What to expect
Guided Walks
Explore the stunning Aeolian Islands on four guided walks led by expert local guides, immersing you in the diverse landscapes of Lipari and Vulcano.
Breathtaking Panoramas
Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Aeolian archipelago, with dramatic coastlines and picturesque islands stretching across the Mediterranean Sea.
Picturesque Villages
Discover the delightful pastel-colored houses and vibrant piazzas of the islands' charming villages, offering a taste of authentic Sicilian culture.
Unique Experiences
Experience unique encounters with the islands' active volcanoes, including an exhilarating hike up to the Great Crater of Vulcano with its otherworldly scenery.
About this trip...
What's Included?
Airport Transfers
Private Room
Breakfast daily + 2 dinners in a typical restaurant in Lipari (beverages not included)-
1 light lunch in Agri-tourism (variety of 14 different typical Sicilian starters, beverages not included)
Welcome drink at the hotel
4 Guided Walks with Expert local trekking guide
Accompanying Solo's Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive Sicily
- Lipari – Monte Rosa
- Vulcano Great Crater
- Day at leisure
- Capistello – Geophisical Observatory
- Lipari – Caolino - St Calogero Spa
- Day at leisure
- Depart Sicily
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive Sicily
- Dinner included
Day Two: Lipari - Monte Rosa
- Breakfast included
- Walking distance: 4.66 miles approx
Day Three: Vulcano's Great Crater
After breakfast, we take a collective transfer by boat to Vulcano Island for a hike up to the Gran Cratere*. The climb, easy at first, continues with bends among high red rocks, curious pink clay corridors modelled by rainwater and broom plants. As we climb, the air is heavy with the smell of nearby fumarole, surrounded by yellow sulphur deposits. At 787 feet, we reach the edge of a lunar rock desert strewn with 'volcanic bomb stones' and enjoy marvellous views of the neighbouring islands. We finally climb to the Gran Cratere, enveloped in steamy-looking vapours and overpowering sulphurous gas released by gashes in the rim. From the top, there are spectacular views with the only place to admire the entire archipelago in a single glance. After descending, we have free time for lunch, to experience the mud baths or swim in the sulphur sea water. We return to Lipari for an overnight stay at the hotel.
- Breakfast included
- Walk distance: 4.66 miles approx
Day Four: Day at leisure
Today can be spent however we wish! This is a free day to relax. Optional excursion Full day Panarea and Stromboli Boat tour*. The tour begins with a swim in the "Baia di Calajunco" beneath the charming village of "Capo Milazzese," followed by a visit to the village itself. Next, the tour proceeds to the islets of Dattilo and Lisca Bianca, where you'll observe famous sulfur gorgos, and then to Lisca Nera, Bottaro, and Basiluzzo for another swim amidst vibrant marine life. On the way to Stromboli, there’s a swim stop at Ginostra, a stunning natural site with a few resilient local inhabitants. The tour then continues along Stromboli’s coast, stopping at the main port to explore the picturesque village with its distinctive white houses on black sand. Finally, at sunset, you'll head to Strombolicchio and stop under the Sciara del Fuoco to witness the volcano's spectacular eruptions, returning to Lipari by about 10:30PM.
- Breakfast included
Day Five: Capistello – Geophisical Observatory
After breakfast, the group will gather with the local trekking guide and we set off on our walk to the southern headland. From the hotel a narrow road, lined by walls covered with straggling broom and cistus, leads up to Capistello, from where we have a clear view of Vulcano and its vast crater just across the straits. Directly below are rocky cliffs and pinnacles rising out of the sea, and as we near the headland overlooking Punta della Crapazza, the vegetation becomes denser, almost covering the narrow path. We then take a paved road further on leading to some very upmarket modern villas, all very secluded and with spectacular views. The path winds up to its highest point at the Geophisical Observatory. From here, there is a wonderful panorama of the islands to the north-west: Salina with its twin volcanic peaks, with Filicudi and Alicudi furthest away. We return back to the hotel, with the rest of the day free for lunch (not included) and afternoon at leisure in Lipari.
- Breakfast included
- Walking distance: 4.97 miles approx
Day Six: Lipari – Caolino - St Calogero Spa
Today we travel by bus to the village of Quattropani, the first settlement on the Island of Lipari dating back to the beginning of the 4th Millennium BC, where our walk begins to the kaolin quarries at Caolino. The path descends, crossing spectacular canyons with sheer multi-coloured rock-faces through a pathway with precipitous drops down to the sea, crossing olive groves and other remote areas, with typical Mediterranean flowers and the rare dwarf palm. We then walk up to St. Calogero Spa, a thermal baths dating from the 4th century BC, before taking the old stone mule-track that gradually goes up, crossing olive groves, to the vineyard village of Pianoconte where we feast on a rural lunch. We travel back to Lipari by bus.
- Breakfast & lunch included
- Walking distance: 5.13 miles approx
Day Seven: Day at leisure
Another day of free time, which can be spent relaxing around Lipari or exploring one of the many beautiful parts of the islands.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Eight: Depart Sicily
It’s time to say “Arrivederci”! After breakfast, we will transfer back to the airport to take our onward flight.
- Breakfast included
Accommodation
Borgo Eolie Hotel Three-star
Facilities include
Room includes
The air-conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a bathroom with hairdryer.
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Two full-day and two half-day (4 hours & 5 hours) guided walks are included in the program. Your walking guide will advise you at your accommodation regarding the daily schedule. You can expect to walk between approximately 3.1 to 5.6 miles per day, with some ascents/descents. Terrain varies from rocky underfoot to compacted volcanic materials.
The distances and length of time are valid if the physical conditions of the participants and the weather conditions are good. Otherwise, please add an hour to each walk.
Day 2 LIPARI PORTO – MONTE ROSA Length: approx. 4.66 miles Duration: approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes
Day 3 Vulcano Gran Cratere Length: approx. 4.35 miles Duration: approx. 3 hours and 22 minutes
Day 5 CAPISTELLO- GEOPHISICAL OBSERVATORY Length: approx. 4.97 miles Duration: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Day 6 CAOLINO- SAN CALOGERO Length: approx. 5.16 miles Duration: approx. 3 hours and 10 minutes
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are physically fit and healthy enough to participate in your chosen activity vacation. If you are unsure whether the walks are within your abilities, please contact our office to discuss this, ensuring you understand the terrain you will be walking on.
You might encounter uneven ground in some areas, and extreme caution should be taken, especially when wet. If you typically use a walking pole or stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please understand that the route and content of the vacation may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organizer, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident, or property damage while on these walks other than incidents arising from the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to lead a walk with anyone not properly dressed.
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
