Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

The ancient Romans believed that Vulcan, the god of fire, forged thunderbolts for various gods and heroes in his workshop deep inside the volcano we now call Mount Etna. Sometimes he worked so fast and furiously that the ground shook and sparks filled the sky creating a volcanic eruption. Of course, we now know that Etna's volcanic activity is the result of the northward motion of the African Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate.

Free of roads, a sturdy and reliable 4WD vehicle is a great way to spend the day getting to know one of the world's major active volcanoes. Acclaimed as "brooding, dark and fascinating" in the popular book, "1,000 Places To See Before You Die," this seething example of Mother Nature's fury is home to a never-ending tableau of jaw-dropping scenery.

Weather conditions can be variable so wear comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothes, and a hat. If you wear contact lenses it's advised that you bring a pair of glasses to keep the volcanic dust out of your eyes.

Your exciting full-day adventure begins as you board your 4x4 Jeep at the pier. After a brief drive through Catania you'll make your way up the slopes of Mount Etna. The record books state that Europe's largest and highest volcano measures 10,902 feet above sea level but in reality its height is constantly changing due to whether the eruptions are constructive or destructive; in fact, over the last century Etna's height has shifted between 10,705 and 10,958 feet.

As your jeep makes its way up the slope you'll notice the topography change from one ecological zone to another. For the first 3,000 feet you'll see vineyards, olive groves and crops thriving in the rich and fertile soil. As the mountain grows steeper you'll see forests of chestnut, beech, oak, pine, and birch. Over 6,500 feet is a world of ash, sand, lava, craters and rocks. Due to Etna's varied landscape the volcano is an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its "ongoing geological processes and volcanic landforms."

For a close up look at Etna's severe beauty you'll stop at Valle del Bove, an eleven-mile wide valley ringed by imposing cliffs. As you look over the Mars-like landscape you'll see evidence of a catastrophic eruption that rocked the mountain 8,000 years ago-pitted and charred remains left behind as wave after wave of molten lava thundered its way over the slope resulting in a 4,000-foot-deep chasm.

Then, you'll follow your knowledgeable guide along paths corroded by the 2001 and 2002 eruptions for a look at new lava flows.

When hunger calls, you can enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. But your day's not over yet. After lunch you'll head to beautiful Alcantara Gorge, formed over centuries by the erosive activity of the Alcantara River's very cold waters.

At the end of the day, you'll climb back into your Jeep and return to your ship, tired yet invigorated over your "bucket list" experience.