Sicilian Sailing Odyssey |
|
|
Your own private yacht!
|
Salina Island, seen from Lipari
|
The water is crystal clear
|
A beautiful caprese!
|
Hike the volcano of Vulcano
|
The inside of your luxury catamaran
|
Hiking in the wildflowers
|
Tantalizing fresh seafood
|
Relaxing in a quiet cove
|
Sicilian Sailing Odyssey Itinerary
TOUR AT A GLANCE -
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights (*optional 2-day extension)
Departures: Private departures only, contact us for details!
Departing from: Lipari, 5 p.m. Day 1 (or Naples)
Tour finishes: Lipari, 9 a.m. Day 8
Trip Price: Price depends on group size and dates, contact us for more details.
Come sail around the stunning Aeolian Islands of Sicily on board a private sailboat or catamaran. This archipelago of 7 small islands, just off the northern coast of Sicily, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are also one of the prime tourist destinations for travel-savvy Italians. Come enjoy picturesque seaside villages, the chic hideaway of Panarea, sample the luscious Malvasia wine of Salina, get away from it all in Filicudi, and climb the slopes of majestic Stromboli, the only continuously active volcano in the world! We begin our trip in Lipari, the biggest of the islands. It is easily reached by ferry from either Naples or from Milazzo, on the northern coast of Sicily. We spend 7 nights aboard a luxury sailing yacht, all cabins with en suite bathroom, shower, and air-conditioning.
The best way to see the islands is by sailboat, since many towns, trails and beaches are only accessible by sea. The rich history, amazing natural beauty, and luxury of our own sailboat make this the trip of a lifetime!
Day 1 - Saturday: Meet the group in Lipari this afternoon and board your yacht. Lipari has a history that goes back 6,000 years to Neolithic times when
a lively trade in obsidian put this tiny island on the map. Rich
archaeological remains make this a fascinating place to start our trip. After you've settled in, meet for a welcome cocktail and then enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on deck or in town. Dinner included.
Day 2 - Sunday: After breakfast on board, we have a visit of the unique Archaeological Museum, with its amazing collection of Neolithic and classical artifacts, and a walking tour of the historical center of Lipari. We return to the boat for a tasty lunch and then sail around the coast to the crystal waters of the Faraglioni di Lipari for a swim. In the late afternoon we’ll sail across the straights to the neighboring island of Vulcano, where we can explore the port and try a soak in the famous thermal mud baths. Vulcano used to strike terror into the hearts of the Greeks and
Romans as the legendary forge of the god Vulcanus, whose workshop
produced the weapons for Mars, the god of war. Now it’s one of the
hot-spots of the Italian coast, offering an active volcano, open-air
thermal pools which bubble into the Mediterranean, and a beautiful
black sand beach. Dinner on board included.
Day 3 - Monday: Today after breakfast we take our first exciting hike: up to the crater rim of the volcano. You’ll have spectacular views over all of the Aeolian Islands, and get a peek into one of Italy’s four active volcanoes. We board our yacht again for lunch and a rest, then a swim in a quiet bay on the other side of the island. At 4 p.m. we set sail for a 3-hour trip to the island of Filicudi. We dine tonight at a local restaurant in the traditional fishing village of Pecorini a Mare. Dinner included.
Day 4 - Tuesday: We explore the island of Filicudi today with a delightful walk around the Bronze Age ruins of Capo Milazzo. Have lunch on board and then set sail around the island, stopping for a swim and a visit of the Cave of the Monk Seal. At 4 p.m. we set sail for Salina, the greenest island of the archipelago and graced with acres of delicious malvasia grapes. At 8 p.m. we have a short sunset walk (3 km) to the village of Lingua for dinner at a seafood restaurant and then a sampling of the best granite in the world! Return to the boat by minibus or on foot. Dinner included.
Day 5 - Wednesday: Set out after breakfast at 9:00 for a walk to the delightfully picturesque village of Pollara, and the house that was used in the Oscar-winning movie "Il Postino." After our walk we return to the yacht for lunch in Berciato Bay, on the other side of the island. At 4 p.m. we sail for the tranquil island of Panarea, frequent haunt of Italy’s jet-set. We head into port and then enjoy a “free night” dinner, allowing you to have a romantic evening for two or else cut loose with the locals at one of the lively nightspots. Dinner not included.
Day 6 - Thursday: Wake up with a splash this morning! Try a morning swim with your coffee in the shimmering waters of Panarea bay. We then have a short walk to the panoramic Cala Junco. At 11:00 we reboard the yacht and head to Lisca Bianca for lunch and snorkeling. At 3 p.m. we depart for a two-hour journey to the amazing island of Stromboli. We embark on an evening hike to better appreciate the spectacular sight of the glowing red lava shooting out against the black night sky. Nature’s fireworks! At 10 p.m. we return for a late-night pizza at a local trattoria. Dinner included.
Day 7 - Friday: After breakfast and a refreshing swim, we sail to Ginostra for a lovely walk to visit a village only accessible by sea. We then have a two-hour sail to the Basiluzzo Reef for lunch and a swim. From the back of this tiny islet you can see the impressive wreck of a Roman ship! At 3 p.m. we set sail for Lipari, and at 6 p.m. we have a 2-hour walk to a special "agriturismo" for a fabulous last night's dinner. Dinner included.
Day 8 - Saturday: Leave your sea-legs behind and return to the Italian mainland this morning after breakfast. Transfers available to Milazzo (in Sicily) or to Naples by hydrofoil. Breakfast included.
** Optional Extension ** - Add a few days to your trip and explore the beautiful and historical area around Naples. We’ll spend two nights in splendid Sorrento in a hotel perched high above the sea, then spend a day exploring the nearby Amalfi coast and a day in the world-famous ruins of Pompeii. We will make the journey from Naples to Lipari together by hydrofoil or ferry.
See all of our tours by DESTINATION & ACTIVITY
See all of our tours by date: TOUR CALENDAR 2010
The walks in the Aeolian Islands, though not long in terms of distance, can be
strenuous at times as we ascend or descend rugged trails and volcanic hillsides. We have designed the trip so that there is always plenty of free
time in the late afternoon so you can relax, read, or have a swim.
Breakfast is included every day, and dinners reflect the excellent
traditional food of the region. Daily distance between 6 and 12 kms.
General Information
Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate to easy with some challenging sections. We will be walking on volcanic islands, so some of the trails may be rugged and steep.
Trip Cost includes: 7 nights accommodation on board sailboat or catamaran; 7 breakfasts & lunches; 6 dinners; bilingual guide(s); all transfers as noted in the itinerary. Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the "Reservation" page).
Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip
Insurance. We recommend "Travel Guard" to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here. Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! |
|