Project Description
Etna & Taormina
Mt Etna Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and the most active one in Europe. We will reach 2.000 meters (7.000 ft) where we can admire and take a walk on the “Silvestri” craters (1892) and the latest new lava flows and craters from 2001/2002/2003
Duration
5-6 hours
Pickup/Dropoff
Your accommodation
Period
March to November
4-5 hours
Pickup: your accommodation
Period: April to October
Eruptions of Etna follow a variety of patterns.
Most occur at the summit, where there are currently (as of 2008) six distinct craters—the Northeast Crater, the Voragine, the Bocca Nuova, and the Southeast Crater. Other eruptions occur on the flanks, which have more than 300 vents ranging in size from small holes in the ground to large craters hundreds of metres across.
Numerous villages and small towns lie around or on cones of past flank eruptions. Summit eruptions can be highly explosive and spectacular, but rarely threaten the inhabited areas around the volcano. In contrast, flank eruptions can occur down to a few hundred metres altitude, close to or even well within the populated areas.
Since the year AD 1600, at least 60 flank eruptions and countless summit eruptions have occurred; nearly half of these have happened since the start of the 20th century, and since 2000, Etna has had four flank eruptions—in 2001, 2002–2003, 2004–2005, and 2008-2009. Summit eruptions occurred in 2006, 2007–2008, January–April 2012, and again in July–October 2012,and also at the beginning of the year February-March 2013.
Driving down from Mount Etna through a wonderful scenery with photo stops at the most beautiful locations, we will visit together the Piazza Belvedere (Lookout square) where you will have a breathtaking view of Isolabella (Beautiful island) and the Messina coast line.
We will then take you to the historical centre of Taormina where you will have free walking time in the town where you can admire the Greek Theatre from the 2nd century A.D. – Palazzo Corvaja , the most beautiful medieval building in town – Duomo di Taormina– the San Nicolò Cathedral square and Corso Umberto where you can do excellent shopping.
We will take you back to your accommodation or port at your most convenient time.
We will then take you to the historical centre of Taormina where you will have free walking time in the town where you can admire the Greek Theatre from the 2nd century A.D. – Palazzo Corvaja, the most beautiful medieval building in town – Duomo di Taormina – the San Nicolò Cathedral square and Corso Umberto where you can do excellent shopping.
We will take you back to your accommodation or port at your most convenient time.
