We sailed along the Straits of Messina which is the narrowest point between Italy mainland and Sicily

Approaching the city of Messina

Messina was 90% razed by the earthquake and tidal wave in 1908 and suffered from WWII bombing, it seems it has recovered a lot today

This is the ferry terminal, where they will take you back to the mainland

Originally there was a plan to build one of the biggest suspension bridges between Sicily and mainland Italy. After that, ferries like this will be lost..

Golden Statue of Madonna of the Letter, the patron saint of Messina, is probably the first sight you see when you cross the strait

View of Messina from my balcony

Waiting to board our coach to Mt. Etna. Yes, this was the only time we joined the ship's excursion

On the way to Mt. Etna, we took a break at a gas station. These was a fleet of an Italian courier service

Mount Etna, viewed from the gas station. Most of the time the top is misty, this is considered a clear shot.

After much climbing (by the coach), we finally arrived Rifugio Sapienza (~2000M), the highest point reachable by car.

Here, you can visit the Silvestri Craters or take the cable car further up.