The Spectacular Volcanos of the Aeolian Islands

About the Islands

The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago of seven islands formed by volcanic activity off the northern shore of Sicily close to the southern tip of Italy. Two of the islands are still active volcanos and all of them are spectacularly beautiful and unimaginably varied. Black sand beaches, smoldering craters, steaming bubbling fumaroles, thermal waters and rocky coastlines await us. Lipari has been a center of trade and industry since before the Bronze Age and Stromboli has been erupting continuously every 15 to 20 minutes for thousands of years.

We hope you choose to join us on an exciting adventure in Sicily. Volcanos both dormant and active await you and this region is truly spectacular. You can hike up volcanos, swim in sparkling blue water, dive and watch amazing sunsets. Here is all the information you need to move forward with your booking.

Please use the buttons below to contact us right now on WhatsApp or to book a time to have a zoom call with us to ask all your questions or fill in the form below for a booking inquiry. Alternatively, contact us in the chat box in the lower right of the screen or by mail with any questions.

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  • Our embarkation point is a marina on the northern shore of Sicily which can be reached from Palermo or Catania by train or taxi. Palermo is served by many of the mainstream commercial airlines whereas Catania is served by many of the low cost airlines including WizzAir (which offers direct flights to/from Israel).
  • Options for mooring and marinas are limited in the Aeolian and apart from Shabbat, we will spend every nights on anchor using the dinghy to get to shore.
  • Weather and sea conditions will always affect our progress and our itinerary may change at any time.
  • We expect to visit 4 or 5 of the 7 Aeolian Islands but weather conditions will dictate our itinerary.
  • This is given as a guide only and additional or replacement stops will be planned as necessary to meet the conditions of the area or the requests from the crew.
  • Kashrut or Shabbat Questions? Read our FAQs here.

Your Home in Sicily

Italy Catamaran

Meet a typical catamaran that we have used in the past in Sicily. This stunning Dufour 48 catamaran has 4 double cabins and a single with 2 bunks for crew or kids. Each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom and shower and the catamaran is just under 15m long and 8m wide. The expansive salon and flybridge provide ample room to spread out to find a quiet area to read or relax with cushion around to sit with your Happy Hour drink and watch the sunset. The boat is fully air conditioned and has its own generator, water maker, ice maker, 3 fridges, barbecue and most importantly an espresso maker!

Typical 7 Day Itinerary

Tuesday – Mainland – Lipari

We’ll be waiting for you on the quay at 16:00 with a freshly made cocktail (the first of many!). You’ll get a tour of the boat, shown to your room and then we’ll sit down for a thorough briefing covering all the safety and operational details you need to know.

When everyone has settled in, we’ll leave the marina at around 17:00 for a 3 hour sail to the southern tip of Vulcano where we’ll drop anchor for dinner and our first night of adventure.

You’ll have your first spectacular sunset at sea and nigh views of the Milky Way.

Wednesday – Panarea – Stromboli

Panarea is the smallest and most picturesque of the Aeolian Islands and the most exclusive as over the last few years it has been transformed into a celebrity haven. The West coast is uninhabited and the East side has the concentration of the population.

After visiting Panarea, we will continue to Stromboli, arriving early evening where you’ll have the experience of a lifetime climbing one of the most active volcanos in the world. There is also an option to wait for night to fall when we will move around to the west of the island and watch the Stromboli firework show. The volcano has been erupting regularly for thousands of years, so we have every expectation of getting a breathtaking show.

Depending on weather conditions, we will either anchor for the night at Stromboli or return to Panarea where we may anchor in Junco Cove, at the foot of Milazzese Cape where the remains of an ancient prehistoric village are located.

Thursday – Salina

Salina is a volcanic island with two inactive volcanoes located on each end of the island. In the middle of both lies the Valldichiesa Valley. We may circumnavigate the entire island to take in the spectacular views.

Salina was awarded the title of “Most beautiful island in Italy” by CNN in 2019, is the second largest of the chain (roughly 26 square kilometers of surface), and has a vast cultural heritage, rich history, and lush natural vistas to explore.

Friday – Sunday – Lipari

We’ll arrive in Lipari early afternoon and do some shopping and cooking for Shabbat. Friday night kiddush and dinner will be followed by a well earned rest and on Shabbat day, you can go exploring by yourselves and you will be invited to a 2 hour walking tour of the old town of Lipari with a local Sicilian guide who will explain history, culture and geography and answer all your questions.

In Lipari town, you can tour the castle, walk through the narrow streets and explore the history of this island known for its pumice quarrying!

Options including hiring a tour guide and/or a car to drive around the island.

Sunday – Filicudi

For anyone interested in scuba diving, the west coast of Filicudi offers some amazing locations and for those who want to stay at sea level, we can explore the sea caves at the Grotte del Bue Marino. La Canna, a basalt cliff that rises 70 meters from the sea is also another main attraction for scuba divers. We can anchor in front of the coasts of Graziano Cape, a small peninsula right next to the Fossa delle Felci Volcano, to relax and have lunch. Skirting the coast, we’ll discover nearly vertical cliffs towering up to 500 metres in height.

