Description
An Etna and Taormina day trip from Catania packs a volcano, a hill town and a beach into about nine hours, with transport collecting you at your accommodation and bringing you back, and a tour leader with you the whole way.
The day starts at Rifugio Sapienza, around 2,000 metres up, in a landscape of lava flows and craters. You walk around the Silvestri Craters and on to the 2001 eruption craters, and step inside a cave left by a lava flow on the way, while the leader talks about Etna's activity.
Then the road leads to Taormina. The visit covers the Cathedral, old churches, the Greek Theatre and the Roman Naumachiae, along the alleys and Corso Umberto, with free time for shops, cafes and the view over the Ionian Sea. The last stop is Isola Bella, a small island reached over a narrow strip of sand.
- comfortable transport and small groups
- local tips on products and traditions
- not included: the Silvestri Craters ticket, the Greek Theatre ticket and lunch
Wear trekking shoes and bring a jacket, since it is cooler on Etna. In summer, add sunscreen, a hat and swimwear for Isola Bella.