Arrival at Catania Airport. Take a bus or train to Milazzo or Messina, and from there board the boat to Lipari where your first four overnights will be (check the websites of Ustica Lines or Siremar for timetable and prices). You can also book a private transfer from Catania to Milazzo/Messina in advance if this is the more convenient option for you (check details with us). Lipari is also known as the “queen of the white bays” because of the unique white sand on its six bays and it is the main isle of the Aeolian archipelago. Lipari is also very rich in historical remains as being ruled by many Mediterranean powers such as The Greeks, the Romans, The Arabs, The Carthagens and many others who left traces of their remarkable presence in the modern outlook of the island. For sure it is a great base to stay and explore little by little this magnificent heritage embraced from wonderful nature. From the arrival at the port of Lipari, your attention will be caught by the perched on the cliffs old fortress that once upon a time was used to protect these lands. The town is a great place to just wander around and to stop by the buzzing cafes and restaurants.

For the next 3 days, you will be given several options for a variety of hikes to choose from in terms of different lengths, difficulty grades, and locations. OPTION A (Lipari; 11km, 4,30hrs, +470m/-470m): This option will take you to the southern part of the island and Mt. Guardia. The hiking trek is circular and starts and ends from the Port. It will take you to the Lipari observatory from where a stunning view to the Island of Vulcano will show up. Prepare your camera to capture the typical rocks for Italy seaside called ‘faraglioni’. These are sea stacks formed by wave erosion. The trails descend back in the old town of Lipari. OPTION B (Lipari; 5km, 2hrs, +350m/-350m): A leisure trek from Acqualcalda to Canneto. After a short walking, accompanied by amazing views, you will be awarded the wondrous opportunity to swim in the green shining waters of the Mediterranean sea. So do not forget to bring your swimsuits! To reach the starting point - the village of Acqualcalda, you must take the public bus. From there you follow a nice path that passes through interesting pumice caves. This short hike ends at Canneto - the most famous beach of Lipari Island. Spend the day laying on the beach, kissed by the sun and touched by the warm salty waters of the sea. One has to reward himself with a little “me time” so here you have the chance to literally dive into the serenity! OPTION C (Lipari; 2 options: 9km, 4hrs,+255m/-560m or 14km, 5hrs, +590m/-950m): The starting point of today's walk is from Quattropani. After breakfast, take the public bus to this marvelous village and get ready for the wildest adventure that the island could offer. You will see the barely untouched western part of the island! From the Old Church of Quattropani, you will have a fantastic panorama over the islands of the archipelago (except Vulcano Island which lies at the opposite side of Lipari). After some time spent in the wilderness, you will reach the oldest SPA center in Italy - the Thermal baths of San Calogero. It is dated back to Mycenaean times. The healing source draws its waters from the shallow areas of rainwater and geothermal and volcanic vapors and this mixture boils at a temperature of about 50 °C. Continue your walk back to Lipari, passing by many fumaroles along your way. OPTION D (Vulcano; 6-12km, 2-4hrs, +300m/-300m or -670m): A great chance to visit one of the other islands of the archipelago - Vulcano. Take a boat to the island and let the fun start! Today's walk will take you to the extraordinary moon-like terrain of Gran Cratere. It was the most recently active center here with nine major eruptions in the past 6000 years. From the top of the hike, you would enjoy another great panoramic view of the volcanic islands. Through the whole walking, there would be an impressive contrast between the black rocky terrain and the green slopes in the distance! If the walk to the summit is closed you can opt for another very panoramic walk from Capo Grillo back to Vulcano port with extraordinary views of the island. In the afternoon, get back to Lipari with a boat. OPTION E (Salina; 7-9km, 3hrs, +420m/-420m or -690m): The struggle to choose from the variety of hiking options will be hard, so to make it harder, we will add more curiosity - this option will be a self-guided walking trek in another of the islands - Salina. It is the second largest of the group of islands and it's a green welcoming place for visitors! Take the hydrofoil boat from Lipari, then the bus to Castello of Pollara to reach the starting point for this hike. This trek is particularly demanding and the terrain changes every now and then with steep ups and downs. The challenge is worth taking as the trail has stunning views of the Filicudi and Alicudi islands. The hiking trail ends in Rinella from where you can take a bus to the port of Salina and then on to Lipari. OPTION F (Panarea; 7km, 3hrs, +490m/-490m): Panarea is the furthest island reachable by hydrofoil from Lipari. The walk runs all around the island passing through the ridge of the ancient vulcano. From there you have a 360° views over the entire Eolie Archipelago. Along the way it is possible to make a detour to the famous prehistoric village.

It’s time to say goodbye to Lipari as your independent walking trek moves to another Island - Stromboli. After you arrive at the port, a representative will be waiting for you to transfer your luggage to the hotel. You can stroll around the cozy town center. Walking is the only way of moving on the island due to the lack of streets (so no taxis or buses around). Impressive hiking options are waiting for you as the volcano is still active and has been erupting almost constantly for 2000 years now! You can make a circular walk to 272 m. a.s.l from where you can see the lava flow field called the “Sciara di Fuoco”. This option is open to everyone, and is normally always accessible. If volcanic activity is foreseen and this walk becomes impossible (closed by the authorities) we can offer a guided tour with a local volcanologist in the afternoon (payable extra).

One day dedicated mostly to the historical and cultural heritage of the region rather than hiking in nature! You leave Stromboli via hydrofoil boat to Milazzo (Sicily) and then continue towards Taormina by bus or train. Taormina is really born to be a tourist resort and there are many reasons why! Wonderful landmarks remind of the Golden times of this patch of Paradise - the splendid Greek Theatre, the Roman “Naumachiae”, the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Nicolò, the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of Saint Stefano, the public gardens and many others. This place was often visited by famous persons such as Oscar Wilde, Guy de Maupassant, Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms, who knows, maybe this city has inspired them to create masterpieces. And last but not least - try some of the local tasty dishes and refreshing beverages.

The last day of the program will be again a guided tour to the famous Mt. Etna. A morning transfer will take you to Piano Provenzano where is the starting point of the hike. The trail passes old and new lava flows, active fumaroles and lunar landscapes which reveals the diversity of this rare natural oasis. It also includes a stop for lunch in a local winery and an afternoon visit to Alcantara Gorge with its extraordinary rock formations caused by the interaction with the hot lava and the cold water in the river. You will be back at Taormina around 6:30 PM so you can enjoy your last evening in this charming town with the company of fragrant wine!

Your tour ends after breakfast.