Duration
8:00 Hours
Activity Level
High
Experience Details*
Journey through the fertile foothills of Mount Etna, passing vineyards, citrus groves and charming villages such as Trecastagni, Pedara and Nicolosi. Europe’s largest and most active volcano dominates the landscape, with over 130 recorded eruptions shaping its dramatic scenery.
As you approach the cable car station, catch a glimpse of the Silvestri Craters, marvel at ancient lava flows before boarding a cable car and specially designed 4x4 minibuses for an exciting ascent to around 8,800 feet. Here, enjoy a short guided walk through a spectacular lunar-like landscape of volcanic craters and sweeping views across Sicily.
After descending, travel to the Murgo Winery on Etna’s fertile slopes. Discover how the mineral-rich volcanic soil influences the character of the local wines during a tasting of regional varieties, then relax over a rustic Sicilian brunch before returning to your ship.
At a glance*
Duration: Full day guided tour
Activity: Moderate level of walking
Transport: By coach, cable car and minibus
Why Book? To discover a taste of Sicily and experience the wonderful Etna region.
Itinerary*
Drive to Mt. Etna > Arrive at Etna and travel up by cable car and minibus > Visit and walk around craters > Travel down by minibus and cable car > Free time > Drive to Murgo Winery > Visit winery > Wine tasting and lunch > Drive back to pier >
What's included*
Local guide
Photo opportunities
Lunch
Wine tasting
Essential information
Depending on volcanic activity, the itinerary is subject to change. As this tour reaches an altitude of approximately 8800 feet, it is advisable that guests with blood pressure and/or heart related ailments check with their doctors first regarding the suitability of this tour. Children cannot participate on this tour. Please be cautious when walking uphill, the terrain around the crater is slippery and uneven; covered shoes are recommended. The cable car journey is approx. 10 minutes each way. There are steps and a short walk from the drop off area to the cable car station. Guests wishing to use the restroom at the café are expected to make a purchase, so please take euros. At the winery, there is an approx. 400 metre walk across some uneven ground. There are steps at the winery. If time permits, you will be briefly shown the wine processing area. The brunch served is a local set menu but this does vary depending on the season.
Prior to the commencement of your shore experience, you may be asked to sign a Waiver Form by the Shore Experience operator in order to partake in the experience. Waiver Forms are popular outside of the UK and they are designed to inform participants of any potential risks associated with the activity. Waiver Forms are not enforceable in the UK courts and do not entitle the operator to be negligent or exclude or restrict their duty of care.
ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS, You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS, For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
SCUBA DIVING, All passengers wishing to participate in a certified dive tour must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate divers with either a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating due to the depth limitations imposed by these qualifications. In line with the recommendations by the sports-diving industry, we strongly recommend that divers undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you and we recommend that you carry your diving log or proof that you’ve recently completed a refresher course. If you are a certified diver, but are unable to meet our requirements we recommend taking the Discover Scuba excursion as an alternative. For Discover Scuba courses you don’t need any scuba experience but you must be 15 or over and be able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a medical/liability consent form before you go - but if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart problems or other medical conditions you won’t be able to take part. Please visit www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatsrequired.aspx for more information.