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Italy: Sicily and Aeolian Islands The heart of the Mediterranean sea
  • Difficulty

    Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain

    3 Difficulty level 3
  • Duration

    The duration of the tour

    8 days
  • Guidance

    Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days

    Guided

Be enchanted by this spectacular cruise among the extraordinary Aeolian islands. On board a charming caique – a traditional fishing boat – you’ll discover these volcanic islands, today part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Starting from Milazzo on the north-east coast of Sicily, your first stop will be the island of Vulcano. The journey continues to Panarea, with its large rocky ridges. In the background you’ll admire the continuous explosive activity of the Stromboli volcano. We then head to Salina, where you can’t miss tasting a typical Sicilian granita! Finally, enjoy a tour around the charming island of Lipari. Get ready to experience a truly active journey combining exploration with relaxation. On our cycling and walking tours, you’ll enjoy the wonders of the Aeolian …

From € 2,099 p.p.
  • In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Visit 5 Aeolian Islands
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage landscapes
  • Barge with max. 12 passengers

Get in contact

Monday to Friday

Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

Quickly jump to

    Italy: Sicily and Aeolian Islands

    Be enchanted by this spectacular cruise among the extraordinary Aeolian islands. On board a charming caique – a traditional fishing boat – you’ll discover these volcanic islands, today part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Starting from Milazzo (Sundial) or Capo d’Orlando Marina (Tersane IV) on the north-east coast of Sicily, your first stop will be the island of Vulcano. The journey continues to Panarea, with its large rocky ridges. In the background you’ll admire the continuous explosive activity of the Stromboli volcano. We then head to Salina, where you can’t miss tasting a typical Sicilian granita! Finally, enjoy a tour around the charming island of Lipari.

    Get ready to experience a truly active journey combining exploration with relaxation. On our cycling and walking tours, you’ll enjoy the wonders of the Aeolian Islands, also known as the “pearls of Sicily.”

    The ship – Your sailing hotel

    In between cycling and walking excursions, you’ll cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You’ll dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day to take along the way. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental E-Bikes on board.

    Fully Guided

    Accompanied by an experienced tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting places and sights during the daily cycling and walking tours. Along the way, you will hear all about what you encounter. You can also choose to cycle the cycling tours individually with the help of the Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).

    Itinerary

    Day 1 Embarkation Milazzo

    Individual arrival and transfer to Milazzo harbor (Sundial). Embarkation is at 6 pm. Get to know your crew and accommodation on board, and enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and presentation of the program. Overnight in the harbor of Milazzo.

    Day 2 Milazzo
    15km9 mi

    Today you’ll cycle towards Capo Milazzo, where you’ll have the chance to bathe in the wonderful “Venus Pool”, a protected natural sea pool. Once back in Milazzo, you can visit the castle and its ancient hamlet. We’ll stay the night in the harbor of Milazzo.

    Day 3 Milazzo – Vulcano Island | Vulcano, roundtrip
    20km12 mi

    Today your caique will start navigating towards the island of Vulcano, the so-called “Sulphur Island,” where by bike you’ll explore the island’s hinterland around Piano Grillo, an ideal place to admire an amazing landscape. Then enjoy free time in the afternoon, with plenty of interesting suggestions: walk up to the crater of the volcano, take a mud bath at the island’s sulphur beach, or you can even swim among underwater fumaroles (volcanic vents). Overnight in the harbor of Vulcano.

    Day 4 Vulcano – Panarea – Stromboli (3h30 walking)

    After breakfast we head towards Panarea, stopping for a swim close to the little islands of Lisca Bianca, Bottara and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Once in Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, you’ll have lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. Then the caique will navigate towards Stromboli, with a superb view over the Sciara del Fuoco, Stromboli’s famous talus scree, which sometimes still features lava flows. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a walking trip up to 400mt (1312 ft) above sea level to admire the volcanic activity at dusk. Then we’ll enjoy a picnic dinner at a scenic panoramic viewpoint. Please bring forehead lights with you as the return is by night. Tonight we’ll stay in a sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.

