May 2-13, 2027 (12 days | 16 guests)
Capacity: 16
The Trip
In the beautiful month of May, join Carleton Professor of Geology Cameron Davidson and expert local guides for an exploration of southern Italy’s active and dormant volcanoes, picturesque land- and seascapes, charming coastal cities and towns, fascinating archaeological sites and, of course, renowned cuisine.
Stay in distinctive, four-star hotels, perfect for unwinding after a day’s hiking and sightseeing. On this well-paced tour you will spend four nights in Castellammare di Stabia, one on a comfortable ferry from Naples to the Aeolian Island of Lipari, three on the Aeolian Island of Panarea, and two in Sicily’s Mt. Etna Natural Park.
On each of the seven hikes, a local guide will lead the group along carefully selected trails. Hiking durations vary by day and are estimated in the enclosed itinerary. Throughout the program, a professional tour manager seamlessly handles all of the logistics, allowing you to relax, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and deepen your understanding of the region.
Highlights are many and include:
- Hiking the trail of Vesuvius National Park to the crater, with amazing views over the whole Gulf of Naples
- Pompeii, one the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, destroyed (but also preserved!) by the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79
- A breathtaking hike along the “Path of the Gods,” on the Sorrento Peninsula, with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea
- A ferry ride to the fabled island of Capri to hike along fragrant trails to Roman Emperor Tiberius’ Villa Jovis and the early 20th-century Villa Lysis
- A walking tour of central Naples, including the striking Sansevero Chapel and the fascinating Naples Underground
- A hike to the top of Vulcano, viewing numerous volcanic phenomena, including smoke clouds, vapor spouts, and sulphuric mud holes
- A private boat ride to Stromboli, the most active volcano in Europe, erupting at intervals of approximately 15 minutes
- A hike on Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, with panoramic views of Sicily’s eastern coast
- Delicious food, including a wine tasting lunch at a winery at the base of Mt. Vesuvius; and a light lunch at a local cheese farm on Vulcano, savoring locally produced goat cheese and homemade cannoli.
This is an exclusive Carleton Alumni Adventure limited to just 16 participants. I encourage you to call 800-811-7244, email carleton@studytours.org, or reserve your space online.
Faculty Leader
Dr. Cameron Davidson, the Charles L. Denison Professor of Geology at Carleton, teaches courses in introductory geology, mineralogy, and petrology. He has also taught structural geology, the geology of energy and mineral resources, and our off-campus studies programs in Italy and New Zealand. His current research interests are in the processes of continental growth and the geology of Alaska. As part of his post-doctoral work, Cam and his family lived in Switzerland, where he worked on the geology of the European Alps that included many trips to Italy and the southern Alps. While at Carleton, Cam was lucky enough to continue his work in Italy through the long-running Geology of Italy OCS program that focused on the complex history of the Apennine Mountains, including the 66-million-year extinction event that wiped out most of the dinosaurs. Cam is looking forward to sharing his love of hiking and traveling in a part of the world where geology, food, and culture come together in unique and delicious ways.
Tour Prices (10 nights)
Per person, double occupancy
13-16 participants $9,545
11-12 participants $9,995
Single Supplement $1,295
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required (limited availability).
With fewer than 11 participants, a small group surcharge may be applied.
Itinerary
Sunday, May 2, 2027: Depart home for Naples, Italy
Monday, May 3: Arrive in Naples | Transfer to hotel | Castellammare di Stabia | Welcome reception
Tuesday, May 4: Hiking Mt. Vesuvius | Pompeii | Castellammare di Stabia | Welcome dinner
2-hour, 2.5-mile “Gran Cono” hike (600 feet up and down)
Wednesday, May 5: Amalfi Coast: Hiking the “Path of the Gods”| Castellammare di Stabia
2.5-hour, 3.5-mile Bomerano – Nocelle hike (650 feet up and 1,150 feet down)
Thursday, May 6: Capri: Hiking to Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis | Castellammare di Stabia
2.5-hour, 3.5-mile loop hike to Villa Jovis & Villa Lysis (500 feet up and down)
Friday, May 7: Naples: Walking tour, Spaccanapoli, Naples Underground | Overnight ferry to Lipari
Saturday, May 8: Lipari Archaeological Museum | Panarea
2.5-hour, 2-mile Piana Milazzese hike (mostly flat, elevation gain: 330 feet)
Sunday, May 9: Hiking Vulcano | Panarea
2.5-hour, 3.5-mile “Gran Cratere” hike (1,170 feet up and down)
Monday, May 10: Hiking Stromboli | Panarea
3.5-hour, 4-mile “Sciara del Fuoco” hike (950 feet up and down)
Tuesday, May 11: Milazzo, Sicily | Taormina: Walking tour | Mt. Etna Natural Park
Wednesday, May 12: Mt. Etna Natural Park | Farewell dinner
3-hour, 6-mile Etna hike incl. 4×4 (1,500 feet up and down)
Thursday, May 13: Fly home
Download the brochure for the complete detailed itinerary.
Additional Information
For more information or to reserve your space, please call 800-811-7244 or email Carleton College Alumni Adventures. To make a reservation online click here.