A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE

Rising 3,320 metres above sea level, the tallest active volcano in Europe derives its name from the Greek term aithō, meaning “I burn”. It is here that the Greek god of fire and blacksmith Hephaestus was believed to have set up a foundry with his co-worker Cyclops, causing volcanic eruptions as he forged his metal tools. Other ancient legends claim that the giant Typhon lies beneath Mount Etna, making the earth tremble when he moves.

Perceived both as a constant threat by eastern Sicily’s inhabitants and, at the same time, as the very source of their livelihood, the volcano has deeply shaped the myths that have grown up around the island, its architecture and culture, and continues to impact life here even today. Devastating catastrophes have indeed caused death and destruction. But the volcano has also provided the conditions for a unique and varied vegetation, the benefit of fertile mineral-rich soil as well as a mine of plentiful building materials which has earned the city of Catania its World Heritage status.

Meet your private guide at your accommodation and hop on to your chauffeured jeep for a riveting ride up the slopes of mighty Mount Etna. Your vehicle will stop several times along the way so you may take in the volcano’s most striking features and enjoy a hike to the top of an extinct crater. You will drive through centuries-old forests, walk across fields strewn with the rocks stirred up by ancient eruptions and admire the amazing views of Mount Etna’s lunar-like landscape. Equipped with helmets and lamps you will also take a peek inside one of the volcanic caves that were created hundreds of years ago by molten lava flows. Your guide will enrich your experience by recounting the history of the volcano and the way of life of those who settled in its shadow, from the earliest recorded 475 BC eruption, through the calamitous 1669 outburst, up to the most recent volcanic activity.

A traditional Sicilian meal, featuring antipasti, a pasta dish and a dessert will be served at a mountain chalet on Mount Etna. After lunch set off for the Alcantara Gorges to see what happens when fire meets ice… and gods quarrel… Geologists believe this canyon originated several thousand years ago after a volcanic explosion. An incandescent lava stream descended from Mount Etna and flowed into the bed of the River Alcantara. The river’s freezing waters quickly cooled the lava, with the effect of creating the spectacular scenery of prism-shaped rock formations that still impress us today.

Here, at the bottom of the gorge, guests may enjoy the views of the looming basalt cliffs and dip their feet to cool off in the river’s refreshing waters, once a favourite swimming spot of the goddess of beauty herself. Indeed, according to myth, lovesick Vulcan, who was completely besotted with Venus, decided to heat the waters of the Alcantara River as a gift to his heartthrob so she would come here to bathe. After discovering Venus’ infidelity, in a moment of rage, Vulcan turned the waters icy as a punishment for her betrayal. From that moment on it is said that the Alcantara Gorges restore virility to men and virginity to women who are brave enough to swim in these cold waters.

Return to your accommodation in the afternoon after an exhilarating encounter with Etna.