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

In its recorded 3,000-year history, Mount Etna has erupted 300 times. Perched at the foot of this great volcano Catania has seen its share of volcanic activity since its founding in 729 B.C. During an event in 122 B.C. so much ash fell on the town that the Roman Empire gave Cantania a tax break until it could recover.

But it was the catastrophic eruption in 1669 that changed the city. Lava oozed down Mount Etna's slopes, eked its way to Catania and swamped the city with molten lava; a devastating earthquake just 24 years destroyed the city's oldest neighborhoods.

Catania bounced back and rebuilt the old town in the highly decorative Baroque style complete with wide-open squares and avenues using the readily available material they had-lava.

Although the city rebounded Mount Etna has continued to threaten Sicily over the centuries. Witness Europe's largest and highest volcano with a half-day journey to Crateri Silvestri. Pass through the charming villages that live at the bottom of the mountain and marvel at the life and vegetation that appears to thrive in its massive shadow.

There will be a moderate amount of walking during the excursion so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to show the folks back home what they're missing.

After leaving the pier you'll drive the short distance to the base of Mount Etna then steadily climb to a height of 6,233 feet above sea level to the Silvestri Craters, which formed after Etna's eruption of 1892.

Once you disembark you'll walk up to the edge of the craters. As you look out over this alien landscape you can't help think you're a tourist on Mars. It's so breathtaking you may forget to take photos but from this vantage point is a dazzling panorama of earth and sky with the Gulf of Catania on the horizon.

Through the centuries a number of villages have taken advantage of Mount Etna's rich and fertile soil and spectacular views to successfully establish businesses. On your return trip to Catania your driver will proceed south through villages like Santa Venerina, known for its wineries and Zafferana Etnea, a summer resort that boasts amazing views of the majestic mountain and the azure Ionian Sea.

After you've traveled through this fertile paradise of green vineyards and golden citrus groves you'll return to your ship awed and humbled by Mount Etna's awesome beauty and power.