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

Volcanoes of Italy: Southern Italy is home to some of the most active volcanoes on earth. In addition to the 3,340-meter-high Mount Etna in Sicily, which makes headlines with its spectacular annual eruptions and offers the entire spectrum from lava fountains to Strombolian explosions and glowing lava flows, we will also visit Stromboli, the namesake of one of the aforementioned eruption types, which is even more regularly active: it hurls glowing lava and boulders from its crater in explosive eruptions every half hour. Fascinating excursions along the flanks of the volcanoes, with their unique landscapes and numerous lava caves, as well as visits to the summit craters (if the current situation at the volcano permits), are on the agenda. With a bit of luck, we might even be there during one of Etna's not-so-rare active phases and experience a volcanic eruption up close. One of the most breathtaking natural spectacles imaginable. However, the fact that these eruptions cannot be planned and can sometimes only be predicted by a few hours makes this trip even more exciting.

HIGHLIGHTS

- On the trail of two of the most active volcanoes on earth: Etna and Stromboli
- Beautiful trekking excursions through the fascinating volcanic landscape of Etna
- Climbing Mount Etna - 3,340 m (depending on current volcanic developments and restrictions, access may only be permitted up to a certain height)
- Mount Etna often erupts spectacularly several times a year - with a bit of luck, one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles you can experience
- Climbing Stromboli with its breathtaking explosions every half hour
- Culinary delicacies from local Sicilian cuisine - 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.

Request

If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.

Dates:

upon request

PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrival in Sicily
We meet in Sicily at the airport in Catania, where we will pick up our rental car and then drive together to our accommodation. At our accommodation, we will have our first taste of Sicilian cuisine and explore the specialties of this region.

Day 2: Etna - Valle del Bove
Depending on the weather, we will climb to the summit craters today (or at least as far as the current situation allows). Otherwise, an excursion to the Valle del Bove is on the agenda. This valley is home to most of the lava flows created by eruptions from the summit craters. A fascinating landscape in constant change.

Day 3: Etna - Summit Crater
Depending on which of the two options were on the agenda the previous day, we will either climb to the summit crater, visit the Valle del Bove, or, if the weather persists, visit one of Etna's numerous caves.

Day 4: Transfer to the Aeolian Islands
Today, it's time to say goodbye to Mount Etna again. But only to reach another highlight of this trip. We'll travel by boat to the Aeolian Islands (Isole Aeolie). There are several active volcanoes here, including Vulcano and, above all, Stromboli. The island of Stromboli consists essentially of just one active volcano and a small village, where we'll stay overnight.

Day 5: Stromboli - Ascent to the Summit Crater
We'll spend the entire day on Stromboli, in the small village, on the beach, or taking wonderful walks. Towards evening, we'll ascend toward the summit. Especially in the evening hours, when it's already dark, the explosions and the glowing red boulders flying around are particularly impressive. By the light of our headlamps, we'll then descend back to the village and spend another night on Stromboli.

Day 6: Return 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 awaits us. We drive back to Catania and board our return flight, brimming with unforgettable memories. Memories of an almost surreal world of lava, fire, ash, and steaming craters, which will seem even more unreal to us in the pictures we see back home.

*Both Etna and Stromboli are among the most active volcanoes on earth. Due to the current situation at each volcano, we may have to adjust the program. But what could be better than being able to witness a volcanic eruption live from a safe distance?

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.