Arrive in Naples airport according to your own schedule, where you will be met and transferred to our downtown Naples hotel. Naples is not only picturesque, it is also one of the world’s greatest cultural centers, filled with extraordinary works of art and architecture in the classical Greek and Roman styles. Greeks founded the city of Naples back in the 7th century BC, and the ancient design of the city still exists today. Three long parallel streets cross the center of Naples, connected by many small, narrow streets lined with shops, fruit stands, espresso cafes, grocery stores and galleries.
    Later this afternoon, we will gather to meet our fellow travelers and international volcano researcher Donna O’Meara, for an informative lecture on the history of Mt. Vesuvius, one of Europe’s most famous active volcanoes. This evening, join us at a local restaurant on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius for dinner, complemented by local wine grown in the lava-rich soil.

Overnight: Hotel Jolly Ambassador (3 nights)

    Today is a day filled with enticing options. After breakfast, our included tour will take us south to picturesque Sorrento, where you can stroll among shops and various scenic overlooks.
    Other options for the day might include taking the hydrofoil to the island gem, Capri. For those choosing to spend the day in Naples, you can visit the famous Aquarium founded in 1827, featuring more than 200 marine species, or take in the art and cultural history at The Royal Palace. Dinner is on your own.

    This morning we bid farewell to Naples and transfer to the airport for our short flight to Catania. We will then transfer by motorcoach to our hotel at the seaside resort of Mazzaró. After check-in, we will depart for an excursion to the historic hilltop town of Taormina to explore its local shops and cafes. Called the jewel of Sicily, Taormina is incredibly picturesque, situated high above the sea. This evening in Taormina, we’ll enjoy dinner and a volcano question & answer session with Donna.

    After breakfast, we will travel by motor coach to the seaport of Milazzo where we will board a private boat to begin our journey through the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily. Our first stop will be at the island of Vulcano, where we will have lunch and then join Donna on a hike along the slopes of Vulcano to explore as conditions permit, to see its small fumaroles and hot mud pools. Later this afternoon we’ll return to our boat and continue on to the island of Lipari for dinner and overnight.

    Our tour of Lipari today begins with a visit to Museo Archeologico Eoliano, which offers insight into the volcanic origins of this island and is considered one of the best archeological museums
in Europe. This afternoon, we continue our island hop to Stromboli.
    Northernmost in the archipelago, Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. By day, it's easy to forget that Stromboli is the tip of a volcano protruding through the clear, blue Mediterranean Sea. Against a daytime sky, its flaming lava and chunks of rock being belched from the crater are practically invisible, although it is not unusual to hear an occasional BOOM! After dark, Stromboli’s fire comes alive for everyone to behold. Following dinner this evening we will board a private boat for an excursion around the island to view volcanic activity from the sea,
a truly unforgettable sight.

    After breakfast, we will cruise back to Milazzo and motorcoach to Catania to check into our hotel. Founded in 729 BC, Catania has plenty to offer for explorations on your own – the Greek theater, Ursino Castle and the cathedral. Join us this evening for our farewell dinner.