Cycle, walk and sail through the volcanic landscapes of the Aeolian Islands
Discover Sicily and the Aeolian Islands on an active 8-day journey aboard a traditional caique, combining guided cycling and walking excursions with travel between five distinctive volcanic islands: Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Salina and Lipari. Ride along the coast, walk through volcanic landscapes and discover highlights ranging from the natural sea pool of the Venus Pool near Capo Milazzo to the volcanic scenery of Vulcano and the dramatic Sciara del Fuoco on Stromboli. It is a journey that combines active exploration with time on the water.
A unique boat experience combining cycling, walking and life on board
The traditional caique is more than a way to move between destinations: it is your sailing hotel throughout the journey. Between excursions, the boat takes you towards the next island, while breakfast and dinner are served on board and packed lunches are provided for the daily activities. With an experienced tour leader accompanying the guided cycling and walking excursions, you can explore the Aeolian Islands actively while keeping the practicalities of moving between islands together in one journey.
ROUTE
The route brings together five unique Aeolian Islands — Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Salina and Lipari — each with its own volcanic character and landscapes. Cycle and walk through coastal scenery, natural sea pools and volcanic terrain, from the Venus Pool near Capo Milazzo and the landscapes of Vulcano to the dramatic Sciara del Fuoco on Stromboli and the panoramic views around Lipari. Between excursions, the traditional caique connects the islands, turning the journey itself into an essential part of the experience.
This guided boat and bike tour combines cycling with dedicated walking excursions, allowing you to experience the islands from different perspectives. The traditional caique sails to a new destination while you are not cycling or walking, with full board included throughout the journey. The cycling routes can also be completed individually using the Ride with GPS app and cycling map, while the tour guide remains available for support.
Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation Milazzo
Welcome On Board
Highlights: Harbor welcome, crew introduction, program presentation, evening in Milazzo.
Arrive individually at Milazzo harbor (Sundial vessel) for embarkation at 6:00 PM. Meet your crew and fellow travelers over a refreshing welcome drink, followed by a delicious onboard dinner and a detailed briefing on the upcoming archipelago voyage. Overnight in Milazzo harbor.
Day 2: Milazzo – Capo Milazzo & Venus Pool
15 km / 9.3 miles
Highlights: Venus Pool natural sea basin, Milazzo Castle, ancient hamlet.
Mount your bikes for a introductory ride toward the dramatic peninsula of Capo Milazzo. Stop to take a dip in the pristine, natural sea pool known as the “Venus Pool.” Upon returning to Milazzo, take time to explore the hilltop castle and its surrounding historic village before spending another night in port.
Day 3: Milazzo – Vulcano Island
Piano Grillo Exploration
20 km / 12.4 miles
Highlights: Sulphur Island, Piano Grillo hinterland, crater hike, mud baths, underwater fumaroles.
Set sail for Vulcano, known as the “Sulphur Island.” Cycle inland through the picturesque landscapes around Piano Grillo to admire panoramic countryside views. The afternoon offers free time to hike up to the volcanic crater, relax in natural thermal mud baths, or swim among warm underwater fumaroles. Overnight in Vulcano harbor.
Day 4: Vulcano – Panarea – Stromboli
Sciara del Fuoco & Dusk Hike
3.30h Walking | 400 m trekking gain
Highlights: Swimming at Lisca Bianca, Sciara del Fuoco lava slopes, twilight volcano hike.
Cruise past the rocky islets of Lisca Bianca, Bottara, and Dattilo for a swim stop, then anchor in a bay off Panarea for lunch. Navigate onward to Stromboli, taking in views of the famous Sciara del Fuoco. Late in the afternoon, embark on a guided walk up to 400 meters (1,312 ft) to observe active volcanic displays at dusk, followed by a scenic picnic dinner. Overnight at a sheltered anchorage.
