The Etna, is the largest and highest still active volcano in Europe. According to the last measurements, the Etna showed an altitude of 11,000 feet a.s.l., but its altitude changes at each new important eruption. A panoramic drive will take you to 6,400 feet a.s.l. passing through a green countryside with citrus groves and vineyards, forests and two little towns. At the end of the road (6,400 feet a.s.l.), you will be able to see the Crateri Silvestri aroused during a very strong eruption in 1892, With good weather conditions and if the time allows it, it is a great adventure to take the cable car and a 4 weel drive bus, with an experienced mountain guide, to reach the top area (about 9,000 feet a.s.l.)
Express private tour with fun up on the highest active volcano in Europe!
Join us on this spectacular journey through several villages up to 2000 mt. on the southern slopes of the Mount Etna!
Observe the diversity of landscapes along the way: from crowded towns to cultivated orange and lemon plantations, vast vineyards and chestnut woods, fields of prickly pears until the ancient lava flows and barren moon landscape near the summit.
You will be told about volcanology but also about the vegetation and fauna of this volcano and the risks and the advantages of living on the slopes of Etna. Discover the myths and legends that the ancient Greeks imagined to explain themselves phenomenons like the eruptions. . .
We will pass several villages such as Zafferana Etnea and Santa Venerina to get to 2000 meter. There you can take an easy walk around the Silvestri craters (it takes about 15 minutes) or you can have a look at the souvenirs stores or taste the local honey directly from the producers getting over there with their little trucks. In the bars you can find the typical liquors and they also let you watch a video about the last eruptions. If you have time and interest and the weather conditions allow it, you can take the cable car to go up to 2650 meters.
Take advantage of your stop in Sicily to see as much as possible in one day, at your own pace.
Tony G
Taormina