This tour will give those taking part the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular sights nature has to offer, visiting three active volcanoes, one of which is in a state of constant activity. All excursions will be escorted, making use of local guides where necessary. We shall follow well-used footpaths and all viewing will be undertaken from a safe distance. The visit is open to all adults. Those who have some knowledge of geology will learn more about volcanoes. Those who have never studied the subject will hopefully develop an interest. The party will be led by Alan Clewlow, an experienced geologist who will be on hand to offer advice and some explanation of the features seen and guidance around the area. It will also offer a superb opportunity for photography.
The one-week visit will also give the chance to spend some free time, which could be used to explore Lipari, with its spectacular coastal scenery, beautiful beaches and bustling unspoilt town.
For bookings and extra information please call us on
01527 832 578 or info@volcanic-experiences.co.uk
Planned itinerary
Day 1
Leave London Heathrow on morning Alitalia flight to Catania (via Rome). Coach to Milazzo for ferry transfer to Lipari. Check into La Giara apartments for 5 nights, with dinner taken in local trattoria in Lipari Town.
Day 2
Hydrofoil to the island of Vulcano, after which all volcanoes have been named. Climb to view the spectacular main crater and see fumaroles (steam vents) passing lava flows of recent eruptions. From the rim of the crater can be seen much of the island, including the mini-crater of Vulcanello beyond the small harbour at Porto de Levante. Then descend to examine and bathe if desired in the "fanghi" (mud-pools) and bubbling hot springs.
Day 3
Chartered boat excursion to the island of Salina, which includes a circuit of both Lipari and Salina islands, viewing numerous coastal features from close range. Time spent on the island for a walk to take in its magnificent local scenery, which includes views of its famous twin-peaks.
Day 4
Free morning in Lipari Town. The opportunity to visit the Old Town and Castle, in which the local museum is based, which has displays of inhabitation of the islands dating back to Neolithic times around 4000 BC. Leave around lunchtime for Stromboli, passing the island of Panarea on the way (short stop with time for picnic lunch). Arrive mid-afternoon, followed by a steady climb to the summit, accompanied by local guides, reaching the summit by torchlight. We will spend 1 hour at the summit watching the spectacular eruptions of Stromboli by night, before returning to Stromboli town. (note: Those who do not feel up to the climb may wish to stay in Stromboli Town for the evening, and may see the eruptions from the boat, or take the shorter walk to the Observatory).
Day 5
Local bus to the north of Lipari Island to see obsidian flow and pumice deposits from Monte Pilato. Short walk to the village of Aquacalda. Continue with walk to Quattropani at NW corner of the island. Return by local bus to Lipari town for lunch. Afternoon visit to western part of Lipari island, for a stunning view of the coastal scenery from Quattrocchi. Descend via coastal path to beach, passing layered ash and lava deposits. Return to Lipari town on foot, by local path.
Day 6
Morning ferry/hydrofoil to Milazzo, with coach excursion to the Rifugio Sapienza , on the southern side of Etna. Those who wish may take the cable-car and 4WD-Bus to view the recently active SE crater at the summit. The chance to view various lava-flows and see a number of subsidiary craters at lower levels. There should also be the opportunity for those who wish, to take part in a trek right up to the summit craters, led by a local guide. Transfer to hotel at Giardini-Naxos, near Taormina, for 2 night stay. (Please note that the excursions on Etna will involve additional payment, the amount depending on what people opt to do).
Day 7
Free time. The chance to arrange independent excursion to another local resort, such as nearby Taormina, take the train to the ancient city of Siracusa, take the Circumetnea railway, or hire a car to explore the north side of the volcano or other sites on the island.
Day 8
Coach to Catania airport for Alitalia flight back to the UK via Milan, arriving at Heathrow late afternoon.
(Please note that this might have to be amended due to weather or sea conditions, but hopefully all planned activities will take place. The itinerary has been planned with a certain amount of flexibility so that adverse weather on one day should not prevent a planned activity being cancelled completely.)
Cost
The cost of the visit, based on half-board accommodation will be £1040 for the 7 night tour. This includes flights from London Heathrow to Catania and return (and airport taxes), coach transfers and local ferries on the itinerary listed above. Included in the cost is bed & breakfast accommodation in the Giara Apartments in Lipari Town (The group may choose to eat dinner together at a local trattoria), and two nights half-board hotel accommodation on Sicily (at Giardini-Naxos)
(Accommodation is based on two people sharing a room. It will probably be possible to make alternative rooming arrangements such as a single-room for those who prefer it, but this will involve a supplement. Please contact us to discuss the matter.)
All those taking part in the tour are expected to arrange their own holiday insurance, which can be obtained from any travel agent or insurance broker.