Have you always wanted to see a volcano up close? If reaching the summit of a volcano sounds exciting but at the same time too tiring, the Circumetnea railway might be perfect for you: since 1895 this panoramic train has linked Catania to the top of Mount Etna with its 110 kilometers (70 miles) of tracks circumnavigating and ascending towards the summit. The journey starts down by the shore, then the train climbs through olive and citrus groves, slowly working its way to the top. The higher you get, the more spectacular the views: the raw and untamed beauty of the volcano wows even the most jaded of travelers. Those who love pistachios should definitely plan to disembark in Bronte, where the best pistachios in Sicily come from.
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