Sicilian Volcanoes

This fabulous adventure trip to Sicily begins with 2 relaxing days to wind down  and combines Mount Etna, the most active stratovolcano in the world with the amazing Aeolian Islands.

WELCOME TO THE VERDURA RESORT

After landing in Palermo you’ll be picked up by our driver and travel south to the coast of Sicily which faces Africa. An 80-minute drive through the countryside and you’ll leave it all behind!

Enjoy the beach and the huge spa, linger poolside and take a guided hike along the coast or a bike ride to the less known inland. Go out and soak up the atmosphere of the nearby villages and dine at our favorite restaurant in the area serving fresh fish caught by local fishermen.

Spend the next morning with our guide and archaeologist walking among the eight Greek temples of the Valley of the Temples.

If horseriding is your think then you should definitely explore this valley on horseback – it’s a place where nature, history and beauty have been living together for over 2,500 years.

ON TO MOUNT ETNA

The setting for the next few days is one of those unique places in the world, Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Your home will be a gorgeous retreat at the slopes of the volcano, a 19th-century villa spectacularly situated on a 60-acre organic farm and dotted with secluded maison.

The room we’ll reserve for you will be one of the estate suites with private pool to cool down after a day of activity.

Dine on the fabulous locally sourced menu of the restaurant, the wine list is impressive too including some of the most surprising natural wines produced on Mount Etna.

Mount Etna (3,340m.) is the most active stratovolcano in the world and its eruptive history goes back to 500,000 years. Three or four days in its shadow will give you the opportunity to enjoy unique experiences with our naturalistic guide and eat some authentic regional food (think grilled meat, sausages and country recipes) washed down with Etna wines.

You have many options. You can get to 2500m asl by cable car and then by special 4WD vehicles up to 2900, guided by our alpine and volcanologist guide. The short 20-minute trek from here is a memorable one.

Or you might want to conquer the peak. In this case, hearty breakfast and hiking boots on. Arriving at the summit craters is an overwhelming emotional experience and the landscape is one of those “were heaven and hell so close?”

Breakfast is a serious business at your estate, and after a generous amount of home-made food we head off for one more day exploring around. Opt for an easy but awesome trek over the lava field of the most recent serious Etna eruption (1991-1993) which thankfully stopped at just 700 metres from the village of Zafferana.

For some more adventure go rafting in a unique canyon of basaltic lava, shaped over thousands of years by the waters of the Alcantara river.

Whichever you choose, the next stop will be an excellent winery to unwind over a superb lunch paired with some of Etna’s most exciting wines. Curious wine lovers and connoisseurs won’t want to miss a visit to the most visionary among the pioneers of natural Etna wines, Frank Cornelissen.

For your last night in the aerea we’ll take you to a Slow Food trattoria to sample their epic tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms.

AEOLIAN TIME

After a few fantastic days you’ll go over to the Aeolian Islands, 7 volcanic islands rising out of the blue Mediterranean Sea.

We have arranged a private helicopter transfer from your estate, taking in unique views of Etna’s craters and overflying the Aeolian archipelago.

Your home will be a whitewashed resort on the island of Vulcano. The ancients believed this island was the chimney of the fire god Vulcan’s workshop and the moment you set foot on it, it becomes clear that this is indeed a setting fit for a god.

Take one day to slow down and get into the laidback rhythm of the islands, swimming in turquoise waters, snorkeling and kayaking in grottos and thermal caves. Go for some local vibe along the marina where shops, restaurants and bars all come alive in the evenings.

The next morning prepare to be whisked off on a boat trip, there’s no better way to explore the Eolie than by boat. And if you ask our captain where to sail to he has no doubt, the remote and westermost island of Filicudi.

A rocky island, peppered with prickly pears, whitewashed houses and flowering capers growing out of every crag. Your captain will drop anchor at the quaint village of Pecorini a Mare for lunch in a beautiful private home. Your hosts and our friends will prepare a Filicudi style seafood lunch to enjoy together on the seafront terrace.

Spend a lazy morning and get ready for the most exciting experience you may have in all the Aeolian Islands. Your captain will take you to the 2 most iconic islands of the archipelago. Panarea, chic and glamorous and Stromboli where, after dark, you will admire from your boat, the unique show of the lava streams plunging down the side of the volcano like firey waterfalls into the dark sea.

When the nature’s whims allow it, you can also opt to hike up to the crater with our expert guides. You’ll hear the voice of the volcano and when it is dark see the bright red of the lava against the darkness of the surroundings.

And food? Sure, this is Sicily. Capers, figs, olives, lemons, the freshest fish ever, pane cunzato, legendary granitas and Malvasia wine.

You’ll spend the last 2 days of your Sicilian journey in Taormina to wind down after some pretty active days. Breathtaking panoramas, iconic outdoor cafés, outstanding restaurants, when it comes to enjoying a taste of the good life, Taormina is perfect. 

The present itinerary and the suggested accommodation are just examples to give you an idea of what your customised trip may look like. Get in touch to design together your very own trip to Sicily.