Volcanoes of Italy
with Andrea Thompson
Highlights
Italy’s volcanic landscapes have shaped the region’s history, culture and scientific understanding. Join Scientific American Travel on this trip to Southern Italy to learn about the influence and power of these mighty geological giants. Your adventure begins in the shadow of Vesuvius, whose AD 79 eruption forever changed history. Explore the volcano’s national park, meet specialists who study its ongoing activity and immerse yourself in the vast archaeological site of Pompeii, gaining a deeper understanding of daily life during the Roman Empire. The following day, walk the hauntingly preserved streets of Herculaneum, a seaside town frozen in time.
Sail by public ferry to the Aeolian Islands, where volcanic forces meet the sea. On Stromboli, witness one of the world’s most reliably active volcanoes—by day on foot and, weather permitting, by night from the water. Then travel to Lipari to walk among pumice deposits, obsidian flows and striking island geology. The journey concludes in Sicily, where you’ll meet with leading volcano researchers in Catania and spend a memorable final day exploring Mount Etna and celebrating with a farewell lunch and local wine produced on the fertile volcanic slopes.
Expert Guide: Andrea Thompson
Andrea Thompson is senior desk editor for life science, overseeing coverage of the environment, Earth sciences and nonhuman biology. She holds a graduate degree in science, health and environmental reporting from New York University, as well as a B.S. and an M.S. in atmospheric chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Thompson began her career at Live Science before covering climate science and extreme weather as a senior writer at Climate Central. She has appeared on several national radio and TV programs and podcasts and has moderated panels at the United Nations and other events. She has also moderated Scientific American’s Science on the Hill series, presenting scientific topics to congressional staffers.
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Itinerary
Thursday, September 2: Arrival in Italy
Arrive in vibrant Naples where you’ll transfer to the Sorrento peninsula and check into your hotel. Later, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome talk led by your Scientific American expert followed by a welcome drink and dinner.
Included Meals: Reception, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento
Friday, September 3: In the Shadow of Vesuvius
Begin at Vesuvius’ rugged National Park where you’ll take a specially arranged observatory visit and meet with local scientists before taking a crater‑rim hike (observatory pending confirmation). After lunch, continue to the ancient city of Pompeii, buried under ash and pumice in AD 79, where forums, bath houses, fresco‑lined villas, and tiled floors reveal vivid glimpses of Roman life at its height. Return to the hotel and enjoy a talk with your Scientific American expert. Dinner is at leisure; there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from in the lively seaside resort of Sorrento.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento
Xantana/GettyImages
Saturday, September 4: Herculaneum
Depart Sorrento and visit Herculaneum, another beautifully preserved site that was impacted by the AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius. Begin your Aeolian adventure with an afternoon cruise on a public ferry across the Mediterranean to Stromboli, where the island’s dramatic volcanic silhouette rises from the sea. The sailing time is 4.5 hours. After checking into the hotel in Stromboli, gather for dinner at the hotel, followed by an optional film screening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: La Sirenetta Park Hotel, Stromboli
Sunday, September 5: Stromboli’s Fire in the Night
After breakfast, join your Scientific American expert for a morning lecture; then, spend the day exploring the island’s stark beauty: its black sand shores, winding paths, and constant volcanic murmurs. Take the time to wander the quaint uphill lanes of the old town or follow the coastal path for views of Stromboli’s mesmerizing eruptions. This evening, board a public ferry boat for an unforgettable cruise beneath the Sciara del Fuoco, where, weather permitting, you’ll witness Stromboli erupt in luminous bursts against the darkening sky.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Accommodations: La Sirenetta Park Hotel, Stromboli
AZ68/GettyImages
Monday, September 6: Lipari Landscapes
Sail to Lipari this morning, where a local guide leads you across landscapes shaped by brilliant white pumice deposits and striking obsidian lava flows. Spend the afternoon at leisure – take the time to explore the island’s archaeological museum or castle or simply enjoy its lively port. You could also take a short 15-minute public ferry to the island of Vulcano, a small active volcano named after the Roman god of fire, forge and smithing, where you can walk to the crater or relax in mud pools near the port. Conclude the day with dinner at a local fish restaurant in Lipari.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Arciduca Grand Hotel, Lipari
Tuesday, September 7: Inside the World of Volcanic Research
Leave the Aeolian Islands today and take a ferry from Lipari to Milazzo in Sicily. Continue by private bus to Catania’s National Volcanology Institute, where researchers guide you through laboratories and share the latest insights into Mount Etna’s activity (subject to confirmation). After lunch, travel to the hill town of Taormina and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—stroll the city’s elegant streets, enjoy sea views or visit the famed Greek Theater at your own pace.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Taormina Excelsior Palace
Peter Adams/GettyImages
Wednesday, September 8: Etna Unveiled
Join your Scientific American expert for a morning lecture before heading into Etna National Park to learn about the unique ecology surrounding Europe’s highest active volcano. Hear local experts talk about volcanic phenomena, the history of eruptions on Etna as well as recent activity. Take a cable car to the higher slopes and notice the lack of vegetation. Some of the journey on Etna will be in 4x4 vehicles. There will be the option to take a 40-minute walk across a lava desert to view the main summit craters and enjoy panoramic views across the Ionian Coast. All visits on Etna are very much subject to volcanic activity. Afterward, enjoy a memorable farewell lunch and wine tasting on Etna’s fertile slopes, reflecting on the journey’s scientific and historical insights. Back in Taormina late this afternoon, savor free time to admire the famed Greek theater and distant Etna views before gathering for a farewell drink.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Taormina Excelsior Palace
Thursday, September 9: Departure
Depart hotel for Catania Airport and individual flights home
Included Meal: Breakfast
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Accommodations
Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento
Hotel Michelangelo is a 4-star property offering a welcoming blend of comfort, style, and convenience just steps from the Sorrento’s lively center. Surrounded by citrus gardens and views of the Bay of Naples, it features bright, well-appointed rooms, a relaxing pool area, and warm, attentive service. Its central location makes it easy to explore Sorrento’s shops, cafés, and coastal paths. (2 nights)
La Sirenetta Park Hotel, Stromboli
La Sirenetta Park Hotel is a welcoming four-star retreat set between the sea and Stromboli’s dramatic volcanic landscape. Surrounded by lush gardens, its décor is relaxed and Mediterranean, with light-filled rooms and private terraces. The ambiance is serene and unpretentious, ideal for unwinding. Facilities include a pool, fitness room, tennis court, seaside restaurant, and attentive, long-established service with a personal touch. (2 nights)
Arciduca Grand Hotel, Lipari
Arciduca Grand Hotel in Lipari blends historic charm with modern comfort. Just steps from the marina and lively town center, the property offers elegant rooms, a tranquil courtyard, and a refreshing pool. Noted for its excellent service, local cuisine, and easy access to beaches and island excursions. (1 night)
Excelsior Palace Hotel, Taormina
4-star Excelsior Palace Hotel rises on a scenic Taormina promontory, offering sweeping views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Its elegant rooms feature parquet floors, refined furnishings, and some include balconies with sea views. Guests enjoy an outdoor panoramic pool, lush Mediterranean gardens, and a restaurant serving international and Sicilian cuisine—an inviting blend of history, charm, and warm hospitality. (2 nights)
What's Included
All accommodations for the duration of the tour
Group transfers to and from airports
Meals as noted in the itinerary
All sightseeing and visits as noted in each itinerary
Expertise of a Scientific American editor, travel director, and local guides throughout the program
All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
Emergency evacuation insurance
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.