Discover Europe’s highest volcano with a Private Mount Etna Jeep Tour. You will visit old and new lava flows, an impressive volcanic landscape and the Gurne dell’Alcantara during the off-road part with the jeep as well as during an easy hike – always accompanied by an Private English-speaking guide. Mount Etna Tours
Duration
5 or 8 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Tour type
4x4 & Trekking
Pickup
At your hotel or in Giarre
Catania or Taormina area
Availability
All year round
Etna Private Full-day Tour: April to October
01
Highlights
01Private Tour: Driver, guide and vehicle will be available exclusively for you.
02
Experience an Private off-road adventure with a 4x4 vehicle
03Take a hike along the old and new lava flows
04
Equipped with helmets and flashlights you will explore a lava cave
05
Enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch (Private full day tour)
06
Enjoy the Etna DOC wine tasting, olive oil tasting and the Sicilian lunch (Private Etna Wine Tour)
07
Visit the famous Gurne dell'Alcantara and the Laghetto di Venere (Private full day tour)
08Private English-speaking guide
Tour details
Tour timesPickup on request · back TBA
02
Tour times
Departure and return times by option
Option
Hotel pickupdeparture → return
Meeting pointdeparture → return
Half-dayEtna Private Half-day Tour
on request→return
TBA
on request→return
TBA
Full-dayEtna Private Full-day Tour
on request→return
TBA
on request→return
TBA
WineEtna Private Wine Tour
on request→return
TBA
on request→return
TBA
You will receive the exact pick-up time via SMS and email the evening before the tour. The meeting point is at the Giarre motorway exit: see the map.
Full descriptionThe programme, step by step
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Full description
Private Mount Etna Half day Tour
Ready for a completely different kind of off-road Jeep tour adventure? Discover one of the most active volcanoes in the world with our Etna Jeep Tour. We will pick you up at your accommodation with one of our off-road vehicles (including the popular Land Rover 110) and heading in the direction of the volcano.
Mount Etna Tours 4×4
We are passing idyllic Sicilian villages and some of Sicily’s most famous wine-growing regions and whilst gaining altitude, you will learn a lot about the country, the population and their culture. You will certainly remember the impressive play of colours of the black lava and the extraordinary vegetation on Mount Etna. As we pass by the lava flows of recent years, we will see centuries-old forests and we will stop at some of the most beautiful places on Mount Etna. During an easy but impressive hike of approx. 45 min. on the craters in the surrounding, you will see the unique landscape with the old and new lava.
Etna South-east Crater
Of course, a competent English-speaking guide will accompany you during this guided trip on Mount Etna and you will learn a lot about the history of the volcano with its myths and the current situation there. You will continue the adventurous jeep tour on an off-road track through the pine forests and you will get further insight into the unique and diverse flora and fauna which inhabits the lava rocks.
Like the speleologists, you will be equipped with helmets and flashlights to explore one of the famous lava caves on foot with your guide. These caves were created by a lava flow and they still have special properties. Centuries ago, residents close to Mount Etna used these caves for the ice production.
As the last stop of the half-day tour we will drive to the hardened lava flows, which destroyed the local ski lift during the last big eruption.
Private Mount Etna Full day Tour
Gurne Alcantara
If you decided to do the Full Day Jeep Tour, a typical Sicilian lunch awaits you in a mountain chalet on Mount Etna. With traditional antipasti, pasta of the season and a delicious dessert, accompanied by water, Sicilian wine and a good coffee you will get to know the local cuisine.
Well-rested, the adventure continues to the famous Alcantara-River. Along the way, we drive through the famous Sicilian mountain village “Castiglione di Sicilia”. There you will get to see one of Sicily’s most famous wine-growing regions and you will enjoy an impressive view along the wine route.
Gurne Alcantara
Arriving at our destination we will take a short 15 minute hike past olive trees, flowers and exotic plants that only grow in this place. Outside the usual tourist crowds, you can experience the Sicilian untouched nature up close. After our short hike we reach the “Gurne dell’Alcantara”, which was formed thousands of years ago in the north of the volcano by a lava flow. A magical place awaits you there with a small lake surrounded by basalt rocks and small waterfalls of the Alcantara. The “Laghetto di Venere” (Pond of Venus) invites you to refresh your feet in the clear and cold water after a long day.
After an exciting day full of new experiences, we return to your accommodation.
Private Etna and Wine Tour
Discover one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the mystery ofSicilian wines with the Mount Etna Wine Tour. We will pick you up at your accommodation with one of our off-road vehicles (including the popular Land Rover 110) and heading in the direction of the volcano.
