Step into a world where fire meets sea on this 7-day adventure through Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. Hike the smoking craters of Mount Etna, sail to volcanic isles, and witness the raw power of Stromboli’s eruptions under the stars. Between heart-pounding treks, kayak along crystal coves, snorkel in turquoise waters, and taste the sweet Malvasia wines of Salina. This is Italy turned up to eleven — a perfect mix of adrenaline, island charm, and mouthwatering Sicilian culture.

Green trees stand in the foreground with buildings including a church tower. In the background a mountain towers above the town covered in snow — A snowy Mount Etna stands above Catania

Flight: UK to Catania (CTA) airport

Transfer: There are plenty of travel options to get you to the city; bus, train and taxi. The cheapest option is the bus, which will get you into Catania in around 20 minutes. If you plan to transfer to Lipari mid-trip, a local car hire is also an option.

Day 1 – Arrival in Catania
Check into your hotel in Catania, unpack and relax. Your adventure is about to begin. Ease yourself in by spending the afternoon exploring the baroque old town, and enjoying your first Sicilian dinner. Early night recommended, big day tomorrow!

Day 2 – Mount Etna Trek
Join a guided trek up Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Hike across lunar-like lava fields and explore craters with local experts. There are plenty of highly rated tours here. If you have the energy, perhaps finish the day with a wine tasting in surrounding vineyards.

Grassy side of a volcano, with ashen ground and clouds covering the peaks — Up Mount Etna amongst the clouds

A view of an eruption at night from Catania, looking up towards a volcano. The cathedral dome can be seen in the foreground — A stunning volcanic eruption during the night

Day 3 – Off to Lipari via Milazzo
Take a transfer to Milazzo (approx. 1.5 hrs) and ferry to Lipari (1 hr), then check into your Lipari hotel. Stroll the island’s charming streets, perhaps visit the castle, and enjoy a sunset aperitivo overlooking the port.

Day 4 – Stromboli Night Hike
Day at leisure on Lipari’s beaches, then take an afternoon boat to Stromboli. Join a guided night hike up the volcano to witness eruptions against the dark sky. A truly unforgettable experience.

Day 5 – Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling
Paddle along Lipari’s dramatic coastline, stopping at hidden coves for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Afternoon free for exploring local shops and cafés.

An aerial view of Sicily's coastline, with crystal blue waters. A boat is traveling through the shot with jetwash behind it — Sicily has amazing coastlines to explore

Day 6 – Salina Day Trip
Ferry to Salina for a day trip. Hike the Monte Fossa delle Felci for unrivalled views of the archipelago. Plenty of local vineyards for Malvasia wine tasting, or if you’ve had your fill explore the home of capers in one of the many farms that produce the best there is!

Day 7 – Return to Catania & Departure
Unfortunately your adventure is at its end. Take a ferry back to Milazzo and transfer to Catania where you’ll meet your connecting flight. If you have a little bit of spare time in Catania, check out. Here are a few options!

Catania optional activities:

Piazza del Duomo: Marvel at the Baroque architecture, including the Elephant Fountain and the Cathedral of Saint Agatha.

Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena: Discover the history and architecture of this impressive monastery.

Pescheria (Fish Market): Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the daily fish market.

Roman Theatre: Explore the ruins of this ancient Roman theatre.

Teatro Massimo Bellini: Admire the opera house's architecture and catch a performance if you can.

Via Etnea: Stroll down Catania's main street, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Sicilian Baroque Architecture: Explore the city's many churches and palazzi showcasing this unique style.

A street in Catania full of shops and bars. A huge cathedral stands at the end of the street. — Catania has vibrant streets and historic buildings aplenty

How much does it cost?

Budget Traveller – £800–£1,000pp

Return flights: £120–£200 (book early, fly budget airlines to Catania)
Accommodation: £40–£60/night (guesthouses, small hotels)
Transport: Public buses + standard ferries
Activities: Group Etna trek, basic kayak rental, ferry excursions
Meals: Street food, casual trattorias, picnic lunches

Mid-Range Traveller – £1,200–£1850pp

Return flights: £150–£250 (better flight times, luggage included)
Accommodation: £90–£130/night (boutique hotels or quality B&Bs)
Transport: Mix of private transfers + standard ferries
Activities: Guided Etna trek, guided kayak tour, Stromboli night hike, Salina wine tasting
Meals: Mid-range restaurants, occasional fine dining

Luxury Traveller – £2400 - £3000pp

Return flights: £250–£400 (premium economy/business, direct where possible)
Accommodation: £220–£350/night (luxury hotels or private villas)
Transport: Private transfers + high-speed ferries or private boat hire
Activities: Private volcano guide, private kayaking/snorkelling excursions, premium wine tastings, custom day trips
Meals: High-end dining, private chef experiences, wine-paired dinners

Itinerary Balance

A pie chart showing this holiday comprises of 60% adventure, 25% culture and 15% relaxation — An itinerary full of adventure

This Sicily & Aeolian Islands itinerary is adventure at its core, with most days packed full of hikes, volcano treks, kayaking, and island-hopping boat trips. Culture weaves in through Sicilian food, charming old towns, and vineyard visits, adding rich local flavour to the journey. Relaxation takes a smaller but well-earned role, with quiet moments on Lipari’s beaches, sunset aperitivos, and leisurely ferry rides between the islands.

When Should I go?

The best time to visit is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October), when the weather is warm but not too hot, the seas are perfect for swimming, and hiking conditions on the volcanoes are ideal. Summer (July–August) is buzzing with energy and great for water activities, but the heat can make midday treks intense, while spring and autumn give you that sweet balance of adventure-friendly temperatures and fewer crowds.

An infographic showing the climate across the year in Sicily — A climate overview of Sicily