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Aeolian Islands Bike, Hike and Sail

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

$3050USD

Overview

Trip Code: SAU

Trip highlights

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

A spectacular cruise among the extraordinary volcanic Aeolian islands on board a charming caique– a traditional fishing boat. Cruising through this incredible group of islands offers the best opportunity to really discover the history and geological features of the region. The emphasis is on being active as we swap bikes for boots on Stromboli to really witness the spectacular erruptions from a distance at dusk. Cross Lipari by bike stopping at swimming spots and discovering the best panoramic picnic places. 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. Our journey includes Panarea, with its large rocky ridges and Salina, where you can’t miss tasting a typical Sicilian granita! Scheduled activities are accompanied by experienced tour guides, keen to share their knowledge of Sicily with you. Enjoy the on board camaraderie as you relax on board the comfortable boat, sailing from one magical island to the next.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Milazzo

Arrive Milazzo harbor. Embarkation is at 6 pm at the Marina diNettuno 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 harbor of Milazzo.

Meals: D

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

Today you’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)

Our boat Sundial will begin sailing towards the island of Vulcano, the so-called “Sulphur Island,” where by bike you’ll explore the island’s hinterland around Piano Grillo, an ideal place to admire an amazing landscape. Then 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
Continue to Stromboli, evening walk to view Volcano activity (3.3hrs)

After breakfast we head towards Panarea, stopping for a swim close to the little islands of LiscaBianca, Bottara and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Once in Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, you’ll have lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. Then the caique, Sundial, will 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 400mt (1312 ft) above sea level to admire the volcanic activity at dusk. Later 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)

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)

Our cycle today begins directly from our harbour mooring on the island of Salina. From Santa Marina on the east coast, you’ll ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, where you’ll visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara you can try a delicious, refreshing granita. Back on board, the Sundial will head to the island of Lipari, where you can 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, you’ll experience a wonderful coast-to-coast bike ride. Starting from the town of Lipari, you’ll pass by the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. 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, Sundial will navigate 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 double cabin supplement applies to a slightly larger cabin (8m2). The cabins 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
21 speed hybrid bike rental with helmet and waterproof pannier (electric bike, gravel bikes and road bikes available on request - supplement applies).
Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide
Digital tour information
Welcome drink
Harbour charges
Wifi (only in harbours)
Carbon offset payment

What's not included

Travel to and from Milazzo Harbour Sicily
1 dinner and most beverages
Items of a personal nature
Tips for guide and crew
Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
Entrance fees & excursions (museum, parks, monuments)
transfers not noted as included

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. 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

Hybrid bike

These are 21 speed bikes with hand brakes. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability. It is a requirement that you wear a helmet while cycling on this tour.

Electric Bike

An electric bike option is available for this trip. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes that they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capability.

Grading

moderate

The trip requires a good level of fitness from participants, acquired from steady cycling. The terrain is as diverse as the landscapes: the hilly and sometimes mountainous terrain, with some steeps climbs, requires a good physical condition. The tours provide a great range of riding: wide natural paths, small country roads, forest trails, single trails and small paths are all included. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads. The standard bike days range involve relatively modest distances of between 15 to 25km/9.3 to 15.6mi, through hilly terrain. Most of the roads are asphalted although you will also ride on gravel roads. 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

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

$3050USD

Options & Supplements*

E Bike SupplementUSD$200
Double cabin upgradeUSD$340
Single cabin surchargeUSD$1210

*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.

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