Alcantara National Park

Travel in a small group with a guide from Taormina to Etna on this full-day tour. See craters, walk along the volcanic underground, enjoy a typical lunch, and visit the Alcantara Canyons. Enjoy a 2-hour hike around the perimeters of extinct craters and along lava-covered paths at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. Visit the volcanic underground, discovering one of the wonders of Etna. Stop for lunch and visit a local winery. Enjoy local products and a tasting of Etna wines. Last on the itinerary is a visit to the Alcantara Canyons, formed thousands of years ago when lava flowed into the Alcantara River, from a panoramic viewpoint.

Through this experience we will immerse our customers, driving a quad, into the Alcantara valley, on an excursion that will allow them to discover the uncontaminated and evocative nature of this splendid area. We will leave for this cultural and adventurous experience from the Alcantara Gorges. To head towards Francavilla di Sicilia, along a dirt road crossing suggestive itineraries. It will be possible to visit, linger and cool off in the wonderful Alcantara gurne, all while moving along off-road paths.

Tick off two of Sicily’s must-see attractions in one day on this tour with hotel transfers from Catania. Explore volcanic caves and rock pools on a trek through Alcantara Gorges. Walk around the craters of Mt Etna with an Alpine guide. Make a stop at a local winery for a traditional lunch with wine. Start your Sicilian adventure by meeting your guide in Catania, either at your accommodation or another agreed-upon location. Take a brief, scenic drive by an air-conditioned van to either the Sartorius craters or the 2002 crater on the Northeast side of Etna. Let your guide introduce you to the fascinating world of volcanic phenomena. Walk through ancient woods, extinct craters, and old lava flows. Witness deserts of lava and ashes, peculiar formations, and traces of previous eruptions. Reach a maximum altitude of 2000 meters. Then, strap on your helmets and lamps to explore a volcanic cave like the Grotto del Ladroni or Grotta Cassone. Stop at a nice winery up along the mountain road for an authentic Sicilian lunch including appetizer, first course, water, and wine, which will be served outdoors or indoors depending on the weather. Visit the Alcantara canyons, formed thousands of years ago from the lava flow that invaded the bed of the Alcantara river. Enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Alcantara River. End your day back in Catania where you were picked up.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the highest volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. Tour guests meet at the bus terminal in Taormina, Via Pirandello. The tour is led by a knowledgeable tour leader. You can enjoy exclusive information of the history of Mount Etna and the surrounding areas. An air-conditioned coach will transport you to the Alcantara Gorges (entry extra). This is an impressive natural sculpture. Thousands of years ago the riverbed was blocked by lava flow from Mount Etna, and as the lava cooled more quickly than the water it crystallized. Tall columns of lava have since stood here and as the river eroded through the lava it has created a series of impressive gorges. Don’t forget your camera. The trip continues on board the Circumetnea, a traditional train that winds around the foot of the volcano reaching up to Adrano in the south. Then. by coach, reach Rifugio Sapienza, at an altitude of 1.900 meters on the southern side. Then, ascend via cable car and jeep to the authorized crater zones, assisted by licensed guides of the Italian Alpine Club (Italian and English speaking). Stop to admire the eventual activity of the summit craters in the area of security. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to Taormina where the tour ends. Boots and jacket rentable on site.

You'll be able to choose the tour that suits you best, for beginners or experts, without giving up the discovery of this beautiful area at the foot of Mount Etna. You will be accompanied by our open-top guide, who will allow you to explore in complete safety. You will start from the Alcantara Gorges and then head to Francavilla di Sicilia, a historic village of 3,000 inhabitants located in the heart of the Valley. During this route you will travel along both dirt paths and asphalt, always remaining enveloped by a picturesque and characteristic landscape. From time to time there will be a pause that will allow you to admire the landscape and the Alcantara River. If you choose the 2 1/2-hour route, always accompanied by our guide, you will be able to arrive as far as Castiglione di Sicilia.

Depart from Taormina and head to the Rifugio Sapienza on Mount Etna. Learn the history of the volcano and visit the sites of its last eruptions. Choose to trek along the nature paths of the Parco dell’Etna or take the cable car to an altitude of 2,504 meters and continue by 4WD minibus to the Torre del Filosofo. Get stunning views of the scenery stretching down to the sea and admire the craters and old lava flows that characterize the landscape. Explore a lava cave with all the proper equipment. Continue down the mountain and stop at a local producer for a delicious sampling of typical delicacies, such as honey and oil. Discover the different corners of the Alcantara River. Walk down small paths, past cultivated fields, and see the natural pools and waterfalls and continue to get up close to different basalt and unexpected lava formations.

Enjoy your tour to Mount Etna up to the top of the Volcano. Transfer by bus from your pick up point to Piano Provenzana. Ascent to the top with off - road vehicoles, accompanied by an alpin guide. Soft trekking at the top to see Bove Valley and main craters. Transfer by bus from Piano Provenzana to Alcantara Gorges. Explore the famous park of Alcantara, a lava canyon with a freezing river. Tasting of tipycal sicilian product. To the Botanical Park it is possible buy food and drink. Entry to the Gorges not included in the price.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel, or a meeting place of your choice in Taormina or Messina, and take you by comfortable private car the Alcantara river. The river is an ecological wonder, with limestone rocks that make it perfect for letting the rapids take your body on an exciting descent. When you arrive, our specialized guides will take you on your body rafting adventure. Enjoy the views of the rocks as this unique experience allows you to use your body as the raft, with the upmost confidence in your safety. At the end of the tour, your guide will accompany you at a typical traditional restaurant for the lunch.

This tour allows you to reach the highest Volcano in Europe. Transfer by open bus or gran turismo. Once at the refuge at 1810m, free time to do soft trekking up to craters of 2002. Upon returning, continue to reach the Alcantara Gorges: a lava canyon crossed by icy waters. Entry not included. Inside the botanical and geological park, it will be possible to taste typical sicilian product.