Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

Sicily and the Aeolian Islands
September 30-October 8, 2008            
9 Day Tour
12-18 Travelers $2695 pp dbl occy   
1-11 Travelers $3095 pp dbl occy
Single Supplement $495

Click on any image for larger view of the Sicily trip

Sicilia, an exotic island embedded in the sapphire blue Mediterranean, renown for its endless coastlines, fiery volcanoes, and eerily beautiful islands peopled by a mixture of cultures and bloodlines as diverse as the rugged landscape. Coveted and claimed by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Bourbons, and finally the Italians, the island nation has absorbed and distilled the customs of all its past conquerors. Blessed with amazing variety of products from the land and sea, Sicilian cuisine bursts with flavor, color, and fragrance. Rich volcanic soil produces powerful spicy wines and also delicately sweet dessert wines. Once you’ve tasted Mama Maria’s cannoli and sipped Marco’s wine you’ll understand why Sicilians are so proud of their island’s culinary heritage.
The Sicilian landscape provides dramatic and diverse vistas on our journey, from the verdant valleys and vineyards of the Mt. Etna’s slopes to the stark beauty of its fiery peak, from the seaside ambiance of the achingly beautiful Aeolian Islands to the historic surroundings of Siracusa and Ortygia Island.  Sicilia…a fascinating land of intense beauty, warm people, and dramatic contrasts. Taormina, Lipari, Vulcano, Etna…

…What made the trip really unique was that it all felt much more like visiting extended family than being on a tour. 
Thanks again!

Sarah Hick
Minneapolis MN

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Benvenuti in Italia!

Day 1, Tuesday, September 30
Taormina

You should plan to arrive by midday at the latest at the enchanting city of Taormina, perched high on a mountainside overlooking the seaside beaches of the Mediterranean. Most of our travelers arrive a day early in order to be here in plenty of time to relax and meet the others at the "get-acquainted" party and dinner which starts in the late afternoon. (When you book your tour, your guides will help you make arrangements for transferring from your arrival airport of Catania to Taormina.) After checking into our hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore and check out the local shops, or maybe visit the beach and take a dip in the beautiful blue Mediterranean.
This evening we will meet in the hotel lobby for an orientation over a bottle of the excellent local wine. Afterwards we'll go to one of our favorite restaurants for a get-to-know-each-other dinner while enjoying some delicious local dishes. Many regions of Italy are famous for a type of cooking known as cucina povera, a term used to describe simple dishes derived from peasant staples. Sicilian cooking is a different thing entirely! Here is one of the foremost kitchens of Italy, overflowing with an endless variety of seafood, vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, grains, and wines. Although the simple elegance of peasant cooking has contributed greatly to modern Sicilian cuisine, the culinary expertise and sophistication of the royal chefs of Sicilia have defined and refined the culinary art of this island nation. Considered to be the most coveted and valuable possessions of the nobles in the "Kingdom of the Two Sicily's", their private chefs were in great demand over all of Europe for hundreds of years. As if all this wasn't enough, Sicilia is also famous for its sumptuous desserts. Cannoli, tiramisu, and sorbet all originated here, and the ice cream and gelato of Sicilia is "poetry in the mouth!" Luckily we can enjoy this great heritage of incredible food every day that we're in wonderful Sicilia!
All of the great food and wine combined with a little jet lag will insure that you sleep well tonight!

