Private and Guided Tour of Gole Alcantara with traditional Lunch
Active
5h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Live this amazing adventure visiting the main national park of Sicily Gole Alcantara. This tour is private, made exclusively for your party. Minimum participants is 2 people.
The Gole Alcantara is one of Sicily’s most popular attractions, and often has the crowds to match. On this private half-day tour, let a local guide help you sidestep the tourists and show you the park’s caverns and rock formations, gardens, and best swimming places. Finish the tour in local reastaurant with tradional food and wine tasting.
Important: when making a booking, please select a tour option depending on your pickup location.
Available options
Alcantara Tour from Catania
Gole Alcantara: 5/6 hr private tour to Gole Alcantara, with food and wine tasting. Departures from Catania<br/>Pickup included
Alcantara+F&W from Taormina
Alcantarai+food&wine: 3-6 hr private tour to Gole Alcantara, followed by food and wine tasting in Giardini Naxos. Departures from Taormina/Giardini<br/>Pickup included
Alcantara Tour from Taormina
Pickup included
Alcantara from Messina Port
Alcantra+food&wine frm Messina: 3-6 hr private tour to Gole Alcantara, with food and wine tasting. Departures from Messina Port or nearby;<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Traditional Lunch: You will taste locally produced organic food - cheeses, prosciutto, olives, extra virgin olive oil fresh bread and pasta alla norma accompanied by local wine.
Round-trip private transfer
Driver/guide
Private Alcantara tour
Entrance tickets
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Your personal tour leader will pick you up from the hotel or other location at your convenience at a time that suits you best. During this private tour by comfortable air-conditioned car, you will visit Sicilian natural phenomenon - Alcantara Gorges National Reserve. This tour is private - only for your party, nobody else, to ensure the highest standards for our clients, and includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation or port in Taormina area, Catania or Messina. Several thousand years ago, the river Alcantara's bed was blocked by a lava flow from Mount Etna. As the lava was cooled much more quickly by the water than it would have done otherwise, it crystallized in the form of columns. Over the next millennia, the river naturally eroded a channel through these columns, resulting in impressive gorges and ravines.
2
During the private tour to Gole Alcantara, you will see the unique columns, swim in cool water of the river, take sun bath on the rocks, and visit the Alcantara park relaxation area. While you admire unique nature of Alcantara National Park, your friendly private English speaking guide will explain you about the origin of this natural phenomenon, about Etna and Sicily itself.
After this refreshing experience, you will visit a traditional restaurant and have delicious and hearty food and wine tasting. You will taste locally produced organic food - cheeses, prosciutto, olives, mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil fresh bread and pasta alla norma accompanied by local wines.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
6 reviews
5★
6
4★
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Tripadvisor
4.4
8 reviews
5★
6
4★
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3★
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1★
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
We have private tours, only for your party, however at the beginning of the excursion we will give each guest a mask, protective gloves and hand sanitizer.
Important notes
Your personal tour leader will pick you up from the hotel or other location at your convenience. Please let us know your preferred time.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
About Taormina
Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town in Sicily, known for its stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It combines ancient Greek and Roman history with charming medieval streets, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Ancient Theatre of Taormina
This well-preserved Greek theatre dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is still used for performances and events.
Historical
1-2 hours
€10.50 for the combined ticket with the Odeon
Isola Bella
A small, picturesque island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It is a nature reserve with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free to visit, €5 for the nature reserve
Corso Umberto
The main street of Taormina, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the town's atmosphere.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Varies by shop
Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale)
Beautiful public gardens with panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. They are a peaceful retreat from the bustling town center.
Nature
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Castelmola
A charming medieval village perched above Taormina, offering breathtaking views of the coast and Mount Etna. It is known for its narrow streets, historic churches, and local wine.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore, €5-€10 for wine tastings
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pasta alla Norma
A traditional Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and basil.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Arancini
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, coated in breadcrumbs.
Appetizer
Contains cheese and gluten
Cannoli
Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten
Granita
A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors like lemon, almond, or coffee.
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hiking Mount Etna
Snorkeling and diving in Isola Bella
Jeep and cable car tours of Mount Etna
Sunbathing and swimming at Mazzarò Beach
Enjoying a granita at Bar Turrisi
Strolling through the Public Gardens
Exploring the Ancient Theatre of Taormina
Visiting the historic churches and museums
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
This is the best time to visit Taormina, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is ideal for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.
18°C to 28°C
64°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, Sicilian dialect
- 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
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Taormina is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare in advance.
- • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 50 km from Taormina
By train
Taormina-Giardini Station
By bus
Taormina Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The funicular is efficient and frequent, offering a quick and scenic way to get around the town.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Taormina
Mazzarò
Castelmola
Day trips
Mount Etna
40 km from Taormina • Full day
Mount Etna is Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique geological features.
Aeolian Islands
Varies by island, approximately 50-100 km from Taormina • Full day or overnight
The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and stunning beaches.
Syracuse (Siracusa)
100 km from Taormina • Full day
Syracuse is a historic city with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, a charming old town, and beautiful beaches.
Festivals
Taormina Arte • July to August
Taormina Film Festival • June
Festa di San Pancrazio • May 12th
Pro tips
- Visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina for stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
- Try local specialties like pasta alla Norma, arancini, and cannoli at traditional Sicilian restaurants.
- Explore the charming streets and shops of Corso Umberto and Via Naumachia.
- Take a day trip to Mount Etna for hiking, jeep tours, and wine tasting.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
