Tag: Mt. Etna
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The mere mention of Mount Etna sparks visions of an erupting volcano – a fierce, untamed force of nature. As Europe’s most active volcano, it has been erupting for centuries, a reminder of the raw power simmering beneath our feet. But for the intrepid traveler, Mount Etna presents an irresistible challenge to come face-to-face with one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Getting up close and personal with an active volcano is no simple feat. The journey begins with a twisting drive that climbs ever higher, each turn revealing more of Etna’s magnificent stature. At the parking area, the real adventure starts with a ride on the soaring aerial tram that carries you over craggy lava fields. But that’s just the first ascent – next you’ll board a rugged 4×4 bus to conquer the upper slopes. Finally, you’ll disembark and trek by foot to the crater’s edge, feeling the heat and power radiating from the earth.
Standing at the precipice of Mount Etna’s smoldering caldera is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. The ground itself seems to smolder underfoot as you gaze across a lunarscape of blackened lava flows. Nearby fumaroles belch steam and sulfurous gases, hinting at the fury contained within. Our guide casually mentioned finding fresh lava in the parking lot that morning – a stark reminder that this giant is very much awake.
For those who crave an even more visceral encounter, guided hikes led by vulcanologists (experts in the study of volcanoes) allow you to venture right up to the lava flows themselves, hardhat and all (above). Don’t be surprised if your adrenaline pumps a bit faster when the ground rumbles beneath your boots.
A visit to Mount Etna is more than just your average tourist stop – it’s a chance to witness the incredible forces that shape our planet up close. From the panoramic views high above Sicily to the primal energy pulsing at the crater’s rim, this volcano offers a true adventure for the senses. So seize the opportunity to summit this fiery giant and experience the thrill of nature’s untamed spirit. The wonders of Mount Etna await the bold!
If you plan to visit Mt. Etna for yourself, you do not need to book anything in advance. Tickets for the cable car and 4×4 bus can be purchased at the ticket office in the main parking lot. The view from the end of the cable car is not great, so be sure to buy the ticket that includes the bus and the hike to get a true Etna experience! If you want to venture farther up the mountain, you can purchase your guided hike through Viator!
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our Italian Adventure, check out our La Dolce Vita Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
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Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.
From winding roads to volcanic vintages, our Sicilian adventure was a feast for the senses. This sun-drenched island at the toe of Italy’s boot captivated us with its contrasts – ancient ruins cloaked in modern grit, rugged coastlines giving way to sweeping vineyards, and a culinary heritage as bold as the very volcanoes that shape the land.
Our Sicilian exploration began with an “upgrade” to an SUV rental – a mixed blessing on the island’s narrow, twisting village lanes. As one local guide quipped with a smirk, “There are no rules” when driving here. We quickly learned to embrace the organized chaos, asserting our place in Sicily’s self-centered driving universe. Our itinerary took us from the eastern city of Catania along the fertile slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. With our four-wheeled steed, we could freely veer from the tourist trail to uncover the island’s viticultural gems.
The vineyards draped along Mount Etna’s formidable flanks produce wines of uncommon terroir. At Palmento Costanzo, gnarly old vines were trained in the ancient Greek albarello style on stubby “living stakes.” Their pre-phylloxera rootstocks, spared by Etna’s sandy volcanic soils, yield grapes with a storied pedigree.
At Nicosia, a more modern yet artisanal approach ruled. After tasting their stellar volcanic wines, the true showstopper arrived – a decadent spread of local charcuterie, cheeses, fruits, and breads that could sate an army. This was la dolce vita at its finest. When not indulging in Mt. Etna’s finest wines, we sampled Sicily’s coastal cuisine. Simple but sublime, our meals showcased the region’s bounty from air, land, and sea. We reveled in pistachio-studded delicacies, briny seafood fresh from the Mediterranean, and crisp fruity wines from Etna’s lava-enriched soils.
