Sicily , Italy

Etna & Alcantara River Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Availability for every day, all year round from Catania with free transfers from your accommodation. Guided tour of 8 hours which tells the biology, geology and volcanology of the Etna Volcano. You will have the opportunity to walk in paths surrounded by nature, away from tourist areas and on several dormant craters. The fauna and flora of Etna will be your traveling companions in the story of a unique territory in terms of endemicity. Explore a beautiful lava flow cave with helmets and torches. A fantastic tasting of wines, liqueurs, honey and much more will make you discover the flavors of the Volcano. With Etna behind us , we will go in the beautiful " Alcantara Gorges " canyons of lava among the most popular in the world , with its basalt walls as high as 50 meters , cross the river and enter the wonderful Alcantara natural setting of the Botanic Park and Geological Alcantara . After visiting the nature reserve head back to the hotel.

Available options

French Guide Tour

Portuguese Guide Tour

English Guide Tour

Spanish Guide Tour

Italian Guide Tour

What's included

The infant rate includes a car seat

Multilingual tour guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Tastings of local products

Trekking shoes (upon request)

Guided visit of the Alcantara River Park

Detailed itinerary

The Alcantara River Park is a wetland in Sicily that was established in 2001 in place of the pre-existing reserve and includes that part of the territory of the metropolitan cities of Messina and Catania that forms the river basin of the Alcantara River, and is located on the northern slope of Etna, with the aim of protecting and promoting the existing natural system.

The excursion will start discovering old basalt lava flows, volcanic caves, secular woods and it will continue with the tastes and smell of Sicily. You will visit an area of ancient explosive activity, Hornitos, a half-volcano and a state shelter.The lunar landscape of “Bove Valley” and the black ash’s desert will make your excursion a gorgeous day. Finally a tasting of honey, wines and typical Sicilian product

The Valle del Bove is a large basin located on the eastern side of the volcanic edifice of Etna, within the protected area of the Etna Park, in the territory of the municipality of Zafferana Etnea (CT)

located at 1,910 metres above sea level on the southern side of Etna, in the municipality of Nicolosi (CT).

"In Zafferana the air is good for the lips, it smells of fresh baked bread, of broom. And from up there, from the three thousand meters of Etna, Sicily is a three-pointed star in the upside-down sky of its ancient sea."

What's not included

Anything not specified under "inclusions”

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN IT FR ES

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Geographic coordinates 37.50392537580437, 15.095278868549638
We will meet at P.za dei Martiri, 19 - Right in front of the Kilogrammo restaurant
We have our white flag with our logo (red colour).
IMPORTANT Customers must arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour.

Important notes

We kindly ask you to respect the departure times, a maximum delay of 5 minutes is allowed, after which the reservation will be cancelled and the amount paid will not be refunded.

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.