Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
Season 2026 · Tour temporarily suspended
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
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 will have one hour free time at your disposal.
Mount Etna Summit Tour 3000 by Cable car and Unimog – Mount Etna Cable car Tour
| Option | Hotel pickupdeparture → return | Meeting pointdeparture → return |
|---|---|---|
| Etna Emotion 3000 Tour | 07:00–07:30 return ca. 16:00 | 08:30 return ca. 15:00 |
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.
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.
After picking you up at a meeting point in the area of Catania or Taormina, 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
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 and you will have one hour free time at your disposal
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.
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.
This tour is also available in a PRIVATE version. Mount Etna Private Tours
Exclusive setup
Driver, guide and vehicle will be available exclusively for you.
Mount Etna Tours and Etna Excursions
Cable Car Ticket Price included
Etna Cable car price 2026
Cable car ticket price 2026
Etna Emotion 3000 Tour
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.
Recommended clothing varies depending on the season:
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).
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.
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.
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]
Yes, the Etna Emotion Tour is suitable for everyone and includes an easy but impressive walk about 45 min.
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.
Yes, if you book the Etna Emotion Tour with us, the cable car ticket is always included.
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.
Etna Emotion 3000 Tour
4.9 out of 5 stars
Reviews in all languages: 1,685
Page 75 of 120 Back to the latest reviews
Excellent tour, breathtaking view, knowledgeable and friendly staff . Really like the personal touch - we were picked up in a 9-seater rather than a massive coach and didn't waste much time in the pickup and drop off. Excellent lunch with local produce and wine. It's a once in a lifetime trip for us. Top tip: wear good hiking shoes as it's not easy to climb on the volcanic sand.
We were so looking forward to doing the Etna emotion experience. We were picked up like real early, 7:20am, and we had a meeting point where we were joining others. While that technically should have been 15-20 min tops, we ended up waiting over an hour for other drivers, basically in a truck stop parking.
Then we got to Etna. We had reserved hiking shoes. Now going almost up to the summit I was expecting some kind of mini boot with very firm soles…. Nope, we got regular canvas shoes and I could feel every single rock when I stepped on it.
Then we rush to the gondola, only to be advised then that there was no visibility atop and we would not do the 4x4 road up to 2800m nor the teekking up there. So we got back down Refugio Sapienza and proceeded to hike around the top Silvestri craters. The guide started up front and walked so fast… nobody could keep up with him… a few of us would meet him and then he'd start over again… ouf ! I mean we had people from 3 to 70 in our group….
Then meal we got was ok, and then we did the cavern or lava tube. Again, ahead he goes without waiting for the people…
So all in all disappointed, i know the weather is not their fault, but since they did not have to pay the 4x4 ride they should have reimbursed us for that portion…
I suggest you wait until the last minute to book this to make certain the weather atop will be clear. I beleive we paid too much for what we got!
This trip was so much fun because of the excellent team members. Everyone from the drivers to the Specialist volcanologists played their part in making this trip perfect. To Guiseppi our main tour guide who was so warm, cheerful and happy to answer any questions.
Helpful Team, even in the office and during the tour. It was an adventurous excursion because of the strong wind. But alle the guides took care of everybody to come back safe. The luch was very nice and rich.
I really thank for all the nice guides for the excellent adventure.
Reviews not available
We can't load more reviews right now.
You have seen all the reviews.
