Etna & Alcantara Tour Experience
Description
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.
Tour Options
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
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pasticceria Savia Via Etnea, 300/302/304, Via Umberto I, 2/4/6, 95131 Catania CT https://goo.gl/maps/QHtDw5fo9AE1xt377
Traveller Ratings
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
Reviews(43)
We were lucky to be the only 2 participants that day... So we had an almost private tour with Daniela which was just great!!! He explained everything, from Etna, to the caves up to the Alcantara gorges!! Simply fantastic as the tour itself!! To be redone!! Simone & Aris
Beautiful place, to see absolutely, our Guide a very nice and prepared guy, suggested the best places to see adapting also according to the weather
Gentile Escursionista, La ringraziamo di cuore per le sue gentili parole e per aver scelto di esplorare con noi il meraviglioso territorio dell’Etna. Siamo felici che abbia trovato il posto stupendo e che l’esperienza sia stata all’altezza delle sue aspettative. Il nostro obiettivo è sempre quello di offrire un servizio di qualità, adattandoci alle esigenze dei nostri ospiti e cercando di rendere ogni escursione unica. Ci fa molto piacere sapere che ha apprezzato la competenza e la simpatia della nostra guida, che è una delle caratteristiche che ci contraddistinguono: unire professionalità e passione per questo territorio unico. L’Etna, con i suoi paesaggi mozzafiato, le colate laviche storiche e la ricca biodiversità, è un luogo che offre esperienze indimenticabili in ogni stagione. Speriamo di rivederla presto per un’altra avventura, magari scoprendo altre gemme nascoste di questo straordinario vulcano e della Sicilia orientale. Cordiali saluti, Aristide Tomasino Excursions Etna Catania
Had a really great experience visiting Etna and Alcantara with our guide Gigliola, she was really knowledgeable and made our trip really great!
Dear Hiker, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Etna and the Alcantara Gorges with our guide Gigliola. She is a passionate professional who always strives to make each tour special, and your kind words will surely bring her great joy. The natural wonders you explored, from the majestic Mount Etna to the breathtaking formations of the Alcantara Gorges, truly embody the vibrant heart of eastern Sicily. Our mission is not only to showcase the beauty of this land but also to share its history, biodiversity, and the natural phenomena that make it unique. We hope to welcome you again soon for another adventure, perhaps to experience one of our sunrise tours or a visit to the Silvestri Craters, to see Mount Etna from a whole new perspective. Warm regards, Aristide Tomasino Excursions Etna Catania
Really great experience and to recommend. We chose the tour Etna and the Alcantara Gorges. Our Guide Aristide accompanied us and explained in detail everything we admired, debunking false myths we had about volcanoes. Wonderful visit to the lava flow cave
Caro Escursionista, la ringraziamo di cuore per il suo entusiastico commento! Siamo davvero felici che il tour dell’Etna e delle Gole dell’Alcantara sia stato all’altezza delle sue aspettative. Accompagnare i nostri visitatori in queste meravigliose terre è per noi un grande privilegio, e sapere che ha apprezzato le spiegazioni e i dettagli che condividiamo è una soddisfazione immensa. La grotta di scorrimento lavico, con le sue affascinanti formazioni, è senza dubbio una delle esperienze più emozionanti, e siamo lieti che abbia potuto viverla appieno. Ci fa piacere anche sapere che le nostre spiegazioni le abbiano permesso di scoprire aspetti nuovi e sorprendenti sui vulcani, sfatando i luoghi comuni e rendendo l’esperienza ancora più memorabile. Speriamo di poterla accogliere nuovamente per altre avventure sul nostro meraviglioso territorio. Magari potrebbe interessarle il tour all’alba, per godere della magia del risveglio del vulcano, o un’escursione tra i boschi di betulle del versante Nord-Est. Con gratitudine, Aristide Tomasino Excursions Etna Catania
Beautiful day. Punctual, competent especially the Guide (Alberto) who accompanied us between Etna, Caves and Gorges of the Alcantara telling us their story meticulously. Alberto made this experience even more interesting by transmitting his passion for his work and the places where he was born and raised. Absolutely promoted. Thank you!
