Days 1-2: Picking up your boat in Sicily

Arriving in sunny Sicily, you'll pick up your boat from one of the departure harbours: Palermo, Sant'Agata or Portorosa. Once checked in, it's time for a cold beer or a good glass of Italian wine on a terrace by the quay.

Days 3-5: Exploring the volcanoes

For the first few days, head to the Aeolian Islands, sailing between Sicily's dramatic volcanoes and exploring the natural beauty on offer. First sail to Vulcano, a short trip from Sant'Agata or Portorosa (a long first day of around 8 hours from Palermo; consider breaking it up with a stop in Cefalù, a beautiful seaside town with lovely sandy beaches). Vulcano itself is spectacular, with mud baths and the hot springs of the Fossa di Vulcano. From Vulcano, it's a short sail to Panarea, a car-free island where you can enjoy the whitewashed houses in peace, along with beautiful underwater fumaroles and rock formations nearby. From Panarea, sail on to the northernmost Aeolian island, Stromboli, one of the archipelago's most popular islands thanks to its active volcano; watch for the blackened earth and volcanic landscape.

Days 6-8: Salina, Filicudi and Alicudi

Use the next few days to explore Sicily's smaller islands in all their unspoiled glory, starting with Salina. Thanks to its many freshwater springs, Salina has a lush, colourful landscape quite different from its Aeolian neighbours, the springs mixing with volcanic soil to create a striking landscape. It's about 10 nautical miles from Salina to Filicudi, a tiny island of just 9 square kilometres. The lack of mass tourism is a big draw; the picturesque white village of Pecorini Mare has a simple beach and restaurant, a great place to properly switch off. Alicudi, Filicudi's smaller neighbour, takes its name from the heather plant found across the island, which some residents still use for handicrafts; donkeys remain the primary form of transport here.

Days 9-11: Island-hopping along the Sicilian coast

Having seen all the Aeolian Islands have to offer, it's time to head back along the mainland to continue your Sicily sailing trip. The distance from Alicudi to Palermo is around 50 nautical miles, a substantial day's sail. Once in Palermo, relax, the marina has every facility you could need, and the city itself is a great mix of culture, history, nightlife and, of course, food. A nice short sail from Palermo takes you to San Vito, a beautiful town nestled between the mountains, a relaxed day after the previous long sail. Try a panino con panelle while you're there, a traditional Sicilian dish.

Days 12-13: Discovering the Egadi Islands

Having already seen a string of Sicilian islands, why not one more? The Egadi Islands are easily reached from San Vito, starting with Favignana, known for tuna fishing but most popular today for diving and snorkelling, don't forget your fins. Marettimo, a very short sail from Favignana, is another great island in this archipelago, taking its name from the abundance of thyme found there, giving the landscape its own particular character.

Days 14-15: Back to the home port

Time to head back towards the home port. Most charter companies like guests back between 4pm and 6pm, leaving nothing left to do but enjoy one last Italian feast.