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Aeolian Islands
The seven Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily are one of the most traditional areas of Italy with a pace and way of life little altered for centuries - the charming film “Il Postino” was filmed here. One of these, Stromboli, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world offering an almost-daily spectacular show lava cascading down into the sea. Our delightful tour, based on the charming island of Lipari allows you to explore independently or join one of our reasonably priced tours that take in all the islands.
Scheduled flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Catania including all payable taxes:
BA2594 GATWICK 08.55 CATANIA 13.00
BA2595 CATANIA 13.45 GATWICK 16.05
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Catania. On arrival transfer under tour manager’s direction by coach to Milazzo and onwards to hotel on Lipari for check in for 7-night stay. (Approx transfer time including hydrofoil is 3½ hours).
Days 2-7: Days free for personal exploration, travelling by local ferry or join one of our reasonably-priced optional tours to Vulcano, Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Alicudi and Filicudi.
Day 8: Transfer by ferry/hydrofoil and coach to Catania for return flight to London Gatwick.
Rocce Azzurre
The friendly, family-run 3-star Rocce Azzurre Hotel enjoys a wonderful location overlooking the sea yet only a few minutes pleasant walk from the charming old town of Lipari. Facilities at this typically Sicilian hotel include terrace and restaurant with spectacular sea views, attractive and charming public areas including bar and indoor dining area and sunbathing/swimming platform. Rooms are comfortable and spotlessly maintained with private shower, TV and telephone. Many have sea view and balcony, bookable at a reasonable supplement.
Rocce Azzurre Website
Vulcano
As its name suggests, the island has a volcanic history and an exceptional landscape as a result, including two craters. Volcanic activity has been reported since ancient times with the last report in the late 19th century. It is still evident with the boiling sea-water phenomenon caused by underwater jets of gas bubbling up through the sea, which is now considered to be therapeutic as are the mud-baths. The island is also characterised by caves, black beaches, old lighthouse and dramatic mountain scenery.
Alicudi
The most westerly of the islands, Alicudi is the least-populated (150 inhabitants) and a total area of 5.2 square kilometres. Its ancient name was Ericusa, because of the abundance of wild heather that grows there and a settlement dating from the 16th century BC has been discovered near the port. The west of the island is totally uninhabited with a dramatic coastline of enormous sheer rocks rising to an extinct volcanic peak.
Lipari
Despite being the largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari has a population of only 9,000! The town of Lipari has some notable buildings including the churches of Anime del Purgatorio, Saint Antonio, the Immaculate, Addolorata and 11th century Cathedral, impressive castles and city wall. Other sights include the Neolithic Village and Greek-Roman necropolis at Contrada Diana and the excellent Aeolian Archeological Museum. The town also boasts several restaurants, bars and cafes for a leisurely lunch.
Stromboli
Almost entirely mountainous and the most active volcanically of the islands, Stromboli is best observed at sunset from the safety of a boat. Almost daily, the volcano issues a spectacular light and fire display and lava flows down the Sciara del Fuoco into the sea, with stones and ashes thrown high into the sky. Evidence of ancient civilisations are to be found here, too, together with the charming villages of more recent times.
Salina
The second largest of the islands, Salina is the most cultivated and has a landscape characterised by vineyards and olive groves - the island boasts a unique wine, the aromatic malvasia. Evidence of ancient civilisations has been unearthed here as is the case elsewhere on the Aeolian Islands, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past, whilst the present settlements of Santa Marina, Rinella and Malfa have changed little over the past two or three hundred years.
Filicudi
Consisting of three extinct volcanoes, Filicudi (once know as Phoenicusa - the island of ferns), is famed for its stunning coastline of high, jagged cliffs and beautiful grottoes, including the Bue Marino (sea ox). It also boasts a picturesque harbour and delightful Capo Graxiano peninsular where a Bronze Age settlement has been unearthed.
Panarea
Though tiny, at just 3.4 square kilometres, Panarea offers unspoilt natural beauty and fascinating evidence of past occupants dating back to the Neolithic Age through the Bronze Age and Capo Graziano era. There is also evidence of Roman occupation at the islet of Basiluzzo where ruins of Roman houses have been discovered along with mosaics.
Included In Tour
- Return scheduled flights with British Airways including all applicable airport taxes.
- 7 nights accommodation at 3-star Rocce Azzurre Hotel.
- Price based on shared occupancy of a rear-facing twin room, including buffet continental breakfast and evening dinner daily (choice of dishes with each course).
- Upgraded rooms available at a supplement
- Transfers by coach and ferry/hydrofoil from Catania airport to hotel in Lipari
- Tour manager throughout
Not Included In Tour
- Holiday insurance (£30.00)
- Single room supplement. NB:A very limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available at a supplement of £100 per week plus sea view supplement as shown. ie a room for single occupancy with sea-view would incur a supplement of £150 (There are no single rooms with balcony)
- Sea view supplement without balcony (£50.00 per person based on 2 sharing). Sea view supplement with balcony (£100.00 per person based on 2 sharing) Junior- Suite £150 per person.(This is an oversized room with 2 balconies, sitting area, sea view, jacuzzi bath)
- Optional tours. Tours vary according to length of boat transfer but typically cost between EUR15 and EUR30 paid locally
- Meals other than those stated
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
- Porterage and gratuities
NB: Extra weeks are available at a supplement of £245 per person for a standard rear-facing room with sea-view supplements applicable as shown above.
The air holiday package and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3525. Please see our booking conditions for more information. Your contract is with Travel Editions Limited, a member of ABTA, ATOL a company wholly independent of National Magazine Company Ltd.