Virtuoso Insights - August/September 2008 - (Page 26) View of active Mount Etna from the Teatro Greco. KIlaUea VolcaNo • Hawaii Recognized as the most active volcano on the planet, Kilauea has been erupting virtually nonstop for the last 25 years. That activity may be part of a friendly competition with her sister mount, Mauna Loa which, at more than 13,680 feet, stands as one of the world’s largest. The two share the spotlight at Volcanoes National Park, a 330,000-acre protected parkland on Hawaii’s Big Island that has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the chance to view numerous extinct craters, calderas, lava tubes, black-sand beaches, and thermal areas. There are more than 150 trails to explore; start at the Volcano Visitor’s Center, where the rangers can give you an update on the current lava flow and best viewing areas. see it: Kilauea stands tall over your six-day Big Island Multisport adventure with Backroads, on which you’ll trek across a black lava landscape and explore the 450foot Thurston Lava Tube during your day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Pedal along the dramatic Crater Rim Road, paddle down the Kohala Coast, swim with sea turtles, and spy ancient petroglyphs. Your luxurious accommodations offer plenty of ways to relax in style. Available through December 31, 2009. From $2,898. MoUNt etNa • sicily At nearly 11,000 feet, Mount Etna looms large over the Sicilian countryside — as well as Western civilization itself. Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Etna was believed to be home to the Roman god of fire, Vulcan (from where we get the word “volcano”). The Greek writer Aeschylus recorded its first known eruption in 475 BC, although some of the mount’s lava dates back at least 300,000 years. While Mount Etna is in an almost constant state of eruption, the fertile soil of its lower slopes is blanketed in vineyards and orchards and is heavily populated. There are a number of scenic trails; if you’re able, follow the Mount Zoccolaro Nature Trail which, while steep, offers the most spectacular views. see it: You’ll have a blast venturing across Sicily with In Quest of the Classics on this customized tour, which includes a daylong excursion to Mount Etna. Stay in two fabulous former villas while discovering the island when and how you desire. You’ll definitely want to spend a day in Siracusa, a UNESCO designated site, and wander about the temple ruins in Agrigento. Relax in captivating Cefalu, take a private walking tour of Palermo, explore medieval Erice, and much more. Available through December 31, 2008. From $5,821. Entrance to Thurston Lava Tube. more Volcano treks on page 28 P 26 Virtuoso insights
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