Italy's Volcanoes: Vesuvius, the Aeolians, and Etna with AMNH Expeditions

Study Leader: James Webster

April 10 – 20, 2012 

Click here to learn more and book your space on this expedition

Discover the dynamic landscape of Southern Italy and gain behind-the-scenes access to observatories and scientists who monitor volcanoes such as Vesuvius and Etna while enjoying the delights of Italian cuisine, culture, and its charming countryside.

Experience the bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles of the Phlegreaen Fields, an 8-mile-wide caldera that is now a national park that contains over 40 ancient volcanoes. Explore the Solfatara crater which last erupted in 1198 and still spews steam and sulphurous fumes. Visit stratovolcano Mt. Vesuvius with a local expert and tour the local observatory. Best known for the catastrophic 1st-century eruption, Vesuvius is the only volcano on Europe's mainland to have erupted in the last 100 years. Its power is revealed in the ruins of the ancient seaside town of Herculaneum and the once thriving business center, Pompeii.

Cruise to the Aeolian Islands, located at the subduction of the African tectonic plate under the European plate. Known as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean," Stromboli's swollen volcano experiences frequent minor eruptions. Learn about Stromboli's three active craters and the "Stream of fire," the horseshoe-shaped depression created over thousands of years by several collapses on the northwestern side.

In Sicily, join the director of research from the National Volcano Institute in Catania. Tour the research laboratories and learn about the latest activity on Etna. The trip culminates with a full-day excursion to Etna National Park. At just under 11,000 feet, Etna is Europe's highest active volcanic mountain and has been in a nearly continuous state of eruption for a half-million years.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1-2: Depart Home | Naples, Italy

Fly from the U.S. to Naples, Italy, arriving the following day. Transfer to the hotel and relax before meeting expedition staff and fellow travelers at a reception followed by dinner. Santa Lucia Hotel (Meals aloft, R,D)

Day 3: Solfatara | Sorrento

Your Italy adventure begins with a visit to Solfatara in the Phlegreaen Fields area, an 8-mile-wide caldera that is now a national park and home to around 40 ancient volcanoes. Though dormant (last eruption 1198), the shallow crater of Solfatara still spews steam and sulphurous fumes, hence its name. Explore the bubbling mud pit and steaming fumaroles on the crater's floor. This area is also prone to "bradyism," the uplift and subsidence of the land from underground magma chambers that continually fill and empty over time. The affect also changes the sea level around the nearby city of Pozzuoli. This afternoon drive to Sorrento. Plaza Sorrento Hotel (B)

Day 4: Mt. Vesuvius | Herculaneum

With a local expert explore the crater of the stratovolcano Mt. Vesuvius and visit the observation center. Best known for its catastrophic 1st-century eruption, Vesuvius is the only volcano on Europe's mainland to have erupted in the last 100 years. Visit the remains of the seaside town of Herculaneum, and learn about the recent skeletal excavations that stirred the world of science. Plaza Sorrento Hotel (B,L)

Day 5: Pompeii

Take an excursion to Pompeii, which, during two days in AD 79, was buried under fifteen feet of ash and pumice from Vesuvius. Discover what life was like during the height of the Roman Empire, from businesses to ancient graffiti carved into stone walls. See the forum, bath houses, and villas with their artistic frescos and tiled floors. Late this afternoon explore another town in the wake of Vesuvian fallout: Stabiae. Plaza Sorrento Hotel (B)

Day 6: Naples | Lipari

Return to Naples and ferry across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the island of Lipari aboard the SNAV Orion. Upon arrival, take a walking tour of notable geological spots, see the lovely harbor and impressive castle, and visit the fascinating archaeological museum. Hotel Aktea (B,L)

Day 7: Lipari | Vulcano

Located at the subduction of the African tectonic plate under the European plate, Lipari volcano steams with activity from below. Ferry schedule permitting, journey to Vulcano, to walk along the base of the fossa cone, then ascend the volcano for stunning views of the Aeolian volcanic arc. Back on Lipari, discover pumice deposits and obsidian lava flows amid spectacular volcanic scenery. Hotel Aktea (B

Day 8: Stromboli

Take a ferry to the neighboring isle of Stromboli. Known as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean," Stromboli's swollen volcano experiences frequent minor eruptions. Learn about Stromboli's three active craters and the "Stream of fire," the horseshoe-shaped depression created over thousands of years by several collapses on the northwestern side. Its continual pattern of eruption includes occasional explosions at the summit with incandescent volcanic bombs launching into the sky. Weather permitting this evening, enjoy a boat tour to view the steaming summit. Villagio Stromboli Hotel (B,D)

Day 9: Catania, Sicily | Taormina

Ferry to Milazzo Sicily. Join the director of research from the National Volcano Institute in Catania. Tour the research laboratories and learn about the latest activity on Etna. Arrive in the beautiful resort town of Taormina this afternoon. Enjoy time to wander the pedestrians-only town center, stroll through piazzas offering grand views interspersed with elegant shops and outdoor cafes. Admire the famed Greek theater with its spectacular natural backdrop: the view of Mt. Etna in the distance. Hotel Villa Belvedere (B)

Day 10: Mt. Etna

Your full-day excursion to Etna National Park includes a delicious picnic lunch of Sicilian specialities below the snow-capped peaks. At just under 11,000 feet, Etna is Europe's highest active volcanic mountain. It has been in a nearly continuous state of eruption for a half-million years. Eruptions have been documented since 1500 BC. Explore lava caves and learn about the region's unique ecology. Hotel Villa Belvedere (B,L)

Day 11: Taormina| Catania | Return Home

Transfer to the airport for flights home. (B, Meals aloft)
Click here to learn more and book your space on this expedition