In The Shadow Of Volcanoes

Embark in Palermo. Take an eBike history tour to UNESCO-protected wonders. Like the Palazzo dei Normanni, where the ceilings literally shimmer with gold. Then cast off from Palermo with a Siclian daiquiri: white rum, crushed lemon, orange liqueur. A cocktail of scuba sites, volcanic cuisine and Aeolian Island adventures awaits.

Today you’ll wake up off Filicudi. It’s the smallest Aeolian Island. A volcanic speck where falcons outnumber humans. And where only-by-boat beaches require a naval assault by jetski or RIB. Your chef will parlay with local fishermen to create the ultimate Sicilian seafood dinner. On your Y.CO yacht deck.

This morning you’ll breakfast on ricotta-pistachio-fig tarts. While gazing at Stromboli. This 1,000m island-mountain never stops erupting. Enjoy a lazy 360° RIB ride around the volcanic coastline. This afternoon your Y.CO Charter Specialist has arranged a sunset climb to Stromboli’s active crater. Watch seismic fireworks as you enjoy a mile-high picnic dinner. Then stroll downhill for nightcaps at sea.

This morning, dive into Panarea. This eco-chic island is Mykonos meets Mustique. Cars are out. Golf buggies are in. Volcanic fumaroles bubble into Panarea’s tranquil seas. Creating natural Jacuzzis for groupers, damselfish and charter guests. Fired up? Boogie at alfresco clubs like Raya. The afterparty is invitation only. On your Y.CO yacht.

Sail into Salina hungry. The Aeolian foodie island is ringed by stop-and-sample vineyards nourished by volcanic soil. Vespa past olive rows. Hike past fig groves. Then enjoy a cooking class or dinner at Ristorante Signum with Italy’s youngest Michelin-starred chef. Who conducts a culinary opera of Salina-sourced ingredients paired with island wines.

Step off your yacht at Lipara. Where adventure explodes. Pilot quad bikes to a wildlife reserve. Dive off cliffs sculpted by lava. Scuba submerged volcanic peaks alive with octopus and bream. Energy to burn? Parties on Lipari’s Spiaggia Bianca beach kick off at midnight. And rock until dawn.

This morning, ride your tender to Vulcano. The green Aeolian Island. Sip fig slushies under palm trees. Then hike up Vulcano’s puffing volcanic peak. Your reward? Laze in sulphur-rich mudbaths inside the volcanic crater. Imagine planet earth’s most awesomely located spa. Prefer a hot stone massage? Tender back to your Y.CO yacht.

Step back in time in Taormina. Play Greek tragedies or Roman gladiators in the amphitheatre. This historic town has a happy-go-lucky spirit. That’s because it lives under the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s most violent volcano. Ride to Etna’s two-mile-high summit by helicopter or 4x4. Float back down by hang glider or mountain bike.

Disembark at Catania. A living museum of amphitheatres and palaces combined into one giant UNESCO site. Your Y.CO Charter Specialist has arranged a breezy heritage tour by tuk-tuk. Pause for jasmine gelato. Or hit a beach club for one last Spaghetti alla Siciliana. Catania Airport is a ten-minute SUV ride away.