In June 2027, Ciao Giulia invites you on a 10-day journey across Italy’s most powerful volcanoes, places where the ground doesn’t sit still, but breathes beneath your feet.
From the raw, chaotic energy of Naples to the crater rim of Mount Vesuvius, and through Pompeii where life was frozen in a single moment. We continue along the wild coastline of Calabria, then cross the sea to the Aeolian Islands and the ever-active Stromboli. The journey ends in Sicily, at the foot of Mount Etna, a landscape that never fully settles.
You stay in small-scale, locally run accommodations where mornings are slow and personal, not anonymous. We travel by private minibus, ferries, and on foot, no rigid schedules, no rushing from one highlight to the next. Just a rhythm that makes sense: moving, exploring, and giving yourself the space to actually take it in.
We climb Italy’s three most iconic volcanoes, each time guided by experienced locals who know exactly how far we can go and when to pause, look around, and let the scale of it sink in.
The Volcano Tour is a small group journey (max. 12 people), designed for those who are tired of ticking boxes and moving on too quickly and are ready for something that lingers long after you return home. An active group trip for couples, solo travelers, or groups of friends, guided by the Ciao Giulia team in Dutch, French, English, and Italian. Please note: our group trips are 18+ only.
What to expect?
The Volcano Tour is not a journey of ticking boxes, but one that stays with you.
You walk to the crater of Mount Vesuvius. You wander through Pompeii, where houses, streets and silence tell the story. You stand on Stromboli as the volcano erupts before your eyes. You feel the heat beneath your feet on Vulcano island. And on Mount Etna, you see how a landscape is constantly being shaped anew.
In between, you slow down: lunch with a sea view, a glass of wine after a hike, a boat ride between islands, a village where you linger a little longer than planned.
Your itinerary
Day 1–2: Naples & Vesuvius
We begin our journey in Naples, a city that leaves an impression from the very first moment. We explore its historic center and gather for a first dinner together in the evening.
The next day, we head to Mount Vesuvius: one of the few volcanoes in the world where you can hike right up to the crater. We drive through a dramatic landscape as far as possible, before continuing on foot. The climb is very manageable, and what awaits at the top stays with you: you’re standing on the edge of a volcano that once brought everything here to a standstill.
In front of you lies the Bay of Naples. Behind you, you look straight into the crater.
Day 3–4: Pompeii & Calabria
After Vesuvius comes the story behind it. We walk through Pompeii not as a museum, but as a place where life once simply carried on. Streets, houses, squares… everything is still there.
In the afternoon, we leave the crowds behind and head south to Diamante, in Calabria.
The following day, we follow the panoramic coastline, stopping for lunch in Scilla. Think: a table overlooking the sea, boats drifting into the harbor, and time that doesn’t ask anything of you.
Later, we cross to Sicily by ferry and arrive in Milazzo.
Day 5–7: Aeolian Islands
We leave the mainland behind and take the ferry to the Aeolian Islands, scattered across the Mediterranean, raw, quiet, and shaped by volcanic forces.
Here, you’ll experience one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip: Stromboli.
At sunset, we begin our hike. Step by step, as the light slowly fades.
At the top, you witness something few people ever see up close: small eruptions lighting up the sky, every few minutes, again and again.
The next day, we visit Vulcano Island. The smell of sulfur, the warmth beneath your feet, a landscape in constant motion… it makes you feel very small in the best possible way.
Day 8–11: Sicily & Mount Etna
We leave the islands behind and head to Taormina, where we slow down and take in the views. From there, we continue toward the slopes of Mount Etna.
This isn’t just a mountain, it’s a living landscape: Black lava fields, rising smoke, scattered craters… everything reminds you that this place is never truly still.
With local guides, we explore the volcano using a mix of 4×4 vehicles, cable car, and hiking, reaching as high as conditions allow.
On our final day, we end in Catania, a city built from Etna’s lava stone. It’s a place where you see how people adapt to nature, not the other way around.
Your journey through Southern Italy
During The Volcano Tour, we travel from Naples (in the Campania region), along the coastline of Calabria, all the way to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.
We move at a steady, comfortable pace, combining our private minibus with a few ferry crossings, carefully designed so you never feel like you’re constantly on the move.
Active moments are balanced with time to slow down, allowing you to truly take in the landscapes, the atmosphere, and everything in between.
Where you’ll stay
Throughout the journey, you’ll stay in small-scale, locally run accommodations.
No large hotel chains, but places where mornings feel unhurried. Think of a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna, or a boutique hotel tucked away in Calabria.
We deliberately choose locations where you stay for multiple nights, so you’re not constantly packing and moving on. Comfort matters: expect thoughtful amenities like an outdoor pool, a welcoming bar, and good local restaurants nearby.
Practical information
What's included?
The price for The Volcano Tour will soon be available!
- Airport transfers (when opting for our recommended flights).
- All transportation including a private minibus with driver throughout the entire journey.
- 10 nights in carefully selected, small-scale accommodations, each with a private bathroom.
- Daily breakfast with fresh, local products.
- A selection of lunches and diners featuring regional specialties.
- (Alcoholic) drinks during included meals and activities.
- All listed activities, excursions and experiences in the program, including entrance fees, guides and tastings.
- A local Ciao Giulia welcome package upon arrival.
- Ciao Giulia tour guidance: A local expert, speaking your language, available 7 days a week to ensure a seamless and authentic travel experience.
- Personal tips and recommendations for your free time during the trip.
- All taxes, local tips, tourist taxes and administrative costs.
*The above price is based on two people sharing a double room. Traveling solo or prefer a single room? Feel free to ask us about the available options.
What's not included?
- Return flights.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Additional meals and drinks not mentioned in the program.
- Optional activities that can be booked separately.
- Travel and cancellation insurance (strongly recommended).
Would you like to add a few extra touches to your trip, like a bottle of wine or bubbles waiting in your room on arrival, a private massage, or even a photoshoot? Just let us know, we’re happy to think along with you.
Pre-registrations now open: The Volcano Tour (Summer 2027)
It’s happening: pre-registration for our exclusive 11-day journey The Volcano Tour is officially open.
Feel like this is something you want to experience? Join the pre-registration list now. You’ll get first access to bookings (before the official launch) and benefit from an exclusive early bird rate.
Our group trips are intentionally small-scale (max. 12 people) and tend to fill up quickly. Pre-registering gives you the best chance of securing your spot!
Note: pre-registering is not an official booking yet.
Price: soon available!
- available
- last places
- full
arrival
29 May 2027
departure
9 June 2027
Can't make it this time?
Can’t join on these dates? Sign up for “The Volcano Tour” interest list and be the first to hear about new departure dates and registrations!