Mount Etna Tours 4×4We are passing idyllic Sicilian villages and some of Sicily’s most famous wine-growing regions and whilst gaining altitude, you will learn a lot about the country, the population and their culture. You will certainly remember the impressive play of colours of the black lava and the extraordinary vegetation on Mount Etna. As we pass by the lava flows of recent years, we will see centuries-old forests and we will stop at some of the most beautiful places on Mount Etna. During an easy hike of approx. 45 min. on the craters in the surrounding, you will see the unique landscape with the old and new lava.
Sicilian Olive OilOf course, a competent English-speaking guide will accompany you during this guided trip on Mount Etna and you will learn a lot about the history of the volcano with its myths and the current situation there. You will continue the adventurous jeep tour on an off-road track through the pine forests and you will get further insight into the unique and diverse flora and fauna which inhabits the lava rocks.
Like the speleologists, you will be equipped with helmets and flashlights to explore one of the famous lava caves on foot with your guide. These caves were created by a lava flow and they still have special properties. Centuries ago, residents close to Mount Etna used these caves for the ice production.
As one of the last stops of the Jeep part we will drive to the hardened lava flows, which destroyed the local ski lift during the last big eruption. Etna Winery Visit
The Winery
Thereafter we are driving to the Sicilian “Cantina”, surrounded by vineyards with a stunning view. You will visit the production sites and you will learn a lot about the local wine production and the importance of Mount Etna in this context. Immerse yourself in the Sicilian culture, by tasting the Etna DOC wines, which have a special aroma due to the unique local conditions and the fertile soil on Mount Etna.
Etna Wine Tasting
After the tasting of other Sicilian specialties, lunch will be served. The menu consists of a selection of typical antipasti, a first course (either pasta or traditional soup), seasonal fresh vegetables, Sicilian sweets, fruit, espresso and a selected wine.
Well rested and after all these unforgettable impressions we will return to your accommodation
What is included5 items
04
Information / Included
Including experienced Private English speaking guide
Including equipment like trekking poles, helmet and flashlight
Including typical Sicilian lunch (with the Private Full Day Tour)
Including Etna DOC wine tasting, olive oil tasting and the Sicilian lunch (with the Private Etna & Wine Tour)
Including Pickup service: In the area around Taormina and Catania the pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, campsite, pension, holiday cottage, railway station, port, etc. are included. Possibility to meet us at the highway exit (in case you travel with your own car).
Useful informationMeal (Private Full Day Tour and Etna & Wine Tour) · Trekking shoes · Wind jacket
05
Other information
The tour is easy and suitable for everyone.
On request we can provide a child safety seat or booster seat (free)
Meal (Private Full Day Tour and Etna & Wine Tour)Sicilian specialities will be served: Typical Sicilian appetizer, Main course Pasta, dessert, Water, bread, wine and coffee. If you have any food requests like a vegetarian meal or health problems (allergies etc), please let us know in advance
Trekking shoesCan be rented on request for EUR 5.00/pair
Wind jacketCan be purchased on request for EUR 20.00/piece
Your gift voucherPlace your order by phone or email ([email protected]) to get a gift voucher
AvailabilityWe are open all year, except: 25.12 and 01.01
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Mount Etna 4x4 Tour photos
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Pickup and VIP vehicles
Other pickup locations
On request, with a supplement, it is possible to request pick-up service also outside of Catania / Taormina. Other pickup examples: Syracuse, Noto, Messina and more.
Absolutely not! We only offer "all inclusive" trips. There are no nasty surprises during the tour; no hidden costs or entrance fees which have to be paid separately, for the listed program.
What clothing is recommended for this tour?
Recommended clothing varies depending on the season:
From November to March
We recommend a winter jacket, long trousers, a warm hat and sturdy waterproof shoes.
From April to May
Weather and temperatures can be very different, so we recommend layered winter clothing and trainers.
From June to September
The weather and temperatures are pleasant, we recommend a T-shirt, trousers or shorts, sneakers. (In any case, it is recommended to have a light jacket with you in case of wind)
October
Weather and temperatures are very different, so we recommend multi-layered winter clothing and trainers.
What can I do at the Gurne dell'Alcantara
If you book a full day excursion, you can refresh your feet in the clear water after a long day.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Weather conditions are monitored daily and in the event of a thunderstorm you will be contacted to cancel or postpone the tour. In case of cancellation or impossible postponement, we will refund (if the tour has been paid in advance).
How can I cancel my booking?
It is possible to cancel the booking through the booking section of the website or by email. Cancellations by phone or SMS / WhatsApp are not possible.
Is it possible to carry luggage during the tour?
Due to the limited space, it is not possible to carry luggage like suitcases or big backpacks during the tour.
You can bring a small backpack with the items you need for the tour.
Can the pick-up and drop-off location be different?
The pick-up and drop-off location should be in general the same. If you have special requests, please contact us via e-mail: [email protected]
Is the Jeep Tour suitable for families with kids?
Yes absolutely, the Jeep Tour is suitable for everyone and includes an easy but impressive walk about 45 min. In fact, the jeep tour is one of the most popular tours among families with children.
