Trekking trip
ITALY
FASCINATION OF VOLCANOES
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
1,700,- €
Travel time
6 days
ABOUT THE TRIP
Between fire, ash and black lava fields, on Sicily and the Aeolian Islands we get very close to two of the most active volcanoes in Europe.
6 days · Southern Italy
Italy’s volcanoes: In Southern Italy there are some of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Alongside the 3,340-metre-high Etna on Sicily, which makes headlines every year with spectacular eruptions and offers the full range from lava fountains to Strombolian explosions and glowing lava flows, we will also visit the very namesake of one of the eruption types mentioned above: Stromboli. It is even more regularly active and hurls glowing lava and rock fragments from the crater in explosive eruptions every half hour.
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 permitted under the current volcanic conditions—are all part of the programme. With a bit of luck, we may even be there exactly when Etna enters one of its not at all uncommon active phases, allowing us to witness an eruption at close range. A natural spectacle that could hardly be more impressive.
The fact that these eruptions cannot be planned and in some cases become predictable only a few hours in advance makes this journey even more exciting. That is exactly the appeal here: we are not travelling in front of a backdrop, but in a landscape that is constantly changing.
HIGHLIGHTS
✧ On the move on two of the most active volcanoes on Earth: Etna and Stromboli
✧ Beautiful trekking excursions across the fascinating volcanic landscape on Etna
✧ Ascent of Etna up 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 several times a year in spectacular fashion – 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 the local Sicilian kitchen – a cuisine to fall in love with
INFO
Services
Included in the price
- All organization, planning, and bookings and reservations are handled in advance by the mountain guide.
- Professional on-site guidance by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Mountain guide's fee.
- 5 overnight stays in a hotel with half board.
*The final price depends on availability, individual client requests, and current market prices.
- Boat crossing to Stromboli.
- Rental car in Sicily.
- Cable car ticket from Rifugio Sapienza to the top station on Mount Etna.
- Expenses (travel and overnight stay) for the mountain guide.
Additional costs
- Flight to Catania
- Food and drinks outside of the half-board package, as well as personal expenses
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment is available upon request for €20 per item of equipment 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 Mount Etna requires a good level of fitness for the 1,500-meter climb.
- All other tours are significantly shorter.
- Some surefootedness is required when walking on cooled lava fields.
- An interest in the fascinating world of volcanoes.
Documents
- Valid identity card/passport
Otherwise, no special entry documents are required for EU citizens.
PRICING
Participants
5-8 people
Smaller groups or individual tour guides are available upon request.
Prices
1-4 people:
5 people or more:
upon request
1.700,- €
* The price is for guidance only.
The final price may vary depending on availability, season, individual preferences, and current market prices at the time of booking.
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
PROGRAM
Day 1: Arrival in Sicily
We meet on Sicily at the airport in Catania, where we pick up our rental car and then drive together to our accommodation. There we get our first taste of Sicilian cuisine and discover the specialities of this region.
Day 2: Experience Etna
Depending on the weather, today we will already ascend to the summit craters of Etna, or at least go as high as the current situation allows. Otherwise, an excursion into the Valle del Bove is on the programme, the valley through which most of the lava flows created by eruptions of the summit craters run. A fascinating landscape in constant transformation.
Day 3: Second day on Etna
Depending on which of the two options was on the programme the day before, today we will either ascend to the summit crater, visit the Valle del Bove, or, if bad weather persists, explore one of the many caves on Etna. This keeps us flexible and allows us to make the very most of the conditions on site.
Day 4: Transfer to the islands
Today it is already time to say goodbye to Etna—but only in order to reach another highlight of this journey. By boat we travel to the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie). Several active volcanoes are found here, such as Vulcano and above all Stromboli. The island of Stromboli consists practically only of an active volcano and a small village, where we will check into our hotel for the coming night.
Day 5: Stromboli at night
We spend the day on Stromboli, in the little village, on the beach, or on relaxed walks. Towards evening we then ascend in the direction of the summit. Especially in the evening hours, once it is already dark, the explosions and the glowing red rock fragments flying through the air are particularly impressive. By the light of our headlamps, 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 rental car is waiting for us. We drive back to Catania and begin our return flight with many memories in our packs—memories of an almost surreal world of lava, fire, ash and steaming craters that will probably seem even more unreal to us again once we are back home looking at the photos.
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 also what makes this journey so special: with a bit of luck, we can observe volcanic activity live from a safe distance. Ascents to the active main craters of Etna and Stromboli take place with certified volcano guides, provided access is permitted.
Sounds good, but not perfect?
No problem: This is just an idea of how the program for trip could look like. The duration can be extended or shortened as desired. I would be happy to put together a customized itinerary for you or a group, tailored entirely to your ideas and wishes.
Simply send us a non-binding inquiry using the form above.
Any changes to the travel program that may be necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation booking situation, etc.) will always be 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 in partly sandy, rocky volcanic terrain. On Etna and Stromboli, the exact character of the tours depends heavily on the weather, volcanic activity and the permitted routes.
What happens if an ascent is not possible because of volcanic activity?
In that case, we adapt the programme flexibly. On both Etna and Stromboli, the current situation determines whether the main craters may be visited or whether we switch to alternative tours and viewpoints. So it certainly will not be boring.
What equipment do I need for the trip?
Most important are sturdy mountaineering boots and a headlamp for the descent on Stromboli. You will receive the detailed packing list with the confirmation email. Missing equipment can be rented from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
