Shore excursion in Sicily dedicated to visiting the most active volcano in Europe, mount Etna south east side. A full immersion through small mountain villages, nature, lava flow, some of the 200 lava caves and the magnificent Crater Silvestri. On our return from Etna we will stop in Taormina via the panoramic belvedere where it will be possible to admire Isola Bella within the small bay of Mazzarò. In Taormina you will have the opportunity for some free time to enjoy certain important spots autonomously like the Greek theatre, the botanical gardens, the Naumachie (ancient roman walls) and much more. On our return towards the Port of Messina we will stop at the most panoramic point of the city for a photo shoot, at this point we will accompany you to the Port.
Italiano, English, Español
Daily
Cruise Terminal - Port - Harbour
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Full refund up to 72 hours before of the experience
Our tour begins with collection from the port at a previously agreed tie confirmed during your booking process. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a welcome sign stating your group or family name.
After our initial meeting, once you are on board our vehicle we will have a short briefing and start our tour in the direction of the south side of Etna. versante Sud dell’Etna.
We will arrive in Zafferana Etnea, a small village with around 2000 habitants which was destroyed during the eruption of 1792. Later rebuilt and founded the local economy on the strength of honey production and other produce derived from beekeeping, this is thanks to its strategic geographic position. You will have the opportunity to taste the honey free of charge in one of the local production sites, offered by Sicily Journey.
On leaving Zafferana at a height of 750 metres above sea level, we will find ourselves on the road towards Etna for around 17km reaching 1900 metres above sea level arriving at Rifugio Sapienza Etna South.
On reaching our destination we will see one of the oldest alpine refuges on Etna, the “House of Cantoniere”. Here we will have the best views of the buttonhole on the Crater Silvestri from the 1868 eruption. You will have around 30 minutes of free time to discover the volcano, visit the restrooms and get refreshments.
Our next destination will be Taormina known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Taormina is a small village constructed on a hill by the Greeks around 2500 years ago and looks down on the bay of Giardini Naxos. Various conquerors like the Romans, Arabs and the Normans have all left their rich heritage like the Greek Roman Theatre, the Naumachie (Ancient Roman walls), the Arab Castle of “Madonna della Rocca", the Botanical Gardens and much more. You will have the opportunity to visit all of these autonomously, you will also have approximately 90 minutes depending on your cruise timings to stroll on the famous “Corso Umberto” stopping for lunch in one of the many wonderful restaurants around.
We will then head to Messina and visit two of the most interesting places in the city.
Come primo stop la sosta al Belvedere di Cristo Re che prende il nome dal tempio votivo costruito nel 900 dopo il catastrofico terremoto del 1908, questo è considerato un balcone sulla città di Messina con una vista a 360°.
Il secondo ed ultimo stop sarà presso la Piazza Duomo che a parte la bellissima chiesa madre, ha il campanile con l’orologio meccanico ed astronomico più complesso e grande nel mondo, che tutti giorni alle 12.00 am, per circa 12 minuti, sotto le note dell’ave maria, attiva un sistema di leve e contrappesi che mettono in rotazione le pesanti statue di bronzo contenute nella torre.
At this point we will return to your cruise terminal.
The order of the events will be communicated by your Driver on the day • All activities will be carried out on foot, in a car or minivan • All refreshments and wine tastings are excluded
| From Messina | |
| 1-3 pax | 400€ |
| 4-6 pax | 450€ |
| 7-8 pax | 500€ |
| From Giardini Naxos - Taormina | |
| 1-3 pax | 350€ |
| 4-6 pax | 400€ |
| 7-8 pax | 450€ |
We will collect you from your cruise terminal at a previously arranged time established during the booking process based on your cruise schedule.
During your shore excursion your guide will be an experienced driver that speaks Italian, English and Spanish with a deep knowledge of the local area.
We recommend booking this excursion in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during days of festivities. We require at least 2 days notice and bookings are subject to availability.
To make a reservation, follow the link at the bottom of the page. You will be contacted within 24 hours by our booking team who will confirm your booking and assist you in preparing for your excursion.
You may cancel this excursion free of charge up to 72 hours before the date of activity. No refunds will be given for cancellations within the 72 hour period, arriving late or no shows.