    Day 5 Stromboli – Panarea (2h30 walking) | Panarea – Salina

    After breakfast, we’ll navigate back towards Panarea. After dropping anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk to visit the little village of Panarea, as well as Drautto Beach and its prehistoric village. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Cala Junco and then return back on board. Afterwards, we’ll head towards the island of Salina, where you can visit a local shop and sample local products. Overnight in the harbor of Salina.

    Day 6 Salina | Salina – Lipari
    20km12 mi

    Today, you’ll start cycling directly on the island of Salina. From Santa Marina on the east coast, you’ll ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, where you’ll visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara you can try a delicious, refreshing granita. Back on board, the barge will navigate to the island of Lipari, where you can stroll around its charming village. Overnight in the harbor of Lipari.

    Day 7 Lipari | Lipari – Milazzo
    25km15 mi

    After breakfast, you’ll experience a wonderful coast-to-coast bike ride. Starting from the hamlet of Lipari, you’ll pass by the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. Stop for your picnic lunch at the panoramic point at Quattrocchi and then return to Lipari’s historical center, rich in shops and restaurants. Back on board, the Sundial will navigate to Milazzo and the Tersane IV will return to Capo d’Orlando Marina. Enjoy your last dinner at one of the many restaurants and overnight in the harbor of Milazzo or Capo d’Orlando Marina.

    Day 8 Disembarkation: Milazzo

    End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9 a.m.

    Day 1 Embarkation: Capo d’Orlando Marina

    Individual arrival and transfer to Capo d’Orlando Marina. Embarkation is at 6 pm. Get to know your crew and accommodation on board, and enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and presentation of the program. Overnight in the harbor of Capo d’Orlando.

    Day 2 Capo d’Orlando Marina
    26km16 mi or 36km22 mi

    Today’s ride from Capo d’Orlando is a perfect blend of cycling, history, and seaside charm. You’ll follow Sicily’s historic coastal road to the medieval town of Brolo, explore its castle, then continue on to Gioiosa Marea where you can taste a refreshing granita with views of the Aeolian Islands. On the way, discover centuries-old watchtowers and pause at hidden beaches for a swim!

    Feeling adventurous? Extend the route to Capo Calavà, where the road winds dramatically through cliffs above the turquoise sea (+10 km/+6.2 mi.).

    Day 3 Capo d’Orlando Marina – Vulcano Island | Vulcano, roundtrip
    20km12 mi

    Today your caique will start navigating towards the island of Vulcano, the so-called “Sulphur Island,” where by bike you’ll explore the island’s hinterland around Piano Grillo, an ideal place to admire an amazing landscape. Then enjoy free time in the afternoon, with plenty of interesting suggestions: walk up to the crater of the volcano, take a mud bath at the island’s sulphur beach, or you can even swim among underwater fumaroles (volcanic vents). Overnight in the harbor of Vulcano.

    Day 4 Vulcano – Panarea – Stromboli (3h30 walking)

    After breakfast we head towards Panarea, stopping for a swim close to the little islands of Lisca Bianca, Bottara and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Once in Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, you’ll have lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. Then the caique will navigate towards Stromboli, with a superb view over the Sciara del Fuoco, Stromboli’s famous talus scree, which sometimes still features lava flows. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a walking trip up to 400mt (1312 ft) above sea level to admire the volcanic activity at dusk. Then we’ll enjoy a picnic dinner at a scenic panoramic viewpoint. Please bring forehead lights with you as the return is by night. Tonight we’ll stay in a sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.

    Day 5 Stromboli – Panarea (2h30 walking) | Panarea – Salina

    After breakfast, we’ll navigate back towards Panarea. After dropping anchor in the bay of Porto San Pietro, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk to visit the little village of Panarea, as well as Drautto Beach and its prehistoric village. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Cala Junco and then return back on board. Afterwards, we’ll head towards the island of Salina, where you can visit a local shop and sample local products. Overnight in the harbor of Salina.

    Day 6 Salina | Salina – Lipari
    20km12 mi

    Today, you’ll start cycling directly on the island of Salina. From Santa Marina on the east coast, you’ll ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, where you’ll visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara you can try a delicious, refreshing granita. Back on board, the barge will navigate to the island of Lipari, where you can stroll around its charming village. Overnight in the harbor of Lipari.

