Bravobike Sicily Aeolian Islands Bike & Boat Tour

Duración: 8 Days | 7 Nights

Precio: From 1295€ : Book now 2020 prices

Intro
Itinerary
Ships
Dates & Prices
The Fine Print

The Aeolian Islands

Aboard the Sundial you’ll discover the pearls of Sicily, the extraordinary Aeolian Islands. During this week, sail through the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and discover volcanic archipelagos, reaching the island of Vulcano, where you can bathe in an outdoor pond of sulfur and mud (it’s therapeutic!). Navigate through crystalline waters until you reach the Paarea, with its rocky crests of Basiluzzo and Lisca Bianca. There’s also the Sciara del Fuoco, a natural lava show of the Stromboli volcano. During the trip you can immerse yourself in the calm waters of the sea. Come aboard and get ready to experience a trip where sailing and relaxation combine with cycling and hiking tours, with the sole aim of fully enjoying the wonders of the Aeolian Islands.
Itinerary

Day 1: Catania – Embarkation

We’ll meet at 3:30PM (15:30) at Catania airport, for a group transfer to the harbor. Embarkation at 6PM (18:00) followed by a welcome drink and dinner on board in the Marina di Nettuno of Milazzo. Enjoy a presentation of the week’s program, get to know your fellow travelers, and settle into your cabin, your home for the week. Overnight in Milazzo.

Day 2: Milazzo | 8.6 miles / 14 km

Today we set off on a cycle to Capo Milazzo, a thin peninsula extending towards the Lipari Islands with beautiful rugged coastline. Take a dip in the alluring Venus Pool, a protected natural pool on the cape. Travel back to Milazzo, we’ll visit the castle, whose site dates back to the Neolithic era. Ending back at the marina, we’ll have dinner on the Sundial and sleep onboard in Milazzo.

Day 3: Island of Vulcano | 11 miles / 18 km

Over breakfast we’ll marvel at our first crossing, to the island of Vulcano, the “sulphur island”. Once we arrive we’ll start our cycle tour, heading towards Capo Grillo to admire breathtaking views of the island. You’re free in the afternoon to do whatever you’d like, we suggest some of these activities: hike up to the crater of the volcano (1300 feet / 400 meters), take a mud bath on the sulphur beach, or have a swim in waters with hydrothermal vents. Later on at dinner we can talk about our various volcanic adventures on the Sundial in Vulcano’s harbor.

Day 4: Panarea, Stromboli | 3 1/2 hours trekking

Today we’ll enjoy breakfast and our next passage to the island of Panarea. Stopping for a swim near some small islands, there’s another opportunity to be amazed by volcanic activity, clearly visible in gases escaping through the cracks in the rocks. We’ll reach port in Panarea, where we can appreciate the effect the fertile volcanic soil has on the explosion of plant life on the island. Enjoy a lovely lunch on board with fantastic views. Next we head towards the island of Stromboli to appreciate an excellent view of the Sciara del Fuoco, a horseshoe-shaped depression of the volcano, formed some 13,000 years ago. Finally, we’ll trek to 1300 feet (400 meters) above sea level, to admire the minor volcanic eruptions at sunset, which give the island its nickname the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean”. What better way to end the day than a picnic dinner in a panoramic spot? Return to the ship, and overnight in Stromboli.

Day 5: Stromboli – Panarea – Salina | 2 1/2 hours walking

After a healthy breakfast on the Sundial, we head back to Panarea for some exploring. Our destination is Porto San Pietro, where another walking expedition awaits, taking us on a relaxed visit to the village of Panarea, the Drautto district and prehistoric remains. Working up an appetite, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at Cala Junco, a cove beach, and return to our ship. Cruising to the island of Salina we find time for a swim break in the sea. In Salina a visit to a local shop offers the chance to taste local specialties. Dinner is on the Sundial and overnight in the harbor of Salina.

