Coastal Sights & the Gival Jewelry Factory
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Port
Taormina, Italy
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Discover the enchanting Ionian Coast from Taormina to Catania, complete with citrus groves and the view of the summit of Mount Etna in the distance. The locals call this the Riviera of the Cyclops -- a tribute to the Homeric myth. According to the legend, it was here that a Cyclops (a one-eyed giant) named Polyphemus, out of jealousy for his beloved Galatea, killed a young man called Acis. The compassionate gods then transformed Acis into the river that still bears his name.
You'll pass through Aci Castello and stop for photos at the Norman castle erected in 1076 and built entirely of black lava.
At the end of this lovely sightseeing drive, get ready for some retail therapy at the Gival jewelry factory at Giarre. After a very warm welcome and a chance to relax with a cocktail, you'll tour the small workshop and view the individual masterpieces of gold, amber, shells and lava from Mt Etna. Pieces from this unique collection are available for purchase in the showroom.
Notes:
There are 30 steps at the Gival Factory.