Trekking trip
ITALY
THE FASCINATION OF VOLCANOES
Südtirolalpin
State-certified mountain and ski guides IFMGA
South Tyrol Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Trip duration
6 days
Ätna und Stromboli – Vulkan-Trekking
Fire, ash and black lava fields: on Sicily and the Aeolian Islands we get up close to two of the most active volcanoes in Europe
6 days · Southern Italy
Italy's volcanoes: Southern Italy is home to some of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Alongside the 3,340-metre Etna on Sicily, which makes headlines every year with spectacular eruptions and offers the full spectrum from lava fountains to Strombolian explosions and glowing lava flows, we will also visit the namesake of one of these eruption types himself: Stromboli. It is active even more regularly, hurling glowing lava and chunks of rock out of its crater in explosive eruptions roughly every half hour.
The programme features fascinating outings on the flanks of the volcanoes, with their very own landscape and numerous lava caves, as well as a visit to the main craters, if the current situation on the volcano allows it. With a bit of luck, we may even be there just when Etna enters one of its far from rare active phases, and witness a volcanic eruption up close. A natural spectacle that could hardly be more impressive.
The fact that these eruptions cannot be planned, and in some cases can only be predicted a few hours in advance, makes this trip all the more exciting. That is precisely the appeal here: we are not moving in front of a backdrop, but through a landscape that is constantly changing.
HIGHLIGHTS
✧ Out and about on two of the most active volcanoes on Earth: Etna and Stromboli
✧ Beautiful trekking excursions across the fascinating volcanic landscape of Etna
✧ Ascent of Etna to the main craters - depending on current volcanic developments and official regulations, access may only be permitted up to a certain altitude
✧ Etna often erupts spectacularly several times a year - with a bit of luck, we will witness one of the most impressive natural spectacles of all
✧ Ascent of Stromboli with its regular explosions and views of the Sciara del Fuoco
✧ Culinary delights from local Sicilian cooking - a cuisine you will fall in love with
INFO
Services
Included in the price
'- All organisation, planning, bookings and reservations made in advance by the mountain guide
- Professional on-site guiding by a state-certified mountain guide
- Mountain guide's fee
- 5 nights in a hotel with half board
*the final trip price depends on availability, clients' individual wishes and current market prices for accommodation
- Boat crossing to Stromboli
- Rent car on Sicily
- Cable car ticket from Rifugio Sapienza to the top station on Etna
- Expenses (travel and accommodation) for the mountain guide
Additional costs for participants
'- Flight to Catania
- Food and drinks not included in half board, and personal expenses
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment available on request for €20 per item for the entire trip
Facts
Location
Southern Italy
Best time of year
April - end of November
Duration
6 days
Meeting point
Catania Airport
Requirements
'- Climbing Etna requires good fitness for 1,500 metres of ascent
- All other tours are considerably shorter
- Some sure-footedness when walking on cooled lava fields
- An interest in the fascinating world of volcanoes
Documents
'- Valid identity card / passport
No other special entry documents are required for EU citizens
PRICE
Participants
5 - 8 people
Smaller groups or individual guiding available on request
Price
Tailor-made on request
Every trip is priced individually.
The price depends on factors including destination, duration, programme, group size, date and scope of services.
You can find more information about our rates in our terms and conditions.
If you have any questions or need more information, just add them in the comments field of the enquiry form.
Before you send your request: please read the "important information" on the risks of mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
on request
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Sicily
We meet on Sicily at the airport in Catania, where we pick up our rent car and drive together to our accommodation. There we get our first taste of Sicilian cuisine and discover the specialities of the region.
Day 2: Experiencing Etna
Depending on the weather, today we will already climb to the summit craters of Etna, or at least as far as the current situation allows. Otherwise, an excursion into the Valle del Bove is on the programme – the valley into which most of the lava flows from summit crater eruptions run. A fascinating landscape in constant change.
Day 3: Second day on Etna
Depending on which of the two options we chose the day before, today we will either climb to the summit crater, visit the Valle del Bove or, if the bad weather persists, explore one of the many caves on Etna. This keeps us flexible so we can make the most of the conditions on the ground.
Day 4: Transfer to the islands
Today it is already time to say goodbye to Etna - but only to reach another highlight of this trip. We travel by boat to the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie), home to several active volcanoes such as Vulcano and, above all, Stromboli. The island of Stromboli consists of little more than an active volcano and a small village, where we check into our hotel for the night.
Day 5: Stromboli by night
We spend the day on Stromboli, in the little village, on the beach or on relaxed walks. Towards evening we climb towards the summit. Especially in the evening hours, once it is dark, the explosions and the glowing red rocks flying through the air are particularly impressive. By the light of our head torches we then descend back to the village and spend another night on Stromboli.
Walking time: 5 h | ↑ 900 m | ↓ 900 m
Day 6: Journey home
Our last day in Southern Italy has arrived. Early in the morning, the first ferry takes us back to the Sicilian mainland, where our rent car is waiting. We drive back to Catania and board our flight home, packed with memories - memories of an almost surreal world of lava, fire, ash and steaming craters that will probably seem even more unreal when we look at the photos back home.
Info: Both Etna and Stromboli are among the most active volcanoes on Earth. Depending on the current situation on each volcano, we may have to adapt the programme. But that is exactly what makes this trip so special: with a bit of luck, we can watch volcanic activity live from a safe distance. Ascents to the active main craters of Etna and Stromboli are made with certified volcano guides, where permitted.
Sounds good, but not quite perfect?
No problem: this programme is just one idea of how the trip could look. The length of the trip can be extended or shortened as you wish. I will gladly put together an individual programme for you or your group, tailored entirely to your ideas and wishes.
Simply send a no-obligation enquiry using the form above.
Any changes to the itinerary that may become necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation availability, etc.) are always made in consultation with the participants.
DESTINATION FACTS
Sicily
Country: Italy
Population: 5 million
Area: 24,500 km²
Currency: euro
Language: Italian
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
How fit do I need to be for this trekking trip?
You should enjoy spending several hours on foot and be happy on longer hikes over partly sandy, rocky volcanic terrain. On Etna and Stromboli, the exact character of the tours depends heavily on the weather, volcanic activity and the routes that are permitted.
What happens if an ascent is not possible because of volcanic activity?
Then we adapt the programme flexibly. On Etna and Stromboli in particular, the current situation decides whether the main craters may be visited or whether we switch to alternative tours and viewpoints. So it certainly won't get boring.
What equipment do I need for the trip?
Above all, you need sturdy mountain boots and a head torch for the descent on Stromboli. You will receive the detailed packing list with your confirmation email. Any missing equipment can be rented from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
MOUNTAIN AND CLIMBING TRIPS
# VOLCANOES # ETNA # STROMBOLI # MOUNTAIN GUIDE