Sicilian Volcano Hike

Amazing Climb Mount Etna

This exciting one-weeker takes in north-east Sicily and the remote Aeolian Islands. We plan to climb three active volcanoes: Vulcano (500m), Stromboli (924m) and Mount Etna (3323m) - the highest in Europe. Between climbs, we'll relax and enjoy the lively local scene.

ASCENT OF MOUNT ETNA
Spending our first few days on the Sicilian mainland, on the northern slopes of Etna, we tackle this massif with 4WD vehicles and on foot. Exploring the rumbling craters and lava fields of this active volcano is an extraordinary experience; our summit traverse is quite a challenge, and subject to current volcanic activity and local conditions. On a clear day, the vistas extend across all of Sicily and beyond.

FIERY STROMBOLI
Sailing past the jagged cliffs of Panarea island, the mysterious cone of Stromboli looms in front of us. The island's active crater towers above the black volcanic beaches and tiny port. We zigzag up a broken path (3-4hrs) through the dense vegetation of the lower slopes, to peer into the crater. Stromboli is one of the world's most active volcanoes - it constantly rumbles and belches out fumes. Seeing the glow of incandescent lava at night is an experience that defies imagination!

LIPARI & VULCANO
We make for the Aeolian island of Lipari. For our first climb we cross to Vulcano, famed for its rugged peaks which rise directly from the sea. We climb a steep path to the crater rim, enjoying the spectacular views of the other islands. Local hot sea-springs make for some great bathing! Finally we head back to the Sicilian mainland for a final night next to the Ionian Sea.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Trip Highlights

Vulcano - Ascent to crater on foot.
Strómboli - Witness volcanic activity.
Etna - Summit traverse and descent into Valle del Bove. Walk to Mount Pizillo and Grotta dei Lamponi.
Lipari - Picturesque harbour town.

Day 1: Join tour Catania; drive to Sant’ Alfio, on the slope of Mount Etna

On arrival at Catania airport, we meet our bus and head for Europe's largest and best known volcano, Mount Etna. Our base will be in a restored farmhouse in Sant’ Alfio, located in a small hazelnut grove on the east side of the mountain. Here we hope to stretch our legs with a gentle walk over lava flows from the 1928 eruption, and into beautiful pine forests before heading back to our family-run mountain retreat for a glass of wine and a hearty meal.

Triple rooms may be used here on occasion.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Dinner
Day 2: Full day walk to craters of Etna and descent to Valle del Bove

One of the highlights of our trip is the visit to Etna, the highest volcano in Europe (3330m) and one of the largest in the world. 130 eruptions have been recorded through history and graphic accounts of burning lava flows reaching the sea have been well documented by famous travellers through the millennia. We use a 4WD vehicle to climb the tortuous track up the rugged slopes to 2900m, where we begin our walk. Weather (and volcanic activity) permitting, we follow a steep path to the summit area to make a tour of the Northeast crater (at 3300m the highest), the Central crater (the oldest at 2000 years old), the Bocca Nuova, which formed after the eruption in 1968 and the Southeast crater (the youngest dating from 1971). Here we have a superb view of the north coast of Sicily and the volcanic Aeolian islands lying offshore. In winter, Etna's cone is covered with snow and the summit can be bitterly cold. In spring, however, we can expect to find crocuses and violets hiding in the volcanic debris. We walk down to Torre del Philosofo, probably built by the Romans to celebrate Emperor Hadrian’s ascent to the summit, before we descend through the spectacular Valle del Bove. This vast bowlshaped chasm, with precipitous lava cliffs 900m high, was formed by a violent and tortuous eruption some time in the remote past. We eventually climb out via the 'Schiena del Asino' (the Asses Back) to meet our vehicle and return to Sant’ Alfio. About 6- 7 hours walk.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Walk to lava flows of 2002 and remains of Piano Provenzana

Today we drive up to 1900m on Etna’s slopes. Hundreds of subsidiary cones and spent craters have been formed by lateral eruptions along regular lines of fracture which, together with twisted lumps of lava strewn chaotically around, provide an otherworldly setting. It’s difficult not to be impressed by the might of the mountain that periodically wreaks havoc, sending molten lava cascading down its flanks and destroying the surrounding towns! We walk to the fissures of the 2002 eruptions and site of the former ski resort area of Piano Provenzana. Afterwards we follow the now solidified lava flows downhill through the pine forests. About 5-6 hours walk.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive and hydrofoil to Strómboli

