Giardini Naxos

Aeolian Islands of Panarea & Stromboli Boat Tour

Availability | Full day

The bus will pick you up this morning and take you to the dock where you will embark on a mini-cruise by motor boat to explore two of the most famous Aeolian Islands, the endlessly elegant Panarea and the volcanic island of Stromboli.

The journey will begin with Panarea, known for its quaint winding pathways, its fine architecture and its popularity with the rich and famous. You will view Calajunco Bay and the beautiful Zimmari Beach before docking and visiting the beautiful village. You will have some time to spend as you wish here, exploring the islands beauty, enjoying time on the beach or perhaps enjoying a fabulous lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to the boat again where you will sail around the impressive and rocky front of Panarea before visiting Stromboli. This island offers something completely different with its characteristic conical shape and domination by a perpetually active volcano. You will dock and have some time to explore this fascinating island, before sunset.

Finally you will board the boat once again to witness “Sciara del Fuoco” or “Stream of Fire”, with its spectacular explosions and lava flow, weather permitting. This is where the light of sunset really comes into play and you can enjoy this spectacular luminous glow as night sets in. It really is an incrediible spectacle.

You will be returned back to your hotel late in the evening, at around midnight.

What’s Included?

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Important Notes

• • Visitors must pay a €5 Ecotax locally
• • It is recommended that you bring a wind jacket, hat, swim suit, towel and sunscreen.
• • Lunch and evening meals not included.

Excursion to Ancient Syracuse

Availability | Full Day

Travel to the wonderful Syracuse, a beautiful, historical, coastal town and one of the most ancient Greek colonies in Sicily. Stroll through the beautiful golden streets lined with honey-hued buildings and chic cafés and visit the Piazza del Duomo, Syracuse’s show stopping square.

After breakfast, the tour bus will collect you and take you to the wonderful city of Syracuse, located about an hour and a half's drive away. During the journey, there will be a short stop for refreshments, so you can have a break, stretch your legs or perhaps enjoy a cup of delcious Italian coffee.

On arrival in Syracuse, a local guide will show you all the impressive sites of this town. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theatre that dates back at least until the 5th Century BC. Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient Greek world, bigger than Athens or Corinth and this building is proof of the power that was once on display.

Beside the theatre, you will find the mystic 'Latomies of Paradise', a deep, steep limestone quarry riddled with catacombs and now boasting many fragrant citrus and magnolia trees. Here stands the 'Ear of Dionysius'. The name was given by Caravaggio during his visit in 1608 and legend would tell us that it was used by Dionysius the Tyrant as a prison for his bitterest enemies. The excellent Cathedral-like acoustics meant that he could hear their conversations from outside.

Here you can also admire the ruins of the 2nd-century Roman Amphitheatre, which was originally used for gladiatorial combats and horse races. The last attraction in this Archaeological Park is the towering Altar of Hieron II, a monolithic sacrificial altar.

The tour then continues towards the island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Connected to the mainland by three bridges, this charming island is a lovely place where you can wander down the narrow medieval lanes past baroque palaces and churches. Whilst here, you have the chance to visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.

You will have some free time to enjoy, strolling around the Grand Harbour on the 'Foro Italico' promenade and perhaps enjoying a delicious lunch in the sun, in one of the local traditional restaurants. And why not indulge in a Sicilian Cannoli for dessert?

You will then return to your meeting point, where the coach will return you to your hotel just in time for your evening meal.

What’s Included?

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'Heights of Mount Etna' Tour

Availability | Half Day

A UNESCO site since 2013 and standing at a height of 3,350 metres, the highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna is really quite the site and we thoroughly recommend a visit to witness its majestic might.

You will be picked up after breakfast by bus where you will meet your tour leader and proceed to the Etna station which is located at 1,900 metres. The journey should take about an hour and 15 minutes.

This tour allows you decide for yourself exactly how high you want to go. Visit the most recent lava flows and discover the fascinating Silvestri craters, which are now extinct, during the course of the day.

Visitors can take a optional trip by cable car to 2,500 metres if they wish and continue to the summit crater at about 3000 metres with the assistance of licensed guides of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club). Here you can take in some absolutely spectacular sights as you witness the volcanoes fascinating and exhilarating activity, from a designated safe zone.

You will return to your coach afterwards and be brought back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

What’s Included?

check Coach transport check Tour leader

Important Notes

• • Sensible shoes are required.
• • It is recommended that you bring warm clothing.
• • A fair level of fitness and physical ability is required for this excursion.

The Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina

The ancient theatre in the centre of Taormina’s old town is without doubt a must-see when visiting the area. The construction of the theatre is believed to have taken place around the third century and to allow for its construction over 100,000 cubic metres of rock had to be manually removed from the mountain side.

The theatre was built to accommodate dramatic performances and during the Roman times it was used for gladiatorial battles. It is still used to this day for theatrical performances and concerts and creates a stunning and dramatic backdrop.

What adds to the majesty and grandeur of this fascinating historical site is its position suspended between sea and sky. Some of the best views of Mount Etna and the surrounding coastline can be viewed from this point.

Etnaland

With both a waterpark and a theme park on site, at Etnaland whether you choose a fun-filled day of waterslides, swimming pools and water toboggans or adrenaline pumping roller coasters and rides, Etnaland has something for you, no matter what your age.

Etnaland, the largest amusement park in Southern Italy has three main sections to be discovered including the AcquaPark, Theme Park and Prehistory Park.

The AcquaPark water park includes over 25 attractions for a total of 8,500 square meters of swimming pools. During the hot summer months in Sicily, this is a real treat! Discover slides, a lazy river, wave pool and some pulse racing options too, including the ‘Black Hole’ and the ‘Kamikaze’.

The theme park consists of five different themed areas, each with something different to discover. Test them all out and find your favourite experiencing roller coasters, go karts, rides and challenges, not to mention the gut wrenching ‘Etnaland Tower’- try it, if you dare!

Lastly, the Prehistory Park presents 23 reproductions of prehistoric specimens in actual size! Walk through the park and witness some truly jaw dropping figures of dinosaurs and other creatures lurking among the trees. This tour will be just as educational and it is exciting and fun!

Adults and teens: €36 for access to both AcquaPark and Theme Park

Kids below 1.40m: €20 for access to both AcquaPark and Theme Park

Kids below 1.00m: Free

Find out more about prices and the park itself on the Etnaland website