Day 5: Stromboli – Panarea – Salina
Prehistoric Village & Local Flavors
2.30h Walking
Highlights: Porto San Pietro, Drautto Beach, Cala Junco picnic, Salina tastings. Sail back to Panarea and land at Porto San Pietro for a coastal walk to Drautto Beach and its ancient prehistoric village.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at beautiful Cala Junco before boarding the vessel bound for Salina. Spend the evening browsing local shops and sampling authentic regional delicacies. Overnight in Salina harbor.
Day 6: Salina – Lipari
Pollara & Granita Tasting
20 km / 12.4 miles | 0 m
Highlights: Lingua Lake, Pollara, authentic Sicilian granita, Lipari historic village.
Cycle from Santa Marina on Salina’s eastern coast across to Pollara on the western shore. Visit the salt lake at Lingua and pause to refresh with a traditional Sicilian granita. Return aboard for a short crossing to Lipari, where you can wander through the charming harbor village. Overnight in Lipari harbor.
Day 7: Lipari – Milazzo / Capo d’Orlando
Coast-to-Coast Ride
25 km / 15.5 miles
Highlights: Canneto Beach, Quattrocchi viewpoint, historic center, farewell cruise.
Embark on a spectacular coast-to-coast ride starting from Lipari town, passing the beach at Canneto. Pause for a picnic lunch at the breathtaking Quattrocchi viewpoint before descending back into Lipari’s town center. Reboard the vessel for the final sailing passage to Milazzo (Sundial) or Capo d’Orlando Marina (Tersane IV), concluding with a local dinner. Overnight in harbor.
Day 8: Disembarkation: Milazzo
Final breakfast on board, disembarkation by 9:00 AM. Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking in Milazzo by 9:00 AM, marking the end of your Sicilian cruise.
Extend Your Stay
Advice on good hotels for additional nights in Milazzo upon request.
Getting to Milazzo (Departure Point)
By Plane: Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) or Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) serve as the main international gateways to Sicily, with direct bus, train, or private transfer links to Milazzo.
Private transfers from the airport to the docking location are available upon request.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 60 days before tour departure.
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights accommodation on board
- 7 x breakfast
- Packed lunches daily
- 6 x dinner on board
- Coffee and tea on board
- Welcome drink upon arrival
- 1/2 liter bottled water per person for lunch & table water jars at dinner
- Air conditioning in cabins
- Bed linen and towels (1 towel change per week)
- Daily cabin cleaning service
- Rental helmet
- Digital tour information & Ride with GPS app access
- English-speaking tour leader
- Fully-guided cycling and walking excursions
- All harbor charges and fees
- Wi-Fi access (available while docked in harbor)
- CO2 emission offset scheme via Trees for All and Orca plastic recycling
NOT Included
- Travel to / from starting destination
- Transfers to/from the docking place
- 1 dinner (on Day 7)
- Rental E-Bike
- Entrance fees & excursions
- Parking fees
- Alcoholic and soft drinks on board
- Personal travel or medical insurance
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- SGR Insolvency protection
- Personal travel, medical, and luggage insurance policies
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person in a double room in 2027.
Sundial
May · Aug
from
2099 €
Sundial
May · Jun · Sep · Oct
from
2399€
Sundial
May
from
2499 €
Double cabin for single use below deck, surcharge on the tour base price (limited).
Accommodation
Featuring top-quality accommodation, carefully selected for comfort and an exceptional travel experience.
Sundial
The Turkish caique Sundial was built in Bodrum using traditional Turkish shipbuilding techniques. Its solid pine and mahogany construction provides a comfortable setting for sailing between the volcanic islands of the Aeolian archipelago. More than a boat, it becomes your sailing base throughout the journey, with comfortable spaces to relax on deck and enjoy the changing views of the Mediterranean between cycling and walking excursions.
Cabins: 6
Maximum capacity: 12 passengers
BIKES
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
eBike
273€
Extras for Rental Bikes
+35€
Insurance
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and represent the type of bicycles offered for the tour.
The exact bicycle provided is subject to availability.
During the trip, you are responsible for any damage, loss, or theft.