Sicily , Italy

Etna & Alcantara Tour Experience

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(43 reviews)

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

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About this experience

A tour day dedicated to water and fire, from the Gorges of Alcantara river to the highest active volcano in Europe. Visit the Alcantara Fluvial Park a wonderful nature reserve between Catania and Taormina, a unique place with its Alcantara. After this visit we move towards Mount Etna and visit ancient craters and lava flows, volcanic caves to explore in complete safety.

Available options

Tour Etna Alcantara

Pickup included

What's included

Driver/guide

Use of helmet, flashlight and head cap

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Catania

Professional Naturalistic Guide

Detailed itinerary

The guided trekking crosses the River Park, a place of great naturalistic interest.
During this pleasant walk among the lush vegetation, you will enjoy a visit from the top of the Alcantara river and from the various viewpoints located along the paths you can see views of extraordinary beauty.
A unique spectacle will reveal itself in front of your eyes: dizzying rocky gorges up to 25 meters high divided in two by the icy Alcantara river, the Alcantara gorges represent an authentic masterpiece of nature.
With the excursion to the Alcantara Gorges you can admire the amazing beauty of these deep gorges of volcanic origin.
Their cliffs overlooking the river sprinkled with basaltic prisms, the bizarre symmetrical rock formations, which were formed as a result of the cooling of the incandescent lava in contact with the icy water and their majestic columnar basalts of millenary origin make up an enchanting natural canyon of extraordinary impact.

The Etna tour includes a visit to the Silvestri Craters, located near the Sapienza Refuge where you can admire the lunar landscapes that characterize the area of the craters dating back to the 1892 eruption.
The Etna tour continues with the exploration of a spectacular lava cave. The guides will accompany you and you will be provided with the necessary equipment (helmet and torches) to be able to visit the volcanic cave in total safety.

During your visit to Etna you will come across a unique view and you can admire the immense expanse of the Valley of the Ox , an ancient volcanic caldera formed 10,000 years ago.

Along the way you will be able to observe the lava flows dating back to different ages, real evidence of the intense volcanic activity of Etna that has gone through centuries of history such as volcanic bombs, craters and various lateral craters.
With a walk between craters of old formation and those of more recent formation, you will cross the area affected by the lava flow generated by the 1991/93 eruption and you will reach the Sapienza Refuge at an altitude of 2000 meters.

The last stop of the Etna tour is scheduled in the town of Zafferana Etnea. You will stop at a certified farm and you will be offered a tasting of typical products Honey, oliv oil, testing 3 Wine, Nerello Mascalese etna wine

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

43 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

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.