April - Jun & Sep - Oct
Volcanic / Mediterranean scrub
924 m
8 km
2.000 m
20 km
Life aboard the boat is an essential part of the adventure—immersive, social, and full of unforgettable moments. Think of it as your floating basecamp, where you rest, recharge, and prepare for the next day’s climbing and sailing adventures.
Guests stay in shared cabins featuring double-sized or bunk beds, designed for two people per cabin. While space is compact, it’s all about the experience—fall asleep to the sound of the sea and wake up ready for adventure.
Just like in the mountains, teamwork is key! After a day of climbing, some will help stow the gear, others will cook, and a few will take on dishwashing duties—creating a dynamic, communal atmosphere.
Food is fuel for adventure! Everyone takes turns preparing and cooking meals, making dining a social and rewarding part of the journey. Bring your favorite recipes and enjoy sharing meals under the open sky.
Like any true basecamp, resources are limited. Water and electricity need to be used mindfully, fostering a simple and eco-conscious way of living, fully connected to nature.
The boat is more than just a means of travel—it’s a place to relax, share stories, and restore your energy before the next climb or sail. Whether it’s stretching on deck, enjoying a sunset swim, or simply lying under the stars, life onboard is all about balance.
Life on a boat is fun, spontaneous, and incredibly rewarding. Be prepared to laugh, share stories, and create lifelong friendships with like-minded adventurers.
The day begins at anchor, with the islands slowly coming into focus as light rises over the volcanic landscape. After a simple breakfast on board, we go ashore and start walking, following ancient paths shaped by lava flows, terraces, and wind.
Trekking routes are chosen according to conditions and the rhythm of the group. On some days the trail climbs toward volcanic craters; on others it leads through shaded forests or along exposed coastal slopes. The pace is steady and adaptable, leaving space to observe the terrain and understand how the islands have been shaped by both nature and human presence.
A professional mountain guide leads the day, adjusting timing, route choice, and logistics in response to weather, heat, and volcanic activity. Movement, rest, and decision-making remain fluid rather than fixed.
After the trek, we return to the boat for a swim, a quiet sail, or time to rest at anchor. Evenings are spent ashore in small island villages or on board, sharing simple food and allowing the day to settle before the next island comes into view.
Trekking in the Aeolian Islands unfolds across volcanic terrain shaped by lava flows, ash, and erosion. Trails cross dark basalt, pumice slopes, and mineral-rich soil, often bordered by Mediterranean scrub: caper bushes, broom, lentisk, and low aromatic vegetation adapted to wind and heat. The ground is irregular and alive, offering a direct and physical reading of these volcanic islands.
A good level of physical fitness is required to participate in the daily trekking excursions. Each guided trek is selected and adapted to the fitness level and experience of the group, allowing participants to move at a steady and sustainable pace while exploring the Mediterranean islands on foot.
All trekking activities are led by a professional mountain guide, responsible for safety, route selection, and logistics. Daily itineraries and schedules are adjusted according to weather conditions, terrain, and group dynamics, ensuring efficient navigation along coastal and volcanic trails.
Less experienced trekkers receive practical guidance on movement, equipment organization, and outdoor trekking skills, while more experienced participants enjoy greater autonomy within a supervised and shared framework. This approach ensures a safe, balanced, and tailored guided trekking experience in the Mediterranean.
Co-founder and driving force behind VST, Antonio was a passionate mountaineer, expert climber, and talented skier. Known for his empathy, energy, and dedication, he inspired many through his skills and leadership. He tragically passed away in 2017 alongside Adriano Trombetta in a mountain accident, but his adventurous spirit continues to shape the heart of VST.
When a drone unexpectedly appeared to capture the VST crew climbing the iconic Goloritzé sea stack, we knew we had to get that footage. Behind the controls was Manuel, an openhearted and passionate filmmaker whose talent rivals that of many pros. Since then, he’s become part of the VST family, bringing his creative eye, contagious smile, and authentic Italian flair on board. Whether he’s flying a drone or breaking into salsa, Manuel lifts the crew’s spirit and captures the soul of every adventure.
Co-founder and soul of VST, Adriano was a highly skilled alpine guide and visionary climber. His expertise and passion for exploration helped lay the foundation of VST.
He tragically passed away in 2017 with Antonio Lovato during a mountain expedition, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire every adventure at VST.
By chance Theo ended up on board and soon he joined the VST family. Passionate climber he is devoting his life to seek the spirit of the VST: having acquired the skipper license and training to become a climbing instructor.
His soul however is still in his home land, the countryside of Provence, making him a spirit deeply connected with nature.
Once addicted sport climber, now he finds his soul in travels, possibly with a ratio climbing-party of 30%-70%. Back at home he is not only known to be a great mountain guide, but also by being the head of the mountain rescue on the Italian side of the Mont Blane and Matterhorn.
A life dedicated to enjoying the mountains by doing all the possible mountain sports. In 2013, his vision opened up, discovering a new, immense and beautiful playground on the shores of the Med.
Ski instructor in the winter, he became a certified Mountain Guide in 2024, and he continues working full time for the VST while skippering the tours in the summer.
Don’t mess with him with the food, the parties, and all the beautiful things… As in life, there isn’t only climbing and sailing!
Technical Director of Vertical Sailing Tour Operator, an expert in tourism, professional sailor, and passionate wingfoiler. A certified snowboard instructor, he has known Lorenzo for many years. In 2024, they decided to take a step further together by building the company and leveraging Lorenzo’s decade of experience with VST to elevate the project to new heights.
From Brescia, when he is not skippering for the VST he is sailing across the oceans and exploring the most remote archipelagos on heart, but always with that stylish look and his sly smile.
Alberto is the chief guide at the VST, mountain guide since 2008. Since the beginning he has been on board with the VST and his kind personality, combined with his great expertise, are the things that make our guests love him.
From the point of Cerro Torre to the wall of El Capitan, from the desert of Saudi Arabia to the picks of Mt. Blanc, he has climbed in more than 25 countries and summited some of the most famous peaks in the world.
From Vermont (USA), he probably discovered his real Sicilian blood only when he started to sail around. the Mediterranean sea with the VST. his guiding curriculum is impressive, the mountain guide badge hides a moder hippie with tons of love ready to be shared with everything and everyone around him.
