Sicily – Aeolian Islands

A sensory overload. A melting pot of different cultures and food over the centuries that leaves you gasping for more.

Stunning mountain top towns; walking the craters of Mount Etna whilst she’s quietly letting off steam; three glorious days on the tiny island of Ortigia and time spent in the most beautiful Baroque towns of Sicily. It’s all amazing.

To then ferry to an archipelago of seven islands off the north coast of Sicily to stay on Lipari for three days is an unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary

Naples x 2 days

Naples is Italy at its best. Think birthplace of pizza and home of Sophia Loren. It is brash vibrant and gritty, but there is a raw energy amongst the chaos. It is wonderfully unpretentious, full of energy and safer than you think. We will explore the rich cityscape including the legendary Spaccanapoli and other iconic corners of the historic centre.

On the second day we take a short walk from our accommodation in the Spanish Quarter to the ferry to take us to the nearby island of Procida, a little piece of heaven sitting in the Bay of Naples. It is pure magic wandering this colourful 4.1 square kilometre island with its fishing boats, washing flapping in the seabreeze and locals going about their daily business on their scooters. Hard to beat a delicious seafood lunch with a glass of vino sitting at the water’s edge.

Taormina x 3 days

Depart Naples for Villa San Giovanni via train, a four hour coastal hugging scenic journey. On the other side of the Strait of Messina we will be met by Rosario for a private transfer to irresistible Taormina. Beautifully restored medieval buildings, breathtaking views around every corner and a giddy network of winding streets all combine for a heady mix of mountain magic.

Our second day is a full day tour of Mount Etna in four wheel drive vehicles. On the way to the extinct craters at 2,000 metres above sea level, you will see the great lava flow of 1991-1993 and Etna’s forest and green valley with luxuriant vegetation. Truly a surreal experience walking around the craters on what looks and feels like a moonscape.

The last day allows time to linger and delight in our romantic town; catch the cablecar to Isola Bella; explore the Greek-Roman theatre and visit the tiny hilltop town of Castelmola, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Ortigia x 3 days

Private transfer to the tiny baroque island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Siracusa, just one kilometre long and barely 600 metres wide. Inhabited for over 3,000 years and renowned for its Greek heritage, Ortigia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a treasure trove of tight streets crammed with remnants of the past in the shape of ruins, churches, palaces and stunning piazzas.

Time over the next two days to visit two spectacular towns, both destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. First glimpse of Ragusa Ibla will take your breath away. After the earthquake the town was rebuilt according to the original medieval street plan on the ruins of the old city. Not far away is Noto, considered the most beautiful of all Sicily’s baroque towns.

Lipari x 3 days

Private transfer from Ortigia to Messina Marittima to catch a ferry to an archipelago of seven islands off the north cost of Sicily. The Aeolian Islands are stunning with dramatic scenery, hot mud baths and hiking paths on old mule tracks. We stay in Lipari, the largest island, with its lovely Italian small town vibe and attractive harbour. Time to visit other islands including Panarea, the smallest and most exclusive island.

The Aeolian Islands have a place in mythology and were inhabited as far back as 5000 BC. There is much to see on our island including traces of the island’s ancient history; an impressive castello and a fascinating Archaeological Museum which holds treasures from the Neolithic Age, the Bronze Age and the Greek and Roman periods.

Rome x 3 days

After breakfast we depart the island for mainland Sicily where we cross the Strait of Messina to catch the train directly back to Rome. The next two days in the eternal city will reveal the unusual and totally unexpected because there are surprises around every corner. This is a city almost 3,000 years old, built layer upon layer like a lasagna. You will discover the real city, noticing unobtrusive details and sensing that every stone and crack in a wall is suffused with history and can tell a gripping story. Secrets everywhere.

Create unforgettable memories, whether it be losing yourself in the Colosseum and Roman Forum with an expert guide; visiting the Sistine Chapel an hour before it opens to the public or exploring Rome on the back of a vespa like a true Roman on a guided tour through neighbourhoods that most tourists don’t see.

Tour Inclusions

Your Italian adventure includes:

Deb is your Tour Leader from the start of the journey to the end

Accommodation x 14 nights in a twin share/double room in boutique hotels or villas centrally located

Hotel city taxes

Breakfast every day

Ferry Naples to Procida return

Funicular and entry fee to Castel Sant’Elmo, Naples

Taxis from Spanish Quarter to Naples train station

Train Naples to Villa San Giovanni

Ferry Villa San Giovanni to Messina Marittima return

Transfers in private, luxury airconditioned minibus: