Sicilia Amore Mio

Fly in to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, where a car will be waiting to transfer you to your sailing yacht, just a 10 minute drive away. Catania is a living museum of amphitheatres and palaces, combined into one giant UNESCO site. Meet your Captain and crew, and settle in onboard before setting sail to your first destination.

Taormina lives under the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano at 3327m. Hike the Etna trails behind donkeys between woods and orchards. At the summit discover centuries-old lava flows, active caves and steam vents. There also also many trails to explore by mountain bike suitable for all ages. Or ride to Etna’s summit by helicopter or 4x4 and float back down by hang glider.

Depart early morning and arrive in the Aeolian Islands. Sip fig slushies under palm trees. Then hike up Vulcano’s puffing volcanic peak. Your reward? Laze in sulphur-rich mudbaths inside the volcanic crater. Imagine planet earth’s most awesomely located spa.

Step off your yacht at Lipara where adventure explodes. Pilot quad bikes to a wildlife reserve. Dive off cliffs sculpted by lava. Scuba submerged volcanic peaks alive with octopus and bream. Enjoy dinner ashore. Don't want the night to end? Parties on Lipari’s Spiaggia Bianca beach kick off at midnight and rock until dawn.

After lunch sail on to Stromboli. This 1,000m island-mountain never stops erupting. Enjoy a tender ride around the volcanic coastline. Then enjoy a sunset climb to Stromboli’s active crater. Enjoy dinner onboard as your drift (anchoring is not permitted) past this incredible landmark watching seismic fireworks.

Sail into Salina hungry. The Aeolian foodie island is ringed by stop-and-sample vineyards nourished by volcanic soil. Vespa past olive rows. Hike past fig groves. Then enjoy a cooking class or dinner at Ristorante Signum paired with the island's finest wines.

Set sail early to Filicudi, the smallest Aeolian Island. A volcanic speck where falcons outnumber humans and only-by-boat beaches. Spend the day in the water making the most of the yacht's toys. Your chef will work with local fishermen to create the ultimate Sicilian seafood dinner on deck.

A millennium ago, Roger II made Sicily as powerful and polyglot as the City of London – with Cefalù at its heart. The ruler built a Norman cathedral that still sparkles with mosaics of Christ. Hike into the heavens by climbing La Rocca that dominates town. Here a ruined Temple of Diana looks seaward, and adds the Ancient Greeks to Cefalù’s list of cultured visitors. As the sun starts to set, explore tranquil Cefalù pavement cafés.

Sail to Palermo, the final stop on your yacht charter to disembark followed by a short transfer to the airport.