Choose this itinerary if you’d like to stay aboard the Sundial. Regardless of the boat, the inclusions and the itinerary remain the same—with the exception of port of departure/arrival & Day 2.
The Aeolian Islands sailing, bike, and hike tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation among Sicily’s volcanic jewels. On board a charming ship, we’ll explore islands like Vulcano, Panarea, Salina, and Lipari, witnessing Stromboli’s active eruptions and tasting local delights like Sicilian granita. Each day combines cycling and walking excursions with cruising to a new destination, while meals, lodging, and packed lunches are provided. Fully guided or independent options with e-bikes make this an unforgettable, active journey through the Pearls of Sicily!
Individual arrival and transfer to Milazzo harbor. Embarkation is at 6pm. Get to know your crew and accommodation on board, and enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and presentation of the program. Overnight in the harbor of Milazzo.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Sundial
Today we’ll cycle towards Capo Milazzo, where we’ll have the chance to bathe in the wonderful “Venus Pool,” a protected natural sea pool. Once back in Milazzo, we can visit the castle and its ancient hamlet. We’ll spend the night in the harbor of Milazzo.
Cycling: 15 km (9.4 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Sundial
Today our caique will start navigating towards the island of Vulcano, the so-called “Sulphur Island,” where by bike we’ll explore the island’s hinterland around Piano Grillo, an ideal place to admire an amazing landscape. In the afternoon we’ll have free time, with plenty of interesting options: walk up to the crater of the volcano, take a mud bath at the island’s sulphur beach, or even swim among underwater fumaroles (volcanic vents). We’ll spend the night in the harbor of Vulcano.
Cycling: 20 km (12.7 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Sundial
After breakfast, we sail to Panarea, stopping for a swim near Lisca Bianca, Bottara, and Dattilo—all still visibly volcanic—before lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. From there we head to Stromboli for views of the Sciara del Fuoco’s lava-streaked scree, then hike up to 400 m (1,312 ft) at dusk to watch the volcanic activity, followed by a picnic dinner at a panoramic viewpoint. Bring a headlamp for the night hike back down—we anchor in a sheltered spot at Stromboli.
Hiking: 3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Sundial
After breakfast, we’ll navigate back towards Panarea. After dropping anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk to visit the little village of Panarea, as well as Drautto Beach and its prehistoric settlement. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Cala Junco before returning on board. In the afternoon, we’ll continue towards the island of Salina, where we can visit a local shop and sample local products. We’ll spend the night in the harbor of Salina.
Hiking: 2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Sundial
Today we’ll start cycling directly on the island of Salina. From Santa Marina on the east coast, we’ll ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, and visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara we can enjoy a delicious, refreshing granita. Back on board, our caique will navigate to the island of Lipari, where we’ll have time to stroll around its charming village. We’ll spend the night in the harbor of Lipari.
Cycling: 20 km (12.7 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Sundial
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a wonderful coast-to-coast bike ride. Starting from the hamlet of Lipari, we’ll pass through the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. We’ll stop for our picnic lunch at the panoramic viewpoint of Quattrocchi before returning to Lipari’s historical center, rich in shops and restaurants. Back on board, the Sundial will navigate to Milazzo. We’ll enjoy our last dinner at one of the many local restaurants and spend the night in the harbor of Milazzo.
Cycling: 25 km (16 mi)
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Accommodation: Cabin aboard the Sundial
After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and leave the boat. Feel free to continue touring on your own, maybe even ask your guide for some tips!
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
In order to join this Aeolian Islands sailing, bike, and hike tour, good fitness is required. You’ll be hiking or cycling for 6 days in a row, and an e-bike will make your days easier. The most you’ll hike within a day is around 3.5 hours, the most you’ll cycle is up to 25 km (16 mi). While this tour is beginner-friendly, good fitness is still a must, as there will be a fair amount of hilly sections.
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E-bike rentals are available at an additional cost—you can add them to your booking at checkout.
Due to safety regulations on the ship, it is not allowed to bring your own e-bike. The rental e-bike you’re getting is high-quality and fully serviced, perfect for the terrain of this tour. You can, however, bring your own bike seat and pedals, guides will be happy to assist you in attaching these to your rental bikes.
Helmet wearing is mandatory and it’s recommended you bring your own, well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available, but in a limited capacity, so reservation is required should you need it.
Your guide’s rental e-bikes are high quality pedelecs, most of which are fitted with Bosch motors with extra battery range. They are characterized by their relatively light weight and great components. Some of the fleet is equipped with other motor systems. These e-bikes are a true set of wings for anyone who needs a little ‘tail wind’ to make their ride that little bit more enjoyable.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
Aeolian Islands sailing & bike tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Yes, of course! Non-cycling guests are more than welcome to join. If you have people in your group who’d rather skip the daily cycling tours, they can absolutely still come along—the price stays the same, as all the inclusions are identical apart from the guided cycling tours themselves.
They can explore on their own from wherever the boat docks, enjoy the destinations at their own pace, and still have a great experience on board. It’s a lovely option for mixed groups!
The starting point of your Aeolian Islands sailing & bike tour is Sicily, Italy. To get there, most people fly into Catania Airport (CTA) or Palermo Airport (PMO).
Your embarkation point depends on the ship: guests boarding Tersane IV will start from Capo d’Orlando Marina, while those sailing on the Sundial will embark in Milazzo. To get to either of these departure points, it will likely take you 2-4 hours from Catania or Palermo Airport, depending on your transfers.
Embarkation begins at 6pm on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.