7-Night Aeolian Islands Circuit — Milazzo to the Islands

Day 1 — Milazzo: Embarkation

Board at Milazzo marina on Sicily's northeast coast. A welcome dinner ashore before casting off — the Aeolian Islands are clearly visible on the horizon to the north.

Day 2 — Vulcano

Arrive at Vulcano, the southernmost Aeolian island — unmistakable by its permanent sulphurous smell and the still-active Gran Cratere above the port. A hike to the crater rim takes 45 minutes and rewards with views of the entire archipelago; the natural mud pools at the port are an experience in themselves. Evening dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the Porto di Levante.

Day 3 — Lipari

The hub of the Aeolians — the largest island, with a proper town, an archaeological museum housing the finest collection of ancient Greek theatre masks in the world, and excellent restaurants along the Marina Lunga. The white pumice flows on the northern coast are a surreal, otherworldly sight.

Day 4 — Panarea

The most exclusive island in the Aeolians — small, chic and with some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Anchor at Cala Junco for snorkelling on the volcanic reef; the village (no cars) is lively in summer evenings. The famous discotheque is optional.

Day 5 — Stromboli

The 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean' — Stromboli is in near-continuous eruption. Anchor off the black-sand beach of Ficogrande and watch the lava flows from the sea after dark, a spectacle that rivals anything in the natural world. Guided hikes to the 918m summit are available in small groups.

Day 6 — Salina

The greenest and most lush of the islands — famous as the filming location for Il Postino and as the producer of the finest Malvasia delle Lipari wine. The twin volcanic cones of Monte dei Porri and Monte Fossa delle Felci are draped in capers, grapes and Aeolian broom. The village of Lingua has an excellent granita bar.

Day 7 — Filicudi or Alicudi

The two outermost islands — quieter, wilder and barely visited. Filicudi has ancient Bronze Age villages at Capo Graziano; Alicudi has no cars and no roads, only stone steps cut into the cliff. A perfect last full day before returning.

Day 8 — Return to Milazzo: Disembarkation

An early morning passage back to Milazzo for disembarkation. Catania International Airport is 90 minutes east; Palermo Airport is 90 minutes west.