Watching the sky light up with shades of orange and then burn out into darkness while standing atop a volcano is a special sensation. This drama-rich tour takes you to Mount Etna – a must-visit when in Sicily. You'll head to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres to catch the sunset and then relax over a traditional meal to round off your adventure. Ciccio, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The volcano's name derives from the ancient Greek word “aitne”, meaning “I burn”. It's an appropriate name for Europe's most active volcano.'
As part of a select group of no more than 25 guests, you'll go by minibus to Etna. As the terrain becomes rockier, we switch to a 4x4 vehicle. As we make our way to 2,900m above sea level – the highest point that's safely reachable – there'll be stops to take in the harsh, lunar landscape and the lava-smothered flanks of this towering mountain. Ciccio says, ‘You might wonder why so many people live on Etna's slopes. The answer is simple – volcanic soil is extremely fertile, and you'll see traditional crops like vines and citrus fruits, plus newcomers such as avocados and papaya growing here.'
Make sure you're wearing comfortable walking shoes and warm layers – it gets cold at high altitude. After admiring the views from near the summit, an expert alpine guide will take you to a less exposed 2,500m, where you'll watch the sunset in a more comfortable location. Then on the way back, we'll stop at a chalet restaurant for a typical Sicilian dinner.
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