What is the difference between the Half Day and the Full Day Jeep Tour?
The morning program of both tours is the same (hike about 45 min., lava cave visit, off-road part with the jeep). During the Full Day Jeep Tour, you will also enjoy a nice lunch and the visit of the Gurne dell'Alcantara in the afternoon. There is no lunch included in the Half Day Jeep Tour.
Is there a way to buy something to eat or to drink during the Half Day Jeep Tour?
Yes, at the end of the tour we will have a quick stop in a Mountain Chalet /Cafè. There you will have the possibility to buy some panini or something to drink.
Do we need special clothes for the Full Day Jeep Tour?
We recommend, to bring a small towel so you can refresh your feet after a long day.
How many passengers will fit in one vehicle?
We have space for 6 - 8 passengers per vehicle. The number of passengers per vehicle can change due to the current covid restrictions.
Do we need special equipment for the tour?
No, you don’t need special equipment. You should wear appropriate clothes according to the weather and season. The guide will provide the helmets and flashlights for the lava cave visit and he will also provide, on request, trekking poles.
Our guides made the day, but there were some organisational hiccups worth mentioning. We were picked up alongside two other couples by a lovely driver, but then taken to a petrol station, where it turned out everyone was being gathered from nearby hotels and reallocated to guides and vehicles based on language. It felt a little chaotic, especially as we were told our pickup would be 8:45 then got a message while eating breakfast saying our driver had actually already arrived at 8:10ish, so there was clearly some mix up on timing. We also had a longer wait than expected at the petrol station while our guide and vehicle were swapped due to issues.
Once sorted, our guide Ciccio was brilliant, fun, knowledgeable and thoughtful (he even got us some Etna figs to try, the best I've ever tasted, thank you!). He also showed videos of previous eruptions, which was incredible to see. To be honest, all guides were great and good fun, but having spent the day with Ciccio he really did make the day more enjoyable and special. They also offered everyone photos at the top of the craters, a lovely touch. Our group did end up combining into a much larger English speaking group than the eight or so we were expecting, which was a shame as it felt less personal, especially as we'd mentioned it was our honeymoon. Looking at other tours while we were out there, several seemed to advertise smaller groups for a similar price, so this was a little disappointing given what we'd paid.
The walk itself was great, taking in the inactive craters, caves and the history of the eruptions, even though the height meant we didn't get to see the active craters from where we were walking, but this was a trade off for also visiting the gorge later (which was worth a trip). We hired walking shoes for the day at €5 each, but they were the trainer type with very little padding; our own trainers were far more comfortable, so I wouldn't recommend hiring them. Afterwards we were treated to shots before a lovely lunch which was much more than anticipated.
In the afternoon groups were reshuffled again for those doing the gorge. It was beautiful, though my partner had forgotten water shoes and there wasn't really time to buy any, so he couldn't venture too far in, though we did have enough time there overall. I'd recommend getting some beforehand.
All in all, a great day thanks to the guides, but between the pickup confusion and the much bigger than expected group, it felt a little less special for a honeymoon than we'd hoped. Thank you for a really interesting and memorable day!
Etna half tour
Verified
Heel leuke ervaring. Onze gids Marco is een rustige chauffeur :). Boeiende uitleg. Sociaal persoon en heel vriendelijk. Geeft ook hele goeie tips voor je reis in Sicilië. Top ervaring! Mooie tour. Leuk team die ons mee op tour nam en info gaf. Ze hebben ook allemaal veel kennis en ervaring! Allemaal ook heel enthousiast. Bedankt! Wij kunnen hun zeker aanraden! Groeten Kevin & Emily
Amazing experience
Verified
Really interesting! Super sweet guides, very knowledgeable! 100 % worth doing!
Great tour, great guides, good vibes
Verified
Very entertaining tour guides, the areas were also beautiful and the lunch was good and came with complimentary wine.
One of the tour guides really liked the name Rebecca for some reason, would definitely go again with these guys
Perfect day on mount Etna and Alcantara gorge!
Verified
We had the best day on our trip to mount Etna and the Alcantara gorge. David was our driver and guide and he gave us a lot of information about the places we were driving by, about sicily and of course mount Etna. During the other stops, the second English speaking guide ,Francesco, also gave us al lot of information. Both guides were amazing and kept everything light and funny, while still giving a lot of information. The lava cave was impressive and the hike on mount Etna gave amazing views. The Alcantara gorge was beautiful and the perfect end of a wonderful day. Big thanks to the whole team!
Professional and educational tour of the Sicilian nature and Mama Etna
Verified
We really appreciated this tour. We are two danish lads with no prior experience in Sicily, and the tour was on our second day here. We learned a lot about geology, biology, Sicilian culture and humor. We will consider doing the full day tour for our next visit to Sicily.
