Island hopping among the Mediterranean’s active volcanoes
Trip Classification: Moderately Strenuous
Overview: A literally explosive walking holiday in Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, featuring the volcanoes of Etna and Stromboli. Lying off the north-east coast of Sicily, the rocky Aeolian Islands are lined with black sand beaches and dotted with white-washed houses. Using ferries to travel between the islands, the trekking begins on Vulcano where the walking leads us to the crater rim of the volcano. Spending nights on Lipari, we then take the hydrofoil to Salina where a good, steady trek reaches the high point at Fossa delle Felci (960m./3149ft.). Next, we turn our attention towards walking on fiery Stromboli which should provide an unforgettable experience – volcanic activity permitting. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3350m./1099ft.) with its landscape and views will be the highlight of the trip! If you are looking for an exciting Mediterranean walking holiday, then volcano trekking in Sicily is sure to ignite you.
Destination: Italy – Sicily – Hike on the Aeolian Islands
Travel style: Guided hiking holiday
Interest: Hiking, nature, history & culture
Comfort: Comfort level: medium
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Dates: September 28 – October 5, 2025
Group size: from 6 to 12 people
Airport: Catania, Italy
The trip begins in Catania. Subject to weather conditions and volcanic activity, on Day 2 we will aim to climb Europe’s highest active volcano, Mt. Etna, hiking to Etna’s four summit craters. On Day 3, after a walking tour of Catania we will transfer to Milazzo, where we will take an hydrofoil to Vulcano, our first island in the Aeolian archipelago. We will hike to La Fossa, the island’s volcanic center, for a close-up view of the steaming fumaroles of Gran Cratere. After the hike, the hydrofoil will take us to Lipari where we will spend the next four nights. Over the next two days we will visit and hike in the islands of Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, and Salina, the green island. On Day 7 we will take the hydrofoil back to the Sicilian mainland, A private transfer will take us from the port town of Milazzo to the tiny Sicilian jewel of Taormina, one of the most famous Sicilian destinations, known for its breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea. We will have time to walk in the old city center, After the visit we will transfer to Catania, check-in at the hotel, and enjoy a farewell dinner. On Day 8, after a leisurely breakfast, we will depart to our next destination.
Trip cost for 8 days:
Up to 12 persons, €2,700 per person. Single supplement is €520.
Trip cost includes accommodation in 3-star hotels based on double occupancy, meals as indicated, private transfers, public transportation where indicated, activities as indicated, and private guides.
Program Description. For the detailed itinerary of the trip Click here. Registration forms will be sent to those who have responded to the survey and who qualify for the trip based on your placement on the list and space availability, and if your hiking experience qualifies you for this hiking trip which includes some days involving Moderately Strenuous hiking.
Tour Operator: Passamontagna Viaggi, a small tour operator based in Central Italy with experience organizing hiking trips. Website: https://www.passamontagnaviaggi.it
Trip Organizer and Guide: Giovanna Prennushi (gioprennushi@gmail.com)
1818 Trip Coordinator: Anis Dani (adani@1818alumniwbg.org)
