It's still early when we meet in the lobby of the elegant hotel in the heart of Catania. The sun is just rising over the sea, tinging the baroque facades of the historic center with pink and gold.
Ciro and Annamaria are already waiting for us with smiles on their faces, sipping an espresso prepared with the care that only Sicilians know how to put into simple things.
"Ready for a new adventure?" asks the driver with a cheerful tone, opening the doors of the shiny black Mercedes, ready for an unforgettable day.
Jokingly, we say, "Imagine being able to go anywhere today... where would you like to explore?"
Annamaria looks at us surprised and smiles: "Really? Can we say?"
"Of course!" we reply in unison.
"Then... Etna!" she exclaims. "We've heard about it for years. Mysterious, majestic, powerful... we'd love to get to know it better!"
Ciro nods: "How did you read our minds? Even from the plane, while we were landing, it seemed to be watching us. It's as if it welcomed us."
The driver smiles. "Etna is like that. It's the first destination for every tourist who lands in Catania. You can see it from the airport runway, but experiencing it up close... that's a whole different story."
The ascent towards the giant
Our journey begins on a winding road that climbs, between glimpses of the sea and stretches of citrus groves. The comfort of the chauffeured car is immediately felt. No GPS, no worries about parking or directions. Just conversations, laughter, and the freedom to enjoy every detail of the landscape.
"This car is spectacular," says Ciro as he settles into the leather back seats. "Comfortable, quiet, and with just the right air conditioning for this May heat."
Annamaria looks out the window, fascinated by the first visible lava formations along the road.
"It feels like we're on another planet... Look at those black stone walls!"
"It's basalt," explains the driver. "That's how lava solidifies. Each layer tells of an eruption, a story."
The atmosphere becomes more rarefied as we ascend. The landscapes change: from small villages to chestnut woods, from pine trees to lava fields. Every curve offers a different view.
First stop: Rifugio Sapienza
We stop at Rifugio Sapienza, at about 1,900 meters above sea level. Excursions to the summit craters start from here, but the panorama is already breathtaking. The air is cooler, and the sky seems closer.
"It's incredible," says Annamaria. "It feels like we can touch the clouds."
We take a walk among the Silvestri craters, formed during the 1892 eruption. The lava rocks crunch under our feet, and the smell of sulfur is faint but present.
Ciro looks at the panorama and laughs: "Are we on Mars or in Sicily?"
"Both," we reply. "Welcome to Etna."
While we take some photos, we notice a family struggling to find parking, while we got out comfortably, just a few steps from the craters.
"You know what?" says Ciro. "The chauffeur service is our best choice. No worries, no stress. Just beauty."
A tasty break in Zafferana
We set off again for Zafferana Etnea, one of the most characteristic villages at the foot of the volcano, known for its honey, hazelnuts, and panoramic view of the entire Ionian coast.
We stop at a local pastry shop, where we taste a slice of almond cake and a spoonful of orange blossom honey.
"This is paradise," sighs Annamaria. "The sweetness of Sicily."
Ciro is tempted by a taste of eucalyptus liqueur: "Even digestion is happy today!"
We stroll through the town center, among artisan shops and the scent of jasmine. The driver tells us how, every year, the famous Ottobrata Zafferanese is celebrated here, a festival that brings all the flavors of Etna to the square.
"We have to come back in the autumn," says Annamaria.
"Gladly, maybe we'll even do an Etna wine tour," proposes Ciro. "Everything is easier with you."
The Woods and the Lava: the Valle del Bove
After lunch, we head towards the Valle del Bove, an immense volcanic depression east of the central crater. The landscape here is lunar, wild, and breathtaking. On foot, we reach a panoramic point from which the view of the valley opens up and, in the distance, the sea.
"I didn't expect so much variety," comments Ciro. "You go from woods to lava to a sea view in half an hour."
"It's the heart of Sicily," says the driver. "Here you feel how alive this island is."
The two travelers stop in silence to observe. The wind gently moves the bushes. Seagulls fly by slowly. The volcano, today, is quiet.
"It's a silent force," whispers Annamaria. "I understand why they call it 'a Muntagna'."
Return to Catania: sunset over the sea and light thoughts
The day draws to a close. On the way back, the light of the sunset colors everything orange and gold. We pass through small towns like Trecastagni and Viagrande, dotted with ancient churches and quiet squares.
In the car, the silence is sweet. Tired but happy, Ciro and Annamaria hold hands.
"You exceeded expectations," says Ciro. "It's not just a tour. It's an experience."
"And we couldn't have done it any better," adds Annamaria. "With a rental car, maybe we would have wasted time, gotten tired... but this way we just lived."
The value of traveling without worries thanks to Car Rental with Driver
Today was the perfect proof of how car rental with driver is the ideal solution for those who want to discover the soul of Sicily without worries. No maps to follow, no concerns about traffic or parking. Just the pleasure of discovery, the comfort of a classy car, and the expert guidance of someone who truly knows every corner of the island.
Every detail was taken care of, every stop carefully chosen, every wish listened to. This is the added value that Sicily Car Service brings to every journey.
"Where are we going tomorrow?" asks the driver with a smile, leaving us in front of the hotel.
"Taormina?" proposes Ciro.
"Or Ortigia..." dreams Annamaria aloud.
"Luckily, we still have many days ahead of us," he concludes. "And the best way to experience them: without worries, just emotions."
If you too want to discover Sicily in all its splendor, without stress or effort, choose Sicily Car Service.
📞 +39 333 160 6317 | +39 328 481 7474
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🌐 www.sicilycarservice.com
Travel without stress, live the emotion!
