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Taormina, Naxos, Castelmola
Let us guide you through the “Sentiero dei Saraceni” (ancient connection between Castelmola and Naxos) to visit Taormina, the medieval Sicilian town with its Mediterranean vegetation and symbol of nobility.
Not to be missed: Naxos, Isola Bella and Castelmola with its almond wine.
- Visit to Castelmola.
- Excursion itinerary between Castelmola and Isola Bella.
- Visit to the Greco-Roman theater and the historic center of Taormina.
- Visit to Naxos and Isola Bella.
Tour of Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Isola Bella and Castelmola
The charm of Sicilian cities is infinite. Visit Taormina, a medieval city symbol of the nobility. Discover Isola Bella, a wonderful place (very busy in summer), an ideal place for swimming. Visit Naxos, with Mediterranean vegetation. Visit Castelmola and taste its almond wine. Our tourist guide will accompany you for the visit of Sicily and the discovery of the cities. The tour can be done in a full day or in a half day. Don't forget your bathing suit, towel and a change.
The path of the Saracens, excursion between Castelmola and Isola Bella
Excursion itinerary between Castelmola and Isola Bella (Naxos), passing through Taormina. We organize the excursion from Castelmola to Isola Bella, via Taormina. The landscape and the colors of the Mediterranean are the real protagonists of this excursion. The route offers magnificent views of the surrounding region. The Sentiero dei Saraceni is the ancient path connecting Castelmola and Naxos. The story tells that the Arabs (Saracens) in August 902 passed through here to reach Taormina and Castelmola, from Naxos. The old road between Castelmola and Taormina is located on the southern slope of Monte Tauro, the mountain above Taormina. This excursion will offer you a magnificent view of Etna, Naxos and the coast of the Gulf of Catania. It will be a unique opportunity to photograph this unforgettable historical and natural landscape. The excursion begins at the castle of Castelmola and then towards Taormina. In Taormina we will visit the historical center and the greek-roman theater. After visiting Taormina, the route continues towards the beach of Naxos, to reach Isola Bella. here you can swim. This area was once rich in almond trees, it was also called Piano delle Ficarre, due to the massive presence of figs and prickly pears. These were introduced by the Arabs themselves.
Visit to Castelmola
Castelmola is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is a small town located on top of a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, near Taormina. Founded by the Sicilians in the eighth century BC. it was destroyed, together with Taormina, by Dionysius in 392 BC. and again by the Arabs in 902. The castle, or what remains of it, occupies a good strategic position, to protect the small town and the surrounding countryside. Built in the Middle Ages and significantly modified in the 16th century, Castelmola's specialty is almond wine. A flavored dry white wine infused with bitter almonds, aromatic herbs, citrus essences, zibibbo, caramel. Taste this wine in the Bar Turrisi, from the terrace you can admire the panorama of Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Visit to the Greek Theater of Taormina
When nearby Naxos was destroyed by Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, in 358 BC, a group of survivors founded the Greek city called Tauromenio. The acropolis was at the top of Monte Tauro and the agora where Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is today. The city grew considerably in Roman times, but in the last decades of the 1st century BC. Octavian punished its inhabitants for having helped Sesto Pompeo, deporting them and reducing the city to the status of a colony. Taormina then began to decline, until the Byzantines increased the fortunes of the city when they chose it as the capital of Sicily. The Arabs destroyed it twice, in 902 and 962, after which they partially rebuilt it. Under Norman rule, the city expanded into the area known as the Borgo, and developed further in the 13th-15th century. Today Taormina is a beautiful town perched 200 m above sea level, which has always been a symbol of noble tourism. It is rich in historical, cultural and archaeological heritage. The visit focuses on the Odeon, the Greco-Roman theater and on the main street Corso Umberto, from Porte Messina to Porte Catania, the theater is near Porte Messina. Also worth seeing is the cathedral which has a 13th century facade. Near Porta Catania is the "Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano" described as one of the masterpieces of Arab-Norman Gothic art of the 13th century.
