Day 1

Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue by TGV Lyria through Switzerland to Milan. Arrive in the evening and stay overnight in a 3-star hotel near Milano Centrale, for example Hotel Madison.

Day 2 (Tuesdays and Fridays only; Sundays also during the summer season)

In the morning, travel by high-speed Frecciarossa train from Milan to Naples in around 4½ hours. In the evening, board the overnight ferry to Stromboli, departing at 20:00. The ferry normally operates on Tuesdays and Fridays; during the summer season (2026 timetable to be confirmed) there is also a Sunday departure.

Day 3

Arrive on Stromboli at around 06:30. It is well worth being on deck before arrival, as the eruptions of the active volcano are often most spectacular at dawn or in the early morning light. Stay in a charming hotel in the village of Stromboli, for example Hotel Ossidiana.

You can book a guided hike to the crater rim locally. A guide is compulsory, and sturdy walking boots are required (boots can also be hired locally). The ascent takes around three hours, leaving about two hours before sunset, with the return walk after dark. Alternatively, take an evening boat trip to see the lava flowing down the volcano towards the sea.

Day 4

Travel by hydrofoil or ferry via Panarea to Salina. The central island of the Aeolian Islands is home to two extinct volcanic peaks and very little traffic. Stay in a charming hotel in Santa Marina Salina, where the ferries and hydrofoils arrive and depart, for example Hotel Santa Marina.

Day 5

Free day on Salina. Explore the island by local bus or boat, or enjoy one of the scenic walking routes, such as the coastal walk to Lingua, which takes around 30 minutes.

Day 6

Early in the morning, travel by hydrofoil to Milazzo in Sicily. Continue by train to Messina, where the train is taken onto the ferry for the crossing to Villa San Giovanni on the Italian mainland. From there, travel by high-speed train to Milan. Overnight at, for example, Hotel Madison near Milano Centrale.

Day 7

Travel by EuroCity train through Switzerland to Basel, continue by TGV Lyria to Paris and return to London by Eurostar.

10-day tour

Compared with the 7-day tour, this itinerary includes:

• 1 extra night in Naples on the outward journey (hotel near the central station, for example Ibis Styles Garibaldi).
  Please note: the ferry to Stromboli normally operates only on Tuesdays and Fridays, with an additional Sunday sailing during the Italian summer holidays.
• 1 extra night on Stromboli
• 1 extra night in Basel to break the return journey (hotel near Basel SBB station, for example Hotel Metropol)