Skip to content

Authorised tour operator · Licence D.D.S. no. 3451S7

+39 0958100009 Mon–Sun · 09:00–13:00 / 14:00–18:00

Mount Etna Emotion 3000 Tour Etna Cable Car Tour

4.9 out of 5 1,685 reviews
Go-Etna original tour

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

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Hall of Fame 2026 badgeTripadvisor · Hall of Fame 20262,853 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 will have one hour free time at your disposal.

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

Highlights

  1. Ride with the cable car and the Unimog 4x4 vehicle up to 3000 meters
  2. Enjoy a breath-taking view from 3000 meters above sea level
  3. English-speaking guide

Tour details

Tour times Pickup 07:00–07:30 · back ca. 16:00

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. 15:00

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.

Full description The programme, step by step

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
Summit Craters of Mount Etna

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

Mount Etna Lava Eruption
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 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.

What is included 3 items

Information / Included

  • Including competent English speaking alpine / vulcanological guide
  • Including cable car ticket and Unimog 4×4 vehicle
  • 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 Children under 12 years · Trekking shoes · Wind jacket

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 years Pay 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) 
  • 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

Etna Cable car Tour Photos

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.

  • Syracuse
  • Noto
  • Messina
  • and more
Contact us for more information

Private Etna Emotion 3000 Tour

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

Frequently Asked Questions 10 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.

Etna Emotion 3000 Tour

Reviews Verified reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars

Reviews in all languages: 1,685

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Hall of Fame 2026 badgeTripadvisor · Hall of Fame 20262,853 reviews

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Hall of Fame 2026 badge Tripadvisor · Travellers’ Choice Hall of Fame 2026 2,853 reviews

Page 98 of 120 Back to the latest reviews

A faire absolument

Verified

Salvatore est venu nous chercher en jeep à l’hôtel pour nous emmener au pied du funiculaire de l’Etna. Parlant un français impeccable, il nous a présenté l’Etna. En attendant le reste du groupe, Salvatore nous a amené au cratère Sivestri résultant de l’eruption de 2002 en nous permettant d’avoir déjà un aperçu de l’Etna et en nous commentant la flore. Ensuite nous avons été pris en charge avec 15 autres personnes par deux guides qui se sont occupés de prendre les tickets et nous on conduit jusqu’au funiculaire puis jusqu’aux bus tout terrain pour arriver aux cratères. Là, nous avons rencontré un vulcanologue qui nous a conduit pour 40 minutes environ autour d’un des crateres ( en commentant aussi bien en français qu’en anglais). A la fin du tour, nos guides nous ont proposé soit de descendre en bus soit de descendre à pied ( ce que nous avons fait) jusqu’au funiculaire. Lors de notre descente, nous avons eu un tas d’explications passionantes.
Ensuite nous avons été conduit jusq’à un restaurant à une dizaine de minutes du site au calme dans un site excetionnel, pour un repas copieux et goutteux ( en paticulier, les antipastis).
Apres le café vers15 h 00, nous avons été invité à visiter une grotte de lave équipés de casque et de torche.
Enfin en nous raccompagnant et afin d’éviter les embouteillages, Salvatore n’a pas hésité à nous faire traverser le centre historique de Catane. Le trajet du retour fut encore passionant du fait de l’erudition de Salvatore et de ses commentaires sur la formation de l’Etna.
Ce fut une journée exceptionnelle qui permet un voyage nature dans une ile essentiellement culturelle.

It was a great trip...

Verified

It was a great trip, we would not forget... Many informations and very polite Giudes. Next time we would make the same tour again...

interesting, sympathetic, good german guide

Verified

top! because we sat in the Jepp, where the German guide spoke. via microphon de other guests would probably not understand him very well in the other cars.

Absolutely reliable and professionell

Verified

Absolutely reliable and professionell

Go-Etna Pickup Area

Illustrated map: Catania or Taormina areaCataniaAcirealeGiarreTaorminaEtnaCatania areaTaormina area

The map is a visual aid: name, address and directions are in the text.

Hotel pickup

Catania or Taormina area

  • Catania area Indicative area

    Main localities: Catania · Aci Castello · Acireale · Gravina di Catania · San Giovanni La Punta · Nicolosi · Pedara · Zafferana Etnea · Milo · Fornazzo · Stazzo · Giarre

  • Taormina area Indicative area

    Main localities: Taormina · Letojanni · Giardini Naxos · Calatabiano · Fiumefreddo di Sicilia · Mascali

  • Area borders are indicative: for an address near the edge, ask us to confirm.
  • On request, with a supplement, it is possible to request pick-up service also outside of Catania / Taormina.

Times for this tour

  • Etna Emotion 3000 Tour 07:00–07:30 return ca. 16:00

You will receive the exact pick-up time via SMS and email the evening before the tour.

Go-Etna Meeting Point

Illustrated map: Giarre motorway exitAcirealeNicolosiZafferana EtneaEtnaGiarre motorway exit

The map is a visual aid: name, address and directions are in the text.

Meeting point

Giarre motorway exit

Address
Giarre exit of the A18 Catania–Messina motorway
GPS coordinates
37.701804, 15.168491
  • We meet in the car park next to the Etnafuel petrol station, just off the exit.
  • About 24 km from Taormina and 26 km from Catania.

Times for this tour

  • Etna Emotion 3000 Tour 08:30 return ca. 15:00

Etna Cable car Tour Photos

Etna Emotion Tour
Etna Emotion Tour 1 of 16