Sicily & Aeolian Islands Multi-Active
Hiking Vulcano, Cycling Etna & Island-Hopping the Aeolians
7 Days, 6 Nights
16
B&R Activity Levels
$14,995 USD
Single Supplement: $4,500 USD
View Dates
From the green peaks of the Nebrodi Mountains to the volcanic silhouettes of the Aeolian Islands, this journey follows Sicily's wildest edges. Hike to smoking craters, kayak beneath dramatic cliffs, cycle quiet coastal roads and cruise along Stromboli's fiery Sciara del Fuoco after dark. Along the way, lunches in local homes and wine tastings on Etna's volcanic slopes bring the island and its people to life, before a grand finale at Taormina's iconic Four Seasons San Domenico Palace.
Explore the Aeolian Islands from every angle—hike to the smoking crater of Vulcano, kayak beneath dramatic volcanic cliffs, cycle quiet coastal roads on Lipari and cruise beneath Stromboli's Sciara del Fuoco as glowing lava spills into the sea after dark.
Long-standing friendships open doors that most travellers never experience: lunch in a private home overlooking the sea, passionate winemakers on the slopes of Mount Etna, a picnic among ancient lava flows. These are the encounters that truly bring Sicily to life.
The journey builds from the raw beauty of the Aeolian Islands to the volcanic vineyards of Mount Etna, ending in glamorous Taormina at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace. Fine dining, world-class hotels and unforgettable scenery strike the perfect balance of adventure and la dolce vita.
Day by Day
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Rendezvous
Trip Start: Palazzo San Giorgio
Time: 9:00 AM
Nearest International Airport: Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Farewell
Trip End: Catania Airport
Time: 10:30 AM
Nearest International Airport: Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
Sicily welcomes you between the green peaks of the Nebrodi Mountains and the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, where your bikes are fitted for a ride toward the coast with the Aeolian Islands rising on the horizon. A private lunch overlooks the water before you board a private boat for the crossing to Vulcano, arriving at Therasia Resort Sea & Spa for a Michelin-starred welcome dinner over the sea.
Activity:
Daily ride: 45 km (28 mi)
Day 2
Climb to the Gran Cratere of Vulcano for extraordinary views across Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi, with fumaroles and volcanic rock underfoot as proof that this island is still very much alive. By afternoon, trade hiking boots for a sea kayak, paddling beneath volcanic cliffs and into hidden coves with plenty of chances to swim.
Activity:
Daily hike: 7 km (4 mi) | Elevation 362 m (1,187 ft)
Day 3
A scenic bike loop around Lipari leads to an unforgettable lunch at the private home of a local friend—the kind of intimate, home-cooked experience no restaurant could match. From there, continue by boat to Salina for an evening at Hotel Signum, capped by a Michelin-starred dinner from one of Sicily's most celebrated chefs.
Activity:
Daily ride: 28 km (17 mi) | Elevation 547 m (1,794 ft)
Day 4
Discover the wilder, greener side of the Aeolian Islands on a hike through Salina's Valle Spina, followed by lunch in the home of a local friend. As night falls, cruise by private boat toward Stromboli and watch the Sciara del Fuoco light up the volcano's flank—one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary natural spectacles.
Activity:
Daily hike: 10 km (6 mi)
Day 5
Say farewell to the Aeolian Islands and return to island of Sicily. Set out by bike on the slopes of Mount Etna, past lava fields and vineyards to Pietradolce for a wine tasting and lunch. Continue riding, or opt for a relaxed transfer, into Taormina and the iconic Four Seasons San Domenico Palace.
Activity:
Daily ride: 47 km (29 mi) | Elevation 339 m (1,111 ft)
Day 6
An expert volcanologist leads the way into Etna's otherworldly terrain of lava flows, craters and pumice slopes, with sweeping views across eastern Sicily and an exclusive picnic along the trail. Toast to an unforgettable week at a farewell dinner at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace.
Activity:
Daily hike: 8 km (5 mi) | Elevation 380 m (1,246 ft)
Day 7
A relaxed final breakfast overlooking the Ionian Sea marks the end of a week spent biking, hiking, kayaking and feasting your way across Sicily, before a private transfer to Catania Airport.
Dates & availability
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to privatize.
Featured stays
Therasia Resort Sea & Spa
Location: Vulcano Island, Italy
Hotel Signum Salina
Location: Malfa, Italy
Four Seasons San Domenico Palace
Location: Taormina, Italy
What's included
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Choice of bike as appropriate for terrain, equipped with handlebar bag and helmet. Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks.
A biodegradable B&R water bottle.
Use of a smartphone with downloaded GPS routes provided via RideWithGPS.
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
Access to the B&R support van.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Good to know
Van Support
Due to the geography and logistics of the Aeolian Islands, van support is more limited than on the mainland, where standard vehicle support is available throughout the trip.
Seasickness
This itinerary includes multiple boat transfers. If you're prone to seasickness, we recommend bringing preventative medication.
Mountain Weather
Temperatures on Mount Etna can be significantly cooler than at sea level. Bring an extra layer and sturdy hiking shoes.
Pack Your Swimsuit
There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea, so don't forget your bathing suit.
Equipment
Carbon Performance Road Bike
Touring Bike
E-Bike
Carbon Performance E-Road Bike
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it's an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
No other travel company pays attention to the details like Butterfield & Robinson.
Sicily was better than expected. No other travel company pays attention to the details like Butterfield & Robinson, ensuring great and unique experiences that you can't get anywhere else.
— Gerard P; Fairfield, CT