Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many memorable moments but finally reaching the summit of Stromboli as the sun was setting and we were stood on a high rim looking down on fiery eruptions from four craters was the most rewarding experience. The descent in total darkness meant we all had to wear head torches and the long lines of lights snaking down the volcano is another moment fixed in the memory.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alessio was helpful and cheery and we learnt much about Sicilian ways. By the end we were all joining in with "amuninni" - lets go! In his own time he took us on a personal guided tour of his home town Catania and also escorted us to the airport. We would also like to give special mention to Alberto our specialist mountain guide for the Stromboli ascent. He took exceptional care of ALL members of the group making sure that EVERYONE reached the summit and descended safely!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is rated a "moderate 3". We found the climbs strenuous/challenging and would suggest a level 4 rating. Head torches rather than hand held torches are essential for Stromboli, also walking poles are highly recommended on all the walks/climbs.

Suggestions

The food provided and the accommodation varied considerably. The first hotel and breakfast in Milazzo was outstanding, Lipari was lovely, Stromboli was fine but the food provided in Catania was disappointing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the eruptions from the top of Stromboli and running down Mount Etna through the knee-deep ash.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frederica was well-organised, flexible, fun, patient and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please consider your fitness level before undertaking. You don't need to be super fit, but everyone will enjoy it more if you're able to walk up hills at a reasonable pace.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up Stromboli, watching fireworks from the volcano on two successive days, one up close and personal and then yomping down 500m in the dark. Spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be dusty!

Most Inspirational Moment

Our tour leader- Genny- made sure everyone in the group gelled as a unit. She had a genial, happy, enthusiastic nature which rubbed off/transmitted to everyone else.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing. Very considerate, caring and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always make sure you mingle with everyone else.

Suggestions

I took 500 pictures, great scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Together with other groups we formed a line across the top of Stromboli as the sun set. In the daylight, the volcano had made us aware it was active - growling and rumbling and spitting stones now and again. Once we had watched the sun go down, we could see that those showers of stones were red hot, and we viewed a series of spectacular fountains of fire from our vantage point.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In April, the temperature in Sicily is variable and not always as hot as you would expect. We walked through snow on Etna, and the wind on the top of Stromboli cuts like a knife. We had several beautiful warm sunny days, but don't forget to pack for the cold as well if you are on a trip early in the year.

Most Inspirational Moment

Up Mount Etna seeing the lave flow

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good as detailed above

Advice for Potential Travellers

Personal choice on hotels for us too basic

Suggestions

The hotel experience would stop me going again, Exodus we're paying eneough for a higher grade accommodation

Most Inspirational Moment

The active crater at the summit of Etna with its hissing vents and beautiful red colours from iron and yellow colours from sulphur was extremely memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was lovely, doing everything to please and look after everyone so that they all had a great time. All she could perhaps do better would be to every evening at dinner tell the whole group the plans for the following day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in October and on our first day on Lipari we faced steep ascents in a temperature of 29C, so beware of going at other times of the year when it's too hot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting on the rim of Stromboli in the dark ,on warm volcanic ash watching fireworks every 15-20 minutes preceded by a deep roar emitting from the depths of the earth. The walk back down the side of the volcano in the dark was pretty special too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria Merlini was an exceptionally good leader - always in good humour despite the fact that she was unwell.She was very knowledgeable about the flora of the region as well as the geology & history.Always aware of everyone's safety & providing options for those in the group who didn't want to do some of the major climbs. Being of a more mature age she was perfect for our group who were all post 40.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great trip if you would like to get really close to volcanic activityY

Most Inspirational Moment

Stromboli at night on two evenings, and Etna at the end of the trip. Etna was particularly exciting as we were among the first groups able to climb to the top after an eruption which curtailed climbing for 2/3 weeks. We were able to see amazing evidence of all the new lava action.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria was an excellent guide. She spent time getting to know everyone, and made sure that our experiences were memorable. She was keen to share her love of Sicily through her knowledge of the culture, geology and flora. She also ensured our safety at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Gaiters were useful. Poles also useful. Buy the hotel pre-packed lunches when available - they are substantial! Be prepared for easy walking but don't underestimate the Stromboli climb. Enjoy sea swimming when possible but be prepared not to be able to swim because of jellyfish!

Suggestions

Thank you to everyone for such a great week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Stromboli, which was a bit of a struggle, but then having a lovely sunset, with fuming volcano and the sea behind it, followed by some exciting fireworks. The walk down in the dark is quite something and the times when I could get the hang and get over my fear of the downhills on lava flows on Stomboli and Etna, were fun. Stromboli island with it's laid back, holiday feel was particularly likeable as was the little boat trip giving us different views of the island. I also like being on boats and although we were on them in between the islands, they were hovercrafts and we had to be inside, which is not as much fun. They made sense on a short holiday as it's faster than taking the ferry.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Allesandro was very good. Knowledgeable about everything,informative and enthusiastic about volcanoes, with a good sense of fun and humour. He organised everything well and was good at making adaptations to plans when necessary and was very available.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take walking poles, they were especially helpful downhill and when walking in snow on Etna.Gaiters, are also helpful if you have them. Head torch is essential on Stromboli for both walks. If you have more time spend a few extra days to see a bit of Sicily, it has charming towns, lots of history and you can sample more of its cuisine. I spent some time in Siracusa/Ortigia and in Noto both I would recommend and would have happily spent more time in the country. If you are in Catania earlier than the group flight there is a left luggage at the main train station which is very cheap and handy.

Suggestions

If you are interested in volcanoes these are very accessible and compared to the others I have visited, Vesuvius and on Reunion, were a bit more active and dramatic.