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Excursion and Tour
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| ETNA
AND CATANIA TOUR |
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Over the wonders of the biggest active volcano
of Europe, a beautiful promenade in the historical
city center of Catania,
rich of baroque churches
and buildings, is waiting for you.
The Cathedral,
the Ursino Castle, the Massimo theatre, the Roman
theatre, the Crociferi street, the elefant square,
and a lot more..
More Information about Etna e Catania»»
INFORMATION ABOUT ETNA
3346 meters high, with a base diameter of over 40 km, a perimeter of more than 200 km, a surface area of 1600 square kms Etna represents the highest active volcano in Europe and it is one of the most important in the world.
To the east it faces the Ionian sea, while its north face is delimited by the Alcantra river.
This process created amazing strait gorges, the so called “Gole dell’Alcantra”.
During intense periods of eruptive activity, the lava would ooze from hundreds of craters located on the sides of the volcano. The craters are gathered into 260 eruptive systems.
INFORMATION ABOUT CATANIA
By the name of Katane, it was one of the first greek colonies, founded in the VIII century b.C.
Conquered by the Romans in 263 b.C, the architectural debris of the Augustan period still remains. The 19th century was a flourishing cultural period for Catane, with a wonderful literary, musical and theatre scene.
The town has a 18th century style, because it has been rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. After the rebuilding, the streets were wide and regular with big squares and beautiful noble palaces of a late baroque style.
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| USEFUL INFORMATION |
A car will pick you up from your hotel.
A skilled escort will be at your disposal during the tour, making the tour both
extensive and easy.
During the lunch break you can taste some typical local dishes.
At the end of the tour you will be driven back to your hotel.
The itinerary may be changed without notice, due to traffic, overcrowding, temporary
closure of some places, atmospheric troubles, snow storms and other similar reasons.
A minimum number of two people is necessary. Otherwise, the price may vary. |
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| TARIFFS |
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| 2
persons € 95,00 each
/ 6 or more persons € 85,00 each |
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| For children from
0 to 12 years old , the price is 65,00 euros
each. |
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| Frequently Asked Questions? click here |
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| SPECIAL
PRICE FOR GREAT GOUPS |
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| ETNA |
In the volcanic museum of Etna, with
a collection of giant-size photos, you can
admire some lava samples like wastes, crystals,
sublimates and volcanic bombs, and there
is also a small projection hall concerning the
volcano
Lava casting of 2002. We
will arrive to the point where the lava stopped.
During that eruption, lava reached a 1.125
ms altitude above sea level.
The Monti Rossi craters. They gave life to the 1669 eruption,
considered the most disastrous and spectacular of all times. Many places and
quarters of the west side of Catania were destroyed. Lava was thrown into the
sea as far as 2000 ms.
The silvestri craters. These craters are from 1892, and are
the most visited inactive craters of Etna. From there we can see the whole Catania
landscape and even farther.
Lava casting of 1991-1993: you can admire the lava river from
the point where it stopped during the 1991-1993 eruption, that is just a few
metres from the houses..
Lava casting of 1792: This eruption spread fear in the villages
of Etna, as lava devoured the rich soils of wrecking woods, orchards and pastures.
The Bove valley is a wide part of the south-eastern volcanic
area and it’s nothing compared to the geological history of the volcano.
The landscape is amazing; from the top of the valley you can see the coast of
Catania, Taormina and Reggio Calabria.
We will also visit the lava flow tunnel, formed during the 1792 eruption.
A two-storey house, submerged by the lava, during the 1983 casting, is an obligatory
destination for every tourist who goes to Etna.
Etna woods, full of oak chestnuts, and many types of plants and trees that give
the volcano its different colors during the different seasons.
A stop at Zafferana Etnea, the honey town, where you can taste
the precious bee’s nectar. You can also admire the local handcrafts
and the typical lava souvenirs
The Norman Castle of Acicastello represents an historical evidence.
Built in 1076, entirely made of lava, on a spur of crystallized magma.
The Lachea island and Faraglioni of Acitrezza are products of
the first volcanic activities that subsequently generated Etna.
The symbol of the village are the famous faraglioni, huge
black lava rocks. Mythology says that Polifemo trown them against Ulysse’s
ship. This legend gives the name to the Riviera of the Cyclops,
which we will visit as well
In the many typical Sicilian restaurants you can taste the specialities
of this unique region.
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| WHAT SEE CATANIA |
The Dome square built after the earthquake
of 1693 is the point where the main streets
of the city converge. In the middle we
will find the elephant fountain, the emblem
of the town.
The Cathedral of Catania, dedicated to
S. Agata, built by Normans between 1070
and 1093. Inside it there is the grave
of the famous Catanese musician “Vincenzo
Bellini”.
In both sides of Crociferi street there
are wonderful baroque churches and noble
buildings of the 18th century. The name
of the streets comes from the church of
S.Camillo of Crociferi priests. The San
Giuliano street; San Benedetto church; San
Francesco d’Assisi.
The Roman temple and the amphitheatre are
important roman ruins that now lay between
modern buildings. For the construction
of both buildings lava rocks were employed.
The Porta Uzeda, named after the Vicere’s
name, was built in 1500. During 1696 it
became the official entrance of the city.
The Ursino Castle of the Middle Age, built
in XIII century on the coast. In 1669 an
eruption modified the topography where
the castle rose. Today it is 1 km from
the coast.
The Collegiata basilica in 1393 received
the title of Regia Cappella and in 1446
became a college.
The Massimo Bellini theatre inagurated
in 1890 by showing the “Norma”,
Bellini’s opera.
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1. How long does the escursion last?
The excursion will start at 9:00 and will finish around 16:00. Our tours finish at 18:00.
2. How far is Etna from Catania? And how long does it take?
The distance is around 45 km. Half part of the trip is on city streets, one half on provincial streets. It takes an hour.
3. In which type of vehicle will the excursion be led?
By jeeps with 6/8 seats or minibus with 8 seats. All vehicles are comfortable and air-conditioned.
4. Do we visit on foot or by car?
We will arrive by car, but the places will be visited on foot for a better appreciation of their beauty. You will not walk too much, in fact the longest walk takes 15 minutes.
5. Is it possible to decide wether doing the excursion on foot or by car?
It is possible only if you book an individual tour (the price varies).
6. Will you pick us up at the hotel or another place if requested?
Yes, but if you are in a place outside of Catania, you must pay an additional price.
7. In which language will the tour be?
There will always be a driver/escort speaking fluent English. Other languages must be requested.
8. Do I need to wear any specific clothing?
We suggest you wear comfortable shoes (for trekking) and clothes. We also suggest you wear different sorts of clothing together because of the temperature changes. It is important to wear a coat during winter and to bring a light jacket during summer.
9. Will we have lunch? And is the lunch price included?
A lunch break will take place to taste the food specialities. The lunch is not included in the price.
10. Archaelogical ticket entrances are included in the price?
No, they aren’t included in the price.
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