Mother Nature's two greatest gifts to eastern Sicily were the spectacular Alcantara Gorge and Europe's largest active volcano, Mt Etna. On this full day excursion, you'll discover these two natural wonders – paddling in the water of the gorge and climbing up to 2,900 metres in the volcano in a variety of transport modes.
Your adventure starts with a drive to the Alcantara Gorge, where you'll have free time – about 90 minutes – to take in the natural beauty and paddle in its crystalline pools. Its 50-metre-high black lava walls are made of layer upon layer of slabs in wavy and tubular patterns. Surrounded by lots of lush vegetation, it's an amazing spot.
After you've dried off, it's on to Mt Etna. Most of the journey up the volcano will be by coach. You'll then transfer to a Unimog – a kind of 4x4 minibus - and a guided walk will take you to the Sapienza refuge at 1,900 metres above sea level. From here you'll head up to 2,900 metres above sea level for even better views.
