aeolian odyssey
7 nights/8 days: June 21-28, 2024
Detour with Taunya & Randy
In all of Italy’s wondrous places, nowhere has enchanted us more than the Aeolian Islands. They are a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of nature, boasting dramatic volcanic landscapes, crystalline waters, and vibrant marine life. Each island exudes its own unique charm, from the lush, terraced hillsides of Salina to the lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Lipari. The food is to die for-plump fruit, briny capers, and fresh seafood all pack a flavor punch that leave you craving return. But perhaps the best part of the islands are their people. Their authenticity, hospitality, and kindness is unparalleled in Italy. These islands are a blend of natural wonders and archetypal mythology, captivating all who have the privilege to visit. Count yourself among the lucky and detour with us to these magical isles.
highlights include
Unpack for 7 nights in the enchanting Hotel Ravesi
Learn the craft of la cucina with Michelin-star chef Martina Caruso
Island hop by private boat to all 7 Aeolian islands: Panarea, Stromboli, Lipari, Vulcano, Alicudi & Filicudi
Discover the myths rooted in the Aeolian Islands over Mythological Happy Hours with a classics expert
Enjoy a farm fresh caper lunch & wine pairing
Watch the sun sink into the sea at Il Postino’s Pollara
itinerary
“Then to the Aeolian isle we came, where dwelt Aeolus, son of Hippotas, dear to the immortal gods, in a floating island, and all around it is a wall of unbreakable bronze, and the cliff runs up sheer.”
Dotting the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily lay the Aeolian archipelago, a strand of seven volcanic islands cast amid expansive blue waters, white sands, and volcanic pumice. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the islands offer a respite from the frenzied pace of mainland life, whispering mythical tales like the lapping of the waves. It is here, on the green island of Salina, that we will make our home for the week, visiting the smoking islands of Vulcano and Stomboli, chic Panarea and elegant Lipari, and wildly gorgeous Filicudi and Alicudi by private boat. Join us on this Aeolian odyssey where Odysseus’ journey was first blessed by Aeolus, god of the winds.
day 1: benvenuti in Salina!
Friday, June 21, 2024
The Aeolian Islands are known for their exceptional volcanic features, geological importance, and cultural heritage, not to mention the rich mythological tradition at the heart of this storied archipelago. We’ll call the island of Salina home for the week, unpacking in the tranquil hamlet of Malfa where vineyards and whitewashed houses cascade into the cobalt sea.
Salina is an easy hydrofoil ride from the port of Milazzo. Our hotel is in the hamlet of Malfa, reachable by bus or taxi. We will gather at 6 p.m. for a reception on our panoramic patio before enjoying dinner together.
Hotel: Hotel Ravesi | Meals: D | Activity Level: Moderate
day 2: giro di salina
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Today we circle the island on a guided giro (tour) that will introduce us to Salina’s immigration history, take us to the island’s cinematic side in Il Postino’s Pollara, savor a farm fresh caper lunch and Malvasia wine tasting in Leni, linger on RInealla’s black sand beach, and set sail to explore Lingua’s salt pans. We’ll cap our tour with a refreshing granita before returning to Malfa. A happy hour overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea concludes our day together.
Hotel: Hotel Ravesi | Meals: B, L, HH (Happy Hour) | Activity Level: Strenuous
day 3: panarea & stromboli
Sunday, June 23, 2024
This morning we embark by private boat to glitzy Panarea and explosive Stromboli. We’ll linger along the way to swim in the effervescent waters of a submerged volcano and explore nature’s geologic artistry amid towering cliffs and hidden coves. We’ll enjoy free time to get lost in Panarea’s whitewashed wandering streets before heading to Stromboli, where we’ll explore black sand beaches and enjoy an aperitivo in the shadow of the active volcano. Our day concludes admiring the Sciara del Fuoco (live eruption) of Stromboli’s volcano at sunset over dinner together on our boat.
Hotel: Hotel Ravesi | Meals: B, D | Activity Level: Your choice
day 4: michelin star cooking
Monday, June 24, 2024
We devote today to la tavola (the table) where wine is a food group and cooking is an art. After a leisurely morning in Malfa, we make our way to Hotel Signum’s cooking school, where we will learn the craft of la cucina from Michelin-star chef Martina Caruso-the youngest chef to receive the Michelin star in 2019 and again in 2023. We’ll learn the local ingredients necessary for concocting the perfect Aeolian dishes, savoring the fruits of our labor over lunch paired with local wines. The afternoon is free for you to take a dip in the sea, relax poolside, or walk off lunch in Malfa’s vineyard-lined lanes before our second mythological happy hour.