Aeolian islands

Monday – Vulcano

The island of Vulcano with its smoking sulphur crater is surrounded by a coastline of bays, caves and grottos and at its northern tip has an eastern and western bay where we may anchor to go ashore or spend the night. Swim in the sulphur rich waters or coat yourself in mud at the pools in the western bay. Depending on how active Vulcano is at any time, it may or may not be permitted to climb it but if you get the chance, it is an experience to be remembered.

Tuesday – Mainland

Depending on the weather, we will either leave Vulcano very early on Tuesday morning or we might arrive back late Monday night. In either case, we’ll be bidding a fond farewell to you at 9:00 on Tuesday morning from where you can continue your Sicily vacation or fly back home.

Trip Length

0 Days

On a 7 day trip, we will go ashore and tour Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea, Salina and Filicudi. Because we stop for Shabbat in Lipari, we will not have time to visit all 7 of the Aeolian Islands. Depending on the weather, it is likely we will sail around Stromboli at night to see its ‘fireworks’ but not stop there (since current regulations do not allow us to climb the volcano anyway) and we will not visit Alicudi due to the distance.

0 Days

On a trip of two week trip, we can offer a combined sea and land tour with a kosher concierge who will arrange an incredible luxury kosher itinerary in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or anywhere else in Italy. The plan will be custom built with you to include 7 days on our beautiful catamaran visiting the 7 volcano islands and then a transfer to Rome, Naples, Florence or other starting points to set off on a road tour that can include stays in 5 star luxury hotels and amazing kosher cuisine. Our team will work with you to design a breathtaking vacation that incorporates just the level of culture, walking, relaxing, history, museums and touring that you desire.

Kosher Sailing Inquiry Form

We’re looking forward to raising the sails and dropping the anchor with you! Unless otherwise stated, each trip is 7 days from 15:00 on the first day to 09:00 a week later. Trips longer than 7 days can be arranged (and are more relaxed with more time to see all the islands). Please speak to us!

Book the Boat or a Cabin?

Book the entire boat

Exclusively for you, your friends or family

The entire boat and crew will be exclusively for you and you can fill any or all of the cabins with 8-10 of your family or friends in the 4 double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, and the sofa bed in the salon for 2 more. The base price is for self-catering (we provide the ingredients but you do the cooking!) and there are options to add in a private chef to prepare 3 meals a day and a host(ess) to help with the smooth running of the boat, to clean, tidy, prepare cocktails and look after you!

The price includes a 5% full boat discount. There is a modest supplement for use of the 5th cabin (if there is no crew on board other than the skipper)

Book a cabin or 2

Join other singles or couples

If you are single or a couple, you can just book a cabin (or 2!) and we will do our best to match you with other like-minded people. In this case, the trip is only confirmed when all 4 cabins have been booked. The group will get to know each other and spend the week having fun together on and off the boat and working as a team to drop the anchor, sail the boat and prepare meals.

Keep in mind that if you can find friends or family to join you and fill the boat, you will be able to take advantage of the reduced price for booking the entire boat. Note that the ‘upgrades’ of chef, hostess and fleishik are only available if all guests on your trip agree to pay the supplement.

Skippered or Crewed?

Skippered

You'll be working together to cook.

The 4 cabins on the boat are available to you and in addition, the skipper will have his own room. He will be solely responsible for the sailing of the boat and for your safety and it will be up to you to cook, wash and tidy up and shop/replenish basic supplies.

Crewed

A skipper, chef and hostess to look after you

If you are single or a couple, you can just book a cabin (or 2!) and we will do our best to match you with other like-minded people. In this case, the trip is only confirmed when all 4 cabins have been booked. The group will get to know each other and spend the week having fun together on and off the boat and working as a team to drop the anchor, sail the boat and prepare meals.

Keep in mind that if you can find friends or family to join you and fill the boat, you will be able to take advantage of the reduced price for booking the entire boat. Note that the ‘upgrades’ of chef, hostess and fleishik are only available if all guests on your trip agree to pay the supplement.

Prices

WhatsApp Kosher Sailing

2027 Sailing Dates

List Price
Period Full Boat
(8-10 people)
Cabin
(1-2 people)
Discounted Price
May
(before Shavuot)
€10,640 €2,800 CONTACT US
FOR CURRENT
OFFERS
May 30
June 6 & 13
€14,820 €3,900
June 20, 27 €17,670 €4,650
July €20,900 €5,500
August €22,800 €5,900
September €17,670 €4,650

Note that dates above relate to the departure date.

Terms & Conditions

The terms and conditions listed below may be updated from time to time. A final version will be sent to you for your signature as part of the booking process.