    Day 7 Lipari – Capo d’Orlando Marina
    25km15 mi

    After breakfast, you’ll experience a wonderful coast-to-coast bike ride. Starting from the hamlet of Lipari, you’ll pass by the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. Stop for your picnic lunch at the panoramic point at Quattrocchi and then return to Lipari’s historical center, rich in shops and restaurants. Back on board, the Sundial will navigate to Milazzo and the Tersane IV will return to Capo d’Orlando Marina. Enjoy your last dinner at one of the many restaurants and overnight in the harbor of Milazzo or Capo d’Orlando Marina.

    Day 8 Disembarkation: Capo d’Orlando Marina

    End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9 a.m.

    Good to know
    • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
    • LEVEL 3 / 5: The daily tours average in length between 15 – 25 km and 400 – 800 feet of elevation and lead predominantly through hilly and mountainous terrain and can be completed without time constraints. Participants will also need to master longer, steep climbs, during which they are of course permitted to push their bicycles. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented by traffic. Your tour guide will inform you each day about the tour details. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bicycle tour.
    • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
    • Please bring forehead lights from home for your excursion on Stromboli. During the walk back, it is already dark.
    • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

    The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

    Always the best rental bikes

    The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

    Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

    Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

    Bicycle helmets
    The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

    Other rental items
    Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

    Taking your own bike or e-bike?
    The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

    Cyclists in a green landscape

    E-bikes

    The e-bike is a tailormade Granville Urban. It is relatively light and has a comfortable low entry. It is equipped with a smooth functioning 9-speed chain shift and reliable hydraulic Shimano disc brakes as well as a powerful central motor from the Bosch Active+ line.

    Taking your own bicycle

    On this trip it is not possible to bring your own bikes due to lack of space on board.

    Saturday
    Jun 6, 2026
    Saturday
    Jun 13, 2026
    Sicily, Milazzo
    Guided
    Sundial
    Available
    Prices from
    €2,629.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Jun 13, 2026
    Saturday
    Jun 20, 2026
    Sicily, Milazzo
    Guided
    Sundial
    Available
    Prices from
    €2,329.00 p.p.
    Aug 29, 2026Sep 5, 2026
    Fully booked
    Saturday
    Sep 5, 2026
    Saturday
    Sep 12, 2026
    Sicily, Capo d'Orlando Marina
    Guided
    Tersane IV
    Available
    Prices from
    €3,559.00 p.p.
    Sep 12, 2026Sep 19, 2026
    Fully booked
    Saturday
    Sep 12, 2026
    Saturday
    Sep 19, 2026
    Sicily, Capo d'Orlando Marina
    Guided
    Tersane IV
    Available
    Prices from
    €3,559.00 p.p.
    Sep 19, 2026Sep 26, 2026
    Fully booked
    Saturday
    Oct 3, 2026
    Saturday
    Oct 10, 2026
    Sicily, Milazzo
    Guided
    Sundial
    Available
    Prices from
    €2,329.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Oct 3, 2026
    Saturday
    Oct 10, 2026
    Sicily, Capo d'Orlando Marina
    Guided
    Tersane IV
    Available
    Prices from
    €3,259.00 p.p.
    Oct 10, 2026Oct 17, 2026
    Fully booked
    Included in this tour
    • 8 days/7 nights
    • 7 x breakfast
    • Packed lunches
    • 6 x dinner
    • Coffee and tea on board
    • Welcome drink
    • 1/2 lt bottled water per person for lunch and water jars on the table at dinner)
    • Airconditioning in the cabin
    • Bed linen and towels (1 change of towels per week)
    • Daily cleaning of the cabin
    • Rental helmet
    • Digital tour information
    • English-speaking tour leader
    • Fully-guided cycling and walking tours
    • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
    • Harbor charges
    • Wifi (only in the harbors)
    • The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.
    Excluded from this tour
    • Transfers to/from dockingplace
    • 1 dinner
    • Rental E-Bike
    • Entrance fees & excursions (museum, parks, monuments)
    • Parking fee
    • Other transfers
    • Drinks on board
    • Personal (travel) insurances
    • Gratuities (at your discretion)
    • SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
    Additional options & information

    2026:

    • Rental E-Bike: € 252 per bike/week
    • Parking own bicycle/E-Bike: it is not possible to bring your own bicycle/E-Bike on this ship, due to a lack of space on deck.
    • Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike €28/week (only bookable in advance)

    Private transfers from the airport to the docking location are available upon request.

