Aeolian Islands Boat, Bike and Hike

Discover the Aeolian Islands

Hike a volcano in the Aeolian Islands

Discover the Aeolian Islands

Explore the Aeolian Islands by hiking, cycling and sailing

Panarea in the Aeolian Islands

Windmills on the island of Salina

Discover the Aeolian Islands

Hike a volcano in the Aeolian Islands

Discover the Aeolian Islands

Explore the Aeolian Islands by hiking, cycling and sailing

Panarea in the Aeolian Islands

Windmills on the island of Salina

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Duration

8 days

Activities

guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights gulet

Meals

6 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$3690USD

Overview

Trip Code: SAU

Trip highlights

Be immersed in the local culture, history and beauty of Sicily's Aeolian Islands
Visit five of the seven main islands
Witness the eruptions of Stromboli on foot
Cycle across Lipari to discover swim spots and panoramic views
Soak up the hospitality on board the comfortable Turkish gulet / caique

Enjoy a spectacular journey among the extraordinary volcanic Aeolian islands on board a charming caique – a traditional fishing boat. Cruising through this incredible UNESCO-protected archipelago off the north coast of Sicily offers the ideal opportunity to discover the history and geological features of the region. The emphasis is on being active. Cycle across Lipari, stopping at swimming spots and discovering the best panoramic picnic places. Bikes are swapped for boots on Stromboli, to witness the spectacular eruptions from a distance at dusk. On Vulcano you can choose to climb to the crater rim where the view of the Aeolian Islands is outstanding or swim amongst underwater fumeroles. The itinerary includes Panarea, with its large rocky ridges, and Salina, greenest of the islands, where you must try a typical granita! Scheduled activities are accompanied by an experienced tour guide who is keen to share their knowledge of Sicily with you. Enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers as you relax on board the comfortable boat, cruising from one magical island to the next.

Traveller Rating

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Carbon Footprint

30kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(212kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Milazzo

Arrive Milazzo harbour. Embarkation is at 6 pm at the Marina di Nettuno in Milazzo. Get to know your crew and accommodation on board and enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and presentation of the program. Overnight in the harbour of Milazzo.

Meals: D

Day 2
Milazzo loop cycle (15km/9.4mi)

Today we’ll cycle towards Capo Milazzo, where you’ll have the chance to bathe in the wonderful “Venus Pool”, a protected natural sea pool. Once back in Milazzo, you can visit the castle and its historic centre. We’ll stay the night in the harbour of Milazzo.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Cruise to Vulcano Island, explore the island by bike (20km/12.7mi)

Today we cross to the island of Vulcano, the so-called “Sulphur Island,” where by bike we’ll explore the island’s hinterland around Piano Grillo, an ideal place to admire an amazing landscape. Enjoy free time in the afternoon, with plenty of interesting suggestions: walk up to the crater of the volcano, take a mud bath at the island’s sulphur beach, or you can even swim among underwater fumaroles (volcanic vents). Overnight in the harbor of Vulcano.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Cruise via Panarea to Stromboli, evening walk to view volcanic activity (3.3hrs)

After breakfast we head towards Panarea, stopping for a swim close to the little islands of Lisca Bianca, Bottara and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Once in Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, we’ll have lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. We'll then navigate towards Stromboli, with a superb view over the Sciara del Fuoco, Stromboli’s famous talus scree, which sometimes still features lava flows. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a walking trip up to 400m (1312 ft) above sea level to admire the volcanic activity at dusk (please bring a headtorch as the return is at night). This evening we’ll enjoy a picnic dinner at a scenic panoramic viewpoint. Our overnight location will be in sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Cruise to Salina via Panarea (2.5hrs walking)

After breakfast, we’ll head back towards Panarea. After dropping anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk to visit the little village of Panarea, as well as Drautto Beach and its prehistoric village dating from the Bronze age. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Cala Junco and then return to the boat. Afterwards, we’ll head towards the island of Salina, where you can visit a local shop and sample local products. Overnight in the harbor of Salina.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Cycle on Salina Island, sail to Lipari (20km/12.7mi)

Today we'll cycle directly from our harbour mooring on the island of Salina. From Santa Marina on the east coast, we’ll ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, where we’ll visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara you can try a delicious, refreshing granita. Back on board, we will cross to the island of Lipari, where you can enjoy a stroll around its charming village. Overnight in the harbor of Lipari.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Cycle Lipari and return to Milazzo (25km/16mi)

After breakfast, we'll have a wonderful coast-to-coast bike ride. Starting from the town of Lipari, we’ll pass by the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. We'll stop for a picnic lunch at the panoramic point at Quattrocchi and then return to Lipari’s historical centre, teeming with interesting shops and restaurants. Back on board, we will cross to Milazzo. Enjoy your last dinner at one of Milazzo’s many restaurants, and overnight in the harbour of Milazzo.

