Sicily - Mt. Etna and Taormina

Mediterranean cruise ships often sail through the Strait of Messina between Italy and the island of Sicily. Some lucky cruisers get to either anchor off the small village of Taormina or port in Messina or Catania. Both these ports offer shore excursion options to the Mt. Etna volcano or the quaint Sicilian town of Taormina, with its fascinating shops, ancient Greco-Roman open theater, and splendid views of the sea.

Sicily Travel Planning Guide - About.com Guide to Italy Travel

Mt. Etna Picture (c) Linda Garrison