ETNA AND TAORMINA FROM PALERMO

Your excursion will commence at 07:00 hours and the pick-up will take place at the agreed time from one of the meeting points closest to your hotel.

Your first stop will be Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe at 3,345 meters and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Through the centuries, its eruptions have shaped the volcano’s slopes, forming unique landscapes of lava and ice.

The area is now an enormous nature reserve, full of hiking trails. More than 25% of Sicily's population lives on Etna's slopes, and it is the main source of income for the island, both from agriculture, due to its rich volcanic soil, and tourism.

Upon your arrival, you will visit the 'Silvestre' craters, which are two inactive craters formed as a result of the Mount Etna eruption of 1892.  They are situated just a few steps from the Rifugio Sapienza in Nicolosi, at about 1,900 m above sea level, and you will admire the volcanic landscape and the rare natural beauty.

You will then head to Taormina, a wonderful and romantic city on the slopes of Mount Tauro (204 meters). You can marvel at its winding streets, alleyways, and staircases strewn with bars, cafés, restaurants, art galleries, designer, shoe, ceramics, antiques, and souvenir shops.

You will be surprised by the small squares around corners, the beautifully restored medieval buildings, and the splendid views, which make it the perfect holiday destination. Here you will have free time to visit the famous Greek Theater, located on top of a hill, from where you can admire an incredible view of the Bay of Taormina, the coastline, the town's rooftops, and Mount Etna in the distance. 

Optional: As a welcome addition to your visit to Mount Etna, you may choose to climb further up to the summit of the volcano and the height of 2,800 meters in a cable car and/or a 4x4 jeep.

At the end of this spectacular day, you will return to Palermo at about 19:00 hours.

Greca Tip: In Taormina, you can try a traditional warm brioche and ice-cold granita in lots of lovely flavors, including lemon, peach, and moreish chocolate.