Walk and discover Sicily's volcanic Aeolian Islands. Of this archipelago we explore the essential set of Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli Islands.  Slowly we discover the distinct identity and character of each of these locations, from the brilliant blue of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea, spectacular volcanic landscapes, remarkable archeological sites, fresh traditional food and friendly local people living to the timeless rhythms of the Sicilian way of life.

Highlights

• Hiking volcanic trails
• Aeolian Islands
• Crystal clear sea water  
• Spectacular night-time eruptions of Stromboli
• Traditional Sicilian food of fresh local ingredients
• Archaeological Sites of Lipari and Panarea

DAY 1 Palermo
Arrive independently to accommodation in Palermo, one of Italy's most exiting cities to explore. No scheduled activities on our first day allowing you time to settle before our very active week of Sicilian discovery. 

DAY 2 Transfer to Lipari
We transfer in the morning from Palermo to the Island of Lipari. We are based on this Island - the most diverse in the Aeolian archipelago - for the next 4 nights. Our first hike takes on an exploration of the Island's abundant natural beauty.

DAY 3 Vulcano
From Lipari we visit the Island of Vulcano. We hike up to the main crater Gran Cratere della Fossa where we witness breathtaking views over the islands and Sicilian coastline, not to mention down into the vast crater itself. In the afternoon we hike through Vulcanello stopping at Valle dei Mostri (Valley of the Monsters) where strange lava formations evoke prehistoric creatures.

DAY 4 Salina
Today we explore the quiet Island of Salina. We hike a path through a beautiful fern wood, designed as a nature reserve that leads to the highest peak in the Aeolian archipelago (962 meters) Monte Fossa delle Felci. It is one of the two volcanic cones that give the Island its distinctive shape. The beautiful beach here was used for the Academy Award winning film, Il Postino.

DAY 5 Panarea
We journey to Panarea, the smallest and prettiest of the Aeolian archipelago. With its show of freshly painted white houses set against the Mediterranean blue sea it has the feel of the Greek Islands. Our hike takes us to one of the most important archeological sites in the region, a Bronze Age village of 23 huts, thought to have been inhabited since the 14th century BC.

DAY 6 Stromboli
Today we transfer to Stromboli Island, the most spectacular of all the Aeolians. This most active outlet of the volcanic belt throws up showers of sparks and flaring rock at regular intervals of approximately 20 minutes. As this activity of fiery explosions is best appreciated at night-time we stay on the Island for our final evening of the trip.

DAY 7 End of Trip/ Independent Transfer from Stromboli