Here we are in Siracusa, Sicily. Home of the Godfather. Our cruise friends from Iowa USA made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. A 90 minute boat tour. A speedboat in fact. I noticed when we embarked there was no canopy and it was full sun, blue skies and hot. Giuseppe, our driver and guide started rattling off landmarks rapidly. Next we had to duck our heads to get under a bridge and then we really had to duck for the next bridge. In fact I think we were nearly flat on the floor! Giuseppe then hoisted a canopy for shade and from then on the cruise was very comfortable.
I couldn’t believe how many buildings, churches etc that were pointed out that are dated BC here.
Giuseppe took us closer to the shore to visit some of the sea caves. All had interesting stories. One was shaped like a heart from one angle but viper from another angle. Another cave was below a Convent. During WW2, steps had been built inside the cave up to the convent. It allowed small boats to enter and soldiers to escape. Then there was the Ear of Dionysius. Shaped like an ear and used in an Indiana Jones movie.
Siracusa was also the home of Archimedes and it was supposedly his tomb Indiana Jones fell into in this particular cave in the movie.
We also managed a swim off the boat in the piercingly blue waters of the Mediterranean. It was so refreshing. Even though it was a short tour, it was thoroughly enjoyable and much better value than yesterday’s hop on hop off bus (that didn’t really have room for the hopping on bit!)
While walking around the city of Siracusa, we found the Old Street Market, Roman Ruins and appreciated the small balconies of the residential houses. Of course, all this walking made us hot, so another beach (well steps down to some rocks you could jump off) was found for another dip.
Once back on the ship, we started sailing through the Messina Straight towards our next stop. We passed Mt Etna, an active volcano that last erupted in 2023! There were wisps of smoke appearing. A pilot came on board to navigate the ship through the narrow Messina strait. It was fun watching all this action from the deck. As it got dark we passed Mount Stromboli and there was actually a lava glow! We were sailing past an active volcano. Absolutely amazing.
Not in Cape anymore 
Absolutely magnificent. It must feel a bit eerie being around ruins and remnants of buildings etc that date back before BC. Awesome.
Well done, great photos, wow to see Etna lava flowing how special. All good here, drinks at Tavern were good last night, chilly morning 6c. Take care keep safe.
What timing with Mt Etna eh!!
I hear Europe is becoming hellishly crowded in the summer months nowadays.
Peaceful back on the ship I reckon.