This morning we drive to Milazzo, where we take the hydrofoil to awe-inspiring Strómboli. As we approach the classic cone-shaped island volcano, there are spectacular views of Strómboli as it rises dramatically from the depths of the sea to 900m, with a cloud of smoke almost permanently gracing its peak. Around its base are some small communities, whose white-washed houses splashed with scarlet bougainvillea, provide a vivid contrast to the dark volcanic rock of the powerful crater behind. On the lower slopes, a rough path zigzags up through dense vegetation offering fine views of the coast. Higher up we emerge onto rugged lava fields, and our final ascent (depending on current conditions) follows a ridge of volcanic ash. We plan to stay until the early evening to see the glow of incandescent lava and intermittent showers of sparks emanating from the eye of the crater, reminding us of the incredible power that lies below the earth's crust – an altogether unforgettable experience! After lingering to admire the desolate rockscape, we begin our descent of the volcano and arrive at our hotel. Number of hours walking is entirely related to current volcanic activity and can be from 3-7 hours depending on how close to the rim we are permitted to go.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Ferry to Lipari

Leaving Strómboli we take the ferry to the picturesque harbour of Lipari town where fishing boats vie for room with luxury yachts. Above the town stands an imposing castle, and excavations here show that the island has supported a civilisation for over 5,000 years. There's a fascinating museum with an excellent explanation of the vulcanology, history and archaeology of the region from Neolithic times to the present day. In the afternoon there is the opportunity to take a tour of the island (optional) to see the thermal baths of San Calogero, which made the island popular in classical times, and the open mines. Originally obsidian was extracted from the mines and, as the hardest stone available at the time, provided trade and income to the area. Later, pumice became the mainstay of the economy There's also time to relax on the beach and take a dip in the sea.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6: To Vulcano; climb to crater rim

This morning we take a small boat to the neighbouring island of Vulcano, named after Zeus' son Vulcan, the God of fire and metalworking. Although now dormant, Vulcano has erupted spectacularly throughout the centuries – the last dramatic explosion being only 100 years ago. In 183BC a huge eruption gave birth to 'Vulcanello' (the Little Volcano) visible from the port. Today, Vulcano puffs out a steady stream of gases and vapour. Even offshore the presence of the sulphur, which was once mined here, is obvious. We'll walk to the 'Gran Cratere' (400m) for views of the Aeolian islands scattered around us. After descending, you may wish to try a mud bath – reputedly an excellent cure for arthritic complaints. Having caked ourselves from head to toe, it's then time for a swim in the azure sea – the water here is very warm, an indication of how close the boiling interior of the earth comes to its crust. About 2-3 hours walk.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Boat and bus to Giadini Naxos, near Taormina

We travel by hydrofoil back to Sicily, passing monumental columns of basalt jutting vertically upwards from the seabed. Arriving in Milazzo, we board our bus and pass through fertile lands, once fiery lava slopes, where today oranges, lemons, cherries and pistachios flourish in the rich soil. We stop en route and have the option to climb Rocca Novara (1340m), from which we have magnificent views of Etna rising from the centre of the island to dominate the skyline. Continuing on our journey, we plan to stop briefly at the vast geological gorge of Gola Alcantara, where the impressive walls of basalt are made of bizarre geometrical shapes – forged when the hot molten lava met with the cool waters of the Alcantara river. We will then head to the seaside town of Giadini Naxos, where we enjoy a final relaxing night on the shores of the Ionian Sea.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Drive to Catania

Today the tour ends at Catania airport.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

7 nights Standard Hotel (H+)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Sat 17 Sep - Sat 24 Sep 2011 - 1760 GBP
Sat 24 Sep - Sat 01 Oct 2011 - 1760 GBP
Sat 22 Oct - Sat 29 Oct 2011 - 1760 GBP
Sat 19 May - Sat 26 May 2012 - 1810 GBP
Sat 26 May - Sat 02 Jun 2012 - 1810 GBP

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