Excursion: Etna and the Alcantara Gorges

Q: What level of difficulty does this tour have?

This tour has an easy difficulty level.In case a person in the group cannot do the trekking part, they can still participate in this adventure tour and enjoy breathtaking views of Etna.

Q: What is the recommended clothing?

In winter:We recommend wearing a winter jacket, long trousers, wool hat, gloves and winter shoes. In case of heavy snow on Etna, the trek will be done with the help of snowshoes. In autumn and spring:Temperatures are highly variable. We recommend layered winter clothing and sneakers. In summer:The climate is pleasant. We suggest a t-shirt, pants or shorts and sneakers.For those who wish to enter the water at the Alcantara Gorges we recommend wearing beach shoes or sandals.

Activity - Nature
Trekking
Location
Catania
A/R Transfer
Included
Duration (hours)
7
Departure and return times
8.30 / 17.00
Certified guide
Included
Entrance Tickets
Alcantara Gorges Included
Group Size
6/8 persons for vehicle
Language
Italian, English

Overview

Itinerary

Map

Included/Excluded

Prices

FAQs

Discover the volcanic wonders of Sicily
If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure, full of wild nature, breathtaking views and excellent Sicilian cuisine, an excursion to Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges is the one for you.
This tour will take you to discover the lunar landscapes of the highest active volcano in Europe and the suggestive canyons carved by the water. It is a perfect experience for everyone, from the most experienced travellers to families, and guarantees unique emotions and fun. You will be able to explore volcanic craters, enter suggestive caves and admire up close the power of these two giants of eastern Sicily.

Explore the majesty of Etna

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, which will literally leave you speechless!
Our tour begins along the famous Mareneve Road, considered by National Geographic to be one of the 70 most fascinating routes to do by bicycle. During the journey to the northern side of the volcano, an expert guide will reveal the stories and legends of the Etna towns and the volcano itself.
Before starting the excursion, we will make a short stop in a refuge at 1500 meters. Here, you can enjoy a good coffee while we show you the itinerary and, if you need it, we will provide you with trekking shoes for free.
The adventure continues with a visit to the site of the eruption of 27 October 2002, which destroyed the ski resorts of Piano Provenzana and a large part of the Ragabo pine forest. Through paths that wind through pines, birches and lava flows, we will reach the peaks of the lateral craters, admiring breathtaking landscapes.
The tour ends with the exploration of the Thieves’ Cave, a lava flow tunnel. With helmets and torches, we will delve inside to find out how it was formed and what its history is.

Lunch after the excursion

After the excursion, we will stop for lunch (Not Included) at the Chalet Clan dei Ragazzi (1500mt), where you can choose between two options:

• Menu from €10: sandwich, drink of your choice (water, coke, wine or beer) and a dessert.

• Menu from €15: bruschetta, a first course of your choice, a drink and coffee.

Alcantara Gorges

After lunch, we will head towards one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Sicily: the Alcantara Gorges. During the journey, we will pass through ancient villages, including Castiglione di Sicilia, famous for the production of the renowned Etna DOC wine.

Once we arrive, we will enter the suggestive basalt gorges. Here, the thousand-year-old action of the river has sculpted the rock walls into unique and spectacular shapes, making this place a famous destination throughout the world.

Expand all

What level of difficulty does this tour have?

This tour has an easy difficulty level.
In case a person in the group cannot do the trekking part, they can still participate in this adventure tour and enjoy breathtaking views of Etna.

Where do we meet?

The guide will pick you up by jeep or minibus directly from your accommodation or another agreed location.

In case of unfavorable weather conditions, is the tour canceled or rescheduled?

In case of bad weather, to ensure the safety of participants, the tour will be rescheduled to the earliest available date.

What is the recommended clothing?

In winter:
We recommend wearing a winter jacket, long trousers, wool hat, gloves and winter shoes. In case of heavy snow on Etna, the trek will be done with the help of snowshoes.

In autumn and spring:
Temperatures are highly variable. We recommend layered winter clothing and sneakers.

In summer:
The climate is pleasant. We suggest a t-shirt, pants or shorts and sneakers.
For those who wish to enter the water at the Alcantara Gorges we recommend wearing beach shoes or sandals.

Can I swim in the Alcantara Gorges?

Yes, in the summer it is possible to swim in the Alcantara Gorges. Consider that the temperature of the river waters is between 10° and 11° centigrade.

Do you provide technical equipment?

Yes, the organization provides trekking poles, helmet and torch to enter the volcanic cave and, for those without them, also trekking shoes.

What are the cancellation policies?

Cancellation is free if it is made at least 7 days before the set date.
However, if the cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the set date, the entire amount paid will be lost.
If the booked activity is canceled due to adverse weather conditions, the amount paid will be fully refunded.