Sicily : around the Etna volcan

One day excursion to discover the different environments of the volcano and to cycle the main lava flows followed in the course af ages, until the present time.

The itinerary covers a track around Etna through antique and recent lava flows, caves of flowing lava, woods and grassland.
The enviroment is typical of the  Etna with sudden variations of vegetation.
In this sudden variation of vegetation you can suddenly pass from antique pine trees to the lunar scenery of the "sciare" and then plunge into beech - woods.
At the end of the itinerary  the images of the wonderful and changeable landscapes will stay in your memory.

PROGRAM

1st Day: Arrival and accommodation in Bed and Breakfast hotel in a small Etna village called Nicolosi.
2nd Day: Nicolosi-Adrano-Bronte.Km 44
Visit to Adrano: the historical center and the Norman Castle, ”Simeto Gorges” and the old “Saracen Bridge”.
Bronte: The historical center and the Pistachio Groves. Accomodation in a hotel at Bronte. Typical food of Bronte: “Pesto” of pistachios (sauce made with basil and pistachios) and pistachio ice – cream (the genuine one!).
3rd Day: Bronte-Maniace-Randazzo. Km.40
Maniace: Visit to the Castle of admiral Oratio Nelson and to the ex- Medieval Church of  S.Maria di Maniace.
Randazzo: A small town at the slopes of the Etna: a rich and interesting historical centre of Medieval origin. Accomodation at a” 3 Stars” Hotel (Hotel ***) in the historical centre of the town.
Typical food:” Home-made bread” (cooked in a oven with wood),”Provole” ( kind of cheese) made in the Nebrodi and typical confectionery.
4th Day: Randazzo-Verzella(wine road)-Alcantara Gorge-Giardini Naxos. Km 41
The "Wine Road" is the area where the wine of Etna is made. It is possible to taste the wine at a producing  farm.
Visit to the Gorges of the Alcantara River whose  water excavated the lava.Accomodation in a holiday village in Giardini Naxos.
Accommodation in  small apartments with two or  three beds.
All the apartments have a kitchen, bathroom, telephone, air conditioner and balcony.
5th Day: Giardini Naxos-Taormina-Giardini Naxos. Km.20
Possibility of a Visit to the Antique Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily. Visit to Taormina, an important town of art and culture, defined the pearl of Sicily.You can visit the Greek Theatre, the Main Street and the churches of different ages. 
6th Day: Giardini Naxos-Acireale. Km 42
Visit to the fishing villages of Acireale (Stazzo, Pozzillo,S.Maria La Scala ) and to the Natural reserve of ” La Timpa ”.Acireale: Town of Art, of Baroque architecture.
7th Day: Departure

We reccomend to not star on Saturday because the Maniace castle is closed on monday

LEVEL

Route with a short ups , on minor roads

RATES

Baggage transfer from hotel to hotel, insurance 24h/24, emergency call numbers, bed and breakfast (24/12-6/1) / half board (individual 3 dinners - group 4 dinners) accommodation in three star hotels or “agriturismi” (farmhouses with en suite bathroom), rental bike, detailed route/tour information (maps, plans, brochures; for individual tours detailed route description in english or german); only for group tours: support vehicle and english speaking guides

NOT INCLUDED

Transfer from origin to starting point and return; for individual tours meals ad beverages ; entrance fees to churches, museums and so on; tips and all the other personal expenses; everything not included at the item “the rate includes”