Hiking Mt. Etna

If you would like to see an active volcano up close, be sure to take a day trip to Mt. Etna. Not only will you experience lava flows and craters but you will be able to see some of the interesting sights on the mountain itself, including villages, views and a Norman castle made entirely of lava. The Co.Ga.Sicily.Tour company is a reputable touring outfit operating from Catania. For 55 Euros per person, a vulcanologist will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Mt. Etna for the entire day (lunch not included). My sources tell me to ask for Giuseppe as your guide. Etna makes for a fantastic all-day excursion from Taormina or Catania. Have fun and wear sturdy shoes!

The Most Beautiful Hotel in the World

Perched on a hillside overlooking Mt. Etna and the Mediterranean, the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina is one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Built into the foundations of the Greco-Roman theater, this hotel is luxurious, intimate, and the service is impeccable. The hotel was once the home of Sicilian nobility and to this day exudes the taste and refinement of its former residents. The rooms are elegant and almost all have views of the sea and the dining terrace where live piano plays every evening. The Grand Hotel Timeo is an excellent base for exploring Eastern Sicily and especially Taormina, one of Sicily's most charming cities. With rooms starting at 330 Euros, The Grand Hotel Timeo is not cheap, but it is an unforgettable experience worth every penny.

Sicily: Where to Go, What to See in a Nutshell

Often overlooked by tourists, Sicily is Italy's hidden treasure. From beautiful beaches to elaborate ruins, Sicily has something for everyone. Don't miss the Greek temples at Agrigento and Selinunte. Taormina's Greco-Roman theater and access to Mt. Etna are truly the jewel of the island. Gorgeous beaches and seaside retreats in Zingaro and the Aeolian islands will leave you wondering why you would ever vacation anywhere else. World-class museums in Palermo and Siracusa showcase some of the most exquisite artifacts in the Mediterranean. Sicilian culture, relatively untouched by the rest of the world, offers the most delicious food and interesting traditions. Just don't expect anyone to speak English!