An enchanting seven-day journey to discover the Aeolian Islands, an archipelago rich in natural beauty, history, and tradition. The adventure begins with arrival in Lipari, the vibrant heart of the Aeolian Islands, where guests will stay for the entire duration of the trip.
You will begin the tour with a visit to Vulcano, with stops at sea caves, black sand beaches, and dramatic volcanic formations, along with free time for swimming, hiking, or relaxation. The next day features an excursion to Panarea and Stromboli, sailing through scenic bays and islets, with time onshore and, at sunset, a breathtaking view of Stromboli’s volcanic activity from the sea. Then travelers visit Alicudi and Filicudi, the most untouched and authentic islands of the archipelago, where nature reigns and traditional island life endures. The tour continues to Salina, known for its capers, sweet Malvasia wine, and the stunning bay of Pollara, made famous by the film Il Postino. In Lipari, you will see breathtaking viewpoints like Quattrocchi, charming villages such as Acquacalda and Canneto, and a deep dive into the island’s history with a visit to the fortified citadel and archaeological museum. The journeys will leave behind the unforgettable memories of an immersive experience among sea, volcanoes, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Day One
Overnight: Lipari
Benvenuti in Sicilia!
Today we will meet in Taormina for an introduction meeting. For those of you continuing with Sarah from our Sicily Highlights tour, Sarah will organize our departure. Those arriving just for this tour will receive a meeting time and place before the tour begins, but you may choose to arrive in Taormina a day ahead to get acclimated. We will then be whisked away to the ferry in Milazzo to sail to our first island, Lipari. We will take an orientation stroll after check in and celebrate the beginning of our adventure with a seafood feast.
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Day Two
Overnight: Lipari
Vulcano Day Trip
After breakfast, we set sail along the coast of Vulcano with a view of the Piscina di Venere, the Grotta del Cavallo, and La Montagna del Leone. During the stops in the most exclusive bays, it will be possible to dive from the boat. Free time on the island of Vulcano until the afternoon. We recommend a visit to the center of Vulcano with a stop at the mud therapy pool, a swim in the warm waters, or a moment of relaxation at the beautiful black sand beach. Alternatively, if weather and operational conditions permit, it will be possible to climb the Crater.
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Day Three
Overnight: Lipari
Panarea and Stromboli
Morning at your leisure, then this afternoon meet at the port to take a boat towards Panarea. Along the way we will make a short stop for a swim in the nearby waters of Calajunco Bay. Stop on Panarea for a few hours of free time to explore. After leaving Panarea, we will travel along the mini archipelago towards Stromboli. Arrival and stop on the island for swimming, a walk to the Cathedral of San Vincenzo, or dinner on your own. At dusk, depart towards Strombolicchio, the most ancient volcanic mass of the Aeolian Islands; with a stop at the Sciara del fuoco to watch the activity of the volcano from the sea.
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Day Four
Overnight: Lipari
Filicudi and Alicudi
This morning meet at the port and depart by motorboat for Alicudi. Travel along the southern side of the island of Filicudi until reaching the Grotta del Bue Marino with the possibility of diving from the boat. Stop for about an hour in the village of Alicudi. Then sail towards the northern part of Filicudi, a protected natural reserve.
We stop in Filicudi for free time, possibly including a visit to the prehistoric village of Capo Graziano dating back to around 1200 BC. Return by motorboat, with a dive stop along the way, weather permitting, at Capo Graziano, whose seabed preserves thousands of years of history and as many as nine wrecks lying on the bottom.
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Day Five
Overnight: Lipari
Salina
Today is a trip to Salina. After leaving the port, our trip goes along the Canneto Bay and the Sabbie Bianche Bay, with a stop to dive from the boat at the foot of the Pietra Pomice mountain. Stop in Salina Santa Marina for free time to explore. We recommend a short walk along the main street of Santa Marina, alternatively you can choose to have a free tasting of Malvasia and typical products at one of our wineries (to be booked in advance).
After leaving Santa Marina, we stop to swim at the “Baia di Pollara” (ancient volcano exploded and sunk). Next is a stopover in the ancient Borgo di Lingua, an ancient fishing village known for its excellent gastronomy. Start to head back to Lipari in the afternoon with one last stop along the way near the Faraglioni for a last dip.
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Day Six
Overnight: Lipari
Explore Lipari
Free day for swimming or optional excursions. In the afternoon, we meet for a sunset tour. The first panoramic stop is on the hamlet of Quattrocchi, from which you can enjoy a view of the Faraglioni and the island of Vulcano. The second stop will be at Quattropani, Chiesa Vecchia, the highest point of Lipari; here you will enjoy a view of the islands of Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi, accompanied by an excellent aperitif at sunset.
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Day Seven
Tour Ends
Our sweet farewell is after breakfast. Your guide can assist you in your departure to the airport or wherever your travels take you.
Our founder Sarah is a professional tour guide, travel writer, and artist with over 20 years of experience leading travelers around the globe. After earning a degree in architecture, she traded the drafting board for a life of adventure, guiding tours and sharing her travel expertise through writing, speaking engagements and media appearances.
A former Rick Steves guidebook researcher and co-author of Rick Steves Sicily, Sarah is also known for her popular packing-focused insights and content helping travelers around the world streamline their journeys. Based in Seattle but often found exploring the world, Sarah brings passion, insight, and a love for culture to every tour she leads.
Price: $3325 (Air not included) per person for a double room. Single occupancy room is $3585. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: all breakfasts, 3 dinners, 3 lunches, and 6 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Aeolian Islands tour begins and ends in Lipari. Closest airport is Reggio Calabria. Catania airport is also recommended.
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net
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