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Mount Etna & Taormina Excursion in Sicily Departing from Malta
2.3
3 Ratings
Marsa
Duration:
16 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Mount Etna - The largest and most active volcano in Europe. The climb to the crater takes us through picturesque villages and an ever changing landscape. The lower slopes of the volcano are extremely fertile with groves of oranges, lemons and other Mediterranean flora and of course vines which produce Sicily’s best wines. We go through forests of chestnut trees which gradually give way to oak, beech, birch and pine.
- Sicily - On the way to Mt. Etna we stop to sample some typical Sicilian delicacies, including wines / almond sweets and honey; these Sicilian specialties are for sale (no obligation to buy).
- Taormina - Sicily’s prime tourist resort was discovered by the British aristocracy in the mid 1800s. Facing Etna and the blue Mediterranean, this peaceful panoramic resort, 206m above sea level was colonized by the Greeks who built a theatre in the Hellenic period – 4B.C. The present Teatro Greco, altered by the Romans, is the venue for classical plays every summer.
The main street, the elegant Corso Umberto, with its cafés, restaurants and boutiques is a bustle of nationalities.
NOTE: Total tour duration includes check-in time and the travelling on the ferry to/from Malta.
- Malta - NOTE: Total tour duration includes check-in time and the travelling on the ferry to/from Malta.
What's Included
- Coach transfers in Sicily
- Ferry to Sicily including return
- Local English speaking guide
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Local transport to the Virtu Passenger Terminal
Additional Information
Sicily is a land of diversity; you cannot do it justice in a short period of time. It is easy to forget that the island, with a population of 5 million, only became part of the Italian state in 1860. We suggest you look out for the ever-changing landscape, a feature even on a short trip, and it is not every day that you will visit a volcano, Etna, the characteristic hilltop towns rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, and the affluence of picturesque Taormina. There is only one thing we are certain of you will enjoy Sicily!
- NOTE: Total tour duration includes check-in time and the travelling on the ferry to/from Malta.
Location
Virtu Ferries Passenger Terminal
You will need to make your own way to the port of departure. Check-in needs to be made 1 hour prior departure time. Please bring a valid travel document.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
2.3
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Mark_h
Jul 21, 2023
Fully on excursion day not for the lighthearted. - Very interesting and informative days excursion to Sicily with a beautiful stop over at Taormina. The Amphitheater is a must visit although an admission fee is required.
You get 3hrs to do what you want to do here. In the afternoon you head to Mount Etna which takes around 2hrs from Taormina with a stop on the way for some local tasting of produce.
At Mount Etna you get around 2hrs to explore craters around the baseline or take the cable car up further, which comes at a cost of €50 euros per adult.
After which its the same 2.5hour trip back to the port you did in the morning, to catch the ferry back to Malta.
Ferry takes about 1hr 45mins to arrive back into Malta.
A very long day with excursions and travelling on ferry and bus.
Review provided by Viator
Kays299
May 16, 2024
Very long day -19 hours with only 6 hours visiting Etna and Taermino. Wouldn’t go again. - A very long day with lots of travelling for just a few hours free time, we left home at 5am and returned just before midnight. Out of the 19 hours away we spent only 6 hours visiting Etna and Taormina.
Not suitable for kids or elderly with mobility issues
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hmbselby
Jun 1, 2024
Total Waste of Money - The best thing about this trip was the virtue ferry which was very comfortable and the staff very helpful and friendly. Then we boarded a coach for 2 hours 20 minutes nobody told us we needed warm clothing for Mount Etna nearly everyone on the coach had to buy a fleece to keep warm. Cable car we were told not to go up as there were no views and at 50 euros per person it would be a waste of money the tour guide told us. So went and had coffee and food inside cafe's to keep warm. Then onto 10 minute stop to taste olive oil honey and very poor wine, Then Taormina where we were told there was lots of places to visit our tour guide just left us in the middle of Taormina and told us to get the shadow bus back to the main bus while we saw her just wandering around on her own. Other tour guides were taking their groups around Taormina with flags probably visiting the places we were supposed to be shown. Then back to the bus for 2 hour 20 minute journey back to the ferry. A very expensive experience one we would never repeat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
