Linguaglossa

Tours

Discover the fascinating landscapes of Etna’s northern slope on a guided tour. Enjoy the impressive views of Etna’s foothills, see up close and touch ancient lava flows, admire craters still in activity, and appreciate a typical Sicilian landscape with its crops and rural villages. Stop for a lunch break at a local etnean restaurant and take a more relaxing turn with a visit to the refreshing Alcantara Gorges lava canyon. Start your tour with pickup from an arranged meeting point in locations such as Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Catania, and Linguaglossa. Travel by SUV or minivan (up to 8 passengers/vehicle) to the first stop of your tour, an off-road route to the massive 2002 eruption lava front, the largest eruption of recent times which destroyed the Piano Provenzana ski facilities and part of the Ragabo Pine Forest. Pass through the Ragabo Forest, following the Mareneve road, and reach the starting point of the trek to the Monti Sartorius craters near Rifugio Citelli. Enjoy a hike of easy difficulty, suitable for everyone, on a route about 3 km long, starting from an altitude of 1665 m and arriving at an altitude of about 1775 m. Hike along a characteristic Etnean path, among white birch trees and "button" side crater (“bottoniera”), the Sartorius Craters, on the northeastern slope of Etna. Reach several vantage points with unique and spectacular views of Calabria and the Aeolian Islands. Explore an Etna volcanic cave after your trek to the Sartorius, the Grotta dei Ladroni (also called Grotta delle Nevi). Equip yourself with the helmet and flashlight we will provide and venture inside this lava flow tunnel to discover its formation and history. This lava flow tunnel was partially excavated by man, as evidenced by the date engraved on a stone on top of the entrance: 1776. Learn how Etna’s inhabitants used this cave in centuries past to store snow in the winter months, later reselling it in the warmer months. Stop at an Etnean restaurant to rest and enjoy a delicious meal: a first course dish, water and coffee are included in the price. Continue to the Alcantara Valley, passing through Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, with features similar to a medieval village, famous for its wineries producing excellent Etna wines. Visit the Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges, located in the “Alcantara River Park”. Admire the Gorges, which are a fascinating natural lava canyon excavated by the Alcantara River through lava flows of ancient times. Descend inside the Alcantara Gorges via the municipal entrance, the entrance fee is included. Freely relax by the beach or take a walk/swim in the refreshing Alcantara River. After visiting the Alcantara Gorges the tour will end going back to the initial meeting point. The program of the excursion may be subject to changes at the discretion of the guide, depending on the weather conditions of the day and to always ensure the safety of the participants.

You will discover the Catania coast and some typical Etnean villages such as Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa while enjoying the picturesque scenery surrounding Mount Etna. The excursion begins with a short stop in Linguaglossa and then on to a renowned winery. You will admire Etna from a different perspective and learn all about the production process of the regional wine produced by the winery on Etna's slope. You will taste four different wines and a small aperitif consisting of preserved vegetables, a selection of Sicilian cheeses, local cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, bread, and local olive oil. Return to Taormina in the late afternoon.

Departure from the “Gole Alcantara” Botanical and Geological Park. Through this quad excursion on Etna, on board our vehicles, you will have an unforgettable experience in contact with nature among the off-road paths immersed in the woods and lava flows. We will cross the ancient nature trails, the vineyards, and the rivers of the Alcantara Valley and Castiglione di Sicilia. We will climb towards the northern side of Etna, the 2002 lava flow, and caves inside the volcano, making various stops including the Ragabo refuge. We set off again and reach the Piano Provenzana refuge at an altitude of 1800 meters. Visit the caves formed by the cooling of the lava and return to the starting point.

This tour begins at “Piano Provenzana” and follows a mountain trail at an altitude of 2900 meters. Traveling by off road vehicle, we will reach a high mountain slope framed by magnificent views of lava and volcanic sand along the rift created in the 2002 eruption. Here, we will walk on the edge of the craters of 2002 and see how a volcano is created. Here, we will identify minerals characterized by colors ranging from yellow to red to blue. From here the breathtaking view encompasses the Gulf of Taormina, the Bay of Naxos, the Straits of Messina and Calabria and the mountain range of Nebrodi to Rocca Novara, one can take in the most impressive views in the world, seemingly lunar landscapes created by multiple lateral eruptions along the North face of Mount Etna. Continuing our excursion with our off-road vehicles to an altitude of 2900 meters the North-East crater (where the volcano observatory is located), dominates the area. From this point it will start the ascent by walk on a path surrounded by volcanic scoria and bombs. The total climb is of 300 mt till we will arrive to the view point, at a height of 2900 mt. There we will stop to admire the greatness, the uniqueness and the processes of the volcanic environment, united to the spectacle of the view you can enjoy from the roof of Sicily (the visibility could change according to the weather or volcanic conditions). In clear weather, one can see both the "Lion" and the "Bove" valleys, the majesty of the North East and South East. The tour ends by going back through Piano delle Concazze and then descending to Piano Provenzana, the arrival point of our excursion.

