Mt. Etna, Taormina, Siracusa, and Lipari

Sicily & the Aeolian Islands

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Sun-drenched Sicily inhabits a world all its own, with its own hybrid language, a cuisine tangy with the spices of Africa, and a rich culture derived from a parade of Mediterranean powers. We hike the vineyard-covered slopes of mighty Mt. Etna, the ravishing volcano-isles of Lipari and Vulcano encircled by aquamarine seas, and the trails of the Pantalica Gorge, with its Neolithic cave tombs. As we explore this mysterious land, we are surrounded by the monuments of many epochs, from Greek and Roman temples to cathedrals with Arab-Norman facades, a testament to the multicultural heritage of one of the most gorgeous islands in the world.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Palermo / Monreale / Cefalù / Madonie Mountains

We meet in Palermo, and head along the coast to Monreale for a chance to see its mighty 12th century cathedral, one of Europe’s medieval treasures. Our hike in the interior Madonie Mountains reveals Sicily’s deeply rustic culture, the “true” Sicily of tiny mountain villages, farms, shepherds, and fresh-made cheeses. Overnights are at the seaside resort town of Cefalù, where La Rocca, the steep promontory 750 feet above the town, makes a dramatic backdrop.

Days 3-4
Lipari / Vulcano / Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago that includes the dramatic islands of Stromboli, Vulcano, Lipari, and tiny Panarea. We ferry out to Lipari, largest of the Aeolians, with its pretty harbor dominated by a 16th century castle. A beautiful coastal hike brings us around the island to the old Roman thermal baths at San Calogero, and along the way, we enjoy glorious views of Vulcano as well as the spikey rock formations that puncture the sea around Lipari. A hydrofoil voyage brings us to dramatic Vulcano, from which all volcanoes get their name. Vulcan (Hephaestos in Greek mythology) was the Roman god of fire and metalworking. Here we make the exciting hike to the top of the volcano and around its crater rim. Panoramic views extend to Stromboli and the other Aeolian islands.

Days 5-6
Taormina / Mt. Etna

With breathtaking panoramas of sea and sky and balconies overflowing with flowers, the hilltown of Taormina charms its visitors. Views from the town’s 3rd century Greek theater frame Mt. Etna perfectly. We enjoy a morning hike on the slopes of majestic Mt. Etna, at over 10,000 feet, the highest active volcano in Europe.

Days 7-9
Siracusa / Pantalica Gorge

In the welcoming coastal city of Siracusa, we explore fabulous Greek, Roman, and Christian ruins in a vast archaeological park, then head out to hike the Pantalica Gorge among the cave dwellings and rock tombs that line the spectacular canyon walls. Depart from Catania on Day 9.

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Tour Costs $3995 (13-15 members) $4295 (10-12 members) $4495 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $595 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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