Due to the heavy mass-tourism traffic affecting the cable car and the very long queues, we have chosen to suspend this tour. We now offer a more authentic and breathtaking experience at the same altitude, on the north side of Etna: Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
Tripadvisor · Hall of Fame 2026 · 2,853 reviews
Reach 3000m altitude on the highest active volcano in Europe with an unforgettable cable car tour on Mount Etna.
With your English-speaking guide, you will explore the summit area and take in the views of the active craters. Following this, you’ll enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch.
Mount Etna Summit Tour 3000 by Cable car and Unimog – Mount Etna Cable car Tour
Duration
8 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Tour type
4x4 & Trekking
Pickup
At your hotel or in Giarre
Catania or Taormina area
Availability
March to November
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Highlights
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Ride with the cable car and the Unimog 4x4 vehicle up to 3000 meters
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Enjoy a breath-taking view from 3000 meters above sea level
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Explore the Sicilian cuisine with a typical lunch
04English-speaking guide
Tour details
Tour timesPickup 07:00–07:30 · back ca. 16:00
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Tour times
Departure and return times by option
Option
Hotel pickupdeparture → return
Meeting pointdeparture → return
Etna Emotion 3000 Tour
07:00–07:30→return ca. 16:00
08:30→return ca. 15:30
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
An incomparable and historic landscape combined with a view, which you will never forget, awaits you with this Etna cable car tour, on one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Summit Craters of Mount Etna
After picking you up at your accommodation, you will reach the “Rifugio Sapienza Etna-South” with our comfortable vehicles. Already on the way, we will pass some beautiful Etna villages like Pedara and Nicolosi and you will see centuries-old lava fields. Once arrived at the Rifugio, the adventurous Etna Emotion 3000m Tour begins.
Due to the “skip-the-line-tickets” you will reach relaxed 2500 meters with the cable car. From this altitude your tour continues with the special Unimog vehicles to the summit area “Torre del Filosofo” at about 2920 meters
Mount Etna Lava Eruption
The area, steeped in myth and legend, is named after the ruins of a shelter that was supposedly built by the Greek philosopher Empedocles. According to ancient myths, Empedocles spent time here studying the forces of nature and the volcano’s fiery activity. This historical connection adds to the mystique of the location, offering a fascinating introduction to the dramatic landscape of Mount Etna. From here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the turquoise-blue Ionian Sea, a serene contrast to the volatile nature of the volcano itself.
Mount Etna’s landscape is constantly evolving. Over the years, numerous villages and landmarks have been engulfed by lava, while others still stand today — though for how long, nobody knows. This dynamic environment provides a rare opportunity to witness the raw power of nature in action. Accompanied by an expert volcanologist and alpine guide, you will embark on a 40-minute hike that brings you close to the still-hot and smoking craters formed during the major eruptions of 2002-2003. The knowledgeable guide will explain the geological significance of these formations, as well as the ongoing volcanic activity that continues to shape the landscape.
As you traverse this awe-inspiring terrain, you’ll be surrounded by surreal landscapes of hardened lava flows, ash fields, and rugged mountain vistas. You’ll also learn about the local flora and fauna that have adapted to survive in such a harsh environment, all while enjoying the invigorating fresh air at this altitude.
After your invigorating hike, you will return to Rifugio Sapienza, a mountain refuge that has long been a haven for adventurers and explorers. Awaiting you is a well-deserved traditional Sicilian lunch. This meal offers a perfect opportunity to relax and savor the rich flavors of the region, starting with an array of traditional antipasti, followed by seasonal pasta made with fresh, local ingredients. To finish, you will indulge in a delectable dessert, all accompanied by refreshing water, excellent Sicilian wine, and of course, a strong, aromatic coffee to complete the experience. This dining experience not only satisfies your hunger but also introduces you to the rich culinary heritage of Sicily, with each dish telling a story of the island’s agricultural bounty and culinary traditions.
After an incredible day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences, we will return you to your accommodation, leaving you with memories of one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks and the powerful forces of nature that define it.
What is included4 items
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Information / Included
Including competent English speaking alpine / vulcanological guide
Including cable car ticket and Unimog 4×4 vehicle
Including typical Sicilian lunch
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 informationChildren under 12 years · Meal · Trekking shoes
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Other information
The tour is easy and suitable for every age.
The excursion into the summit crater area is dangerous and prohibited for people with heart conditions, asthma, high blood pressure, and pregnant women.
You should be well-equipped and have no physical ailments, joint problems, or suffer from dizziness.
Children under 12 yearsPay 15 euro less and Children under 5 years pay 65 euro less. Upon request we can provide a child safety seat or booster seat (free)
MealSicilian 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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Etna Cable car Tour Photos
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Pickup and private tour
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.
Mount Etna Tours and Etna Excursions
Cable Car Ticket Price included
Etna Cable car price 2026
Cable car ticket price 2026
Frequently Asked Questions10 answers
Etna Emotion 3000 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 are very different, so we recommend multi-layered winter clothing and sturdy trekking shoes
From June to September
The weather and temperatures are pleasant, but it can get cold at high altitudes. We recommend a windbreaker, long trousers and trekking shoes.
October
We recommend a winter jacket, long trousers, a warm hat, gloves and sturdy trekking shoes.
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.
Is it possible that the pick-up and drop-off location is 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 Etna Emotion Tour suitable for families with kids?
Yes, the Etna Emotion Tour is suitable for everyone and includes an easy but impressive walk about 45 min.
Do we need to wait in line for the cable car?
No, you don’t have to wait in line for the cable car. Due to the skip the line tickets you will have a relaxed start for your tour.
Does the price also include the cable car tickets?
Yes, if you book the Etna Emotion Tour with us, the cable car ticket is always included.
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, on request, trekking poles.
We were picked up from our hotel by Sasha who was passionate about his job and gave us information about Etna en route to meet up with the others. After arriving at the gondola by mini bus, divided in groups according to language spoken, we then rode up the gondola having by-passed the queues. Waiting at the top were the uni-mog vehicles which drove us along tracks made through the compact snowfall, 3 meters high in places, to a higher level.
We then walked up to a crater which we were told had been where the most recent eruption had occurred. The views were stunning, both back down the slopes but also looking up towards the two cones at the top that were constantly spewing gases.
It was difficult to hear the English translator at times but the information was interesting.
We were very lucky with the weather and could see the top of Etna and even some blue sky but it was very cold. Warm layers are essential.
It was definitely one experience crossed off my bucket list.
We were separated from our group but travelled down with another by uni-mog and then the gondola. All I actually wanted was a coffee but we had to try some liquors (the pistachio one was lovely, the Etna one was horrendous - for the tourists I imagine). Thank you to the guide who helped me get a coffee
Lunch was very pleasant and I did not need to eat again that day.
Sasha drove us back to the hotel, still full of enthusiasm. Thank you Sasha
It was a well organised trip which did what it promised and took us up close and personal to Etna.
I would definitely recommend it
3000
Verified
Great trip, guides knowledgeable, food excellent. Would have liked a little longer to explore some other areas.
Great experience
Verified
Everything was perfect, on time and amazingly organized. The food was delicious.
Excellent and well organised
Verified
Excellent from start to finish - driver collected from our hotel on time. He was friendly, informative and drove really smoothly despite the twisting roads up the mountain.
We meet up with other people in our groups (approx 50 altogether) and the guides kept us clearly informed and made sure we kept moving at a reasonable pace.
The chair lifts were open and following the 4x4 bus rides, we had a walk up to the highest crater we could go.
Lunch was nice and very filling and we were then taken back to our hotel.
Excellent all round - would highly recommend!
