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

Walk in the footsteps of ancient Roman gods with a full day excursion to the slopes of Mount Etna. According to legend, Bacchus, the god of wine, brought grape vines to Sicily while the fire breathing Vulcan lived inside the volcano. These mythical deities may be long gone, but today, Mount Etna's rich volcanic soil is ideal for growing plump and tasty grapes for some of Sicily's finest wines.

But while Etna's lower slopes overflow with terraced vineyards and groves of chestnut trees the higher elevations boast an otherworldly landscape of craters and harden lava unable to sustain vital nutrients.

During your full-day adventure you'll not only discover the secrets of winemaking in such a diverse environment but you can walk around two inactive craters known as Crateri Silvestri.

There will be a moderate amount of walking during the day's excursion so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to record each memorable sight.

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, taste a local "Cannolo" before your 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 bird's eye view of earth and sky with the Gulf of Catania on the horizon.
Now that you've unleashed your inner volcanologist, it's time to tap into the life of a vinter with a visit to San Michele Estate. As your coach makes is way back down the slope you'll witness the topography change from barren lava to thriving farmland.

Situated at the bottom of Mount Etna tucked between the towns of Catania and Taormina, the San Michele Estate makes the most of its enviable location. Looking out over the Ionian Sea and set against the backdrop of Sicily's famous volcano, the 64-acre family-owned estate is known for its quality wines made from grapes native to the area around Mount Etna.

Once you arrive, time permitting you'll be escorted around the estate and learn how in addition to grape vines, olive and fruit trees also thrive in Etna's rich soil and Sicily's hot and arid climate.

Then, you'll stroll to the cellar for a tasting of a variety of San Michelle wines accompanied by local products.

At the end of this perfect day, you'll board your coach and with the incredible imagery, history and taste sensations from this wonderful journey in mind, you'll enjoy an idyllic drive back to ship.