Duration : 8 Hours
Starting From:Our private excursion from Giardini-Naxos (Taormina) mixes the active
volcano of Mt. Etna with the resort town of Taormina into a full-day tour of
wonder and beauty.
Features of this day trip to Etna & Taormina:
After a short drive from Giardini-Naxos (Taormina) we will begin our
ascent of the volcano from the southern slopes. Our adventure begins
at the Silvestri crater, about 6.000 feet above sea level.
MT. ETNA
To the ancient Greeks Mount Etna was the realm of Hephaestus, god of
fire, Vulcan to the Romans. Towering above the island of Sicily at almost
11,000 feet, Etna is Europe's highest volcano and one of
the world's most active, being pretty much in a constant state of activity.
Like any fashionable volcano, she is noted for her wide variety of eruption
styles.
Written records of eruptions go back to the 5th Century BC, when the
Greeks occupied this part of Sicily, which means of course that there are loads
of entertaining Greek myths associated with Etna. Man’s attempt
to understand the volcano has changed a bit over the millenia; gods, nymphs and
monsters have been replaced with seismic activity stations and satellite
surveillance.
The volcanic soil around the volcano is gloriously fertile, and the area
is renowned for its excellent honey, which is produced with infinite Sicilian
pride.
TAORMINA
Taormina is one of Sicily's most picturesque towns
and its best-known resort.
The Greeks were here almost 8 centuries before Christ and their flair
for building, public structures in locations of breathtaking beauty can still be
seen, particularly at the Greek theatre. In more modern times, Taormina
has become a world-famous international resort thanks to its charming the atmosphere, natural beauty, great climate, rich culture, varied architecture,
and ancient history.
One of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, the amphitheater built by
the ancient Greeks and expanded by the Romans is the attraction not to
be missed in Taormina. Even if you don’t care about ruins you will be
wowed by the stunning coastal view with Mount Etna rising the distance.
Palazzo Corvaja is another interesting architectural point of interest.
The most important medieval mansion in the city, it is a mixture of Arab,
Gothic and Norman influences, and houses a museum of Sicilian arts and crafts.
If you prefer shopping for architecture and ancient history, take a
stroll on Corso Umberto, where the shopping is complemented by the handsome
buildings and vine-covered balconies. But don’t shop until you drop; you’ll
want to save some energy for Piazza IX Aprile, the giant checkerboard terrace
that is Taormina’s main square. The surroundings are so gorgeous you may
tire yourself out taking selfies.
NOT INCLUDED
1. Is this tour private?
The tour is private just for your party, however if you wish to join a tour and alleviate costs, please check with us our shared guaranteed excursion options.
2. Is the driver also a guide?
Our English-speaking drivers are NOT licensed guides. In order to provide you with the best-in-class service, our English-speaking driving guides have been trained to offer our clients a nice overview with information regarding the major highlights avoiding the expensive charges of hiring a private guide. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our driving guides can comment and explain the sights only from inside the vehicle but are not allowed to do so once they are outside the vehicle. They are regularly licensed instead to chauffeur the public. We highly recommend that you never book with any touring company that does not make this clear.
3. Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?
No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you during the visit of sights. Our driver will drop you off close to the sights but will stay with the vehicle for the duration of your visit.
4. Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?
No tickets or lunch are included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
5. Does it include a guide?
A guide is not included either. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
6. What is the duration of the tour?
The duration of the tour is 7/9 hours, including pickup and drop off at the ship.
7. Is the itinerary flexible?
Our itineraries are completely flexible, and we will be happy to operate any changes to the original itinerary (within reason). Please contact our office with all the requests you may have so that we can better organize your day.
8. Do you guarantee the return to the ship on time?
In almost 30 years of business, we have never missed the ship that is why we have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return on time.
9. Is gratuity included in the price?
Tips are never included in our quotes. We think that a tip shouldn’t be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.
There will be a full charge for bookings canceled with less than 72-hour notice for any service required. In this case, a full charge will be made on your credit card. If you miss your flight or if your airline decides to cancel the flight due to bad weather or if your flight is directed to another airport on arrival, please advise us on time (as soon as you know) or a full charge will be made.
Please give us enough time so we can accept other reservations and allocate them to our chauffeurs. If the ship does not make it to the pier for bad weather, you will not be considered responsible so NO CHARGE will be made to your credit card. A full charge will be made for a no-show-up.
Only pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets (if requested) are not refundable under the circumstance and will be charged to your card.
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