Visit to Giardini Naxos
Seaside resort near Taormina on the east coast, overlooking the Ionian Sea. In the current location of Giardini-Naxos, near Capo Schisò (ancient lava formation) in 734 BC. Greek colonists founded what was long considered the first Greek colony in Sicily. The new settlement was given the name of Naxos, as it is an island of the same name in the Aegean Sea. The Syracusans occupied it and destroyed it three centuries later. The best parts of the ruins are long stretches of wall made of huge hewn blocks, an enclosure surrounding a large sanctuary, a temple probably dedicated to Aphrodite, and two kilns: a rectangular tile kiln and a round pottery kiln.
Beds in Taormina.
San Domenico Palace Hotel, Piazza S. Domenico de Guzman 5 Taormina ME. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Via Teatro Greco, 59 Taormina ME. Naxos Beach, Via Recanati 26 Giardini Naxos ME.
Beds between Catania and Taormina.
Zash, SP2/I-II 70 Riposto CT. Donna Carmela, Contrada Grotte 7 Carruba CT. Ramo d'Aria, Viale delle Provincie 261 Giarre CT. The Land of Dreams Hotel Agriturismo 95013 Fiumefreddo di Sicilia CT.
Restaurants in Taormina.
Prince Cerami. St. George by Heinz Beck. The Blackcap. Otto Geleng.
- The historical route is about 15 km.
- Don't forget your bathing suit, towel and a change.
- It takes about 5 hours of walking (including a visit to Castelmola and Taormina).
We can book for you: accommodation, trips, transfers and visits.
Pour accéder au refuge Sapienza, situé sur le versant sud de l'Etna, vous avez la possibilité d'emprunter le bus de l'AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti).
Ce dernier part de la gare centrale de Catane à 8h du matin et arrive au bar restaurant La Cantoniera, sur le versant Sud de l'Etna, à 10h.
C'est ici que le guide vous attendra pour débuter l'excursion.
Le retour vers Catane est prévu aux alentours de 16h, mais il est conseillé de vérifier les horaires exacts à l'avance.
Ce moyen de transport est une solution économique et pratique pour rejoindre notre guide et participer à l'excursion sur l'Etna Sud.
La situation géodynamique de l'Etna évolue en fonction de l'activité imprévisible du volcan et les restrictions concernant les zones autorisées pour les excursions évoluent aussi souvent.
Je vous tiendrai au courant à temps pour vous informer des conditions météorologiques et de l'activité volcanique.
Je vous enverrai une mise à jour par mail la veille de votre excursion, concernant les conditions météorologiques et géodynamiques de l’Etna. Veuillez lire attentivement ce mail et toutes mes communications.
Dans l'excursion en groupe, il faut s'adapter au rythme de la personne la plus lente, donc l'atteinte de l'altitude et des kilomètres maximaux n'est pas garantie. En revanche, avec l'excursion privée, vous pouvez ajuster le rythme selon vos capacités sportives.
Oui, le guide se réserve le droit de modifier entièrement l'itinéraire, l'altitude maximale et d'autres aspects en fonction des conditions météorologiques, géodynamiques et du niveau des participants.
Nous fournissons un casque, une lampe torche, des bâtons, un sac à dos et un k-way gratuitement.
Oui, les chaussures de randonnée montantes sont obligatoires. Si vous n'en avez pas, elles sont disponibles à la location pour 5€ la paire. Veuillez indiquer vos pointures 24 heures avant l'excursion.
Outre les chaussures de randonnée, vous devez avoir des guêtres ou chaussettes hautes, un pantalon de randonnée, un pull/polaire, une veste chaude imperméable, des gants, un bonnet, une casquette, de la crème solaire, des lunettes de soleil et un piquenique avec 1 litre d'eau par personne.
Il est essentiel d'être en parfaite santé sans problèmes de santé majeurs. Les personnes asthmatiques ou enceintes ne peuvent pas participer. Veuillez nous informer à l'avance de toute condition médicale ou allergie.
En cas de conditions défavorables, l'excursion peut être annulée ou reportée. Si vous ne pouvez pas déplacer la date, vous serez intégralement remboursé.
Oui, les frais d'annulation varient selon le type d'excursion et le délai d'annulation. Les détails sont spécifiés dans nos conditions de vente.
