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Drive to Crateri Silvestri on the slopes of Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano. Taormina has been a resort since the days of the Roman Empire. Explore its narrow lanes and view its medieval buildings on a walking tour. Visit the third-century Greek theater, still used for concerts today.

WHAT YOU VISIT

Taormina – The village, perched 700-feet above the sea and overlooking the Bay of Naxos, was a famed resort even in Roman times. A lift takes you from your motorcoach to the city gates, where your walking tour begins. Your guided walk will introduce you to Taormina’s delights including the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the bustling main street of Corso Umberto lined with former mansions.

Greek Theater – Built in the 3rd-century B.C. and still used for open-air concerts today, this stunning ancient theater features superb acoustics and offers stunning views of Mt. Etna.

Mt. Etna – Europe’s tallest and most active volcano has erupted over 130 times in recorded history. Travel to Crateri Silvestri, where you enjoy views of the summit and the town of Catania, buried by an eruption over 300 years ago. Enjoy free time to walk around the crater.

SHOPPING
Your visit includes approximately 30-minutes of free time to browse among the boutiques and cafés along Taormina’s stylish Corso Umberto.

LUNCH
A lunch of traditional Sicilian cuisine is served at a restaurant on the slopes of Etna.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Board your air-conditioned motorcoach for the drive from the dock to Taormina, traveling along Sicily’s mountainous western coast. On the way to Mt. Etna, pass through the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea, enjoying dramatic coastal views.

SPECIAL NOTES
Buses are not permitted to enter the city of Taormina. After your arrival at 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.

The ground around the Crateri Silvestri is uneven and rough. Passengers should take care when walking. Wear comfortable 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.

Our english speaking driver in dark suite will be waiting for you on the shore with a paper board showing your Party Name. following a panoramic drive along the coast of eastern Sicily before arriving at Taormina, considered one of the most beautiful spots in all of Sicily.
Leave your limo coach at the parking area and continue on foot for a visit of the city. The highlights feature a visit to the Greek Theater. Admire the remains of the ancient theater with an incredible view of Mt. Etna as a backdrop. View the Palazzo Corvaia and the Odeon from the exterior as well as a visit to the Cathedral. Stroll the Corso Umberto, the famous shopping area of Taormina. After the tour, you will have some leisure time to sit in one of the nice cafes or do some shopping or simply wander around the squares and side alleys, savouring the charm and atmosphere of this lovely medieval town.

Our english speaking driver in dark suite will be waiting for you on the shore with a paper board showing your Party Name. Following a journey of approximately an hour and a half, you will travel through vineyards and valleys of stratified lava, until reaching an altitude of 2000 metres. Along the way you will be able to observe the vegetation that grows in striking progression, alternating the Mediterranean maquis of the low altitudes with a whole series of mountain forms that become increasingly bare as you travel upwards. From the top of the Silvestri Craters you can admire the volcano in its entire spectacular, and at the same time terrifying, charm. You will have plenty of time for admiring the incredible landscape and taking spectacular photographs before returning to the base.

more infos:

Mount Etna in Classical Greek, Aetna in Latin, also known as Muncibeḍḍu in Sicilian and Mongibello in Italian, (a combination of Latin mons and Arabic gibel, both meaning mountain) is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. Its Arabic name was Jebel Utlamat (the Mountain of Fire). It is the largest active volcano in Europe, currently standing 3.345 metres (11.000 ft) high, though this varies with summit eruptions; the mountain is 21 m (69 ft) lower now than it was in 1981. It is the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps. Etna covers an area of 1,190 km² (460 sq mi) with a basal circumference of 140 km. This makes it by far the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy, being about two and a half times the height of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of eruption. It is also believed to be the world’s oldest active volcano.The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south. Due to its history of recent activity and nearby population, Mount Etna has been designated a Decade Volcano by the United Nations.