Etna
VerifiedThe guide was good, bur do to terrible weather condition, as a professional you should have cancel the trip. We didn't experience the trip do to heavy rain and bad view condition.
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Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
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Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
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
Highlights
- Private Tour: Driver, guide and vehicle will be available exclusively for you.
- Experience an Private off-road adventure with a 4x4 vehicle
- Take a hike along the old and new lava flows
- Equipped with helmets and flashlights you will explore a lava cave
- Enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch (Private full day tour)
- Enjoy the Etna DOC wine tasting, olive oil tasting and the Sicilian lunch (Private Etna Wine Tour)
- Visit the famous Gurne dell'Alcantara and the Laghetto di Venere (Private full day tour)
- Private English-speaking guide
Tour details
Tour times Pickup on request · back TBA
Tour times
| Option | Hotel pickupdeparture → return | Meeting pointdeparture → return |
|---|---|---|
| Etna Private Half-day Tour | on request return TBA | on request return TBA |
| Etna Private Full-day Tour | on request return TBA | on request return TBA |
| Etna 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 description The programme, step by step
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.
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.
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
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.
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 of Sicilian 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.
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.
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.
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 included 5 items
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 information Meal (Private Full Day Tour and Etna & Wine Tour) · Trekking shoes · Wind jacket
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 shoes Can be rented on request for EUR 5.00/pair
- Wind jacket Can be purchased on request for EUR 20.00/piece
- Your gift voucher Place your order by phone or email ([email protected]) to get a gift voucher
- Availability We are open all year, except: 25.12 and 01.01
Mount Etna 4x4 Tour photos
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.
- Syracuse
- Noto
- Messina
- and more
VIP off-road vehicles on request
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Mercedes GLS 400
Request this vehicle -
Mercedes G-CLASS 400
Request this vehicle
Mount Etna Private Jeep Tour
Reviews Verified reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
Reviews in all languages: 7,824
Page 318 of 504 Back to the latest reviews
Terrible experience on a day when the tour should have actually been cancelled
VerifiedWhen booking the tour, it was mentioned that the organiser is strictly monitoring the weather conditions and will cancel if the conditions are not favourable. On the evening before the tour, we kept receiving severe weather alerts regarding wind and precipitation and we were expecting to receive a cancellation message. It did not happen.
On the morning of the tour, it was raining cats and dogs, the wind was strong and it was cold. Before entering the pick up vehicle, the driver asked us to take full responsibility of whatever is bound to happen on that day, as if we were the ones organising the tour. The red flags were there all along, we just failed to see them.
On the mountain, there was deep fog, heavy rain and super cold (4 degrees). We were soaking wet, could not see much around us. Descended in a small cave, to serve a shot of Limoncello and some other drink, on the house. Before leaving the cave, the entire group was asked if the one hour hike, included in the tour, would still be on. Again, as if we were the ones organising this and as if we should take full responsibility on the weather conditions. Obviously, the group declined. As a result, we were taken to a challet, for a break and then transferred back to the hotel.
We were shuttled around in the back of a very beaten up Land Rover, with very little visibility, that had no central console so no way for the driver to turn on defogging, so he would constantly have to wipe the windshield using his hand while driving in torrential rain on winding roads.
We were even more disappointed to realize that no apology was offered, no money was returned. We were just congratulated, at the end, for being brave and embracing the tour under these circumstances. We were stupid, not brave.
If we were aware of the severe weather alerts, so was the organizer, but they prioritized making a profit versus providing a great experience for their guests. I would not recommend this experience if the weather is anything less than perfect or if the driver drops even the smallest hint of a bad experience.
Amazing experience
VerifiedOur trip was really enjoyable, the driver and the guide full of information and humor :D
Everything was better that expected, we rented their shoes as well.
Half day tour was perfect to get to know the vulcano.
Great experience
VerifiedAmazing trip, funny guides and some old school Land Rovers. Make sure you take a jacket with you 😉
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Frequently Asked Questions 13 answers
Mount Etna Private Jeep Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any additional costs?
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.