Day 2 - Wednesday, October 1
Castelmola, Isola Bella

After breakfast this morning we'll make our way to the enchanting town of Castelmola, perched on a craggy peak overlooking Taormina with a beautiful vista of coastline and sea. The panoramic view from the walls of Castelmola encompasses the Pelitorani Mountains to the north, the Strait of Messina and Calabria on the Italian mainland to the east, Taormina and the Bay of Naxos at our feet, and to the south, the ever-present Etna.
The town of Castelmola is as enchanting and quaint as any small village in Italy. Winding streets, tiny squares, and unique shops provide plenty of opportunities for exploring this morning. Your guides will take you to a few of their favorite haunts, too!
Eventually we'll leave Castelmola and meander down through the mountainside villages and winding streets toward Taormina. This section of the walk often provides excellent views of brooding Mt. Etna. Passing through the shop-lined streets of Taormina we’ll stop for a “picnic-in-the-park” in the breathtaking Taormina Botanical Park. While you have an opportunity to wander throughout the gardens your guides will prepare a sumptuous picnic featuring local Sicilian specialties. During your picnic you’ll be treated to a wine tasting to experience the most famous vintages from the area.
After stuffing ourselves you’ll find that you have options for the rest of your day. You can accompany the guides on a beautiful winding walk down to one of the prettiest beaches in Sicily. En route there will be great photo ops of the coastline and postcard-perfect Isola Bella, just offshore. At the beach you can soak up the warm Italian sun, relax in the shade of a beach bar with a chilled glass of Sicilian white wine, walk in the surf, or take a cool dip in the sparkling blue Mediterranean.
Instead of the beach, you might prefer to make your way to the nearby Greek theatre, hewed out of the rocky slopes of Monte Tauro. Pre-dating even the Romans, the Greek theatre provides one of the classic views of Sicily, ancient ruins, Mt. Etna in the backround, and a beautiful coastline curving away to the horizon.
If shopping is your thing, this would be a good time to wander through the shops in Taormina and pick up those gifts for the folks back home. There’s no shortage of shops in Taormina, clothing, shoes, crafts, and of course, wine shops abound!
Tonight you are free for dinner. Taormina boasts an abundance of excellent restaurants and cafes, each with its own interpretations of classic Sicilian fare and usually featuring a “house specialty” seafood or pasta dish. Your guides can recommend some of their favorite haunts, or you can wander the streets and enjoy your own discovery!

The hardest part about it all, is that I want to go back to Italy and I want to go back soon!! Thank you again for making my first Italy experience one of the very best. I plan to return!
Amy Acosta
Dallas , Texas

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Day 3 - Thursday, October 2
Mt. Etna

Today we have a local volcano guide accompany us on our exhilarating trek on Sicilia's greatest natural attraction and one of the world's largest and most active volcanoes, Monte Etna. The ancient Greeks viewed it as the home of Vulcan, god of fire, and home of Cyclops, the one-eyed monster. Etna continually reminds us that she is far from dormant. In 2002 Etna put on an awesome, dramatic display of volcanic fireworks that spewed ash and smoke over a mile in the air, while new flows of lava traced her slopes. As recently as October of 2006 Etna was producing new ash cones and a river of lava on her eastern flank. Etna is also the tallest mountain in Sicily, with a landscape that changes dramatically from vineyards and farms to stands of pines that give way to alpine scrub as the altitude increases. Eventually the surreal views of ash, lava, and steam dominate the land.
The route of our walk today will depend partially on the weather and partially on Etna's ever-changing mood! We'll use 4WD vehicles and our own two feet to explore the incredible landscape and breathtaking vistas the volcano rewards those who dare to tread her slopes. This is one of the few places in the world you can experience an active volcano…along with all of the fascinating effects that go with it…lava fields, columns of steam and gasses, rift chasms, and smoking craters. At times irregular explosions deep underground can make the ground tremble and shudder…no wonder the ancient Greeks deemed it the home of Vulcan! Bring your camera today, the panoramic views will astound you!
Tonight you are free to explore Taormina to try to find a meal that will top last night's! An after-dinner passegiatta, or perhaps a late night aperitif at a sidewalk café will be just the thing to relax you after your exciting day. Get a good night's sleep, though, because tomorrow we have another beautiful area to explore!

