"Eastern Sicily"
12 Day Walking Tour
30 Oct – 10 Nov 2027
With baroque palaces, fine beaches and Mount Etna, the Ionian coast is home to many of the Sicily’s crown jewels – underpinned by glorious local food and drink.
Light reflecting off churches and palaces, views of craggy mountains and blue sea, smells of orange blossom, oregano and mint…
Sicily is an inspiring place, particularly for northern Europeans. “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all,” said German writer Goethe in 1787.
It’s a big island, though, and difficult to “do” in one trip. Better to get to know Sicily in chunks – and its Ionian coast, with Taormina, plus second city Catania, and hulking Mount Etna, is an ideal start.
Detailed itinerary
Arrive at Catania airport
- Transfer to Milazzo
- Boat to Lipari Island
- Check in hotel
- Dinner and overnight
Off the northeastern
coast of Sicily is a hard-to-reach paradise, a volcanic archipelago that is even more removed from the typical tourist track. It’s the Aeolian Islands; islands that are chic and wild in equal measure. Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea – welcome to the Aeolian Islands. These seven spectacular islands at the tip of Italy’s toe are home to breathtaking scenery formed by the region’s volcanic activity. Rich in local culture and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s a good reason why these mesmerising islands are known as the pearls of the Mediterranean.
DAY 1
Lipari Island
- Morning walk on Lipari Island
- Light lunch
- Afternoon bus tour of the entire island
- Aperitif at sunset
- Dinner and overnight
The largest of the seven significant Aeolian Islands, Lipari is an ideal base from which to explore the
entire chain, and features their best-served port. The town of Lipari itself is a pretty pastel-coloured cluster of winding streets, alive with restaurants, shops and bars in the summer months.
Perched above the harbour, Lipari’s historic old town comprises a castle, cathedral and fascinating archaeological museum.
DAY 2
Panarea and Stromboli Island
- Private boat to Panarea island
- Morning walk on Panarea
- Snack lunch in Panarea
- Private boast to Stromboli
- Short stroll of Stromboli
- Watch Stromboli eruptions from the boat
- Back to Lipari
- Dinner and overnight
The jewel in the Aeolian’s crown, Panarea is the smallest island in the chain, as well as the most exclusive. Beloved by celebrities, this
gem-like destination boasts gorgeous beaches, stunning scenery and more.
The Aeolian’s most dramatic island, Stromboli, is an active volcano that rises up impressively from the waters of the Mediterranean. With a few settlements on the coast, it is a unique destination. Lava spurts are visible throughout the day – they are particularly spectacular once darkness falls.
DAY 3
Salina and Lipari Island
- Private boat to Salina
- Morning walkaround Pollara
- Caper tasting at Pollara
- Afternoon boat trip around Lipari Island
Known as the green pearl of the Aeolian Islands, the verdant,
vineyard-dotted Salina is a particularly peaceful haven. Perfect for rest, relaxation, wandering and daydreaming, the flower-strewn island is topped with two extinct volcano peaks and is home to charming little communities serving delicious, locally grown produce.
DAY 4
Catania
- Transfer to Catania
- Morning guided urban walk of town
- Free lunch
- Time on your own
- Afternoon return transfer
- Dinner and overnight
Yes, Catania is loud, there is chaos, but the city has an extreme magnetic pull. Sicily’s youngest
city with energy in abundance, modern and witty, so different to Palermo’s old world aristocratic appeal. Catania has been awarded UNSECO status due to it rich history, culture, and architecture with some of the best Baroque architectural sites in all of Italy. A short walk through the streets of the old town is enough to appreciate why UNESCO decided to protect its architecture by declaring it a World Heritage Site: Catania is an impressive open-air setting.
The historical architecture and aesthetically pleasing layout of the city is another reason to visit Catania. You will find plenty of tourist spots within walking distance to the Piazza del Duomo. Like the Elephant Fountain carved in black lava with an Egyptian obelisk on top. The fish market located at the very centre of the city provides some of the best locally sourced seafood in the area. The Market provides an unabashed look and opportunity to interact with the local populace.
DAY 6
Vulcano Island and mainland
- Hotel check out
- Hydrofoil to Vulcano Island
- Morning walk
- Snack lunch
- Hydrofoil to Milazzo
- Transfer to hotel
- Dinner and overnight
As the name of this unique island might suggest, Vulcano is the site of considerable
volcanic activity. Visitors can enjoy cycling, hiking, kayaking and more, and when it’s time to unwind, they can take a dip in the local thermal waters by the wonderful Laghetto dei Fanghi mud baths. Set half-way between Catania and Taormina, just 40 minutes by car from Catania airport, the coastal town is perfectly located for exploring Sicily’s east coast. The vineyard-carpeted slopes of Mount Etna are on your doorstep. Acireale is a surprising city on the Etna Coast. Resting at the foot of Mt. Etna on the Ionian Sea, it has an elegant historic centre and a buzzing local life. The splendid Piazza del Duomo is a beautiful Baroque gathering spot flanked by inspiring architecture. Acireale is home to the oldest art academy in Sicily.
DAY 5
Taormina e Castelmola
- Transfer to Monte Veneretta
- Morning walk down to Castelmola, an extreme panorama walk
- Short stroll of town
- Free lunch in town
- Afternoon guided visit of the Greek Theatre
- Return transfer to hotel
- Dinner and overnight
If in one sweep you can see the Ionian coast, the monumental Mount Etna, the gulf of Giardini-Naxos, the Capo di S. Alessio, the Straits of Messina
and the coast of Calabria, you are either on Google Maps or you are in Castelmola. This small village above Taormina, one of the most beautiful Sicilian Villages in Italy, is a real natural terrace built around the ruins of a Norman castle. Take some time and ‘get lost’ in the smaller lanes of the village. You’ll be rewarded with classic Sicilian scenes like laundry drying from balconies, the aroma of a fresh sugo (sauce) cooking, and hidden viewpoints of the surrounding sea, towns, and countryside.
