Sicilian Volcanoes

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 22 reviews.

nicola robson

SICILIAN VOLCANOES

Written June 2012
This was an excellent trip with stunning views of the active volcanoes. Truely a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My husband and I were fasinated with how close we got to the active volcano on Stomboli. The sight, sound and whole atmosphere was spectacular.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader Andrea was excellent and went out of his was to make sure the group were happy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There was alot of travelling involved in this trip, so be prepared.
Nigel Bradshaw

SICILIAN VOLCANOES

Written June 2012
The trip was much better than I anticipated. I saw & experienced things that I never expected to. Im very glad I went.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Climbing the very steep side of Stromboli at dusk, witnessing it erupt explosively, then descending in the dark. A truly unforgettable experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Danino spoke very good english, was very friendly & approachable & smoothed the way for us everywhere, even taking us on walks on his day off or time off. Nothing was too much trouble for him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Sicily in June is HOT & you will be doing a lot of arduous hill walking in the sun & heat of the day, be very prepared for that. Proper walking boots, not shoes are essential, although I did see an Italian girl at the top of Vulcano in a mini-skirt & heels! Take flip-flops if you intend going in the sea or on the beaches - they are very stony. Take gaiters & a head torch for the descent from Stromboli - they are essential! Take warm clothes for Etna - there is snow & ice up there even in June & the weather can change from minute to minute. Some of the walking is on steep-sided volcanoes covered with loose ash & I was acutely aware that on occasion there was nothing to stop you slipping & falling a very long way on sometimes razor-sharp volcanic stones & ash. There again, for me, that added to the experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was an excellent, well planned & executed trip. the walks & distances involved cleverly build up through the week from start to finish to allow acclimisation. The highlight of the trip for me was staying on Stromboli & ascending ABOVE the active volcano at dusk. Witnessing the volcano erupt lava 500-1000 foot into the air was an awe-inspiring sight. Stromboli itself had a charming little car-free port/town, we stayed in a lovely simple little B&B & I would have preferred two nights there as a chill-out time instead of our staying quite so many nights on Lipari. Although I looked forward to going up Etna on the last full day I found it a bit disappointing after having walked on two other active but smaller volcanoes earlier in the week - Etna is simply enormous, far too big to take in & you do not get near the summit.
Andrew Bryant

SICILIAN VOLCANOES

Written May 2012
Best one-week vacation I've had in a long time.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Both the Strombolian eruptions and the hike on Etna were inspirational moments; although that's not to say that the build up during the week was something to be missed. The earlier hikes, and restaurant visits added to the overall experience, and provided context for the later trips.
What did you think of your group leader?
Great! Turi was an exceptional group leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If travelling in May, take extra warm windproof gear for both Etna and Stromboli, and hot-weather gear for the rest of the trip. Etna is 3000m so could be 18 degrees colder than at sea level, and the Stromboli visit happens at sunset, and is on an exposed ridge. Also checkout advice on the net for photographing Strombolian eruptions (and take extra camera batteries).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Do it!
Boyd Taylor

SICILIAN VOLCANOES

Written May 2012
It was a great experience. My wife Pam and I never dreamed we would one day walk round the rim of a volcano and (on Stomboli) see the explosion and a fountain of lava. Wow!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Waking past the Sulphur Fumaroles on Vulcano and seeing the live activity on Stromboli. The ash and cinder fields at 10,000 ft on Etna was also awe inspiring.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - very friendly and knowledgeable. Well up to Exodus' usual high standards.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared to be blown away by the experience!
Don't be put off by the heat when walking up the volcanoes - the thrill at the top is worth it.
For the walk up Stromboli be aware that you have to keep up with the designated mountain guides pace as there are other groups following on behind.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Catania was rather a shabby city on the outside but still very interesting and the people are very friendly.
Ian Elliott

SICILIAN VOLCANOES

Written October 2011
A very good trip, combining hiking, swimming and spare time to look around. Well organised.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Ascent of Stromboli, reaching the summit at dusk to view the spectacular active craters.
What did you think of your group leader?
First rate. Organised with a light touch, resourceful and witty. As a Sicilian he knew the ropes and took us to interesting places, to eat for example.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The concept of the trip is excellent and it is good in October, just the right temperature for hiking and sight-seeing and prolonging your summer!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The accommodation in Catania was rather basic, but in a conveneint location near the attractions of the city.
Remind trippers they can fly from Manchester, an opportunity some were peeved to miss.
Lucy Adlington

SICILIAN VOLCANOES

Written September 2011
Best Exodus trip so far... inspiring combination of volcano hikes, sea-swimming on volcanic beaches, great food and super guides.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Night hiking to see Stromboli erupt was just stunning - a real 'You have to be there' experience
What did you think of your group leader?
Andrea was outstanding as group leader. Organised & professional, but also friendly, authentic and great fun

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Plan to enjoy yourself! Pack your swimming gear & sun cream. Take the best camera you've got.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had such a great holiday I've just booked another Exodus hiking trip - it's contagious!
Moira Maccallum

SICILIAN VOLCANOES

Written September 2011
What a trip with fantastic scenery, great food. Well organised and walking was at a fair pace for everyone.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Watching the explosions from Stromboli in the dark, and free-falling down Etna - never experienced anything like it.
What did you think of your group leader?
Second to none - a local guide who was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Couldn't do enough for us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go on this trip!

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Our Clients’ Reviews

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