Day 6: Salina – Lipari | 14 miles / 22 km

Today we’ll explore Salina by bike. From Santa Marina, we cross the island to Pollara, another breathtaking panoramic spot on the western coast of the island. Highlights include a visit to the Lake of Lingua, a salt lake, and Pollara, a small village where you can reward yourself with a refreshing granita, a variety of Italian ice, at Alfredo’s, world-famous and highly recommended by other travelers. Once we get back to the ship, we begin passage to Lipari. In the enchanting village, enjoy a stroll past shops and good restaurants. Tonight you’re free to dine ashore, and truly experience the local culture. Overnight in harbor in Lipari.

Day 7: Lipari | 16 miles / 25 km

Breakfast and we’re off on the day’s coast to coast cycling journey. From the village of Lipari, in direction of the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. There are pumice quarries and the beaches of Acquacalda awaiting us, where you can take a swim if you like. Quattrocchi is our panoramic point for a delicious picnic lunch, then we’ll make our way back to the historical centre with its many shops and restaurants. The Sundial awaits us, for navigation to Milazzo. Our last dinner allows a jovial reflection on the week’s adventure with fellow travelers, guides and crew, and our overnight is in the harbor.

Day 8: Catania – End of Tour or Extension

We disembark the Sundial, our home for the past week, at 9:00AM. There is a collective transfer available to Catania airport, with expected arrival time approximately 12:00PM.

The captain and the guide reserve the right to make alterations to the itinerary, depending on wind, sea and weather conditions or organizational requirements. We wish to specify that this is not a sailing trip. The ship is a motor vessel, it has sails but the navigation is powered by engines.
Sundial

The Sundial, your home for the week, is a Turkish caique. Built in Bodrum, Turkey, it’s an excellent example of a classic, traditional shipbuilding style. Made of mahogany and pine, the Sundial provides its guests with a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Completely renovated in 2012, it measures 80 feet (24.5 m) long with a solarium, dining area and lounge, deck space with furniture and mattresses to lay out, and 6 private cabins featuring air conditioning. There’s plenty of room to relax in interior spaces or on the large deck. The catering is fresh seafood and vegetables, pasta and meat cooked in a Mediterranean style. Make yourself at home and trust that your professional, experienced crew is there to make your week aboard memorable, offering exceptional, attentive service.

Technical Info:

Year of Renovation: 2012
Length: 80 feet (24.5 m)
Width: 20.5 feet (6.25 m)

The Cabins

The 6 double cabins measure 86 ft² (8 m²), all located below deck. They’re equipped with air conditioning, a double bed, private shower/WC, as well as windows. There’s a wardrobe for storing luggage and allowing you to settle in. Double beds are 77 x 47 inches (195 x 120 cm). Fresh sheets and towels are provided at mid-week.

The Decks

When weather permits, you’ve got the option to eat on deck in the open air. The Sundial features plenty of space whether you’re in the mood to be social and spend time with friends or if you’d rather find a quiet nook to read and sunbathe. There are lounge mattresses and cushioned benches on deck, in addition to tables and chairs.

Lounge

The lounge is air conditioned, with lots of windows to let in light and provide excellent views. Feel free to mingle with your fellow guests, or seek a bit of privacy. It’s well furnished and comfortable, great for playing cards or relaxing with a good book.

Languages on Board

English, Italian

Dates and Prices 2020

Dates listed in black are open for booking. If marked in red they’re fully booked, in blue there are 4 or less bookings available. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions, we’re happy to answer any queries you may have.

(Book a 2020 cruise before January 31 and receive an extra 5% discount)

Departures Sundial | Aeolian Islands

Sundial Ship Departures	Price per Person
May 16 - 23 \| 23 - 30	1295€ (approx. $1445)
May 30 - June 6	1295€ (approx. $1445)
June 6 - 13 \| 13 - 20	1295€ (approx. $1445)
August 29 - September 5	1295€ (approx. $1445)
September 5 - 12 \| 12 - 19 \| 19 - 26	1295€ (approx. $1445)
September 26 - October 3	1295€ (approx. $1445)

These dates and prices are for departures from Catania, arriving to Catania. Prices shown in Euros and approximate conversions to U.S. Dollars.

What’s Included in the Aeolian Islands Bike and Boat Tour?