Meals: B,L

Day 8
Trip concludes Milazzo

The trip concludes after breakfast at 9am.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks except coffee and tea on board and 1/2 lt bottled water per person for lunch and water jars on the table at dinner)
7 nights accommodation in a small air conditioned double cabin (7m2) with private bathroom on a Turkish gulet. A supplement applies for a slightly larger double cabin (8m2). All cabins are below deck and are configured with one double bed. Supplement applies for single use - limited availability.
Bed linen and towels (1 towel change per week), daily cabin cleaning
Electric bike (e-bike) rental with helmet and pannier
Experienced crew including English speaking walking and cycling guide
Digital tour information
Welcome drink
Harbour charges
Wifi (only in harbours)
Carbon offset payment
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Milazzo Harbour (Sicily)
1 dinner and most beverages
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR70pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. Note: vegan diets cannot be catered for on this trip.
Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
Bike insurance. Optional e-bike insurance is available (Limitation of Liability for damage), fee applies, must be prepaid - ask our team
Entrance fees & excursions not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Tips for guide and crew
Items of a personal nature

Cabins

Standard Category Caique or Turkish gulet

small double

The price is based on a small double cabin (7m2). There are 2 small double cabins on board. All cabins are equipped with private facilities with hot and cold water and shower, a small wardrobe and traditional portholes, which can be opened. A hairdryer can be rented onboard. Bed size is 1,95 x 1,20 m.

Standard Category Caique or Turkish gulet

Double Cabin

A supplement is payable for a double cabin (8m2). There are 4 on board. All cabins are equipped with private facilities with hot and cold water and shower, a small wardrobe and traditional portholes, which can be opened. Bed size is 1,95 x 1,20 m.

Bike information

Electric Bike - this is an e-bike only trip

The e-bikes onboard are relatively light and have a comfortable low entry (unisex frame). They're equipped with a smooth functioning 9-speed chain shift and reliable hydraulic Shimano disc brakes as well as a powerful central motor from the Bosch Active+ line.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.

Grading

moderate

GRADE 3 - this e-bike and walking tour requires a good level of fitness from participants, acquired from steady cycling and regular walking. The terrain is as diverse as the landscapes: the hilly and sometimes mountainous terrain, with some steeps climbs, requires a good physical condition. The cycle tours provide a great range of riding: wide natural paths, small country roads, forest trails, single trails and small paths are all included, mostly on asphalted roads, at times on gravel. The cycling distances are relatively short, between 15 to 25km/9.3 to 15.6mi, through hilly terrain. On Stromboli, the walk to view the volcanic activity has a 400m ascent and descent (approx 3.5hrs, head torch required for the descent). You are free to stay on board the boat if you prefer not to cycle or walk. Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).

Departure dates

Notes

High Season

DN1

High season is from 16 May to 28 Aug and 5 Sep to 17 Oct - supplement applies

Note:

Fuel surcharge may apply.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3690USD

Options & Supplements*

Optional e-Bike insurance (limitation of liability-damage)USD$44
Double cabin upgradeUSD$430
Single cabin surcharge in low seasonUSD$1330
Single cabin surcharge in high seasonUSD$1460

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?Does a support vehicle accompany the tour?

No, there is not a support vehicle accompanying you during your cycling tour.

?Can I bring my own pedals?

Unfortunately, you cannot attach your own pedals to the rental bike provided.

?What language will the tour guide speak?

The guides or tour leaders speak Dutch, English and German. Some of them also speak French or Italian. They will do their briefings in English and German only.

?How large is the group on board?

The maximum number of clients we accept on this trip is 12.

?Is wifi available on board?

Yes but only when the boat is moored in a harbour.

?Is there a laundry service on board?

?What is the average age of guests onboard?

Usually between 45 and 65.

?Can I bring my own bike?

It is not possible to bring your own bike due to lack of storage space available on board.

?Will the captain hoist the sails during the trip?

This is up to the captain. Usually, the boat will use the motor unless there is sufficient time and wind available.

Trip reviews

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