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Day
1: Palermo
airport - Lipari
We
meet at 11.00 at the Palermo airport and drive to a renowned winery for lunch.
from here we continue to Milazzo to catch the ferry to Lipari, largest
of the islands and rich in Neolithic and Mycenaean culture. Relax and settle into
our hotel, join us for dinner and then perhaps take a stroll around the characteristically
Aeolian fishing harbour of Lipari.
Day
2 Lipari
We walk from the district of Quattropani down through
disused kaolin quarries and past colourful volcanic fumaroles created during the
island's formation. The trail skirts jagged cliffs with wonderful views of Salina,
passes an ancient roman settlement . Along a wider trail which has clearly been
used for generations by local farmers and hunters, we reach the excavated thermal
baths of S. Calogero, built in Mycenaean-style architecture. A cobbled
road takes us to the district of Pianoconte where we descend back
to the town of Lipari. (3hrs)
Day
3: Lipari
& Vulcano
Now
that we are better orientated, enjoy a leisurely morning in Lipari and
visit the fine archaeological museum set on the old Greek acropolis where
you can also see the remains of prehistoric settlements. An afternoon excursion
by boat or hydrofoil to Vulcano for the unforgettable experience of walking
up this dormant volcano, going around the rim and looking into the smouldering
sulphurous crater (1280ft). Return by sea to Lipari. (4hrs)
Day
4: Panarea & Stromboli by Night
We travel with our luggage to Panarea,
the smallest and arguably most charming of the of the islands. We walk to a Bronze
Age village on Punta Milazzese at the south-west end of the island
and on to Punta del Corvo. This is the day for a swim off one of
the coves dotted around the island. Evening excursion by private boat to Stromboli,
one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, sailing over an underwater crater
with recent evidence of thermal activity. On Stromboli we attempt the torch-lit
assent to the summit, returning after sunset to enjoy a firework spectacle as
we sail past the sciara del fuoco. (walk to the summit only if permitted).
(2hrs+3hrs)
Day
5 Salina
Salina is comprised of two volcanic peaks and lies at the
heart of the Aeolian archipelago. Our walk ascends the peak of Monte Fossa
delle Felci, the highest peak in the Aeolian islands with views of the
famous Malvasia vineyards on the slopes of Monte Porri. Exhilarated as
we arrive on top, we can take a long rest and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding
islands. Return by sea to Panarea to enjoy its soothing atmosphere and
perhaps catch a spectacular sunset over a glass of wine. (5hrs; Elev. +2200ft
-3000ft)
Day
6 Abbazia
Santa Anastasia winery
Leaving
behind us the islands of Æolus we travel by sea to Milazzo and drive
along the coast towards Cefalu and the foothills of the Madonie to the recently
restored abbey of St. Anastasia, now a fine hotel and winery. Relax
and enjoy this dramatic setting, sipping an aperitif on the terrace with spectacular
views, and you have reached a perfect end to our Aeolian Island Odyssey.
Day
7: Departure from Palermo airport
Scheduled departure from our hotel at
9.00 for Palermo airport (2hrs). If you wish, we can help you to extend your stay
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