In seaside Aci Castello, we marveled at the rocks beneath an imposing medieval fortification. Nearby Aci Trezza’s so-called “Cyclops Rocks” evoked Homeric legends. One humble trattoria in the hills served up a feast so authentic, the proprietor gently scolded us for not devouring every last morsel of her “forest cheese” – a unique, honey-laced cheese from the lush slopes of Etna. Even our jet-lagged late-night pizza delivery ranked among the best I’ve ever tasted, the blistered wood-fired crusts beckoning another slice.
We meandered through the cobblestone pathways and charming squares of the hilltop town of Taormina (top), we were transported to a bygone era filled with history and culture. From exploring the ancient Greek amphitheater offering panoramic vistas of Mount Etna to browsing the quaint local shops brimming with artisanal treasures, each moment was a discovery of Taormina’s captivating past. The tour not only provided a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage but also allowed us to savor authentic Sicilian cannoli and marvel at the architectural wonders that dotted our path. As we traced the footsteps of generations past, our walking tour of Taormina left an indelible mark, weaving together moments of awe and admiration for this timeless Sicilian gem. You can book your tour of Taormina on Viator!
We finished our Sicilian exploration by diving in Catania’s history. This seaside city’s historic core endured heavy bombardment during WWII, lending a weather-beaten charm to its baroque streetscapes. Below ground, a once-buried ancient Greek settlement – its ruins blackened by Etna’s volcanic stone – stood as a poignant monument to the layered history of this indomitable place.
As we reluctantly departed Catania’s bustling stazione, I reflected on the raw, passionate energy that coursed through every vignette of our Sicilian journey. From the feisty motorists to the sun-drenched vineyards to the soulful, soil-driven cuisine, Sicily seduced us with its fiery spirit. This beguiling island may be just a toe, but it deserves more than a mere dip into its depths.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our Italian Adventure, check out our La Dolce Vita Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
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We are back from our epic summer travels, this year we took two and a half weeks to explore Italy from Sicily to Venice. Here is an overview of what is to come in this recap:
- Layover in Paris
- Eiffel Tour, Arch de Triomphe, Trivoli Gardens, Louvre Gardens
- Catania Area, Sicily
- Etna Wineries
- Free Walking Tour Taormina
- Hiking Mt. Etna
- Naples
- Free Walking Tour
- Pizza Making Class
- Archaeology Tour of Pompeii
- Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Academia Gallery Tour (Michaelango’s David)
- Duomo Complex
- Tuscany Wine Tour
- Bologna
- Market & Food Tour
- Venice
- Doge’s Palace
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Free Walking Tour
- Murano Glass Museum
When planning our Italian odyssey, one of the biggest questions was how to travel between the dazzling cities. Renting a car seemed like overkill since we planned to spend most of our time in cities where the car would have to remain parked. So we decided to embrace the classic mode of Italian transportation – the railway system known as Trenitalia.
Our first Trenitalia experience was the overnight Intercity Notte train from Catania to Naples. As dusk fell, we boarded our private cabin, complete with bunk beds and a sink for freshening up. The gentle rocking of the train soon lulled us into a peaceful slumber…until we awoke to the realization that we were aboard a ferry! The entire train had been loaded onto a boat to cross the Strait of Messina. An utterly unique experience.
Despite the firm mattresses, there was something magical about that overnight journey. We awoke to a traditional Italian breakfast of espresso and pastries, along with an Italian newspaper – a delightful old-world touch.
For our other Italian train journeys, we opted for the high-speed Frecciarossa trains in business class. The luxurious reclining seats, complete with trolley service offering snacks and beverages, made the transits between cities an enjoyable experience in themselves.
One tip we cannot emphasize enough: pack light! The narrow aisles and corridors of Italian trains make hauling large suitcases an exercise in frustration. We marveled at the overstuffed bags some tourists lugged around, realizing that our carry-on-sized cases were the way to go, especially when walking from stations to accommodations over cobblestones.
Looking back, our decision to embrace Italy’s iconic rail system was one of the highlights of our trip. Traveling from city to city without the hassles of driving allowed us to soak in the breathtaking scenery whizzing by our window. The trains connected us efficiently while offering a uniquely Italian experience in themselves. It was an adventure getting from here to there, and we relished every mile along the way.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.