Sicily's
greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain. To the ancient
Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home
of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. At approximately 3350
meters, it is Europe's highest active volcano. The height of its summit
changes with each eruption, and over the centuries a few lava flows
have reached the coast. Over 1200 square meters of Etna's surface is
covered with solidified lava. Etna offers skiing in the Winter months
and breathtaking hikes in the woods during the Summer. There are also
a number of smaller peaks on the slopes of Etna, and some interesting
caverns. Since Etna is a strato volcano, with relatively cool lava temperatures
and numerous openings (vents), nobody ever knows precisely where on
its vast surface the next eruption will be. Etna's long recorded history
has proven invaluable to the world's volcanologists.
Various species of oak and stone pine, as well as birch and beech, cover
much of its sloped surface. Broom plant and other shrubs dot the area,
especially at lower altitudes. Etna's deciduous trees change color in
the Autumn, creating a spectacular panoply of changing shades.
Frogs, toads and turtles live in the streams and small ponds of Etna's
forests. There are also various species of snakes and Sicily's ubiquitous
lizards. Foxes, squirrels, weasels, hare, hedgehogs, porcupine and a
few wild cats also consider Etna their domain. Overhead, you'll see
owls, falcons, partridges and the occasional golden eagle, a Mediterranean
species re-introduced here in recent years .
In the Gurrida Lake area, there are herons, ducks and migratory birds.
The tour is also through all the several autentic unspoiled sicilian
villages around Etna to let enjoy the culture and the old tradion ,
famous for the etna honey tasting of orange , lemon ... and mushrooms
; trough the red wine rout .