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Active volcano Stromboli puts on its own natural fireworks spectacular and Saga guests can join an exhilarating walk to the summit and watch its fiery display at nightfall.

This is just one of seven walks in Sicily and the Aeolian islands that can be experienced during the new Volcano Walking in Sicily holiday.

Guests also explore Mount Etna, hike to the summit of Rocca di Novara, ‘the Matterhorn of Sicily’, see craters and caves at Randazzo and climb to the summit of dormant Vulcano.

Although walking is the star attraction on this bespoke small group holiday, the Sicilian sunshine and wealth of history and culture add to delight.

Guests stay on the beautiful islands of Lipari, Stromboli and Sicily to join walks with qualified specialist local guides. Most walks are of medium difficulty, ranging from seven to 11 kilometres over uneven and at times steeply sloping terrain, so guests need an adventurous spirit and fitness to make the most of the holiday.

After a flight to Catania, in Sicily, guests transfer to Milazzo for a ferry ride to the Lipari and spend three nights at Hotel Meligunis (4Q.) A walk around the town of Lipari takes in the archaeological museum, cathedral and Norman cloisters followed by a walk to the south cliffs and the Astronomic Observatory.

Guests transfer by boat to Vulcano island, home to the dormant volcano of the same name. After a walk to the summit to view the crater, there is leisure time to enjoy the mud baths (charge applies) or relax on the volcanic black sand beach.

The holiday continues with a ferry ride to Stromboli for an overnight stay. After a pizza lunch, a guide leads walkers up the volcano. By reaching the summit at nightfall guests witness an amazing natural firework display of volcanic activity and explosions at its very best.

In the morning, a ferry sails to Milazzo in Sicily and guests continue to Novara di Sicilia, in the Etna area, to walk to the summit of Mount Rocca di Novara in the Peloritani Mountains where there are spectacular views across the sea to the islands visited earlier in the day.

Three nights are spent at Mareneve Resort (4Q) and starting from Piano Provenzana walkers discover the north of Mount Etna, visiting the site of the 2002 eruptions, before descending to Monte Nero, observing 19^th century lava flows and the Grotta delle Palombe.

The next walk sets off from the village of Randazzo, where buildings are constructed using volcanic stone, to see craters and caves created during Etna’s 1981 eruption.

For details call free on 0800 092 0803 or visit saga.co.uk/sicily

7 nights from £1349 departing Apr 23, May 7, 14, Sep 3 and Oct 1, 2018 (price based on May 7 or 14 departures). Price includes return flights, hotel accommodation, 16 meals – seven breakfasts, two lunches and seven dinners, Saga tour manager, specialist qualified guides, porterage at hotels, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

ENDS

Editors notes:

Saga has created four new ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. Volcano Walking in Sicily is Go for it (Pace 3).

For further information please contact

Alex Brazier Press Officer 01303 776133 Alex.brazier@saga.co.uk

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award-winning products and