Arriving ashore via tender, you'll board your motor coach and begin the first leg of this fun and exciting tour that takes you to the amazing slopes of Mt. Etna. To start, you'll first have a brief look at the picturesque small town of Naxos, founded in the 8th century BC by Greek colonizers. Today, it has gained popularity as a lovely summer resort destination and is home to numerous hotels and tourist facilities.
Leaving Naxos behind, your coach travels to Mt. Etna via the autostrada and then onto a scenic road that winds around the slopes of the great mountain, passing the town of Giarre and the quaint villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana along the way. Arriving at Mt. Etna, you'll stop at Cratere Silvestri which sits at approximately 6,397 feet above sea level. Mt. Etna is Europe's largest active volcano with commanding slopes that soar to nearly 11,000 feet and flanks that are covered with scores of cones and craters. From this amazing vantage point, you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the surrounding woods, orchards and vineyards. But of course, the major attraction here is the massive crater and the awe-inspiring remnants of the lava streams that once flowed down the mountainside. A brief rest stop is allowed here and you may wish to visit one of the souvenir shops before it's time to continue on.
Leaving your coach behind, you'll travel via cable car, enjoying sweeping views of the majestic mountain as you ascend upward to the base of the main craters. Transferring to special 4X4 mini-buses, you'll be able to explore up-close these awesome cavities in the mountain found at a dizzying height of over 9,500 feet above sea level. A professional alpine guide accompanies you during your tour of the craters and those who wish to do so may even take a 20-minute walk to see the most recent lava flow. After an exhilarating visit at the volcano's craters, your coach will return you to the pier in Naxos where your tour concludes.
Please note: This tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Your 4X4 vehicle will navigate over rocky and uneven terrain and is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with heart, back, or neck ailments. Conditions on Mt. Etna may be windy and cool and guests should bring a sweater or jacket and wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.