There was no actual tour but just transportation first by coach and then by ferry to both islands.The ferries were overcrowded.

Beautiful boat journey, a once in a lifetime experience. Tour guide communicated clearly about the islands. The islands where very small and we were given plenty of time to go and explore. We witnessed the volcano erupting which was amazing and the sun set was fabulous. A great day out.

We, a family of five (two adults, three kids), had an enjoyable day out at sea getting to know the Panarea and Stromboli islands. Our guide (Salvatore?) was quite knowledgeable about the islands and island life in general and illustrated many of the things we saw with nice anecdotes. Contrary to many of the other reviews we did not find the boat or the islands too crowded. There was ample space to choose the seats from on board and the captain turned the boat around so that everyone could get a good view of the sights from where they sat.

Unfortunately the weather was not the best possible as the top of Stromboli was covered in clouds and the volcano itself dormant. This is, however, something that cannot be guaranteed in advance. Would still definitely recommend to those who have not visited Mediterranean islands or seen an active volcano before.

What the info about the tour doesn't tell you is how long the trip to and from the islands are and that the trip turns out to be a 14 hour day....way too long! First you have to meet at a designated spot...for us a 15-20 minute walk to the bus station from our hotel in Taormina. A large bus picks you up for an hour and 20 minute drive down a very tight and winding road to the port. Then another hour and 20 minute boat ride to the first island. You're on the island for 2+ hours (could be a shorter time since not much to see or do) then back on the boat for 20 minutes to Strombolli for another 2+ hours. Then back on the boat to go near the volcano to possibly see lava and finally the long boat and bus ride to be dropped off at 12:30 a.m. to walk back to our hotel. I would not recommend this tour unless you don't mind the everyone day. And the tour guide had to repeat e everything in 3-4 languages which was annoying.....perhaps giving everyone a flyer with the info. I loved the Etna food and wine tour and would highly recommend doing that instead.

Awful! Again, the guide did not tell us much. The boat was too crowded and it was rough going out....many people were soaked when the waves crashed and we were on the upper deck. Because there is no space, everyone is pushing each time you get back on the ship trying to get a decent viewing seat.. This experience was also awful. Why not have the staff create a queue on the pier? Panarea was hot and nothing to do after we ate lunch. Should have had more time on Stromboli. With scant directions, we found the beach, but it was already in shadow...having missed our best beach time on Panarea. The return was a bigger nightmare. Huge waves and numerous people ill, which was not improved by the crew taking smoke breaks at the back where people were retching! Never saw the fire, which was just as well,because there were not enough seats and too many people to see out the windows. This ship is not well equipped for this excursion. There are local ships that were excellent and not crowded. A long, tiring, expensive day!

This was a great tour, got to see the Aeolian archipelago in a day and also the wonderful Stromboli island and it’s volcano. The negative is a very crowded boat and partly caotic arrangement for someone not speaking Italian. However the trip can be recommended as a must during a stay in Sicily.

Very interesting tour around two beautiful island towns and surrounding geologic features, led by a friendly and knowledgable guide. Spectacular view of Mt Etna. Exciting night view of Stomboli's volcano spewing steam, smoke, and burning gases. We were lucky to have beautiful, sunny weather and smooth seas in October. My only complaint was that the boat was full and it was hard to get a seat or standing space where you had an unobstructed view for taking pictures. It was a long day's travel, but worth the effort and expense.

Excellent. Not an awful lot to do on the islands... but totally worth it to see Stomboli erupting at night. Unforgettable.

There were too many people and not enough outside viewing spots so people were pushing and shoving to get to see things.
The islands themselves were worth seeing however next I would find a different boat.
Also didn't like the tour guide telling us to tip the driver for just driving to from hotel

Amazing trip. Pick up and drop off at hotel, excellent guide speaking a number of different languages. Boat trip to island was very long, choose your seat wisely. Once on Panarea we took our guides advice and followed her to her recommended restaurant as did the majority of our party, hence an extremely long wait for food which left us no time to explore the island. After departing Panarea we headed to Stromboli where we had some free time to explore the island, wow! beautiful. On leaving Stromboli we were treated to a guided tour of the surrounding islands and the icing on the cake actually witnessing an active volcano, against a sun setting background, it truly was a memorable site again choose your seat wisely, the right hand side was best for the views. But, the long journey back, just a small downside to a very well put together trip.