A marvellous location and unique natural beauty have earned this city the nickname of Pearl of the Ionian Sea, making it the most famous and important holiday resort, not only in Sicily.
Taormina welcomes you at any time of the year with its Mediterranean climate, its historic centre rich in landmarks, and its spectacular Hellenistic theatre offering a spectacular view over the turquoise sea and a view stretching as far as the coast of Calabria, the city of Syracuse and the summit of Mount Etna. Even if ancient history is not necessarily your thing, it is hard to resist the lure of Taormina’s ancient Greek amphitheatre, not least for the spectacular views it provides along the Ionian coast.
DAY 8
Etna South
- Transfer to the Southern Slopes of the volcano
- Morning walk
- Lunch at a local farm and wine tasting
- Return transfer to hotel
- Dinner and overnight
Every respected Grand Tour pays homage to the highest volcano in Europe, which is among the most
active in the world – standing 3327 metres tall with an average basal diameter of 40 km – which dominates the entire island with its size, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hikes climb along the Mount Etna Park nature trails, between woods and verdant orchards, up to the highest altitudes with fascinating views of lunar landscapes, centuries-old lava flows, active caves and steam vents, revealing the charm of this extraordinary natural oasis.
DAY 7
Etna West
- Transfer to the western slopes of Mt. Etna
- Morning walk around the Piano dei Grilli
- Lunch at a pistachio farm and tasting
- Return transfer to hotel
- Dinner and overnight
The site is called “Piano dei Grilli” because of the large number of crickets and other insects found there.
This place is designated as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to its distinctive natural features. To reach the trail, you must follow a paved road located upstream from Bronte and cross a stretch of cordate lava that offers a fascinating and spectacular landscape. Once you arrive at the trailhead, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Etna’s northwest slope, with its volcanic hills and unspoiled natural areas. This area is of interest because it features several lava flows, some of which are covered by deciduous oak and holm oak forests.
DAY 10
Bosco di Malabotta
- Transfer to the Malabotta woods
- Morning walk inside the nature reserve
- Lunch in local trattoria in Montalbano Elicona
- Visit of town and castle
- Return to hotel
- Dinner and overnight
The Bosco di Malabotta is one of the oldest and most evocative natural attractions in Sicily. Entering this
oasis of biodiversity in the province of Messina you will find beeches, maples, holm oaks, willows, chestnuts and other beautiful trees. The atmosphere here is really refreshing.
You will come across many free animals such as goats, cows, black pigs and, if you are lucky, even foxes. Also to be admired along the streams are the Sicilian trout, an endangered fish species. Among the most renowned routes there is undoubtedly the Path of the Patriarchs, characterized by centuries-old wrecks of oak trees. There are also panoramic points with views of Etna and the Alcantara Valley.
Another curiosity: the Malabotta Forest contains one of the most mysterious sites in the region. These are the Rocks of Argimusco, known as the “Stonehenge of Sicily”. Once through the woods, you can complete the itinerary with a visit to the historic center and the castle of Montalbano Elicona.
DAY 9
Departure
- Morning transfer to Catania airport for departure
DAY 12
Alcantara and Aci Castello
- Transfer to the Alcantara Gorges
- Morning walk along the Alcantara river
- Light lunch
- Transfer to Aci Castello
- Ice cream by the sea
- Visit of town and Castle
- Dinner and overnight
The eruptions of Mount Etna have also shaped the island’s past, creating some true geological marvels. One of the
is the Gole dell’Alcantara/Alcantara Gorge, a basalt canyon in the vicinity of Etna, easy to reach from Catania, Taormina, and many small villages in Sicily like Castiglione di Sicilia. The Alcantara River is one of the few rivers on Sicily that runs year-round. Several thousand years ago the path of the river was blocked by a large lava flow from the slopes of Mount Etna. The cool water of the river helped to quickly cool the lava, which resulted in the lava crystallizing and forming the unique ballast rock columns that are visible today.
The town sits over a picturesque gulf, with clear turquoise waters of the sea against ridges of lava stone. Castello Normanno (Norman Castle), situated on the top the black lava ridge, gives the town its name. Acitrezza, a small fishing village in Aci Castello, is famous for its eight striking faraglioni (volcanic stacks). Such scenery inspires writers and artists through the centuries. In Homer’s Odyssey, Acitrezza is the land of the Cyclops who hurled these volcanic stacks at the vessels of Ulysses. Despite the famous references, Aci Castello is a fishermen’s port at heart. Everyone appears to know everyone; people gather around chatting after a church service; children run around on the street playing. One can almost feel the simple, unpretentious and beautiful way of life.
DAY 11
General information
Group size
10-17 pax
Price
starts from € 4.300 per person in double
Tour includes
- 11 nights in selected 4* hotels
- 11 breakfasts
- 5 lunches (incl. one with caper tasting, one with wine tasting one with pistacchio tasting) and 4 light lunches
- 11 dinners
- Tour leader throughout, Irene Befani
- Walking guide Giacomo for all walks in the program
- City guide in Catania
- Audio guide for the Greek heater in Taormina
- Transportation throughout the tour
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Taxes, VAT, service charges, commissions