Discover the highest, active volcano in Europe on a day-trip from Catania or Taormina in a 4x4 vehicle with an expert guide. Take a cable car to the top of Mount Etna to witness the craters at the summit area and admire the stunning views below.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 6 - 7 hours
- Starting time 8:00 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, German, French, Italian
- Pickup included
- Your accommodation in the area around Taormina or Catania
Experience
Highlights
- Drive in a special 4x4 vehicle and ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Etna
- Admire the breathtaking views from a height of 3000 meters
- Learn about the geology of the area from a volcano expert
- Enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch in a chalet at the Rifugio Sapienza
- Explore a real lava cave with helmets and torches
Full description
After being picked up from your accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, set off in the direction of Mount Etna. Embark on an adventurous drive up to the volcano, passing by the small towns of Pedara, Nicolosi, and Zafferana Etnea and cold lava fields. Reach the Rifugio Sapienza Etna starting point where the next portion of the tour begins. Your English-speaking guide will explain to you the most interesting phenomena of the active volcano and about the plants and animals of the region.
Climb into a cable car and soar up to an altitude of 2500 m. Next, continue upwards to 2900m in a special jeep. Explore the area at the foot of the main crater known as Torre del Filosofo. Marvel at the stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea if it is a clear day. During a 40-minute tour of the area, your expert alpine/volcanology guide will explain all about the geology of the area and how the hot smoking craters were formed after the 2002-2003 eruption.
After this, return to the Rifugio Sapienza to enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch at a chalet. Once you've filled your belly, get kitted up with helmets and flashlights and begin on an unforgettable adventure inside a real lava cave. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your accommodation in Catania or Taormina.
Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the Catania and Taormina area
- English-speaking guide
- Alpine/volcano expert guide at the summit
- Cable car ticket
- Jeep ride
- 1 small bottle of water per person
- Equipment like trekking poles, helmet, and torch for the cave visit
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
Not allowed
- Pets
- Smoking
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility
- This tour is not recommended for people with heart problems or asthma
