Gary Lewis, GEOetc and Chris Spencer, TravelingGeologist, lead…
The Volcanoes of Italy
A trip for Earth Science enthusiasts from around the world
Teachers, Pre-service teachers, College Students, Earth science enthusiasts, and their friends are welcome on this trip.
20-28 June 2026
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – SEE BLEOW
Not yet ready to register – then join the interest list
This nine-day (8 night) field experience will take you to the famous volcanoes of Sicily, the Eolian Islands and the Bay of Naples where you will experience the geological and cultural history of these amazing landforms.
Join other enthusiasts for hikes and cruises to explore the active volcanoes of Etna, Volcano, Stromboli, and Vesuvius. We will
discuss not only their tectonic settings but how their chemistry influences their eruptive styles. We will visit the famous site of Pompei and see how the city of Naples has grown around an active volcano.
We will visit these sites with a local expert as well as world-renown geoscience educators Chris Spencer and Gary Lewis.
This is a small group – a maximum of 14 people.
DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION
See photos from the 2023 trip
Trip Plan
Day 1: Saturday 20 June – Catania Arrival
Participants make their own way to hotel
Group meets at local Catania Hotel, Sicily at 4pm.
Dinner at local restaurant (on in hotel) – we pay.
Day 2: Sunday 21 June – Etna
Castle of Aci – Castello Normanno-Svevo di Aci Castello
Spend the morning on Mt Etna/ Lunch there
Transfer to Taormina
Overnight accommodation near Taormina
Day 3: Monday 22 June – Taormina and Vulcano
Morning exploring Taormina
Transfer after lunch to Milazzo
Catch ferry to Vulcano
Accommodation on Vulcano
Day 4: Tuesday 23 June – Volcano/Stromboli
Morning climb up Vulcano and/or local walk to see sulfur deposits etc
Ferry from Volcano to Stromboli
Hike to Stromboli Observatory for Dinner
Accommodation on Stromboli
Day 5: Wednesday 24 June – Stromboli
Free time to explore Stromboli
Hike to summit crater (intensive) or boat ride to see eruption.
Accommodation on Stromboli
Day 6: Thursday 25 June- Ferry to Naples
Ferry : Stromboli to Naples
Transfer to the city of Pompeii
Explore local Pompeii
Accommodation in Pompeii
Day 7: Friday 26 June– Vesuvius
Tour up to Vesuvius
Walk up to the summit crater.
Afternoon free to explore local sites.
Accommodation in Pompeii
Day 8: Saturday 27 June – Pompei
Full day in the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Accommodation in Pompeii
Day 9: Sunday 28 June – Departure day
Morning Transfer to Naples International Airport.
No flights before 2pm
The Volcanoes of Italy – 20-28 June 2026
Cost: Early bird $US 3790 per person (not including airfares to/from Italy. Shared rooms).
Full costs starts 1 January 2026 at $4190 pp.
GEOetc Members get a US$100 discount.
Single/private room supplement is US$1195
Refund policy – Italy Volcanoes 2026 Trip
Your deposit is fully refundable, minus a US$50 administration fee, up until 90 days after you register—called your Deposit Refund Date—or 30 November 2025, whichever comes first. After this date, you forfeit your deposit.
Full payment is due before January 31, 2026. There are no refunds after this date. It is a condition of registration that you take out travel insurance to cover cancellations due to your health or other circumstances.
