In this daily shore excursion with departure from your Sicilian docking port we will dedicate the day to some of the major attractions on the east side of the island. Most importantly the Etna volcano, the Lava Flow Caves, the Crater Silvestre and various tastings of typical products on the way.
Alcantara Gorges, a 20km canyon which collects the flowing stream of water from the north east side of Etna, this is characterised in the magnificent vertical walls of volcanic lava rock. Taormina, a lively village perched on a cliff in the province of Messina and founded by the Greeks 2500 years ago, today considered the pearl of the mediterranean.
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 time confirmed during your booking process. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a welcome sign stating your group or family name.
Our first destination will be "Zafferana Etnea", situated around 750 metres above sea level, representing the last town before the 17 km road taking you onto the east side of Etna, bringing you precisely to Rigugio Sapienza.
Zafferana Etnea today is the leader in the territory of Etna where many manifestations and conferences take place including the famous “Ottobrata Zafferanese”. Having been rebuilt after the 1792 eruption where the whole village was completely destroyed it has received many sources of investment.Ottobrata Zafferanese, inoltre è stata investita nel 1792 da un’eruzione, dopo la quale è stato necessario ricostruirla quasi totalmente.
Zafferana Etnea is typically known in Sicily for its excellent production of organic honey thanks to its strategic position on the southeast side of the volcano. We will visit one of the local production sites where you will have the opportunity to taste the honey free of charge.
Arriving at an altitude of 2000 metres on the south east side of Etna, you will notice everything changes colour, highlighting the black plateau predominately placed on nature. We will find ourselves in front of the most actively evoluted location in Sicily directly at the foot of the crater.
From the piazza of the restaurant Corsaro which is the highest point reachable by car, we can see the various colours of the volcanic remains that erupted over the last 300 years modifying everything you see around you.
In particular the remains of the 2001 eruption that destroyed various local businesses, the piazza of the Funivia dell'Etna (cable car) and the buttonhole of the silvestre crater called this due to its symmetrical shape and linear mouthpiece. We will stop for around 45 minutes to visit the area.
We move from the high levels of Etna down towards what has become in the last twenty years the most interesting natural attraction in the Alcantara valley. The Gorges of Alcantara represent a canyon created and shaping itself around 3500 years ago and has now become the river bed of which it takes its name. Characterised from walls of volcanic lava in which it is possible to find the so-called “Volcanic Prisms” created thanks to the cooling of the lava flow.
Our last destination of the day is Taormina, the pearl of the Mediterranean, founded by the Greeks in 500 AC and today represents one of the most important tourist locations in the world.
We will have approximately 1 hour to visit the main attractions: Ancient Theatre of Taormina, expertly built on the hill above the seaside town of Giardini Naxos and today is still used as a fantastic venue for international music concerts and operas during the summer months. The Corso Umberto represents the spirit of the town characterised by the pedestrianised area that meets the Piazza Duomo and its magnificent Cathedral and has access to the Botanical Gardens, the Greek Tombs and the Piazza IX Aprile.
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 | 420€ |
| 4-6 pax | 470€ |
| 7-8 pax | 520€ |
| From Giardini Naxos - Taormina | |
| 1-3 pax | 370€ |
| 4-6 pax | 420€ |
| 7-8 pax | 470€ |
| From Catania | |
| 1-3 pax | 420€ |
| 4-6 pax | 470€ |
| 7-8 pax | 520€ |
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.
The tour has a maximum of 8 persons per minivan.
This Tour is carried out 365 days a year, weather permitting.
If rescheduled due to weather conditions and this does not suit your needs a full refund will be offered.