Payment Terms

  • For bookings more than 6 months in advance:
    • 20% refundable deposit to secure the booking.
    • 30% non-refundable payment by 30th November for the Mediterranean or by 31st May for the Caribbean
  • For bookings less than 6 months in advance:
    • 50% non-refundable payment to secure the booking.
  • 50% balance payable 60 days before departure (non-refundable)
  • If payment deadlines are missed, we reserve the right to cancel the booking with no refunds (see below).

Refunds and cancellation

  • The 20% deposit is fully refundable until the second payment of 30% is due.
  • No refunds can be given, however in the event you need to cancel, we will make every reasonable effort to find someone to take your place. If a discount needs to be offered to fill the place, you will be reimbursed proportionally.
  • Your booking is transferable in case you need to cancel and arrange a replacement yourself and either you or a 3rd party take care of any outstanding payments.
  • If we have to cancel due to a force majeur (including but not limited to war and weather) we will offer you a credit for the full amount towards a future trip.
  • In the unlikely event that we need to cancel for any other reason, we will offer you the option to rebook for a different trip subject to our future plans or you will be entitled to a full refund.

Shabbat

  • Shabbat accommodation off the boat is not included.
  • We will always do our best to find a suitable mooring for shabbat but due to weather conditions or crowded marinas/ports this cannot be guaranteed.
  • We expect you to respect Shabbat in the common areas of the boat but are free to do as you wish in your own cabin. Similarly, you are free to go ashore and do as you wish on Shabbat.
  • If you do not wish to spend shabbat on the boat, we are happy to help you find a suitable AirBnB or hotel and you can join us on the boat for meals.
  • Toilets on the boat are electric. For our shomer shabbat guests, we have a number of solutions including use of the crew toilet, use of public (marina) bathrooms and other creative solutions that we will explain.

Travel to/from the base

  • We are not responsible for any travel arrangements to or from the marina that will be our base. This is at your own expense.
  • We sail on time! It is your responsibility to arrive at the appointed sailing day and time. If you are late, you will need to find ferry or boat transportation to catch up with us!
  • Your participation in our sailing trip will only be finalized and confirmed after the deposit has been paid and you receive written confirmation of your acceptance as a crew member. We urge you not to book flights or make travel plans until you receive this from us.
  • Unfortunately, we are not responsible for the weather and sometimes there may be delays or changes in schedule according to the conditions.

Children

  • There are no formal age limitations of who can be on board, however for the comfort of everyone, we do not encourage you to bring babies or toddlers who may decide to climb over the rail and jump in the water when unattended!
  • Please talk to us if you wish to bring children under 8 years old and we will decide together if this is appropriate and safe for everyone.

Off-Boat Activities

  • Activities off the boat operated by third parties will be arranged by us but the fee is not included and payment will be made by you directly to the provider. This includes but is not limited to tour guides, bike, ATV or kayak rental or water sports (such as jet ski or paragliding).
  • We take no responsibility for any off-boat activities you choose to participate in and you do so at your own risk. You waive any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that may be sustained by you or any in your party while participating in these activities.

Health and fitness

  • In order to come sailing with us, you need to be able to swim and to be reasonably fit.
  • The level of fitness expected would be for you to be able to climb into a dinghy and row a short distance to shore.
  • We reserve the right to request a doctor’s approval for you to join us if you are pregnant, have a chronic illness or have been hospitalized in the last 6 months.

Safety

  • You will receive an extensive safety briefing when you come on board and before we set sail.
  • We only use boats which meet all international safety standards and are equipped with a life raft, flares, life belts and all other safety equipment required by the regulations.
  • You are required to obey the skipper’s instructions at all time. Not doing so may put you or other guests at risk and failure to follow the skipper’s commands may result in you being requested to leave the boat at the nearest location that you can be transferred to land. In this case, you will waive all rights to compensation or a refund of any unused days of the sailing vacation and it will be your own responsibility to organize onward accommodation and transport.

Insurance

  • The boat is insured by the charter company and the skipper has additional insurance.
  • You are required to purchase travel insurance that includes rescue at sea and emergency evacuation from sea (in the event of a medical emergency). Standard travel insurance policies may not cover this.
  • You will be responsible for any damage you cause to the boat either directly or indirectly to the sum of €5000 or according to the insurance policy conditions of the boat, whichever is higher. You will also be charged by us for any time and costs we incur to resolve the incident.
  • The fee for clearing a blocked toilet is €350 excluding parts (charged in addition).

Kashrut and other Dietary Requirements

  • Kosher Sailing is under the supervision of the Global Orthodox Kosher organization.
  • There is no mashgiach on board. If you require one, there will be an additional payment required and he/she will require a cabin.
  • All kashrut policies will be explained and all questions answered prior to payment.
  • Every effort will be made to meet specific requests for kashrut but no guarantees can be made.
  • We will do our best to meet any specific dietary requirements but please speak to us early on about any requests you may have.