Day 4 - Friday, October 3
A Day at the Farms

Today we'll experience a completely different side of Etna. The lower slopes of this massive volcano mountain are home to dozens of villages and countless farms and vineyards where families have braved the wrath of Etna for generations to produce the fruits, vegetables, and wines that supply much of the region.
Our first stop today will be at a typical local farm, hopefully one that has grapes ready for harvesting!  Armed with knives and instructions from the vineyard workers, we’ll head into the grape arbors and try our hand at the “vendemmia” or harvest, in the same style that grapes have been picked for thousands of years in Sicily.  To reward our labors we’ll sit down to a typical (enormous) farm lunch.  Course by course, plate by plate, we’ll be introduced to traditional foods from the slopes of Monte Etna. 
After lunch we have a fascinating afternoon ahead of us.  First we’ll visit a local vineyard that has worked to preserve the ancient methods of harvesting, crushing the grapes, and making wine.  At a palmento, (antique harvesting barn), we’ll learn how generations of contadini worked the grapes into their primary product, wine.   If the season is right, we might have the opportunity to help the locals with the winemaking. That's right, off with the shoes and into the barrel, crushing the grapes the old fashioned way…with your feet! Great fun and the added benefit of purple toes!   To contrast the ancient with the modern we’ll also take a tour of a newer wine making facility, but one that incorporates all the ancient knowledge and passion for winemaking that is the hallmark of the Italian vintner.  At both vineyards we’ll have a wine tasting of all their vintages.

Tonight, sadly, is the last night in Taormina, so you'll have an opportunity to pick do some shopping and pick up any last-minute gifts for the folks back home. Tomorrow we're off to the islands!

Day 5 - Saturday, October 4
Aeolian Islands

After a typical Italian breakfast, we'll hop on our private coach and head north to board our ferry at the port of Milazzo, the jumping-off point to reach the fabled Aeolian Islands. Ancient Greek sailors believed these seven islands were the home of Aeolus, god of the winds. He supposedly lived in a cave on Vulcano, keeping the winds of the world in a bag to be opened only with great caution.
The islands themselves are volcanic in origin, and with a mix of history, small town atmosphere, intensely flavored cuisine, and natural beauty, each of these islands has its own character. The islands' culture extends back 6000 years, and there is evidence of trade with virtually every important Mediterranean culture, from the Etruscans to the Greeks.
Our first stop, the island of Vulcano, juts from the crystalline waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea 34 miles from the mainland of Sicilia. In ancient times the island was known as Thermessa, and due to the constant activity of its volcano was thought to be the gateway to Hades, the afterworld. Three dormant craters exist on the island, but we'll have a walking excursion to the lip of the remaining active Gran Cratere, also known as the Vulcano della Fosse. It hasn't erupted since 1890, but one look inside the sulphur-belching hole makes you understand the hellish legends surrounding it. From the crater's edge you'll also have one of the most panoramic views of the Aeolian archipelago…need I say it…bring your camera?
Following our volcano trek, we’ll have some time to wander the quaint town on Vulcano and relax in a seaside café for lunch. Later this afternoon, our private boat will pick us up and give us a tour of the coastline and tiny islets as we motor to the nearby island of Lipari, our home for the next two days. We’ll land on Lipari at the smaller fishing port, avoiding the bustle of the main tourist ferry dock. The main town on Lipari, (also named Lipari), sits on a plateau of red volcanic rock framed by two beaches. Lipari island is known as the "white island" from the huge deposits of pumice which have been mined since ancient times. Pumice is so plentiful you'll find little bits of it washing up on the beaches, bobbing in the water, and for sale in the shops. Thanks to pumice dust on the seabed, the water refracts gorgeous colors, from turquoise to bright emerald.
Tonight the guides will be taking you to dinner at one of their favorite local haunts. All of the dishes that Sicilia is famous for can be found on the islands, with the addition of the incredible fruits of the sea caught by the local fisherman. The seafood that you'll be served tonight was swimming in the ocean just a short time before it appeared on your plate! The guides will also introduce you to more of the excellent Sicilian vintages. Experiment and Enjoy!

This was my third trip with Lost in Italy and once again, it was a memorable time.  The hikes were excellent – particularly Mt.Etna, which was truly an experience of a lifetime!!

Celeste Wasielewski
Washington, D.C.

