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Eastern Sicily & Aeolian Islands
offered by supplier M18955 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 10
people
Destination(s):
Italy
Specialty Categories:
Walking Tours
Season: October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 2450 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 2450 Euro (EUR)
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Where in the world can you stand in a sacred building and, with the caress of your hand, touch 5000 years of a people’s history? Where in the world does one building encompass a Prehistoric Sanctuary, Greek temple, Byzantine church, Arabic mosque and Christian cathedral? Only in Siracusa, one of the mightiest cities of ancient times and the starting point for our scenic, historical and mythological walking journey along the Eastern shores of Sicily to the Volcanic Aeolian Islands.
Here Greek mythology comes to life: Ulysses finds respite from his maritime adventures after crossing the treacherous Straits of Scilla and Charybdis; Zeus makes Aeolus guardian of the winds; and Vulcan works his forge inside the crater of a volcano; the list could go on.
This area is a sea of ever changing colors, textures and perfumes. As we head up the coast we explore fertile gorges with citrus groves, wild figs and caper bushes cascading onto the openings of Bronze Age tombs; ascend active volcanoes with obsidian and pumice rocks; stroll elegantly in the sophisticated hill-town of Taormina whose scenic beauty bewitched writers such as D.H.Lawrence and Oscar Wilde; sail on the Mediterranean Sea to reach the Aeolian Islands.
Our journey ends on the Aeolian Island archipelago, a group of seven islands, literally chunks of volcanic land lying like sleeping giants in the emerald blue Mediterranean Sea off the north coast of Sicily. Settlers have been here since 4000BC, trading valuable volcanic rocks like obsidian and pumice across the ancient world. This unspoilt corner of paradise seems frozen in time and exudes a natural harmony and tranquility for us to savor and enjoy.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Catania airport - Siracusa
We meet at 14.00 at Catania airport and travel to Siracusa. Time to settle into our charming hotel before meeting a local guide and immersing ourselves in the ancient history of Siracusa, once capital of Magna Graecia and most powerful city of the Greek world.
Day 2: Prehistoric tombs of Pantalica
A leisurely morning to explore the historic quarters of Siracusa and experience the lively fish market. Later we travel a short distance to the plateau of Pantalica to walk along paths in the Anapo valley along a series of stunning limestone gorges and explore the hillside honeycombed with 4000 year old tombs of various shapes and sizes. (3hrs/6miles)
Day 3: Mount Etna
We travel to the slopes of the active volcano, Mt Etna, watching an ever changing landscape of lava fields, pioneer flowers and shrubs, ancient and new craters. Once we reach the end of the drivable road at 6000ft, weather permitting we ascend to Mt Etna using 4x4 vehicles and then on foot. Sometimes Mt. Etna even chooses to erupt specially for us! We end the day at the very beautiful resort town of Taormina. (2-4hrs)
Day 4: Free day to explore Taormina
An attractive footpath from our hotel lined with blooming bougainvillea goes past a Norman castle, down the Via Crucis and emerges in the heart of the charming hill-town of Taormina. Visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater, do a little shopping, explore the narrow alleys and sit in a street cafe to watch the world go by. Evening excursion to go out for dinner in the fishing cove of Mazzaro on the Ionian Sea. (1hr/3miles)
Day 5: Panarea
We sail to Panarea, the smallest and arguably most charming of the Aeolian Islands and walk to a Bronze Age village at the south-west end of the island. This is a good day for a swim off one of the coves dotted around the island or around the underwater crater which continuously shows thermal activity. In the evening absorb the island’s soothing atmosphere at sunset over a glass of wine. (2hrs)
Day 6: Salina & Stromboli by Night
Salina is distinguishable by its twin volcanic peaks and lies at the heart of the Aeolian archipelago. Our walk ascends Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest peak and as we climb we have clear views of Malvasia vineyards on the slopes opposite. Exhilarated as we arrive on top among ferns, juniper and heather, we can take a long rest and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands as we enjoy our picnic. (5hrs; Elev. +2200ft -3000ft) Return to Panarea in the afternoon to swim in the sea or relax at our hotel. Optional evening excursion to Stromboli departing at sunset to sail past the eruptive firework spectacle called the ‘Sciara del Fuoco’.
Day 7: Lipari & Vulcano
A morning excursion to Vulcano for the unforgettable experience of walking up a volcano, going around the rim and looking into the smoldering sulfurous crater (1280ft). In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely walk to get acquainted with Lipari, the largest of the islands and rich in Neolithic and Mycenaean culture. Then stroll round the characteristic fishing harbor or visit the archaeological museum up on the old Greek acropolis where you can also see excavations of prehistoric settlements. (4hrs)
Day 8: Departure from Catania Airport
We travel by hydrofoil back to the mainland Sicily. Transfer by bus to Catania airport for afternoon flights. If you wish, we can help to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements.
Walking level: moderate to strenuous
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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, ext: 18955
