Tour of Sicilian Volcanoes: Etna and Aeolian islands 8 days | Tour of Sicilian Volcanoes: Etna and Aeolian islands |
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Highlights:
- Etna park, the largest active volcano in Europe and Nebrodi Park - History, culture, volcanoes and Italian dolce vita in one week Etna Excitement is guaranteed around Europe's highest volcano. Mt Etna offers a varied of different aspects, from the black flows of lava and vast plain of black sand to a luxuriant vegetation on the lower slopes. There Mt Etna abounds with oak and chestnut forests, alternated by ancient man-made terraces where premier quality vineyards, pears and apple orchards, hazelnut and pistachio groves grow. Mt Etna has a boundary of 250 Km and covers 1260 square meters making it the largest volcano in Europe. It rises to 3350 over sea level at the summit craters, but this height varies as a result of on-going constructive and destructive explosive activity that constantly reshapes the summit crater area. Aeolian Islands The Aeolian Islands Archipelago is made up of 7 islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. Islands of wild aspect fall sheer into the sea, offering visions of amazing beauty. Like Sicily, land of many contrasts, the islands are characterized by many different landscapes that generally do not exist in the same place. Vast back beaches like ebony contrasting with light colored shores; inaccessible and winding coasts follow in antitheses to low and hospitable rivieras; large sterile areas extend alongside fertile, pleasant gardens. Also, the nature offers many peculiarities, such as strange perforated rocks resembling bold bridges and rampant arches (I faraglioni); areas of sea in ebullition (due to underwater fumarole); rocks with a network of clefts from which boiling water gushes. Another attraction of the Aeolian Islands is the hot spring of high therapeutic value, located in Vulcano. The mud baths can be done on the inside of the hot spring, therefore the island offer a unique example of a highly healing mixture made of natural volcanic mud with natural hot spring. Particularly indicated for articulation, circulation and dermatological affections.
Day 1: Catania Day 2: Catania/Rifugio Sapienza/Randazzo ( 60 Km) In the morning short ride to the Catania Station. Transfer by public bus at the Rifugio Sapienza (1851 mt). Chance to climb by 4x4 jeeps until 2900 mt and on foot to 3350 mt escorted by a volcano or alpine guide. From Rifugio Sapienza on a panoramic road on the south west of Etna we reach Randazzo, characteristic medieval village. On the way we cross Bronte and its pistachio’s plantations. Overnight stay in B&B in Randazzo. Day 3: Alcantara Tour ( 60 Km) Alcantara is one of the most important rivers of Sicily famous for its splendid gorges. It has its source in Nebrodi Mountains, at 1,250 m of altitude near Floresta, and it runs for about 50 km before flowing into the sea near Capo Schisò. Chance to visit characteristics smalls Sicilians village like Francavilla di Sicilia e Castiglione. Overnight stay in B&B in Randazzo. Day 4: Randazzo/Milazzo/Lipari (80,0 Km) On a panoramic road we are getting the northern coast of Sicily. On the way chance to visit the old castle of Montalbano Elicona. From Milazzo hydrofoil to Lipari. Overnight stay in B&B in Lipari. Day 5: Vulcano (30,0 km) In the morning hydrofoil to Vulcano (10 min), Vulcano, one of the seven Aeolian Islands, famous for its black beaches and Thermal Springs. Short ride from Porto di Levante to south side of the island. Chance to visit Gelso, small fishing village. In the early afternoon chance to Excursion to Vulcano’s crater to see the Fumarole. In the late afternoon, hydrofoil to Lipari. Day 6: Salina (22,0 km) In the morning hydrofoil to Salina (20 min.), the island greenest of the archipelago. The road is proceeding from Santa Marina to Rinella, crossing the village of Malfa, Pollara e Leni. Salina, is become a natural reserve for a few years, it is also a paradise for everybody that who love to walk in the nature. Overnight stay in B&B in Lipari. Day 7: Lipari (25,0 km) In the morning to go in search of Lipari. Chance to visit the “Castello di Lipari” and his village. In the early afternoon hydrofoil to Milazzo and transfer to Catania. Overnight stay in Hotel in Catania, very close to the city centre. Day 8: Departure After breakfast return of the bikes and transfer by car to Catania Airport.
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Departure date: From February to July and from September to October Accommodation: Equipment: - bike clothes - water proof jacket - sun glasses - sun cream - frontal torch with batteries
Not included: Supplement (single room): 75 euro Extension of the stay (price per person per night in double/triple occupancy):
Responsible Booking/info: Sebastiano Foti
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