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Day 6 - Sunday, October 5
Quattropani, Quattrocchi

Today we'll journey to the other side of Lipari island, for a walk along the dramatic cliffs of the western coast. Banks of long abandoned terracing high over the windswept coast precede the curious ancient spa named after San Calogero, the popular saint associated with spas and mineral waters and revered throughout Sicilia. It is here that he is attributed with causing the hot therapeutic waters to flow from the rock flanks, not to mention banishing all the devils of Lipari. Furthermore the saint miraculously extinguished the flames during an eruption of the island's volcano. (During that occasion the womenfolk of the island vowed to never let wine touch their lips again if the fires would only cease.)
The spa itself is believed to have been built in the 15th century BC by the Myceneans, and then remodeled by the Romans in the 4th century BC. It is the oldest known spa in the entire Mediterranean.
Our path will take us along wild cliffs overlooking the sea far below, through olive groves and gardens filled with dwarf palms, grape vines and caper plants. Windswept ruins, stunning views of rocky pinnacles and cliffs, lonely huts, and deserted coves thick with seabirds will provide ample photographic opportunities.
Near the end of our route we’ll stop in the town of Pianoconte for our well-deserved lunch break at a local café.  After hanging out with the locals for a bit, our walk continues on to the beautiful lookout point of Quattrocchi, which means "four eyes", so named because that's how many eyes you'll need to appreciate the stunning coastline, with Vulcano in the background. 

Tonight you'll have the evening free to wander the streets and seaside lanes of Lipari town as you follow your nose to a local trattoria for dinner. As usual, your guides can direct you towards some of their favorites.  An after-dark stroll through Lipari town to admire the stars and seaside beauty will be the perfect cap to an active and exciting day.

Day 7 - Monday, October 6
Get Lost Day

Today it’s all about freedom, exploration, and getting lost on your own! Your guides will offer LOTS of popular options for the day’s activities and you can choose to do as little or as much as you want.
Of course you could easily fill an entire day shopping and exploring the byways of Lipari-town. Lipari has lots of lovely cobblestone streets and hidden neighborhoods waiting to be discovered by the curious walker. The town also abounds with shops that cater to visitors and locals alike.
The island also boasts one of southern Italy's finest museums, the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, which houses original artifacts from the original Neolithic settlement and includes obsidian knives and fabulous Greek vases. Located on a seaside rocky promontory overlooking Lipari-town, the museum is a fascinating way to spend the day.
Or, if you prefer, you can grab your bathing suit and head to one of the beaches in the nearby town of Canneto! A few hours spent frolicking in the cool waters of the Mediterranean might be just the antidote to the hot Sicilian sun!
Another exciting option is to board one of the local ferry boats and visit the nearby islands of Panarea, Salina, Alicudi or Filicudi. Each island has a slightly different atmosphere which makes for a great day of exploration. The island of Salina also features an excellent walk for those so inclined.
Private charter boats are also available for special sightseeing itineraries of the other Aeolian Islands. Adventurous souls can boat over to the tiny island of Stromboli to hike to the top of the volcano for a spectacular and unforgettable nighttime explosion of lava!
If time permits the guides may offer another morning walking on Lipari’s spectacular coastal paths.
Yet another option is to take your own island tour with a rental car on Lipari's winding seaside roads. Villages and windswept coastlines will provide ample scenery for your road trip around one of the most beautiful islands in Europe!
Whatever you choose to do today, be sure to take plenty of digital photos to share with the gang tomorrow!

Having no idea what to expect from our first hiking trip, we were absolutely blown away by what an incredible trip Lost in Italy is. We have told so many of our friends that this is a must-do trip. We had never been to Europe and unfortunately we feel we have now experienced the best possible trip first! Lost in Italy will be a tough act to follow.

