Voyage through volcanic island landscapes, idyllic Italian villages & translucent Mediterranean waters

Discover the stunning beauty of Sicily's Aeolian Islands on this idyllic bike and boat tour!

Cycle across volcanic landscapes and along serene coastal roads, exploring the dramatic rocky ridges of Panarea and the little villages scattered across the Aeolian Islands. You'll walk to the crater of Stromboli, site of famously fiery eruptions, and unwind in the therapeutic mud baths of Vulcano. Enjoy swimming in translucent waters from the deck of the ship and sunbathe on some of the Aeolian Islands' most beautiful beaches. Along the way, discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy Sicily's refreshing granita.

An exquisite tour for experiencing authentic Sicily!

View more photos

Highlights

• Milazzo - Breathtaking coastal castle
• Panarea - Dramatic rocky ridges
• Salina - Wine & capers island
• Lipari - Pumice stone island
• Stromboli - Exciting volcano island
• Vulcano - Therapeutic mud baths
• Swimming in the 'Venus Pool'
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Milazzo
Arrive at Milazzo harbor, where you'll be greeted by your beautiful ship - the Sundial, a traditional Turkish Caique. Embarkation is at 6 PM. Get to know the crew and your fellow travelers over a welcome drink, dinner, and a presentation of the tour. The first night will be spent in Milazzo harbor.

Day 2: Milazzo | Cycling (9.4 mi. / 15 km)
Your first cycle tour on the Aeolian Islands starts with a pedal towards Capo Milazzo, where the 'Venus Pool' invites you for a revitalizing swim. Return to Milazzo to explore the ancient castle and coastal hamlet - beautiful highlights of this Aeolian wonder. Overnight in Milazzo harbor.

Elevation gain: +166 m

Day 3: Milazzo - Vulcano Island | Cycling round trip of Vulcano (12.7 mi. / 20 km)
Today, the Sundial will sail to the island of Vulcano, known as the 'Sulphur Island', where you'll bike around Piano Grillo. This is the best place on this blissful island to admire the incredible volcanic landscape. You'll enjoy leisure time in the afternoon to walk up to the crater of the volcano, reap the benefits of a therapeutic mud bath, or even swim underwater in the volcanic vents! There is a whole host of exciting things to do on this island. Overnight in Vulcano harbor.

Elevation gain: +412 m

Day 4: Vulcano - Panarea - Stromboli | Walking (3 hrs 30 mins)
After breakfast, you'll sail towards Panarea, pausing for a refreshing swim close to the little islands of Lisca Biana, Bottara, and Dattilo. The area's volcanic activity is clear to see!

Upon arrival in Panarea - the smallest inhabited island in this chain - you'll dock in a scenic bay for a beautiful lunch on board. The boat will then sail to Stromboli, where you'll be spoiled with a brilliant view of the Sciara del Fuoco, the blackened lava scar that runs dramatically down the mountain and where red-hot lava still flows during active periods. At dusk, you'll walk 1,312 ft above sea level to admire this memorable view before enjoying a picnic dinner at a panoramic viewpoint.

Tonight, you'll sleep in a sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.

Day 5: Stromboli - Panarea - Salina | Walking (2 hrs 30 mins)
This morning, the boat will sail back towards Panarea. After dropping anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro, you'll enjoy a pleasant walk to the prehistoric village of Drautto Beach. Pause for a lovely picnic lunch at Cala Junco before returning to the boat to sail to the island of Salina. You're sure to find some beautiful souvenirs in the shops here! Overnight in Salina harbor.

Day 6: Salina - Lipari | Cycling (12.7 mi. / 20 km)
Today, you'll discover the beautiful island of Salina - famous for its vineyards and capers - by bike. Cycle from Santa Marina on the east coast to Pollara on the west coast, where you'll visit the serene lake of Lingua. The beach in Pollara is claimed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aeolian Islands! Be sure to make a stop for some refreshing Sicilian granita whilst you enjoy the picture-perfect view.

Back on board the Sundial, you'll sail to Lipari - an island famous for its quality pumice stone in demand all over the world - to stroll around its charming village. Overnight in Lipari harbor.

Elevation gain: +530 m

Day 7: Lipari - Milazzo | Cycling (16 mi. / 25 km)
More lovely coast-to-coast riding awaits you on your last day of cycling. Starting out from the hamlet of Lipari, you'll pedal through the picturesque village of Canneto, home to a stunning beach that makes for a beautiful swim stop. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Quattrocchi's panoramic viewpoint before riding back to Lipari's historical center. This is a lively place well worth an explore before you board the boat once again for your last overnight in Milazzo. Dinner will be enjoyed at one of Milazzo's many restaurants.

Elevation gain: +581 m

Day 8: Departure from Milazzo
Check out and disembarkation by 9 AM.

*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.

Photos

View more photos

Dates & Prices

Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.

Included services

• 7 nights' accommodation aboard the Sundial
• Air-conditioned cabin
• 7 breakfasts, packed lunches & 6 dinners
• Tea & coffee on board
• Welcome drink
• Bottled water
• Daily cabin clean
• 1 bed linen & towel change per week
• E-bike with helmet & pannier bag
• Digital tour information
• English-speaking guide
• Guided cycling & walking tours
• Harbor charges
• WiFi (in harbors, not during sailing)
• Carbon offset payment to Justdiggit (non-profit organization)

Tour Company

Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Surface and terrain

This tour is rated 'moderate' as it requires a good level of fitness for the guided hikes on days 4 and 5. E-bikes make lighter work of the cycling days.

How to get there

We recommend flying into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).

From here, we recommend the train from Catania to Milazzo, then a taxi from Milazzo station to the port. A private transfer is available online for approx. €25 per person - please visit https://www.estateolie.net/en/how-to-get-from-catania-airport-to-milazzo-port to book.