Soar above the Etna volcano on a helicopter flight in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia. Start with some welcome drinks. After take-off, proceed to the northern side of the volcano, flying over the towns of Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa. During the ascent, admire a majestic forest of conifers and the old lava flows that descend almost to the Etna villages. As you get nearer to the peaks, fly over the ski resort of Piano Provenzana, enjoying a unique view of the flows that formed the series of craters called "la bottoniera." See the vegetation end and be replaced by the sciara that will lead you up to the majestic view of the summit craters. At an altitude of about 3500 meters, enjoy sweeping views of the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and Calabria. Begin the descent along the volcano's more rugged side to reach the Sapienza ski resort. From here, soak in a view of Catania and the Gulf. Proceeding east, fly over the old, extinct Silvestri Craters before passing over the Schiena dell'asilo "donkey's back" that leads to the vast Valle del Bove. Survey the 1992 flows that almost destroyed the village of Zafferana Etnea. After one last look at the coast between Catania and Taormina, the vineyards, and lush crops, it is time to return to the helipad. An unforgettable 30 minutes helicopter tour!

Race an ATV across the rugged volcanic landscapes of Etna on this guided tour from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Glide by some of the most stunning spots in the region, such as the Moio Alcantara crater and the alpine Piano Provenzana. Upgrade your tour by choosing the option with hotel pickup. Meet your guide and get set up with your ATV gear. Once you're ready, set off from the Alcantara Gorges, following dirt tracks in the direction of Castiglione di Sicilia, famous for its winemaking. Stop to catch your breath and soak up the spectacular views of the valley. Continue along the bike trail to Linguaglossa, where you can see the little volcano of Moio Alcantara, which is Etna's farthest crater from the epicenter. Pass-by lava flows formed during numerous eruptions. Climb to Piano Provenzana, reaching an altitude of 1,850 meters, and take in the panoramic views of the island. Return to your meeting point at the end of your ATV tour.

Visit 2 traditional Italian wineries on this full-day group tour from Taormina. You’ll be picked up at around 9:00 AM from your accommodation in Taormina and head to Castiglione di Sicilia, a picturesque village that dates from the Medieval era. The wine produced in the Etnean region close to Castiglione is considered the finest in the area. You’ll be absolutely charmed by this town’s ancient architecture and quaint streets. Stop at your first winery, where you’ll taste locally-produced Etnean wines and an aperitif based on local products. You can also walk along the vineyards and see first-hand the wine grapes and learn about their production. At the second winery, taste 3 DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin) Etnean wines, paired with a complete lunch based on traditional products. Walk around the winery, see the barrels where the wine you’ve just tasted is stored, and learn more about the wine-making process. Finally, you’ll head home to Taormina at around 5:00 PM.

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, with volcanological guide. 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.

Excursions to Mount Etna conveniently depart from Taormina, Letojanni, Giardini Naxos and nearby towns, with the possibility of arranging departures from more distant locations. Around 8:30/9:00 am, our AIGAE certified guide will pick you up directly at your accommodation. On board our vehicles, jeeps or minivans, we will head to the northeastern slope of Mount Etna, passing through the picturesque villages of Piedimonte and Linguaglossa, located at the foot of the volcano. After about 45 minutes of travel, we will reach the Chalet Clan dei Ragazzi along the Mare Neve highway, where you can enjoy a coffee and rent free hiking shoes if needed. The adventure begins with a dip into the past, visiting the area devastated by the 2002 eruption, which affected Piano Provenzana and the Ragabo Pine Forest. From here, we will walk along paths surrounded by nature, among pines, birch trees and lava flows, which will lead us to the side craters. The view from these craters, among the most spectacular on Etna, offers a unique opportunity to take memorable photos. The last stop of the day will be the Grotta dei Ladroni, a fascinating lava flow tunnel once used as a "neviera." Equipped with helmets and flashlights, we will explore this evocative place, discovering its history and being fascinated by its peculiarities. At the end of the hike, we will stop for lunch at Chalet Clan dei Ragazzi, located at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Here you can choose between two menu options: a €10 option, which includes a sandwich of your choice, a drink (water, Coca-Cola, wine or beer) and dessert, or a €15 menu, which includes a bruschetta, a first course of your choice, a drink and coffee. This excursion is not just a trip to Mount Etna, but a complete experience to immerse you in the nature, history and authentic flavors of Sicily!

Embark on a guided trek along Mount Etna's north side. Discover the craters at the summit, wander through the forests, stare in awe at the lava streams, and admire the eruptive fractures. Begin the trekking route along the dirt road that leads from Piano Provenzana to the summit craters of the volcano. Make a stop to see the ruins of the Hotel dell Betulle, the only visible structure that stands from the lava flow that occurred in 2002. Along the route, take the time to visit and study several volcanic morphologies, all related to a series of eruptions that have occurred overtimef on the north side of Etna. In particular, the flank eruptions have left the most evidence, especially the last one, which threatened the city of Linguaglossa. See the structures called Hornitos, which means, small over, and go up along the cinder cones. Once at the summit, look over the edge of the craters and go down inside a sandy channel to get back to the starting point.