Wednesday 5-27  Hiking on Mt. Etna; A very special lunch and wine tasting

Our day began early with a drive to the small town of Trecastagni. Here we split up into 3 separate jeeps to begin our ascent of Mt. Etna. We drove about 15 minutes over a bumpy “road” to a lava tube formation. Down into the tube: hard hats with lights on top! Very interesting, and our mountain guide, Fabrzio, was outstanding. He explained how the volcano erupts and how the lava flow does down the side and forms a lava tube.

From the lava tube, we drove to another area with a wonderful view of the craters on the ridge and the flowers that are blooming this time of year. (this road bumpier than the last!) Fabrizio gave us lessons in geology, volcanology, and botany. We also stopped to see a “half-way house” up the mountain where hikers can stay overnight if needed. (no bathroom,!) There is also another place to stop where hikers can make a reservation. Hi has more facilities! We stopped at an overlook called “Ox Valley” which is a lava field and the main caldera of Etna.

Our final “ascent” was to a over 6000 ft. The mountain is 11,164 – so we were only half- way up. It was definitely cooler up higher, but still a very warm day. We examined a crater and had another lesson in how craters are formed. 

Following Etna, we descended to the level of the vineyards, and arrived at a Relais and Chateau Hotel for a delicious 5* lunch and wine tasting. Our instructor in Sicilian wines was Ben Spencer, Director of Etna Wine School. (he moved here 9 years ago from working with wines in California!) The wines from the area of Etna are listed as Etna DOC, and are quite good. It was a huge lunch, with an amazing sampling of pastries at the end! Then: a little walk in the vineyard with Ben and finally back on the bus to return to Siracusa by 7:00 p.m. We are too tired not hungry, so canceled our dinner reservation and hope to get online to post the photos this evening.