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Italy, one of the most beautiful corner of Europe, is also a birthplace of volcanology. Many of the eruptions of Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano, and Vesuvius were recorded by the Greek and Romans thousands of years ago, making a foundation to modern studies of volcanoes.This May we have an amazing opportunity to visit gorgeous island of Sicily, located right where Eurasian and African tectonic plates collide, opening the abyss of inner Earth through the lava vents to the surface, creating mesmerizing lava fountains spectacles and designing new landscapes in its own, creative way.
Our plan is to fly to Catania and hike two, most important volcanoes of Sicily: Stromboli and Etna.
Mount Etna stands proudly at 3,340 mtrs, which makes it the highest active volcano in Europe, in an almost continuous state of activity. Located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, between the cities of Messina and Catania, it is not only the largest in Europe but also the most active. Formed about 35,000 years ago, its first recorded eruption was in 1500 BC, and it has continued to erupt regularly since then (some 200 times!).
Etna is a stratovolcano - conical volcano built up by many layers (strata) of hardened lava, pumice, and volcanic ash.
Stromboli is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north coast of Sicily, containing the volcano with the same name. The island’s population is somewhere under 1,000 people.
The volcano is in a constant state of eruption, but with much smaller and less threatening scale than Etna or Vesuvius. However, many bright eruptions have given the island the nickname “The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”. Just like the others, Stromboli is a stratovolcano but with very typical eruptions – this type has actually been named after the volcano – Strombolian eruptions. Strombolian eruptions are relatively mild explosive activity consisting of cinder, lapilli and lava bombs. The explosions usually occur every few minutes at regular or irregular intervals. The fountains of lava, which can reach heights of hundreds of meters, are caused by the bursting of large bubbles of gas, which travel upward in the magma-filled conduit until they reach the open air. These eruptions are particularly spectacular at night, when the lava glows brightly.
You've been warned, let's go! :)
DAY 1 / TUESDAY / APR 30 / CATANIA
Meeting at Abu Dhabi airport for a direct flight to Catania. Arrival, immigration clearance, overnight.
DAY 2 / WEDNESDAY / MAY 01 / EOLIAN SEA + STROMBOLI
Early start for a busy day! We hop on a bus and a boat and head towards Stromboli island. Rest of the day we will spend enjoying the Mediterranean ambience of white and blue cobblestone streets.
In the evening we will take on a night hike to witness spectacle of lava fountains. The ascent should not take longer than 3 hrs, although elevation gain is 900 mtrs. You will never forget this phenomenon, which brings us back to earth creation! Descent and sleep over in local guesthouse.
DAY 3 / THURSDAY / MAY 02 / STROMBOLI + TAORMINA
After breakfast we will explore the shores of black volcanic sands, swim and perhaps reach a remote island with forgotten lighthouse. In the afternoon boat will take us back to mainland. Overnight in yet other paradise township - Taormina.
DAY 4 / FRIDAY / MAY 03 / Mt. ETNA
Today we take a cable car into the clouds to the station located at 2500 mtrs and follow the trail to the main crater of Etna, located at 3,340 masl. Given the weather and volcanic activity allows, we should reach the peak in 4 hours. Etna is an active volcano with peak at high altitude. If we re lucky, we may see some lava action. Overnight in Taormina.
DAY 5 / SATURDAY / MAY 04 / RETURN
Its not going to be easy to pay farewell to Sicily, but after breakfast we will head to airport for a flight back with lifetime memories. Arrival to Abu Dhabi 20.25.
Grade: Moderate to hard. Available for fit beginners.
Duration: TUE - SAT from Abu Dhabi (Whizz Air - WIZZ GO included).
Activities: Trekking, swimming, boating, sightseeing.
Accommodation & meals: guesthouses and hotels, shared rooms. Single supplement approx 220 EUR, subject of cost and availability at the time of booking. Restaurant meals excluded due to variety.
Cost: 4700 AED all-inclusive of flights: subject of deadline and availability.
Cost validity: APRIL 4th. Past this date, cost will change.
Specifically excluded: Any cost related to visas, insurance, restaurant meals.
Visas: Schengen visa rules apply. It is participant sole responsibility to secure admission to the country of destination.
What on earth are they talking about?
https://vimeo.com/340691456 + https://vimeo.com/351123602
See yah at volcanoes x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Abu Dhabi International Airport, airport,Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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