Mike and Jane Bradley
Springfield, IL

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Day 8 - Tuesday, October 4
Siracusa, Ortygia

Today we board our ferry for the short trip to Milazzo, where our private coach awaits.  A relaxing drive along the eastern coast of Sicily provides glimpses of exquisite scenery.  Inland we have the rolling mountains of the Pelitorani range opposing the infinite blue of the Ionian Sea on the other side.  We’ll cross countless streams and pass lots of small villages and beach towns as we make our way southward to Siracusa.
Of all the Greek cities that flourished in antiquity, Siracusa was the most formidable, and proved to be Athens most serious competitor.  In its heyday it dared challenge Carthage and even Rome.  Today Siracusa is known for some of the most marvelous archaeological ruins in Sicily.  The focal point of the city is the island of Ortygia, inhabited for many thousands of years and known as the citta vecchia, or “old city”.  It contains the town’s Duomo, architecture spanning 500 years of building styles, most of the city’s medieval and baroque monuments, and some of the most charming vistas in Sicily.  Small cobblestone streets lined with shops, cafes and dozens of boutiques make for interesting wandering on Ortygia.  We’ll have the rest of the day free to wander the streets and piazzas of Ortygia and pick up any last minute gifts.                                          
Since this is our last evening in magical Sicilia, your guides will have a spectacular farewell dinner planned. Adventures (and misadventures) from the trip are re-lived and laughed about, everyone and everything is toasted, addresses and e-mails are copied, and heartfelt goodbyes are exchanged with all your new lifelong friends that you "Got Lost" in Italy with.

Day 9 - Wednesday, October 5
Arrivederci Sicilia

Our tour ends this morning at the hotel after breakfast. If you are planning on exploring more of Italy on your own, the nearby city of Catania can provide easy access to air connections. Your guides can arrange a private group coach transfer to the airport in Catania, if you desire, or help you with whatever arrangements you have made for your departure.

Trip Rating:
This trip has 2 days of EASY walks, 2 days of MODERATE walks, and 1 day of CHALLENGING walks.

What's Included On This Tour

• 8 Nights Double Occupancy Accommodations at Listed Hotels or Similar (All Hotels with Private Bathrooms)
  
• Meals as Specified: 8 Breakfasts, 1 Trailside Picnic, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  
• Picnic Lunch in Taormina featuring local Sicilian specialties
  
• Sicilian Farm Lunch
  
• Café Lunch on Lipari
  
• Welcome Dinner in Taormina
  
• Group Dinner in Lipari
  
• Farewell Dinner in Siracusa
  
• Castelmola Walk
  
• Mt. Etna Walk with Vulcanologist Guides
  
• Gran Cratere Walk on Vulcano
  
• Quattropani Walk on Lipari
  
• Visit to Island of Vulcano
  
• Guides Wine Tasting in Taormina
  
• Grape Harvesting at an Etna Vineyard (Season Permitting)
  
• Tours and Wine Tastings at Etna Vineyards
  
• Visits to Lots of Unique Villages - Giardini Naxos, Marina Corta, Pianoconte, Quattropani,  etc.
  
• Transportation once the tour has begun. The motorcoaches and vans we use are modern, air conditioned and roomy. Our tour groups are usually between 8-18 people so we always have lots of room on our coaches to get comfortable.
  
• All train, ferry, hydrofoil, coach and taxi transfers as specified in itinerary.
  
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in itinerary
  
• Completely escorted by an American Lost in Italy Tour Leader with local guides at specified sites throughout the itinerary
  
• Lost in Italy trip shirt and wine glass
  
  A lifetime of unforgettable memories!
  
  

What's Not Included On This Tour?

• Airfare package
  
• Departure taxes
  
• Arrival and departure transfers, tour begins at the hotel in Taormina on the afternoon of Day 1, and the tour ends at the hotel in Siracusa on the morning of day 9.
  
• Gratuities for meals, porterage, local guides, coach drivers, etc.
  
• Any costs associated with options on Get Lost Day.
  
• Visa fees, if applicable
  
• Meals not specified in itinerary
  
• Beverages at meals unless specified in itinerary
  
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
  
• Single supplement charge
  
• Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.