Mt. Etna and Alcantara river full day tour from Taormina

Highlights

  • Begin your tour with a pickup at your hotel, the port, the bus station, or the train station in Taormina. Then, travel out of the city to the Rifugio Sapienza—a vantage point boasting panoramic views over Italy’s volcanic landscape. Stop at vantage points along the way, and listen as your guide sheds light on the Silvestri Craters and the region’s past volcanic eruptions. From the Rifugio Sapienza enjoy an optional trek (payable locally at own expense) into the Parco dell’Etna to an altitude of 6,561 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level. From here, continue onward via cable car and off-road vehicle (payable locally at own expense) to the Torre del Filosofo at 9,514 feet (2,900 meters). Marvel at sweeping views over the craters and ancient lava flows of Mt. Etna, then return to Rifugio Sapienza by minibus and cable car. Next, strap on your helmet and explore a lava cave in the Parco dell’Etna with your guide. Along the way, admire ancient rock formations in the molten landscape and gain insight into the Parco dell’Etna’s complex geology. Sample honey, olive oil, wine, and other traditional Italian products at an organic farm in Zafferana Etnea. Then, continue on to the Alcantara Gorges—home to a series of pools and bays hidden among high cliffs. Follow your guide along the winding trails and admire the ruins of Francavilla Castle. As you explore, discover rich lava formations eroded over millions of years by the gorges’ running waters. When your time in the Alcantara Gorges comes to an end, return to your starting point in Taormina to conclude your tour.

Summary

Begin your tour with a pickup at your hotel, the port, the bus station, or the train station in Taormina. Then, travel out of the city to the Rifugio Sapienza—a vantage point boasting panoramic views over Italy’s volcanic landscape. Stop at vantage points along the way, and listen as your guide sheds light on the Silvestri Craters and the region’s past volcanic eruptions. From the Rifugio Sapienza enjoy an optional trek (payable locally at own expense) into the Parco dell’Etna to an altitude of 6,561 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level. From here, continue onward via cable car and off-road vehicle (payable locally at own expense) to the Torre del Filosofo at 9,514 feet (2,900 meters). Marvel at sweeping views over the craters and ancient lava flows of Mt. Etna, then return to Rifugio Sapienza by minibus and cable car. Next, strap on your helmet and explore a lava cave in the Parco dell’Etna with your guide. Along the way, admire ancient rock formations in the molten landscape and gain insight into the Parco dell’Etna’s complex geology. Sample honey, olive oil, wine, and other traditional Italian products at an organic farm in Zafferana Etnea. Then, continue on to the Alcantara Gorges—home to a series of pools and bays hidden among high cliffs. Follow your guide along the winding trails and admire the ruins of Francavilla Castle. As you explore, discover rich lava formations eroded over millions of years by the gorges’ running waters. When your time in the Alcantara Gorges comes to an end, return to your starting point in Taormina to conclude your tour.

Tour info

Duration
9 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

This full-day tour allows you to go from a morning visit to Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, to the beautiful and surprising valley of Alcantara river in the afternoon. In the first part of the excursion, you will submerge in nature and visit old craters and lava flow caves, enjoy breathtaking views, and taste typical local products. In the afternoon, before seeing the famous basaltic canyon named Gorges, you will walk next the river Alcantara through a lush vegetation until to visit the Gurne, little lakes created by the same river.

What’s included?

  • Shuttle bus (round trip)

  • Multilingual guide

  • The kit for visiting the Cave

  • Sampling

  • Trekking shoes (on request)

  • INFANT price - Baby seat and baby carrier included

  • Entry/Admission - Etna Tribe

  • Entry/Admission - Sicily

  • Entry/Admission - Craters Silvestri of Mount Etna

  • Entry/Admission - Mount Etna

  • Entry/Admission - Oro d'Etna

  • Entry/Admission - Gola dell'Alcantara

  • Entry/Admission - Gurne dell'Alcantara. Francavilla di Sicilia

  • Cableway to reach 2500 m € 30.00 (to pay on the spot)

  • Cableway + 4x4 minibus + alpinist guide to reach 3000m € 67.00 (to pay on the spot) This is optional

  • All that is not specified under “the cost includes"

  • Entry/Admission - Funivia dell'Etna

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 9h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Etna Tribe

About operator:

Discover Mount Etna, with its craters, lava flow caves and nature, and Eastern Sicily with Etnatribe. Our tours will allow you to visit not only the highest active volcano in Europe, but also some of the most beautiful places of Eastern Sicily, such as Syracuse and Taormina.

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