Aeolian Islands Boat & Bike Tour

Day 1: Milazzo or Capo d'Orlando Marina (embarkation)
Two ships run this tour and they do not sail from the same harbour. The Sundial embarks in Milazzo; the Tersane IV embarks in Capo d'Orlando Marina, about 60 km further west along the north coast of Sicily. Your booking confirmation names the ship and the harbour, so check it before you book your train, bus or transfer. Embarkation is at 6 p.m. Once on board you will meet the crew for the week and settle into your cabin, then gather for a welcome drink, dinner and the presentation of the programme. The night is spent in the harbour of departure.

Day 2: Capo Milazzo roundtrip (15 km)
Today you will ride out to Capo Milazzo, the long finger of land that closes the bay, where you can bathe in the Venus Pool, a protected natural sea pool. Back in Milazzo there is time to visit the castle and the ancient hamlet gathered beneath it. The ship stays the night in the harbour of Milazzo.

Day 3: Milazzo – Vulcano | Vulcano, roundtrip (20 km)
While you have breakfast the caique sets course for Vulcano, the island everyone calls the Sulphur Island. By bike you will explore the hinterland around Piano Grillo, an ideal place to take in the landscape. The afternoon is free, with plenty to choose from: walk up to the crater of the volcano, take a mud bath on the island's sulphur beach, or swim among the underwater fumaroles. Overnight in the harbour of Vulcano.

Day 4: Vulcano – Panarea – Stromboli (3h30 walking)
After breakfast the ship heads for Panarea, stopping for a swim close to the islets of Lisca Bianca, Bottara and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, and you will have lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. The caique then sails on towards Stromboli, with a superb view over the Sciara del Fuoco, the famous scree slope that sometimes still carries lava flows. In the late afternoon you will walk up to 400 metres above sea level to watch the volcanic activity at dusk, followed by a picnic dinner at a panoramic viewpoint. Bring a head torch from home: the way back is in the dark. Tonight the ship lies at a sheltered anchorage off Stromboli.

Day 5: Stromboli – Panarea (2h30 walking) | Panarea – Salina
After breakfast you will sail back towards Panarea and drop anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro. From there a pleasant walk takes you into the little village of Panarea, on to Drautto beach and its prehistoric village, with a picnic lunch at Cala Junco before you return on board. The caique then heads for Salina, where you can visit a local shop and taste the island's products. Overnight in the harbour of Salina.

Day 6: Salina | Salina – Lipari (20 km)
Today's cycling starts on Salina itself. From Santa Marina on the east coast you will ride across to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, and visit the lake of Lingua. Pollara is also the place to try a granita. Back on board, the ship sails to Lipari, where you can stroll around its charming village. Overnight in the harbour of Lipari.

Day 7: Lipari | Lipari – Milazzo or Capo d'Orlando Marina (25 km)
After breakfast comes a coast-to-coast ride across Lipari. Starting from the hamlet of Lipari, you will pass the beautiful village and beach of Canneto and stop for a picnic lunch at the Quattrocchi viewpoint, then return to Lipari's historic centre, rich in shops and restaurants. Back on board, each ship sails to its home harbour: the Sundial to Milazzo, the Tersane IV to Capo d'Orlando Marina. Tonight's dinner is not included: you will eat ashore in a restaurant of your choice.

Day 8: Milazzo or Capo d'Orlando Marina (disembarkation)
End of your tour: disembarkation after breakfast, until 9 a.m., from the same harbour your week started in.