Best of Mt. Etna & Taormina (Small Groups)
Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Taormina
Desired for its strategic position, Taormina was founded in the 4th century B.C. and was prosperous under Greek rule, followed by Roman control. After being conquered by the Normans in 1087, it slowly fell into obscurity, but centuries later, the perfect climate and picturesque surroundings beckoned people to its tip-top locale and it wasn't long before Taormina became the summer destination of royalty and the inspiration for writers such as Nietzsche, Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, John Steinbeck, and D.H. Lawrence. Taormina is a pedestrian-only city, and remnants of its Greek and Roman origins are found throughout the charming medieval quarter highlighted by the Teatro Greco (Greek Theater) built in the 3rd century B.C. and used to perform works by the early playwrights. A more modern view is found in the fashionable Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the bustling main street of Corso Umberto, lined with flower-trimmed villas, boutiques and cafes.
Crateri Silvestri and Mt. Etna
Mt. Etna is the tallest and most active volcano in all of Europe, having erupted over 130 times in recorded history. At Crateri Silvestri, not only will you be able to walk around the crater on your own, you'll also get to take in some amazing views of the summit of the great volcano. The town of Catania, buried by an eruption over 300 years ago, can be seen from above.
What you will see along the way:
Departing from Messina, you'll board your motorcoach for a scenic ride along Sicily's mountainous eastern coast as you travel to the resort town of Taormina. The village is perched 700 feet above the sea and overlooks the Bay of Naxos. From this spectacular viewpoint, you'll be able to see why this was a famed resort even in Roman times. As you travel to Crateri Silvestri and Mt. Etna, you'll pass through the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea and enjoy some dramatic coastal views.
Photo Opportunities:
Mount Etna offers picture-perfect views of the Catania Gulf, vineyards and orchards, and remnants of dramatic lava flows.
Lunch:
Served in an elegant restaurant in Taormina, includes Pasta alla norma (with fried eggplant, tomato sauce and ricotta cheese), Filet medallion with mushrooms, Sicilian Cassata for dessert, wine and water.
Shopping:
Stroll along Taormina's main street of Corso Umberto and duck into artisan shops for pottery, especially terra cotta and brightly colored ceramics.
Points of interest
Mt. Etna
Taormina
Special Notes
Buses are not permitted to enter the city of Taormina. After your arrival at the parking lot, you will reach the city center by elevator. On your return, even if elevators are available, you may be required to use a flight of about 140 steps.
Taormina is a popular destination, and passengers should expect to encounter crowds.
Some stores in Taormina close during lunchtime, on Sunday, holidays and Monday mornings.
The drive from Messina to Mt. Etna is approximately two hours.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
The ground around the Crateri Silvestri is uneven and rough. Passengers should take care when walking. Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes and a sweater or jacket. Temperatures can drop dramatically at the summit. Due to climatic changes, views may become hindered at any given time.
In case unfavorable weather conditions do not permit a safe visit to Mt. Etna and the Silvestri Crater, these will be replaced by a panoramic drive around Mt. Etna, a visit to the village of Zafferana Etnea and the 1992 eruption lava flow vulcanic landscape.
Medical Restriction
Due to changes in altitude, this tour is not suitable for guests with difficulty walking, or for guests with heart/blood pressure/respiratory conditions.
Exceptional Value
Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.
Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Taormina
Desired for its strategic position, Taormina was founded in the 4th century B.C. and was prosperous under Greek rule, followed by Roman control. After being conquered by the Normans in 1087, it slowly fell into obscurity, but centuries later, the perfect climate and picturesque surroundings beckoned people to its tip-top locale and it wasn't long before Taormina became the summer destination of royalty and the inspiration for writers such as Nietzsche, Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, John Steinbeck, and D.H. Lawrence. Taormina is a pedestrian-only city, and remnants of its Greek and Roman origins are found throughout the charming medieval quarter highlighted by the Teatro Greco (Greek Theater) built in the 3rd century B.C. and used to perform works by the early playwrights. A more modern view is found in the fashionable Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the bustling main street of Corso Umberto, lined with flower-trimmed villas, boutiques and cafes.
Crateri Silvestri and Mt. Etna
Mt. Etna is the tallest and most active volcano in all of Europe, having erupted over 130 times in recorded history. At Crateri Silvestri, not only will you be able to walk around the crater on your own, you'll also get to take in some amazing views of the summit of the great volcano. The town of Catania, buried by an eruption over 300 years ago, can be seen from above.
What you will see along the way:
Departing from Messina, you'll board your motorcoach for a scenic ride along Sicily's mountainous eastern coast as you travel to the resort town of Taormina. The village is perched 700 feet above the sea and overlooks the Bay of Naxos. From this spectacular viewpoint, you'll be able to see why this was a famed resort even in Roman times. As you travel to Crateri Silvestri and Mt. Etna, you'll pass through the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea and enjoy some dramatic coastal views.
Photo Opportunities:
Mount Etna offers picture-perfect views of the Catania Gulf, vineyards and orchards, and remnants of dramatic lava flows.
Lunch:
Served in an elegant restaurant in Taormina, includes Pasta alla norma (with fried eggplant, tomato sauce and ricotta cheese), Filet medallion with mushrooms, Sicilian Cassata for dessert, wine and water.
Shopping:
Stroll along Taormina's main street of Corso Umberto and duck into artisan shops for pottery, especially terra cotta and brightly colored ceramics.
Points of interest
Mt. Etna
Taormina
Special Notes
Buses are not permitted to enter the city of Taormina. After your arrival at the parking lot, you will reach the city center by elevator. On your return, even if elevators are available, you may be required to use a flight of about 140 steps.
Taormina is a popular destination, and passengers should expect to encounter crowds.
Some stores in Taormina close during lunchtime, on Sunday, holidays and Monday mornings.
The drive from Messina to Mt. Etna is approximately two hours.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
The ground around the Crateri Silvestri is uneven and rough. Passengers should take care when walking. Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes and a sweater or jacket. Temperatures can drop dramatically at the summit. Due to climatic changes, views may become hindered at any given time.
In case unfavorable weather conditions do not permit a safe visit to Mt. Etna and the Silvestri Crater, these will be replaced by a panoramic drive around Mt. Etna, a visit to the village of Zafferana Etnea and the 1992 eruption lava flow vulcanic landscape.
Medical Restriction
Due to changes in altitude, this tour is not suitable for guests with difficulty walking, or for guests with heart/blood pressure/respiratory conditions.