Silversea Luxury Cruises À GIARDINI NAXOS (Sicily)

Discover a side of Mount Etna not typically encountered by visitors to Europe's largest active volcano during this fun and exciting ATV adventure. Cross several lava flows of different ages and enter a forest to reach a cave made of lava stones before arriving to Piano Provenzana.

Naxos

After tendering ashore, depart the pier for the guided drive through the small town of Naxos, then continue along the Autostrada en route to the local road that flanks the slopes of Mount Etna.

ATV Adventure

Upon arrival at the ATV quad bike launch area in the Ragabo Pine Forest, receive your safety instructions and equipment before commencing your guided, ATV quad bike tour. Your journey begins with an off-road ride through the Ragabo Pine Forest. Along the way, visit an old lava cave and the remains of past eruptions from 1923 and 2002 (the last big eruption). Next, cross the lava mule-tracks amidst the chestnut and oak woods en route to Mount Etna's oldest pine, the Zappinazzu. A final stop is made at Piano Provenzana to see the remains of old lava flows

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Following your visit, ride back to the quad bike launch area and re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour takes place by quad bike, and is priced per person per ATV (max 2 guests per vehicle); If a single guest would like their own vehicle, they will need to purchase 2 tickets. Guests should be in good physical condition. Guests with limited mobility, guests who utilise a wheelchair, guests with back and/or neck problems, and guests with heart or respiratory problems will not be permitted to participate on this tour. The quad company provides the quads on a self-drive rental basis; guests must carry a valid driver's license, and sign a simple contract/release to cover any damages to the quad. Guests must be a minimum of 18 years of age and sign a waiver release form to participate in this programme.

Spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular destinations. The town remains an amazingly beautiful spot with gorgeous medieval churches, a stunning Greek theatre and sweeping views over the Gulf of Naxos and Mt Etna.

Begin with the drive from the pier at Giardini Naxos to Taormina. Leaving the bus at the parking lot, commence your exploration on foot. Major highlights include a look at the beautiful façade of the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaia located at Taormina's northern centre, a brief visit to the Cathedral and the exterior of the Odeon, a small Roman theatre.

Greek Theatre

Following an uphill walk, reach the site of this stunning theatre. With a diameter of 358 feet (107 metres), it is the second-largest theatre in Sicily, after Syracuse. Reconstructed in the 2nd-century, the theatre is in excellent condition and has marvellous acoustics that are still appreciated at contemporary performances of classical plays. From the upper tiers, there are spectacular views including majestic Mount Etna. See the exterior of the Odeon, a smaller version of the Greek Theatre.

Corso Umberto

Enjoy some free time to independently explore Taormina's main street, Corso Umberto, and the narrow alleys adjacent to it. Wander down lanes bordered with bright flowers and browse for local handicraft items, such as ornate embroidery, intricate lace and colourful Sicilian pottery.

At the appointed time, re-join the group for the drive back to Giardini Naxos, where the ship's tender awaits.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking (approximately .25 mile or 400 metres in each direction) both up and down an incline between the coach location and the village and at least .7 miles (1100 metres) to see other sites. There are steps and uneven terrain inside the theatre. No traffic is allowed inside the city walls; therefore, all touring must be done on foot and this tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Experience the spectacular beauty and magnitude of Europe's most active volcano during this memorable journey to Mount Etna. Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain, rising 10,910 feet (3,326 metres) above sea level. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, the god of fire and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclop. The famous landmark is reached via a scenic drive along the coast and up the slopes, which are covered with solidified lava.

Mt. Etna

Depart the pier at Giardini Naxos and travel through the delightful countryside of vineyards and orchards. Then, the road winds up the mountains' slopes, passing through vast fields of lava to the extinct Silvestri Craters, located at an elevation of 5,700 feet (1,737 metres) above sea level. Here, explore the site, walking across hardened lava rock and along the edge of the craters whilst imagining how they appeared thousands of years ago when they were filled with hot lava. Caution is advised; watch out for crevices and slippery ground. More than 100 eruptions have been recorded since the 4th century BC, the most recent (at time of this printing) in March of 2013. Evidence of this latest activity is still visible.

Leaving Silvestri Crater, drive back down through the expanse of lava fields and head toward the pier and the ship at Giardini Naxos.

Please note: This tour offers panoramic views with an opportunity to explore the volcano crater if you wish. Walking along the Crater is optional to the participants and requires an extensive amount walking/hiking which some is over rocky and uneven ground.

Guest with mobility issues or who don't want to participate in the walk may remain at the Coffee/Souvenir shop and wait there for the group to return. Time spend there is approximately 1 hour.

This tour is not suitable for guests confined to a wheelchair.

Bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler temperatures at higher elevations and wear flat, sturdy, closed-toe shoes if you plan to walk. Operation of this tour is subject to the volcano's activity; it may be cancelled with little notice.

From the market to the table, this tour will take you into the 'Kitchen of the Sun' where you will experience an authentic look at Sicilian cooking. Led by Chef Monica Consoli, (daughter of the famous gastronomic journalist Eleonora Consoli) this small-group cooking class is a gastronomic delight where you will enjoy the fruits of your labour with a beautiful lunch served al fresco.

