Riding into the Lava
A VOLCANIC MTB JOURNEY THROUGH FIRE AND EARTH
Vulkan – Riding into the Lava is a seven-day MTB journey through the volcanic landscapes of Sicily, connecting the Aeolian Islands with the wild northern slopes of Mount Etna.
From coastal trails overlooking the Mediterranean to black lava fields, ancient craters and high-altitude forests, every riding day reveals a different side of this powerful landscape. Small groups, carefully selected accommodation and full logistical support allow us to explore Lipari, Vulcano and Etna far beyond the usual routes.
But this journey is not only about riding volcanoes. For Manuela, originally from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, the South is something deeply personal: warm-hearted, instinctive, generous and beautifully complicated, just like the land itself. Here, hospitality is spontaneous, time follows a different rhythm and every encounter becomes part of the journey. Riding into the Lava is also our way of sharing this side of southern Italy — through its people, its food and the powerful character of a territory shaped by fire.
TRIP SUMMARY
Logistics
starting in
ending in
PALERMO
PALERMO
duration
7 days // 6 nights
ride specs
skill level
intermediate
trail level
s2 // s3
total specs
162 KM / +3.400 M / -5.900 M
DETAILS
tour info
6 // 8 riders
bike
MTB // EMTB
AIRPORT
PALERMO
DATES & AVAILABILITY 2027
12 // 18 june
23 // 29 OCTOBER
Looking for custom dates?
RIDE INFO // EXPLORE RIDE THE FIRE and FEEL THE VOLCANIC HEART OF SICILY
The Riding into the Lava expedition is an MTB journey that brings together the raw power of active volcanoes and the crystal-clear beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. We will ride through a land of vivid contrasts, from the steaming fumaroles and black volcanic terrain of Vulcano Island to the lunar slopes and ancient lava flows of Mount Etna.
This multi-day adventure connects the wild landscapes of the Aeolian Archipelago with the volcanic heart of Sicily. Along the way, you will discover more than remarkable trails: you will experience the warmth, generosity and unmistakable rhythm of Southern Italy — a land as welcoming, intense and complex as the volcanoes that have shaped it.
Love journeys shaped by contrast? After riding between volcanic islands and Mount Etna, discover Sky to Sea — our seven-day MTB crossing from the high trails of the Ligurian Alps all the way to the Mediterranean.
RIDING THE TRAILS OF EUROPE’S HIGHEST ACTIVE VOLCANO
TOASTING WITH MALVASIA UNDER THE STARS
ISLAND HOPPING BETWEEN SMOKING CRATERS AND THE SEA
RIDING VULCANO’S BLACK TRAILS WITH VIEWS ACROSS THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
RIDING WILD TRAILS SHAPED BY LAVA
DISCOVERING THE WARM, AUTHENTIC SOUL OF SICILY
“Our goal is to add true value to your mountain bike holiday, offering a service tailored to every detail within a relaxed and safe environment.”
You’ll be riding with certified MTB guides recognised by the Liguria Region and qualified instructors from the Italian Cycling Federation. Our experience allows us to guide you safely through the varied and constantly changing terrain of the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna, adapting each ride to the group, the trail conditions and the volcanic environment.
For us, guiding means more than simply showing the way. It means helping you understand the landscapes you ride through — from island life and Mediterranean traditions to black lava slopes and ancient forests. With a strong focus on small groups, professional safety and respect for nature, we create a journey that connects riding, people and territory.
On our longer journeys, two guides ride with the group, giving each rider more personal support and keeping the days running smoothly.
GEAR & OUTFIT REQUIREMENT
Having the right equipment is key to enjoying our wild trails. From mandatory safety gear to specific bike setups, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you pack like a pro.
TOUR DETAILS // SKILL LEVEL
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Is this tour for you? Designed for riders drawn to raw volcanic landscapes, this journey leads from the steaming fumaroles of Vulcano Island to the ancient lava flows of Mount Etna, connecting islands, fire and sea.
Bike Type: Enduro bike (150mm+) or E-MTB.
Vibe: A journey through fire, sea and the warm soul of Sicily. Ride across ancient lava fields, travel between islands and watch volcanic silhouettes rise above the Mediterranean.
The Riding: A diverse mix of terrain, from the dark, loose volcanic soil of the Aeolian Islands to Etna’s rocky lava trails and flowing forest singletracks.
The Support: Private transfers support the mainland stages and selected climbs, while we coordinate the ferry connections between Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
➜ We’ve got the logistics covered so you can focus on the ride.
Meeting Point: We meet at Palermo Airport on the morning of Day 1, before travelling together towards Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands.
Getting Here: We strongly recommend arriving in Palermo the day before the tour and booking a pre-tour night. This additional night is not included in the tour price, but we can provide accommodation recommendations. The scheduled group transfer will leave from the Palermo Airport meeting point at a fixed time on Day 1.
Daily Schedule: Expect approximately 5–6 hours out on the trails, depending on the route, weather and riding conditions. Lunch may be enjoyed at a local restaurant or provided as a packed lunch.
Guided Tours: Every ride is fully guided by our certified MTB guides, with the itinerary adapted to the group and the conditions on the trail.
Technical Shuttle Support: Private transfers support the airport and port connections, the journey between Milazzo and Mount Etna, and selected mountain ascents included in the itinerary.
Service Scope: All transfers and ferry connections are organised specifically around the scheduled tour programme.
PRICES & BOOKING
➜ Tour Price: €2,150 per person for 8 riders // €2,360 per person for 7 riders // €2,560 per person for 6 riders
Group Size: Minimum 6 riders required to confirm the departure // Maximum 8 riders.
Accommodation: 6 nights in carefully selected accommodation in Lipari and Mount Etna, based on shared double or twin rooms.
Meals: 7 breakfasts are included.
Single Room Supplement: Available upon request for an additional fee.
What’s Included: Two professional guides, Manuela and Stefano, throughout the tour, 6 nights’ accommodation, 7 breakfasts, scheduled transfers from Palermo Airport and between the different stages of the journey, ferry tickets for passengers and bikes, selected shuttle-assisted ascents on Mount Etna, technical and logistical support, minor mechanical assistance and a welcome kit.
What’s Excluded: Flights and travel to Palermo, pre-tour accommodation in Palermo, travel insurance, bike and equipment rental, lunches, dinners, drinks and personal expenses.
Booking & Payment: A 30% deposit is required to secure your place. A reservation is confirmed only after the deposit has been received. Registrations close and the remaining balance is due 30 days before departure.
Tour Confirmation: The tour requires a minimum of 5 riders and will be confirmed no later than 30 days before departure. If the minimum group size is not reached, the tour will not operate and the 30% deposit will be refunded in full.
Cancellation Policy: The 30% deposit is non-refundable, except if the tour cannot be confirmed because the minimum group size has not been reached. For cancellations made more than 35 days before departure, the deposit will be retained. For cancellations made 35 days or fewer before departure, a cancellation charge equal to 100% of the total tour price applies.
Booking Changes: Requests to transfer a booking to another suitable participant or to move the booking to another available Trails Unlimited departure may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any change is subject to availability, approval by the tour operator and payment of any administrative fees or additional costs charged by accommodation providers and other suppliers. A change of participant or departure date is not guaranteed and does not create an automatic right to a refund.
Travel Insurance: Appropriate travel insurance is mandatory. The policy must provide specific coverage for mountain biking, medical treatment, personal accident, emergency rescue and repatriation. We strongly recommend including trip cancellation and baggage cover.
The travel package is organised in collaboration with SIAM Viaggi, our licensed Italian tour operator. The complete contractual booking conditions will be provided before payment.
TRAVEL TIPS
LOGISTICS
GETTING HERE: The tour begins and ends at Palermo Airport. A shared group transfer from the airport to Milazzo will be arranged in the morning on Day 1. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, we recommend arriving the day before and booking a pre-tour night in Palermo so you can join the morning transfer. This additional night is not included, but we will be happy to provide accommodation and travel recommendations.
ACCOMMODATION: The tour includes 6 nights in carefully selected local accommodation in Lipari and the Mount Etna area, based on shared double or twin rooms. If you prefer a single room, please request it in advance. A supplement applies and availability may vary.
FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: 7 breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are not included, giving you the freedom to discover local restaurants and the authentic flavours of Sicily throughout the journey. Packed lunches may be arranged when required by the day’s itinerary. If you have any allergies, intolerances or specific dietary requirements, please let us know when booking so we can coordinate with the accommodations and local providers.
HEALTH & TRAVEL INSURANCE
YOUR WELLBEING: Your safety and wellbeing are central to the way we organise and guide every journey. If you have any health concerns related to travelling or mountain biking, we recommend speaking with your doctor before departure.
WATER & VACCINATIONS: No specific vaccinations are normally required for travel within Italy. Tap water is generally safe to drink unless indicated otherwise locally, and drinking water will be available throughout the journey. We recommend bringing a refillable bottle.
MEDICAL INFORMATION: Before the tour, please inform us of any relevant medical conditions, allergies, medications or dietary requirements. This information helps your guides prepare appropriately and support you throughout the journey.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Appropriate travel insurance is required as part of the booking conditions. Your policy should include medical treatment, emergency assistance and personal accident cover, with specific coverage for mountain biking. We also recommend including trip cancellation, baggage and personal bike cover where applicable.
FINANCIAL TIPS
CURRENCY & CASH: The local currency is the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but we recommend carrying some cash for small bars, local shops and more remote stops along the route.
ATM MACHINES: ATMs are available in Palermo, Lipari and Linguaglossa. Services may be more limited on the smaller islands, so we suggest withdrawing cash before travelling to Vulcano or heading out on the trails.
TIPPING: Tipping is not compulsory in Italy. In cafés, bars and restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated but entirely optional.
CAN THE ITINERARY CHANGE?
Yes. Daily routes and timings may be adapted according to trail and weather conditions, ferry schedules, sea conditions and volcanic activity. Any changes will be made by our guides with safety, group ability and the quality of the riding experience in mind.
READY TO RIDE?
Secure your spot on the riding into the lava tour with a 30% deposit.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Want to know if your bike is right or have questions about the logistics? Chat with us.
Trails unlimited - Guiding services & MTB coaching provided by:
Manuela Corsaro– VAT N° IT09287921218 – Certified MTB Guide (Liguria Region).
Stefano Scialli – VAT N° IT01756140081
– Certified MTB Guide (Piedmont & Liguria Regions) and FCI Certified Instructor.- Technical Travel Organization by our partner Tour Operator Siam Viaggi.