Mount Etna, Italy
 

Hi,
I have a day and a half in Siracusa/Catania. I arrive at Siracusa for some work. But then have a day and a half before going to Munich by an evening flight from Catania.
I have my 7 year old son with me. He wants to see Mount Etna.
What's the ideal thing to do?
* Should I move to Catania from Siracusa for a day? Is there a recommended hotel so that I can see Mt Etna as well.
* Take the Circumetnea train to Etna and back for a whole day?
* What can I do for the following day not to adventurous (worried about missing flight) which starts a chain of flight connections. Is there a half day boat/beach stuff to do? Anything else?
Thanks!

We went to Mt. Etna last year on our trip to Sicily, but we had a gorgeous view of it from our pretty hotel, Hotel Villa Belvedere, in Taormina, and I wished I had just stayed there. The mountain is beautiful from a distance, but I didn't find it exciting to be there--but, then, I'm not seven.

I thought Mt. Etna was a disappointment, too. But again, I'm not seven. Still, I'd spend as much time as possible in Ortigia (not the main town of Siracusa).

The drive from Siracusa to Catania is pretty fast, because you are on the motorway. Driving up the mountain from Catania takes longer, but is part of the fun.

You drive up the Etna until you reach the funicular. You ride up and then you have to drive with a special vehicle to the very top of the mountain (alternatively, you can walk - but not with a 7-year-old!). Dress warmly!

The circumetna train does not lead you to the mountain itsself.

Taormina is a most beautiful city with spectacular views and a Greek theatre and a beach.

Unfortunately, while Taormina had great views and a Greek theater, and a beach at the bottom of a cliff, it is also overrun with tourists and souvenir shops.

So I am thinking of staying in Taormina. Is there a good way to get there by train/bus with a 7 year old and luggage?