Oui, il est recommandé de réserver votre excursion à l'avance. Ceci assure la disponibilité de votre place et permet une organisation optimale, surtout pendant la haute saison touristique.
De plus, la réservation préalable nous permet de vous fournir toutes les informations nécessaires et de préparer l'équipement adéquat pour votre aventure sur le volcan.
Si l'Etna entre en éruption, la sécurité de nos participants reste notre priorité absolue. Le jour précédant votre excursion, je vous fournirai une mise à jour complète sur les conditions météorologiques et géodynamiques de l'Etna.
En cas d'activité éruptive, je m'efforcerai de proposer un itinéraire et des horaires adaptés pour essayer d'observer l'éruption à une distance de sécurité.
Cette adaptation sera effectuée en tenant compte de toutes les mesures de sécurité nécessaires.
En cas d'impossibilité d'assurer une observation sûre ou si les conditions l'exigent, l'excursion pourrait être annulée.
Vous serez informés en temps utile pour prendre les mesures appropriées.
Réservez Votre Expérience : Appelle +393334591618
Prêts pour l'aventure ?
Contactez Antonio par WhatsApp pour organiser votre escapade sur l'Etna.
Contactez-Nous : info@etna3340.com
Antonio, votre spécialiste francophone, est là pour vous accompagner dans cette aventure exceptionnelle au cœur de la Sicile.
Etna3340, bien plus qu'une randonnée, une expérience qui marque l'esprit et le cœur.
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Si l'expérience ne répond pas à vos attentes, nous vous proposons une alternative ou un remboursement partiel.
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Terms and Conditions. Etna Excursions
1. Purpose
These terms and conditions apply to the excursions organised by Etna3340 on Mount Etna, in Sicily.
Any booking implies full and unconditional acceptance of these terms by the client and by each registered participant.
2. Booking and payment
The booking becomes effective only after written confirmation from Etna3340 and receipt of full payment, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The client undertakes to provide accurate and complete information regarding all participants (identity, health, physical level, equipment).
3. Prices and included services
Prices, included and excluded services, as well as the detailed description of each excursion, are stated on the website etna3340.com or in the quote sent by e-mail.
Only the services explicitly described as “included” in the programme or in the quote form part of the service.
Any additional element constitutes an optional or extra service.
4. Medical fitness and client responsibility
The client warrants that all participants are in good general health and are physically and psychologically fit to take part in a mountain hike on an active volcano, at altitude and on unstable terrain.
Etna excursions are not suitable for people who suffer, even mildly or in the past, from heart or respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, neurological disorders, significant bone, ligament or joint problems, a tendency to cramps, psychological or psychiatric disorders, nor for pregnant women.
Any medical condition, medication, physical limitation or psychological disorder must be disclosed to Etna3340 before booking. In case of doubt, the client must seek medical advice before confirming participation.
5. Mandatory equipment
For safety reasons, appropriate technical equipment is mandatory.
High-cut hiking boots are required.
Low shoes and sneakers are not permitted.
The volcanic terrain features deep ash, sharp rocks, steep slopes and unstable areas.
If the equipment does not comply, the guide may refuse access to the excursion, without refund.
The client undertakes to comply with the list of mandatory equipment indicated in the excursion description (suitable footwear, high socks, technical clothing, protection against cold, humidity and wind, water and food, etc.).
6. Safety, active volcano and itinerary changes
Dates, times and itineraries may be changed depending on availability, weather conditions, volcanic activity and organisational needs.
Etna is an active volcano.
Volcanic activity, weather, wind and trail conditions may change quickly and without notice.
Safety takes precedence over any other objective (altitude, distance, craters to reach, duration).
The guide reserves the right to modify, shorten, postpone or cancel the excursion, to change side, itinerary, altitude or schedule at any time if weather, geodynamic conditions or the participants’ real level require it.
These decisions are discretionary and non-negotiable.
No compensation is due if the planned route cannot be completed for safety reasons or due to external conditions beyond the control of Etna3340.
7. Cancellation by the client. Etna Excursions
Any request for cancellation must be sent by e-mail from the address used for the booking.
The date on which the e-mail is received shall be binding.