Caro Escursionista, grazie mille per aver condiviso il suo entusiasmo! Siamo felicissimi di sapere che la giornata trascorsa insieme sia stata così piacevole e che il tour tra l’Etna, le Grotte e le Gole dell’Alcantara le abbia lasciato un ricordo così positivo. Alberto è una guida eccezionale, e il suo amore per il territorio e la sua passione nel raccontarlo sono davvero contagiosi. Il fatto che lei abbia percepito questa dedizione e che abbia trovato l’esperienza così coinvolgente è per noi motivo di grande orgoglio. Le Gole dell’Alcantara, con la loro bellezza unica, e le grotte vulcaniche, con le loro affascinanti storie geologiche, sono solo alcune delle meraviglie che rendono la Sicilia orientale così speciale. Siamo contenti che abbia potuto scoprire tutto questo accompagnato da una guida nata e cresciuta in questi luoghi meravigliosi. Speriamo di rivederla presto per un’altra esperienza indimenticabile! Magari un tour al tramonto sull’Etna o un’escursione all’alba per scoprire nuovi scorci di questa terra straordinaria. Con gratitudine, Aristide Tomasino Excursions Etna Catania
Great experience on Etna and alcantara with super Daniela as generous guide on the tour fantastic nature and food and wine
Dear Hiker, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience on Mount Etna and at the Alcantara Gorges with Daniela as your guide. Her generosity and passion truly enhance every tour, making it not just a visit but a heartfelt journey into the beauty of Sicily. The combination of Etna’s majestic landscapes, the unique charm of the Alcantara Gorges, and the delicious local food and wine creates a perfect experience for the senses. We’re delighted that these elements made your tour so memorable. We hope to welcome you again in the future for another adventure. Perhaps you’d enjoy a sunrise trek or a visit to the Silvestri Craters for even more breathtaking views and insights into this incredible region. Warm regards, Aristide Tomasino Excursions Etna Catania
Great experiance! Simone is a very cool guy! I recommend everyone to choose this tour. If we come again, we will definitely spend a day on the alcantara river.
Dear Hiker, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience with us and that Simone made your tour so enjoyable. His enthusiasm and approachable nature are key to creating memorable adventures. The Alcantara River is a fantastic destination, and we’re glad it caught your attention for a future visit. Its unique landscapes and refreshing waters make it a perfect complement to the majestic Mount Etna. We’d be thrilled to welcome you back for another adventure, and we look forward to making your next visit just as special. Warm regards, Aristide Tomasino Excursions Etna Catania
Had a really great experience visiting Etna and Alcantara with our guide Gigliola, she was really knowledgeable and made our trip really great!
Dear Hiker, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges. Having Gigliola as your guide made it even more special—her extensive knowledge and dedication always ensure our guests have a memorable time. The unique beauty of Mount Etna and the fascinating formations of the Alcantara Gorges make for an unforgettable combination, and it’s great to know that you appreciated the stunning views and informative guidance throughout the trip. We hope to welcome you again for another adventure in the future, perhaps exploring new areas of the Etna region or experiencing one of our sunrise or sunset tours. Warm regards, Aristide Tomasino Excursions Etna Catania
Tour of Etna and the Alcantara gorges accompanied by the very kind, extremely helpful and highly trained guide Aristide Tomasino. We spent a very pleasant day passing in the morning, after an exhaustive explanation during the journey, to the gorges of the three levels climbing up to the Speranza refuge near the sylvan craters where we were able to enjoy a suggestive and spectacular view. Afterwards, tasting of wines and specialties in the city of Zafferana and, in the afternoon, visit to the Alcantara gorges where we were able to visit the beautiful park and take a bath in the cold water of the river. Beautiful and memorable day, recommended.
Super recommended experience for anyone passing through the Etna area. It was fun and interesting both for the wonderful places we visited and for the passion and culture of our guide (Aristide).