    Loyalty Discount

    Explore our Loyalty Discount!

    After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

    • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
    • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
    • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

    Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

    Discover more

    Pedal through Venice’s canals, Sicily’s volcanic islands, or Tuscany’s rolling hills, tasting local wines and savoring authentic Italian cuisine along the way. From the Amalfi Coast to the Po River, every route blends history, scenery and culinary delights, and discover more tours in Italy.

    Media (19)

    Sailing Sicily’s Hidden Gems: Vlogger Jessica
    Lipari
    Cycling in Sicily
    San Pietro Church (Porto Venere)
    Follow the tour leader
    Hiking
    The Sundial
    The beautiful view
    Start of the cycling day
    Cycling along the shore
    The Aeolian Islands
    A parade
    Stop and enjoy the blue
    A stop along the way
    The Mediterranean
    The Sundial in Sicily
     
    Vulcano
    5/5
    based on 12 reviews on
    5 star
    9 (75%)
    4 star
    1 (8%)
    3 star
    1 (8%)
    2 star
    1 (8%)
    1 star
    0 (0%)
    • 5 / 5
      A wonderful trip with a great team

      Traveling with a great group and an experienced guide made this trip truly unforgettable. The crew was wonderful, and the food on board was absolutely delicious. The beautiful landscapes and the visit to the volcanic eruption site were incredible experiences that made the journey even more special. Highly recommended!

      T Nik
      Oct 29th, 2025
    • 3 / 5
      Expensive cruise compared to other Boat&

      Expensive cruise compared to other Boat and Bike tours or Rad and Risen. The comfort, space onboard as well as the number of days cycling doesn t compare to other tours. The wine onboard was expensive 30 ¬ per bottle (we re in Sicily) and Boat and Bike « suggests » we leave 5 to 10 % tip. Nobody made our room. We had to wipe the bathroom after taking a « shower », we could hear the neighbors snoring, talking, even moving in the bed next door. The dining area was very tight for 12 people. This tour should be a lot cheaper than the other tours offered by Boat and Bike because it doesn t compare.

      NICOLE
      Oct 10th, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      The crew and guide were exceptional

      The crew and guide were exceptional in adapting and pivoting to weather and wind changes and always had our safety and best interests foremost in their mind. Food was was always fabulous and unique. We cycled, we hiked, we swam and we had a fabulous time. Highly recommend.

      Sherrie Bennett
      Oct 8th, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      A trip to remember

      What a lovely trip this is. There is a variety of activity with hiking, exploring, biking and daily opportunities to swim in the beautiful waters. We’ve been on several Boat Bike trips, but this one really stands out because of how special the crew treated everyone. Angelo bent over backwards to ensure our onboard well-being, and Vera lit up our excursions with her positive energy and depth of knowledge. The positive energy and hard work of both these individuals created a really memorable experience for us.

      Reply from Boat Bike Tours

      Thank you for sharing your experience! We re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your bike boat tour. We hope to welcome you on board again for another great adventure! Best regards, Team Boat Bike Tours

      Susan
      Sep 17th, 2025

    Monday to Friday
    Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

    Monday to Friday
    New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

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    • Deluxe

      Tersane IV

      • Intimate and exclusive
      • Comfortable airconditioned cabins
      • Shaded and sunny seating areas
      • Water sports equipment
      max. 12 passengers 6 cabins
      More info
    • Comfort

      Sundial

      • Dining area
      • Deck chairs
      • Lounge area on deck
      • Air conditioning
      max. 12 passengers 6 cabins
      More info

    Your selected tour:

    Italy: Sicily and Aeolian Islands

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