Europe’s most active volcano erupts; tour guides told to stay away

Visitors hiking across volcanic terrain toward an active lava flow on the slopes of Mount Etna during a tour in Catania, Sicily, Italy. — Antonio Denti/Reuters

Guides who take tourists to enjoy the striking views of Italy’s Mount Etna in Sicily are up in arms over tougher restrictions imposed by local authorities after a round of eruptions at the giant volcano in recent weeks.

Authorities in the city of Catania have suspended or restricted excursions to see the volcano's lava flows, prompting guides to go on strike for the first time in decades and leaving disgruntled tourists with fewer options to see the spectacle up close.