Duration	8 days \| 7 nights, 4 cycling days and 2 trekking days
Included Services	Collective transfer to and from Catania airport (first day, at 3PM, and last day at 9AM) 8 day trip on a premium caique with crew 7 nights in a double cabin with shower/toilet Full board starting with dinner on the first day until breakfast on the eighth day (picnic lunches and lunch on board), excluding one dinner on free night (day six) in Lipari Water at meal times (half liter bottled water per person for picnic lunches and pitchers of water on the table at dinner) Guided bike tours, walking tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary Bed linen & towels, changed mid-week Overview-maps for the daily bike tours to review on board 6 nights in port, 1 night in roadstead Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites as detailed in itinerary English and Italian speaking tour guide Travel insurance Europ Assistance 24/24
Accommodation	Double cabin below deck (double occupancy)
Not Included in the Tour Price	Journey to Catania, Italy Bike rental Meals and drinks ashore, one night’s dinner in Lipari Drinks on board Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price International banking fees: 2.5% of total amount (credit card payment) Tips for tour guides and crew
Additional Optional Services and Notes	Surcharge for single occupancy of double cabin: 685€ (on request, reservation required) Rental bike fees: Hybrid bicycle, 90€ per week (please reserve in advance) E-bike, 180€/week (limited availability, book in advance) Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: 25€/week, hybrid or 50€/week for e-bike (not insured: grossly negligent damages) This tour requires a minimum of four participants to operate Suitable for children over 12 years of age Helmet rental available for €15 per helmet, to be requested in advance Dietary requests: Vegetarian meals are available, please indicate this preference in advance with reservation. Lactose and gluten free meals incur an additional fee of 50€ per person for the week. Please make clear any allergies or intolerances so we can ensure we’ll be able to accomodate. In some cases an additional charge may apply. It’s possible to charter the entire boat privately for tours: more information on request
Docking	The boat will be docked in port for 6 nights. Other nights we’ll be anchored in roadstead, a place outside the harbor where the ship can lie at anchor. It’s an enclosed area with an opening to the sea. Natural roadsteads offer shelter from storms, winds and currents, and are frequently used for naval bases. In exceptional cases (unfavorable meteorological and/or sea conditions), for safety reasons, the ship will return to harbor during the nights scheduled in roadstead. Only and exclusively in this case, the clients will be asked to split the cost for the stay in port. This amount, variable from port to port, will be divided among all the participants of the tour and paid directly on site, approximately 20 to 50€ per person per night, subject to change.
Difficulty Level	The terrain of the cycling tours range from flat to hilly, the daily elevation gains can reach up to 1,969 feet (600 meters). Distances are between 9 and 16 miles (15 and 25 km) with plenty of time to complete them, so you can cycle at your own pace all week long. However, this tour is recommended for those with a good level of fitness and some experience in cycling tours. Not suitable for beginner cyclists.
Cancellation Fees and Insurance	Our cancellation fees are: 60 or more days prior to beginning of trip: 20% of trip price (25€ per person minimum) 59 – 31 days prior: 30% of trip price 30 – 21 days prior: 50% of trip price 20 – 11 days prior: 70% of trip price 10 – 1 day prior: 90% of trip price If you cancel on the starting day of the trip or if you do not appear for the start of the trip, we’ll be forced to charge the full trip price. If you miss the start of the trip or are prevented from travelling due to incomplete travel documents, this will be considered as a cancellation. Reservation changes are handled the same way as cancellations. For changing your reservation, you’ll incur a charge of 50€ for changes made 28 days or more before the beginning of the trip. Any later changes (if possible) will need to be handled as a complete cancellation and new reservation. Cancellation and reservation change fees are due immediately. We urge you to consider contracting travel insurance that covers, among other things, cancellation charges. Before the trip, please also find out about your medical and accident insurance and about luggage insurance or travel liability insurance, if necessary.
Bringing Children	Only children in good physical condition and with a minimum age of 12, having previous bicycle tour experience, are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.5 m or 4 ft, 11 inches
Catering	The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals and lunches. The full board starts with dinner on the arrival day and ends with breakfast on the departure day, with one night free for dinner.
How to Book Your Spot on This Tour?	Reservation requires a 50% deposit per person, with the final payment 6 weeks before tour departure. Credit card payments by Visa or Master Card do carry an additional fee of 2.5%. Each reservation will incur a 25€ booking fee.