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Best Time of Year: March - October
3 Volcanoes Challenge
Trek Adventure
Adventure Café have put together this special itinerary for you, taking in three of Sicily's famous Volcanoes, its highest towering Mount Etna standing tall at 3,350metres, and its fieriest - Stromboli the spectacular fire spewing smouldering peak along with Vulcano overlooking the stunning Aeolian islands…
On arrival from the UK - flights are not included in the package price - we shall transfer directly to the foot of Mount Etna, where we shall make our preparations ready for our trek. Upon completing Etna we transfer to Milazzo. the following morning we a take ferry to Lipari and then a local boat onwards for an evening ascent of Stromboli with a late finish back at Lipari. the following morning we take a ferry to Vulcano and then onwards to Milazzo. On the morning of departure we will transfer you back to Catania.
This is a challenge with a difference not only trekking Europe's tallest volcano but also one of its most Active which usually comes with its own Firework Display each evening!
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Catania (airport or city) late afternoon. Transfer up the long incline to Sapienza. Dinner, Briefing and kit preparations.
Day 2
Early start trek Mount Etna. Full Day to summit crater rim of Etna. Please note that the Summit Crater is a highly unpredictable location - and as such our plans are always subject to change. We will then transfer to Milazzo for a late dinner on this evening…. But well worth it - as the sights and sounds on top of Europe's Highest Volcano are highly memorable.
Day 3
Transfer to Lipari by ferry for a good hearty Sicilian lunch. Local boat in afternoon to climb Stromboli, the burning spitting fiery giant - a tough, and at times hot and dusty climb…. Culminating in a close up with the lava flows and potentially exciting explosions all whilst sat down with your picnic dinner on the summit ridge. We will then head back to Lipari. This will be a late night!
Day 4
Ferry to Vulcano in the morning to climb up and encircle the whole crater - a stunning walk - but a relatively easy climb! We will then have seom time to relax on the beach after all your hard work, before then continuing on by ferry to Milazzo for evening celebrations.
Day 5
Transfer to Catania airport or centre.
Accommodation
You will be staying in simple hotels and a well established Mountain Refuge. Generally Adventure Café provide a comfortable standard of accommodation on this trip.
What is a Level 3.5 Trekking Challenge Like?
These challenges are either longer, higher, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 12 hours trekking. In the case of a multi day trek, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be keen on physical exercise for these events, and to enjoy taking exercise, and to do it regularly. Longer duration long haul treks are likely to be easier in terms of the physical walking, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to simple living conditions - ie using same clothes for several days, lack of washing facilities, simple food, and maybe camping - this forms an integral part of the challenge.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.5 ‘Trek’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing very long walks in the countryside - 7 hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - possibly with some running. Your running speed will be around 10-11 minute miling, and you should be able to run a minimum of 4 to five miles. If you do not run, you should be concentrating on other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (i.e. sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - these other forms of exercise should be at a moderate to high level.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Event Leadership with UK qualified Mountain Leaders, at a ratio of 1:12
Local guides on Mt Etna and Stromboli at ratio of 1:20
1 night refuge accommodation at foot of Mt Etna
3 nights hotel accommodation (2 x Milazzo, 1 in Lipari)
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
Transfers from/to Catania and in between hotels (Catania-Sapienza-Milazzo-Catania)
3 Ferry journeys (Milazzo-Lipari-Vulcano-Milazzo)
1 local boat for return to Stromboli
Full Vehicle Support and baggage transfers
Logistical and Route Planning
Trip notes, Joining instructions, Training plan, Kit Lists, Food guidance
Event Risk Assessments
First Aid Support
Helmets on Etna and Stromboli
Paper masks if/when required
Radio communications
Excluded From Trip
International Flights (we recommend flying into Catania airport)
Evening meals
Equipment Required
Medikit
Water Purification Tablets, Suncream, Blister Repair Kit
Plasters, Vaseline, Rehydration Salts
Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar)
Shampoo (not a full size bottle!)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste (small size)
Hill Walking Items
Sleeping Bag - 2/3 season rated to 0° C comfort rating or sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton)
Medium Sized Rucksack - lined with waterproof bags
Rucksack Liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed), Neck Scarf
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Warm Clothing
Lightweight Fleece, Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves
Heavy Gloves (mitten type recommended), Fleece Hat
Trek Clothing
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers, 1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Walking Socks, Liner Socks
Underwear, 1 Change of Casual Evening Wear
Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues, Spare Lace
Camera, Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Travel Documents, EHIC Travel Card
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Passport
Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Spare Comfortable Shoes
Penknife, Mobile Phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!)
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb
Kit Hire
It is possible to hire equipment via our specialist kit hire providers Outdoor Hire Ltd. We have negotiated a 10% discount for all our mountain challengers.
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters and radios. Helmets will also be provided whilst summiting Etna and Stromboli. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
Expect Hot weather on Sicily, although it could be fairly cool near the summit of the mountains.
Notes on Trekking Events
Trek the Mountains of the World with Adventure Cafe, and our fantastic team of qualified leaders. From the UK, to the Alps, Pyrenees, Atlas Mountains, Himalayas and even Kilimanjaro. Put our International Mountain Leaders to the test! Check.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events