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Sicilian Sights - Mt. Etna Volcano and Messina

Mediterranean Cruises Often Port in Messina for Shore Excursion to Mt. Etna

By , About.com Guide

Cruise ships sailing the Mediterranean often stopover in Messina, Sicily in order for passengers to visit the Mt. Etna volcano or the charming Sicilian village of Taormina. The drive from Messina to Mt. Etna is about an hour, and the bus drives along the coast, passing by many lemon trees, before starting the long, winding climb to the visitors' center on Mt. Etna.

Mt. Etna is high enough to have skiing in the winter, and the lava flows and volcanic sites are quite interesting. The visitors' center also has a hotel, a couple of restaurants, and a few souvenir shops.

In addition to visiting Mt. Etna, many cruise ship passengers manage to fit in time for one of Messina's famous canolis, which are excellent.

Sicily Travel Essentials from About Guide to Travel in Italy

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Mt. Etna Souvenir ShopMt. Etna Souvenir ShopMt. Etna Volcano Lava FlowMt. Etna Volcano Lava FlowMt. Etna Volcano - Ski Lift and Snowy MountaintopMt. Etna Volcano - Ski Lift and Snowy MountaintopMt. Etna Volcano Ash ConeMt. Etna Volcano Ash Cone
Mt. Etna Volcano Lava Flow Stops at RestaurantMt. Etna Volcano Lava Flow Stops at RestaurantMt. Etna Volcano on the Island of SicilyMt. Etna Volcano on the Island of SicilyMt. Etna Volcanic Crater on the Island of Sicily off the Coast of ItalyMt. Etna Volcanic Crater on the Island of Sicily off the Coast of Italy

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