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...
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Climbing down Stromboli volcano in the dark - it was scary (almost like being on an alien planet) but never known anything quite like it - an hour to remember. And it turned out much easier to do than I thought!
What did you think of your group leader?
Georgiana was helpful and knowledgable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Some of the walks sound scary (ETna and Stromboli in particular). They are actually OK for people of ordinary fitness - you must do them!
The point of this trip is to go up three volcanoes - Vulcano, Stromboli and Etna. Stromboli is the only volcano where you can look down on the eruptions and Etna is simply enormous.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking on 10 day old ash and lava on the top of Etna which was still warm to the touch. The top of Etna is extraordinary - vast, beautiful, bleak. I also liked the Aeolian islands - quiet, charming and I especially liked the island of Stromboli.
What did you think of your group leader?
Patient, attentive, organised, efficient
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Definitely do the optional excursions on Stromboli and Etna - they're the best bits of the trip. Gaiters are useful for Stromboli and Etna. You might want poles for Stromboli.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We decided to go to this holiday because we wanted to experience volcanoes close to. The memories that stay are etna, running down the slope, lighting paper from a fissure, being in snow and and feeling the heat of the volcano.
Vulcano seeing the sulphur and walking fast across the rim.
Stomboli seeing the boulders glowing at night as they are thrown into the sky with each eruption and rolling down to the sea.
Our desire to see volcanos close to was definitely met. It was more exciting than I expected.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide and group leader was excellent. He was very sensitive to the the different physical needs of individuals. For instance when it was too demanding for me to go up Stromboli with the rest of the group he arranged a different way of experiencing the volcano that was great and within my capabilities. I felt a great trust in him when we were doing risky things such as walk around the top of vulcano. I found him personable and professional and and enjoyed his company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you a fit 74 it is fine.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Two things not good. Lipari neither walk very inspiring.
Second walk much like the first and didnt add anything.
Those people not going on the walk were left kicking their heels.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All three volcano walks were good but going to the top of Stromboli to peer into the smoking crater at night with the group decked out in safety helmets, head torches and paper masks is an image that will stay with me for a long time!
What did you think of your group leader?
Great company, lots of local knowledge ranging from the history of the volcanoes to (just as importantly) the best gelati in Catania.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The gaiters in the itinerary sound an odd thing to pack until you find yourself coming down a steep trail in foot deep volcanic ash - twice. Also, nobody believed it would be cold on top of Stromboli when it's 30 degrees in the afternoon at the beach. It IS cold on top of Stromboli!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Most of the group would have liked to spend longer on Stromboli, either to do the walk more than once or to explore the rest of the island. And we generally felt the accommodation could have been a bit better. Otherwise: wonderful.
Hiking on three active volcanoes in one week, eating fabulous Italian food, lots of time to relax, beautiful sunny weather and a great group of people to share it all with - who could ask for more?
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sitting at the top of Stromboli watching it sporadically erupt was truly awe-inspiring. We were at the top for about an hour and were treated to five fiery display's of the volcano's might. This was a lifetime ambition come true!
What did you think of your group leader?
Andrea (pronounced And-dray-ah!) was absolutely brilliant. He had a great sense of humour and was always kind and patient, especially when we needed help with translating Italian menus at meal times. On the free day he opted to take us on an extra walk which was lovely. He ensured that the whole trip ran smoothly and was great fun to be with.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you can, make sure you do the two optional summit walks on Stromboli and Etna - they are both amazing. If I could do those hikes again, I would definitely wear long trousers and gaiters, particularly on Etna as the deep ash constantly gets in your walking boots. It's quite sharp so needs removing regularly which can be a little annoying. Take a thermos flask to keep at least some of your water cool and maybe a penknife to help with the picnic lunches. The descent from Stromboli is extremely dusty so is probably not something you should do if you have asthma or some similar ailment. Dust masks are provided but they don't keep everything out. Take a headtorch for the Stromboli descent which is done in the dark.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip. It was really nice to have lots of relaxation time built into the itinerary to do as the Italians do and have an afternoon siesta every now and then. The volcanoes were all very dramatic - Vulcano for its perfectly shaped crater, Stromboli for its fiery eruptions and Etna for its sheer enormity.
Gary Smart
SICILIAN VOLCANOES
Written
A week’s volcano walking in spectacular, occasionally explosive surroundings. Great walks, fantastic food, good weather, lots of laughs, some history and culture all combined with a great group of people to spend the week with, made for a thoroughly enjoyable trip..
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
This trip has 2 inspirational moments for me – Mt Etna and Stromboli. The shear scale of Etna is incredible; we were informed that is has over 300 craters (not all visible of course). Stromboli is very different; sitting at the summit in the fading light with the volcano exploding every so often – spectacular!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide Andréa was great. His knowledge and experience of the region shone through. A great sense of humour that helped the group gel together and he was always available to answer questions, help out with our basic Italian and make recommendations of where to eat (and what to try).
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go on the additional excursions to Stromboli and Etna they are definitely worth the extra effort. Also you must try a Brioche and Gelato (basically an ice-cream sandwich), a Sicilian classic!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was my third trip with Exodus and on the basis of this there will be many more. In fact I’m booked on the Discover Namibia trip this October. I hope future trips will match or even better this one.
from 22 reviews.
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