Taormina and Vulcano

Arrive at Catania airport and transfer to the beautiful town of Taormina, set high on the mountainside of Monte Tauro (approx. 1.5 hours), where you can check in to one of our extensive range of hotels. To get to grips with Taormina, head out to the main street of Corso Umberto, and take in the sights and sounds of this historic town.

On your first day in Taormina, we recommend you relax in style at the Isola Bella pebble beach, or explore the town’s streets to discover the faded glamour of the Teatro Greco amphitheatre. Located on a cliff edge overlooking the sea, this spectacular venue occasionally plays host to open-air opera and live drama shows. Finish the day with a romantic sea view dinner as the sun sets.

Today we recommend visiting Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges on the pre-bookable excursion. Explore Etna's amazing volcanic landscape and the unique Alcantara Gorge formed by Mount Etna's eruptions, ascending more than 1,900 feet to take in the panoramic views across the island. An optional ascent to 2,900 metres by cable car and jeep is also available to book for those wanting to go even higher.

Wave goodbye to the spectacular hillside town of Taormina before heading off to the Aeolian island of Vulcano (approx. 1.5 hours), where you will first check in to the elegant Therasia Resort Sea and Spa, before indulging in a classic aperitivo on the terrace as the sun sets across the bay.

You have several days to explore the island and surroundings, so we recommend starting off with a mud bath session at one of the many thermal spas on Vulcano (the best can be found in Vulcano Porto). The ambitious may want to take to the mountains on an exciting volcano hike, whilst those seeking relaxation might prefer lounging on one of the island’s black sand beaches.

When it comes to getting out and about, it’s easy to catch water taxis and ferries to nearby islands, with pretty Lipari being closest, and offering an attractive harbour and a dramatic hilltop castle for visitors to explore. The island is also home to an archaeological museum renowned for its collection of Greek theatre masks excavated from tombs around island.  A short journey on from Lipari is Stromboli – the most dramatic of the Aeolian Islands. The mighty 900 metre high volcano dominates much of the island, and provides outstanding views from the top. Back on Vulcano, you’ll find a pleasing array of restaurants and bars, mainly centred around the town of Vulcano Porto.

Take in the sight of the breathtaking volcanoes one last time before travelling back to Catania airport and boarding your flight home.