After tendering ashore, depart the pier with your guide for the scenic drive to Catania.

Catania

Upon arrival, walk to Porta Uzeda area, just near the Cathedral, where there is one of the most ancient and typical markets in the area. There, with the assistance of an expert, you could see and discover the food (like vegetables, fruits and fish) typical of the Mediterranean cuisine, and you will enjoy the colours of the Sicilian folklore.

Viagrande

After the visit re-board your coach and drive to Viagrande formerly known as 'Varanni'. Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, this small village is renowned for its vineyards and a year-round, mild climate that makes it a popular summer destination for Catania residents seeking a respite from the heat of the city.

Upon arrival in Viagrande, proceed to the typical 18-century Sicilian home of gastronomic journalist Eleonora Consoli, author of several books on Italian and Sicilian cooking, and the recipient of numerous awards. Many years ago she established the cooking school, in which now her daughter Monica is continuing the family tradition hosting guests. Join Monica in the kitchen of her typical, 18th-century Sicilian home for a lesson in Sicilian cooking that focuses on pasta, vegetables, meat and cakes. Your cooking lesson concludes with a lunch of the prepared dishes accompanied by wine, and served al fresco in the home's garden (weather permitting).

After lunch, re-board your coach for the 1-hour return drive to the pier and meet your tender where you will be taken back to the ship.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking of approximately .40 miles (600 metres) with some steps to negotiate to enter the house. Walking at the markets and inside the house is at each guest's discretion. The house is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but offers no wheelchair facilities. Due to the nature of the foods prepared, some preparation is performed ahead of time and guests may not have a hand in preparing everything. Participation is extremely limited on this tour; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

View Europe's largest active volcano, Mt. Etna, and experience the beauty and history that is Sicily with a visit to Linguaglossa and the Gambino Winery Estate. Enjoy a wine tasting after an introduction to the vineyards in this unique climate.

Depart the pier and start your excursion with a brief drive through the town of Naxos, founded by Greek colonizers in the 8th century, and then continue to the village of Linguaglossa.

Linguaglossa

Linguaglossa is a town in the Province of Catania and is located on the northern side of Mount Etna. It was founded on a lava stream in 1566 and its name 'Lingua Glossa' literally means 'Tongue Tongue', with 'Lingua' being the Italian word for 'Tongue', and 'Glossa' being the ancient Greek word for 'Tongue'.

Upon arrival, begin the short walking tour seeing the Mother Church, erected in 1613, and the Chiesa di S. Egidio, who is the town's patron saint. During your walk you will have the opportunity to taste one of the best pistachio gelatos made by a famous local patisserie.

Afterwards, re-board the coach and continue to Gambino Winery.

Gambino Winery

The Gambino Winery, owned by the Raciti Gambino family, is located in the northern foothills of Mt. Etna at approximately 800m (1/2 mile) above sea level on sunny and airy terracing that have breathtaking panoramas. With a unique climate and ground conditions determining the typicality of the Etna grapes and wine, this site is now extremely fertile due to the ancient volcanic eruptions.

After your arrival, visit first the vineyard and the wine-cellar and afterwards you will have the opportunity to taste the wines they are producing with some local delicacies.

Return to the Naxos pier and the ship on your coach, approximately 45 minutes away.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 500m (547 yards) in total. This tour would be suitable for guests with limited mobility; however there would be steps on/off the coach and walking in Linguaglossa and at the vineyard. If you wish to enter the church in the town, shoulders need to be covered. We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.

Explore Taormina at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Taormina at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Taormina at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car or van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6-14 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Taormina at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 4-6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore the splendid art, history, shopping and beauty of Taormina and Castelmola during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion. Both towns offer spectacular and panoramic views while Castelmola overlooks Taormina and Taormina sits in the shadow of Mt. Etna.

Castelmola

Depart the pier for the approximately 45-minute drive to the medieval village of Castelmola. En route, drive through the small town of Naxos. Situated atop a mountain approximately 1,804 feet (about 550 metres) above sea level, Castelmola offers spectacular panoramic views. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the village. Among the many panoramic sites to see is the famous Bar St. Giorgio. After your visit, re-board your coach and drive to Taormina.

Taormina

Perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, Taormina has a delightful medieval character and many interesting shops. Upon arrival, the walking tour begins with an exterior visit to the famous Palazzo Corvaia, a 15th-century palace featuring a splendid façade and classic double-windows. From here, proceed to the Greek Theatre. Built in the 3rd-century B.C., the theatre is renowned for its excellent acoustics, and still hosts open-air performances in the summer months.

Corso Umberto

Your tour concludes with a stroll along Corso Umberto. Located just off the broad pedestrian avenue, it is home to many lanes and 'viuzze' where you can browse for local handcrafts. Guests not interested in shopping may opt to take a guided visit to the public gardens.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach for the brief return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately .8 miles (1.3 kilometres), with uphill climbs, steps and uneven terrain inside the Greek Theatre, and inclines and cobblestone streets in Castelmola. The visits to Castelmola and Taormina are entirely on foot. This tour is not recommended for guests with a fear of heights or limited mobility, or those who utilise a wheelchair. Wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection.