OVERVIEW: A trip to Mount Etna is a highlight for any visitor to this area.
HIGHLIGHTS: You'll pass lava fields on your way to Silvestri Spent Craters where you will be able to walk along the crater's rim. You will also visit a jewelry factory and see artisans at work.
NOTES: The tour involves walking uphill for approx. 330 yards on uneven terrain. Throughout this tour, you will be at high altitudes (6,000 feet) and you must judge your abilities accordingly. Closed toe shoes are recommended for walking along the crater and due to the altitude, a light jacket or sweater in summer and a warm jacket in winter are recommended.
Overview:
A trip to Mount Etna is a highlight for any visitor to this area. Your drive will take you past lava fields to the Silvestri Spent Craters where you will be able to walk along crater's rim. On your return trip, time permitting, you’ll stop along the seaside for views of Taormina and the bay.
Highlights:
-Scenic 2 hour ride with vineyards and orchards
-Walk the rim of the Silvestri Spent Crater
-View Mt. Etna’s volcanic cones and streams of hardened lava
-Visit GIVAL jewelry factory where you will see the artisans at work
Full Description:
You’ll depart from the pier on a scenic 2 hour ride to Europe's largest active volcano. While en route, you’ll enjoy the delightful countryside of vineyards and orchards. You’ll travel a winding road up the slopes past large lava fields as you make your way to the Silvestri Spent Craters, almost 6,000 feet above sea level. There you will be able to walk along the rim of these craters. From the comfort of your coach, you will see remnants of past eruptions. You will motor along the road cutting among streams of petrified lava which flowed like a river from the top of the mountain.
More than 130 eruptions have been recorded since the 4th century BC. The most recent one occurred in 2012. Your descent will offer inspiring views of volcanic cones and streams of hardened lava. Although the best views of the actual peak of Mt. Etna are from the distance of many miles, a closer inspection of its powerful destructive capability cannot help but impress any visitor. Afterwards, a cannoli tasting will be offered at a local restaurant.
On the way back to the ship, you will stop at the historic and famous GIVAL jewelry factory, where you can admire the craftsmen at work and see how they create their unique pieces in gold, with corals of the Mediterranean and the lava of Etna. Typical Sicilian refreshments will be offered in their beautiful Gival’s Villa. You will also learn how some are made with Sicilian amber and shells with lava from Mt Etna and, while enjoying a generous refreshment, you will have an option to purchase a piece from among their beautiful collection. Time permetting, before returning to Messina you’ll stop along the seaside for a spectacular view of the town of Taormina and the bay.
What to Bring:
- You should always take your SeaPass card (provided onboard the ship) and photo identification when in port.
-Camera and cash for shopping
-Sun protection and sunglasses
What to Wear:
-Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; closed toe shoes are recommended for walking along the crater.
-Due to the altitude, a light jacket or sweater in summer and a warm jacket in winter are recommended.
Important Notes:
-Reaching the Silvestri Spent Craters involves walking uphill for approximately 330 yards on uneven terrain.
-Throughout this tour, you will be at high altitudes (6,000 feet) and you must judge your abilities accordingly.
-The ascent higher than 6,400 feet is not recommended for those suffering from heart diseases and/or high blood pressure.
