The Aeolian Islands are a fascinating volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily and are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this 8-day tour, explore the beautiful towns of Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Salina. Experience nature and culture, and see the traditional village with its white houses and Aeolian architecture. Visit the beautiful Panarea and Stromboli islands on a boat excursion from Tropea, Tour local wineries and vineyards, and enjoy lunch with a tasting of local wines and food stalls from the local market. Enjoy your free time with the chance to walk along charming streets or swim at the seafront's black sand beaches. Take in the dramatic scene of the volcanic activity on the hills while admiring the picturesque sea views.
Highlights
Discover two beautiful Aeolian islands, Lipari and Salina
Visit a local winery and take a stroll through the vineyard
Enjoy a scenic hike and rock formations in Vulcano
Admire the fantastic beaches and marine reserves of Cala Junco
Stroll through the beautiful streets of Stromboli
Enjoy your free time relaxing on the beaches of Salina
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Sicily at Catania airport to start your adventure, where a private transfer awaits to take you to Milazzo. There, you'll board a ferry to Lipari, the largest of the volcanic chain of the Aeolian Islands. Once you disembark, it's time to settle into your cozy room and wash away any jet lag. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a local winery and enjoy strolling through the vineyard grounds. As the sun sets, raise a glass in the beautiful natural surroundings and savor the flavors of Sicilian wine.
Kick off today with an exciting walking tour of the Archipelago's main island alongside a knowledgeable local guide. Visit the Archaeological Museum and discover a treasure trove of pre-historic, Greek, and Roman artifacts excavated from the islands and underwater wrecks. After a leisurely lunch of your choice, join your hiking guide and stretch your legs on a hike through the unspoiled southern part of the island. Take in breathtaking views of Vulcano and its craters, A Praia di Vinci, and Faragghiuna from the geophysics observatory. In the evening, wrap up your day with a delectable seafood dinner, feeling rejuvenated after a day of exploration.
Start the day with a delicious breakfast before meeting your local guide. Hop on a ferry boat to the island before embarking on a 40-minute hike to the Great Crater. Once you reach the top, enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the archipelago. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the island by private car/minivan. Discover the Valley of the Monsters, an area with unique rock formations from the eruption of 183 B.C. End the day back in Lipari, where you can unwind and relax in the evening.
Wake up slowly and savor the morning before embarking on an exciting boat journey to two of the most beautiful islands in the Aeolian archipelago: Panarea and Stromboli. As you disembark in Panarea, take your time exploring this charming and intimate island. You have the freedom to choose how to spend your time here - whether you want to swim in the Cala Junco marine reserve, hike up to the prehistoric ruins at P.ta Milazzese for a breathtaking view, or simply stroll around and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Afterwards, continue on to Stromboli, where you can wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the view of the black sandy beach and coastline from the town square. For dinner, you'll have the chance to choose a local restaurant that suits your mood, from seafood to more traditional fare. As we make our way back to Lipari, we'll stop at the Sciara del Fuoco viewpoint to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the volcano eruption from the sea. Sip on a glass of Malvasia and indulge in some traditional cookies offered by the captain as you take in the breathtaking scenery, before heading back to your hotel late this evening.
After breakfast, set off on a ferry to Salina, the second largest island in the Aeolian archipelago. Salina boasts a unique topography that is a must-see, including the stunning fern forest, la Fossa delle Felci, situated high on a precipice. The view from here is simply breathtaking, with a staggering drop down to the beaches below. Take a leisurely stroll through Salina and make your way to a local winery to explore the Heroic Vineyards of The Aeolian Islands. You'll be treated to a tasting session of different wines and learn about the wine-making traditions of this beautiful region. For lunch, head to Alfredo restaurant and try the traditional savory bread called cunzatu. Of course, no visit to Salina is complete without trying the most delicious granita on the island.
Later in the afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. Dine on delicious food and soak up the beauty of this hidden gem in the Aeolian Islands.
After breakfast, travel to the North-West side of the island of Salina and anchor in the enchanting bay of Pollara beach. This picturesque beach, made famous by the movie Il Postino, is a sight to behold, with its sheer cliffs enclosed by the natural rock arch of Punta Perciato and the Balate, and ancient fisherman's shelters set in the rock. Next, sail towards the northeast coast of Filicudi island, where you'll be greeted with a quiet, informal, and primordial atmosphere. The cliffs on this coast plunge into the sea, providing the perfect diving spot for nature enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters also offer an incredible naturalistic and archaeological route. Take your time to explore the island at your leisurely pace and head to Belvedere di Stimpagnato to witness the magnificent sunset over the La Canna volcanic sea stack. As the sun sets, descend to the charming village of Pecorini on the southwest side of the island and indulge in an aperitif before returning to Salina for a delectable dinner.
Allow yourself a whole day to unwind and independently explore the island. While Pollara Beach is undoubtedly stunning, there are plenty of other beaches on Salina that are just as picturesque, including Scario, Santa Marina, and Rinella. Each beach has its own unique charm, so be sure to visit them all and see which one is your favorite. For a change of pace, head to the charming village of Malfa. This tiny village is located on the northern coast of the island and is a picture-perfect example of traditional Italian architecture. The village's white houses cling to the slope until they reach the sea, creating a stunning backdrop for your adventures. Don't miss the small beach that adds to the village's charm, and be sure to visit the eighteenth-century church of Sant'Anna. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of art, including numerous paintings and sculptures that tell the story of Salina's rich history.
Day 8: Milazzo | Return Home
1 Breakfast
After one last leisurely breakfast, take a ferry boat to Milazzo and then a private transfer to Catania Airport (CTA) for your return flights home.
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$4,310
Notes
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Pricing is estimated and fluctuates by season. For the most current pricing and details, please request a quote from a Trip Planner.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
