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TREKKING
ON THE VOLCANOES OF SICILY: ETNA, STROMBOLI AND VULCANO
Sicily, land of a thousand contrasts, is the most
fascinating island of the Mediterranean and a real paradise for
trekkers. The walks take you to where the sea meets the sky, leading you
to discover the Sicilian volcanoes; the majestic Etna, Stromboli ('Terra
di Dio') and Vulcano, the only volcano still active on the Island of
Vulcano. You will visit the marvellous sun-soaked islands of Lipari,
Stromboli and Vulcano, which will continue to surprise you with
incredible views.
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Programme
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Day
1
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Arrival
at Catania
Arrival at Catania airport and
transfer to your accommodation at the foot of Mount Etna.
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Day
2
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Milazzo - Lipari
This morning a transfer will take you to the harbour of
Milazzo (1hr 30). The hydrofoil will then take you to the island
of Lipari (1hr). Lipari, mountainous and jagged, is the largest
and most populated island of the Aeolian Archipelago. On arrival
you can visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano, which
houses a spectacular collection of objects recovered from
archaeological sites around the Aeolian Islands, including many
from shipwrecks. Alternatively you may choose to go for a walk
on the west side of the island. Overnight stay at Lipari.
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Day
3
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Lipari-Vulcano-Lipari
After breakfast you will take the hydrofoil to the island
of Vulcano (10 min). This island incorporates several volcanic
sites, including one of the four active non-underwater volcanoes
in Italy. The biggest volcano, Vulcano della Fossa, is extinct.
You can walk up to the Great Crater where the fumaroles of the
active volcano can be seen. It is a hard climb, but you will no
doubt agree that it was worthwhile given the magnificent views
over the other six Aeolian islands. You can then relax in the
mud pools and hot springs close to the harbour. For your
overnight stay you will return to Lipari by hydrofoil.
Time: 3 ore (6 km / 3,7 miles); differences in
altitude +390m/- 390m
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Day
4
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Lipari- Stromboli
After breakfast you board for Stromboli, where you will
have free time to explore the island, enjoy the black beaches or
dive from the rocks. You may choose to take a boat trip around
the island to visit the enchanting village of Ginostra, one of
the loveliest corners of the Archipelago. In the afternoon you
will be accompanied by an expert guide on your walk to explore
the Stromboli volcano. Your overnight stay is on the island of
Stromboli.
Time: 6 ore (10 km / 6,2 miles); difference in
altitude +924m/- 924m
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Day
5
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Stromboli
Today you can enjoy the beaches and
walk to the ‘Sciara
del Fuoco’, a special spot on the island, where you will have
a good impression what vulcanic activity means. You can also
take the boot to the island of Panara and walk to the Cala
Junco
Time:
4 hrs (10 km/ 6,2 miles); differences in altitude +400m/- 400m
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Day
6 
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Stromboli -
Milazzo- Taormina
This morning you will leave by hydrofoil for Milazzo from
where you will be taken to Taormina, a small town built on a
hilltop. There is a lot to see and you can take a walk around
the town to visit some of the fascinating sites, such as the
cathedral dedicated to San Nicolò, the many other churches and
impressive historic buildings and of course the well-known Greek
theatre, one of the most celebrated ruins on Sicily. The theatre
is built on the slopes of a mountain from where one's gaze drops
down to the deep blue sea and across to Etna, an unsettling
presence that manages to stay in harmony with the landscape.
Overnight stay near Taormina (2 nights).
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Day
7
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Trekking on Etna
Today is dedicated to exploring Etna on foot. You will be
accompanied. You will see the
line of craters opened during the 2002-2003 eruption and will
have amazing views of the Ionian coast of Sicily. The itinerary
depends, of course, on the weather conditions and the activity
of the volcano, but the objective is to have a marvellous day of
adventure. Returning to the hotel you will pass the edge of the
Bove Valley (valley of the oxen), a huge depression on the side
of the volcano.
Time:
5 hours (11-12 km / 7-8 miles); differences
in altitude +1000m/ -1000m
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Day 8
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Departure
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The
tour includes:
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7
overnight stays in *** hotels/B&B/holiday farms with breakfast
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transfer
to and from the harbour of Milazzo
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transfer
to and excursion with a local guide on Etna
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excursion
with guide on Stromboli
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Luggage transportation: luggage is transported together
with the guests for the transfers. The only exception is on the
Aeolian islands.
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route instructions with maps (Italian,
German or English) and other tour
information
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local back up service
in English
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insurance
The
tour doesn't include:
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Period
2012
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Daily
from March till November except the month of August. High
Season: July and Easter
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Level
2/3
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Walking
on mountain tracks and easy road walking, tough climbs to the
top of Stromboli and Etna. Walking time between 3 till 7 hours;
daily kilometres between 7 and 10 km .
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Participants
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minimum
two persons (
a single person on request)
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Prices
2012
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Per
person double room sharing € 695,00
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Supplement
single room € 140,00
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Supplement
high season p.p. € 105,00
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It
is possible to have a guided tour: details and prices on request.
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