If the cancellation occurs more than 30 days before the excursion date, the amounts paid will be refunded, minus a flat fee of €100 per booking, corresponding to administrative, management and seat-blocking costs.
If the cancellation occurs 30 days or less before the excursion date, or in the event of a no-show at the meeting point, no refund is due, regardless of the reason (unless mandatory legal provisions provide otherwise).
Any request to change the date is treated as a cancellation followed by a new booking, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Etna3340.
8. Cancellation or changes by Etna3340
Etna3340 may cancel or postpone an excursion in case of adverse weather conditions, volcanic activity deemed incompatible with safety, restrictions by the authorities, technical problems or any other safety-related reason or force majeure.
In case of cancellation by Etna3340 without a rescheduling solution accepted by the client, the amounts paid for the excursion will be refunded within a maximum of 30 days by bank transfer.
This refund constitutes the only possible compensation.
9. Informed consent and acceptance of risks. Etna Excursions
By booking an Etna excursion with Etna3340, the client and each participant declare that they have read and understood the full description of the activity, including duration, difficulty, terms of sale, included and excluded services, required equipment and safety warnings.
Participants confirm that they are physically and technically able to take part in the excursion, that they are in good health, without allergies of any kind, without heart, respiratory or blood pressure problems, and without significant bone, joint, muscle, diabetic, cramp-related or neurological issues.
They confirm that the information provided to Etna3340 regarding their health, equipment and physical condition is accurate and complete.
They acknowledge that they have been informed of the risks associated with activities on an active volcano, including the possibility of injury, material damage and, in extreme cases, death.
They declare that they have received sufficient explanations from Etna3340 or its guides, have been able to ask all desired questions and have obtained clear and understandable answers.
They undertake to follow the safety instructions, to respect the group and not to take individual initiatives without first informing Etna3340 or its guides.
They accept that Etna3340 and its guides may modify or cancel the programme for safety reasons, weather conditions, volcanic activity or in light of the health, capacities or equipment of the participants.
They acknowledge that Etna3340 and its guides cannot be held liable for accidents, except in cases of duly proven gross negligence.
By taking part, they voluntarily accept all risks inherent in a mountain activity on an active volcano.
A separate consent and risk acceptance form may be presented and signed on site before departure, in addition to these terms.
10. Punctuality
The meeting time and place are confirmed by e-mail.
The guide will wait a maximum of 15 minutes after the agreed time, after which the excursion will start.
In case of late arrival or absence of the client, no refund is due.
11. Animals
Animals (dogs and others) are not allowed on Etna excursions, unless expressly agreed in writing.
12. Personal data and payments
Etna3340 respects the confidentiality of personal data.
The information provided by the client (identity, contact details, data necessary to organise the activity) is used solely for booking management, invoicing, customer relations and compliance with legal obligations.
This data is neither sold nor transferred to unauthorised third parties.
Online payments are made via secure systems using SSL or equivalent encryption protocols.
13. Applicable law
These terms and conditions are governed by Italian law.
Any dispute will, in the absence of an amicable settlement, be submitted to the competent courts of the place where the agency has its registered office.
Legal notice and contact details
Etna3340.Voyage di Isabella Francesca Anastasi
Travel Agency & Tour Operator
VAT IT05705930872
Tax Code NSTSLL66R44E017U
SCIA No. 202201051028-2391190 of 05/01/2022 – SUAP Municipality of Ferrara
Civil liability insurance: Lloyd’s DY087999-LB
Guarantee fund “Vacanze Garantite” 2021121121AT
REA FE 225682 – ATECO 79.11.00 Travel agency – ATECO 79.12.00 Tour operator
Registered office: Via Del Commercio 48 (interno 13), 44121 Ferrara (Italy), by appointment only
Agency affiliated to the “Gruppo Info Vacanze” network
Technical director: Dr. Daniela Vecchiato
- The tour can be done in a full day or in a half day.
- For getting around, you can use your own vehicle or public transport.
- Otherwise, you can take advantage of our transfer service with our luxury VTC vehicles (Mercedes GL or V-Class) with a dedicated driver.
French & English-speaking guide
