Mount Etna Volcano is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting for over several million years. The ascent of Etna is the highlight of a visit to Sicily, not only for the volcanic activity but also for the superb views. We'll leave for Mount Etna by coach and enjoy the twisting, turning, panoramic route as we cross through small villages on the way. When we reach 7.000 ft., we'll take a walk together to visit the "Silvestri” craters and enjoy the desert moon atmosphere.
We'll have lunch and then travel to Taormina.
Idyllically perched on a rock high above the sea, Taormina incarnates the legendary beauty of Sicily. It was here that a D.H. Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterly's Lover. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets and tiny passages, each with its own secret: great restaurants, cafés and ice cream bars. Taormina's history began with the Greeks, who founded and named the town in 358 BC. Throughout the centuries, a variety of civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, French and Spanish seized the city for its strategic position overlooking the sea and valley. Nowadays, visitors can still find fine examples of Taormina's golden times: the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicolò, the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of Saint Stefano, the "Badia Vecchia” (Ancient Abbey) and many other sites. The highlight of this visit will no doubt be the tour of the amphitheater built in the third century BC by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans. The world-famous view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond the theatre is breathtaking. The theatre is still the site of performances during summer. Enjoy some free time on the famous Corso Umberto before returning to the ship in Messina.
PLEASE NOTE
- Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Mount Etna Volcano is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting for over several million years. The ascent of Etna is the highlight of a visit to Sicily, not only for the volcanic activity but also for the superb views. We'll leave for Mount Etna by coach and enjoy the twisting, turning, panoramic route as we cross through small villages on the way. When we reach 7.000 ft., we'll take a walk together to visit the "Silvestri” craters and enjoy the desert moon atmosphere.
We'll have lunch and then travel to Taormina.
Idyllically perched on a rock high above the sea, Taormina incarnates the legendary beauty of Sicily. It was here that a D.H. Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterly's Lover. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets and tiny passages, each with its own secret: great restaurants, cafés and ice cream bars. Taormina's history began with the Greeks, who founded and named the town in 358 BC. Throughout the centuries, a variety of civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, French and Spanish seized the city for its strategic position overlooking the sea and valley. Nowadays, visitors can still find fine examples of Taormina's golden times: the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicolò, the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of Saint Stefano, the "Badia Vecchia” (Ancient Abbey) and many other sites. The highlight of this visit will no doubt be the tour of the amphitheater built in the third century BC by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans. The world-famous view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond the theatre is breathtaking. The theatre is still the site of performances during summer. Enjoy some free time on the famous Corso Umberto before returning to the ship in Messina.
PLEASE NOTE
- Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily (port-to-port package)
NAPLES - MILAZZO - VIBO MARINA - SORRENTO(1) or SALERNO - NAPLES
Climb aboard an unforgettable cruise leaving from Naples, where each port of call transports you to another place and another time. Explore antique ruins in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Meander along the picturesque streets of Naples' Old Town. Chill and admire the stunning scenery of Vulcano, Lipari, and Stromboli during an exceptional cruise alongside the Aeolian Islands—a volcanic archipelago listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the authentic charm of Tropea—in Calabria—perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Dive into all the splendor found on the Amalfi Coast. An enchanting voyage full of excitement and discoveries awaits.
Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily (port-to-port package)
NAPLES - MILAZZO - VIBO MARINA - SORRENTO(1) or SALERNO - NAPLES
Get ready for the magic of Christmas on this pre-holiday cruise in Italy and Sicily Naples has historical monuments and archaeological sites, while the Aeolian Islands are in a league of their own. This romantic cruise includes visits to the ancient theater in Taormina, with Mount Etna as the backdrop, Calabria "the toe of the boot" and the Amalfi Coast. And we can't forget the legendary Isle of Capri with its panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples. Italian Christmas traditions are in the spotlight on this cruise! Discover the famous Neapolitan nativity art and magnificent scenes exposed in small boutiques and workshops in the city's older neighborhoods. Each hand-crafted figure is one-of-a-kind. Christmas charm reigns in the shops all year round.