountain; a fitting end to this unusual walking holiday.
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10 days |
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detailed dossier
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Duration: 9 nights / 10 days
Tour Code: JSA
Grade: Moderate
Day Stages:
Min 5km, max 11km.
Ascent 400-700m. Climbs up volcano's can be steep. 2000m descent
from Etna |
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SELF-GUIDED Dates 2010 |
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April - June and September - Mid October |
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Accommodation
9
nights/10 days - In Taormina the usual accommodation for 1 night is a 3* B&B establishment with ensuite rooms. On
Lipari the 5 nights are spent in a 4* residence, where each room is a mini modern apartment with a patio or balcony The residence is just a short walk from the port. On
Stromboli the night is spent in a good standard guesthouse. The final 2 nights are in a 2* hotel in
Nicolosi at the foot of Mt. Etna.
Note: You will have to carry your baggage on the trains, buses and on the hydrofoils when travelling to and from each base.
Sherpa
Notes
Accommodation &
Meals
Bed and Breakfast is included throughout, evening meals are not included and can be taken at restaurants close to each accommodation. 1 night in 3* accommodation, 5 nights in a 4* Residence, 2 nights in a 2* hotel and 1 night in a guesthouse.
Way Marks
Varied. Some paths well-trodden but some less distinct, map and notes required at times.
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