Hotel: Hotel Ravesi | Meals: B, L, HH | Activity Level: Moderate
day 5: lipari & vulcano
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Our odyssey continues, sailing to the archipelago’s largest and smelliest islands. We’ll bathe at the foot of Lipari’s chalky pumice quarry before proceeding to Marina Corta, where we’ll be free to explore its vibrant shops, restaurants, ruins, and museums. After lunch we continue to the sulphuric island of Vulcano with its unique moonscape, black sand beaches, and panoramic views. We return to Salina with a swim in the Piscina di Venere, where according to legend, the Goddess of Beauty came to swim before joining her husband Vulcan. The evening is yours to enjoy Malfa’s charming shops and gastronomy.
Hotel: Hotel Ravesi | Meals: B | Activity Level: Your choice
Day 6: filicudi & Alicudi
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
The wild west welcomes us today as we embark for the untamed frontier of the Aeolian archipelago. Filicudi and Alicudi are the westernmost of the Aeolian islands and they boast some of the most unspoilt terrain in all of Italy. We’ll visit the evocative town of Alicudi where time stands still, admire the 70-foot volcanic neck of the Canna di Filicudi, and dip into the Blue Grotto that monk seals once called home. We’ll soak in the dreamy waters of Capo Graziano, (and many other unnamed coves) before returning to Salina where we’ll admire the iconic half-domed bay of Pollara from the sea at sunset.
Hotel: Hotel Ravesi | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Your choice
day 7: savoring salina
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Enjoy a vacation from your vacation today, savoring Salina in whatever style you choose. Get your shopping on in Santa Marina, lounge on the black sands of Rinella, explore the island’s winding roads on e-bike or scooter, swim at Malfa’s Scaria beach, summit Salina’s highest peak of Monte Fossa delle Felici, or enjoy la dolce far niente poolside. We’ll gather this evening to enjoy a final happy hour and dinner, watching the sun melt into the sea together for the last time.
Hotel: Hotel Ravesi | Meals: B, HH, D | Activity Level: Your choice
day 8: assabinirica!
Friday, June 28, 2024
Our odyssey ends after breakfast. We will arrange transport to Santa Marina port for those leaving today by hydrofoil. From Messina, Catania’s Fontanarossa airport is an hour + taxi or bus ride. Whether you’re returning home or continuing your journeys elsewhere in Europe, we will say “ni viremu prestu” (see you soon) as we look forward to our next detour together!
$4,095 per person (double occupancy)
$4,895 (single occupancy)
10% deposit
FAQs
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Each detour includes the price of all admissions to sights seen as a group; tours by local guides, meals as listed in the trip itinerary; accommodations each night of the detour including breakfasts; all transportation required for group activities from the first hotel to the last hotel of the detour (transportation for optional group activities and independent travel during the detour is not included), travel consultations and advice from our staff, guides, and vendors including suggestions, tips, and directions, and all trip leader, local guide, driver, and hotel tips. Prices do not include airfare to and from the detour, nor ground transportation to/from airports.
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Detour prices do not include international airfare or ground transportation to/from the airport.
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Each detour includes all breakfasts and about half of your lunches and dinners as indicated in the meal guide included in each itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, HH=happy hour
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Our groups range from 10-20 participants with 1-2 trip leaders and local guides to connect us to local culture and experiences.
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Yes! Our detours are the perfect way for children (and adults) to learn in action. We welcome and celebrate multi-generational travel. History class was never so fun!
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Our detour begins the evening of June 21 at the Hotel Ravesi in Malfa, Salina. We will meet at 6 pm for a welcome reception to become acquainted before enjoying our first group dinner together.
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While this varies by detour, we generally plan to meet between 5-6 pm at our hotel on Day 1. If you plan to arrive a day early and want to stay in our trip hotel, please make arrangements with the hotel directly, indicating that you are part of our group.
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Sicily’s Catania (Fontanarossa) Airport can be reached by regular flights from Rome. From Catania, the port of Milazzo is a 1.5 hour taxi ride. High speed hydrofoils run regularly from Milazzo to Salina. We are happy to help with your individual pre and post travel!
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Each detour web page has a link to our online registration and payment provider. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and complete the registration form.
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Deposits are refundable for 30 days from receipt. After 30 days they are nonrefundable.
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Final payment is due 90 days prior to detour commencement but you may pay in full any time prior to this.
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Cancellations are allowed without penalty (excepting deposit) until the final payment deadline. After the final payment deadline 100% of funds paid are nonrefundable.
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The $500 deposit is due upon registration, after which time you will receive a payment link where you can choose to pay the remaining amount, or you can contact us to set up a payment plan.
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Yes, all published prices are per person, based on double occupancy, or when available, single occupancy. Please contact us for triple occupancy pricing.
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During the registration process you will have the opportunity to request single occupancy, if it is offered. Due to the boutique nature of our hotels, we are not always able to offer single accommodations, but are happy to pair you with another single traveler.
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Yes. You must be able to carry your own luggage up at least three flights of stairs and on uneven ground for up to a quarter mile.