As we awake Reflection is situated about 5 miles off the sea east coast of the volcanic island of Stromboli. After Etna and Vesuvius she is the third of Italy's three active volcanoes. Today she is shrouded in cloud and so we cannot see much of her. Reflection continues southward towards the straits of Messina. As we approach we see two small boats with some men shouting very loudly. Someone is swimming the straits from Sicily to mainland Italy. It's only...

Connie's next port of call is Messina in Sicily. Having never been here before we are keen to explore what the largest island in the Mediterranean has to offer. Of course being here on a day trip means we can only get a taste of the island. We opted to visit the town of Taormina which lies about 40 miles south of Messina in the shadow of Mount Etna.We board a coach with some fellow guests and make our way out of Messina and head south on the motorway. People ...