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Volcano & Cultural Tour at Mount Etna with Taormina - Catania

Volcano & Cultural Tour at Mount Etna with Taormina

Giarre

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview

Discover the awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna and the historic charm of Taormina on this immersive Sicilian adventure. Perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Giarre, Sicilia

Etna + Taormina

From €40 per Person | All Ages | 8 hours | Our best seller!

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Adventure Photos

Etna + Taormina photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour adventure exploring the majestic Mount Etna and charming Taormina. Experience hiking on the Crateri Silvestri, explore a lava tube, savor authentic Sicilian delicacies, and enjoy a guided walking tour of Taormina's historic sites. This excursion promises a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights.

Enjoy two must see places in one day with our best selling excursion!


Rates Public Tour

Single Guest: €120 Group of 2: €120 (€75/per person) Group of 3: €150 (€65/per person) Group of 4: €195 (€60/per person) Group of 5: €240 (€55/per person) Group of 6: €275 (€50/per person) Group of 7: €300 (€45/per person) Group of 7: €315 (€40/per person) Group of 8: €320 (€40/per person)

Rates Private Tour

Private Tour 1-3 pax: €270 Private Tour 4-8 pax: €320

Suitable for all ages


Duration

8 hours


Highlights

  • Pick up at your hotel in Catania
  • Visit of an abandoned stone quarry.
  • Visit and hiking on the big Crateri Silvestri.
  • Explore a lava tube with hard hats and flashlights.
  • Enjoy typical Sicilian products such as honey, wine, pistacchio and liquors.
  • Stop at Zafferana Etnea to taste a genuine Sicilian pizza.
  • Spend the afternoon with a free walking tour of Taormina, visit the theatre, the cathedral, the botanical garden and more.

About

With a height of 3320 meters above sea level and more than forty kilometers in diameter, Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe.

Its name comes from the Greek word “Aitna” meaning “to burn” but in the past was also called Atma Ǧabal Siqilliya (mount of Sicily) or Mons Gebel, combining the Latin and Arabic etymologies for the word mountain that led to the Sicilian name Mungibeddu, but locals refer to Etna with the name of “‘a Muntagna” (The Mountain).

Etna is the center of many legends of Greek and Latin mythology but not only. It is said that, inside the volcano, the Greek god Hephaestus had his forge in which he prepared the arrows used as weapons by Zeus and that he had tamed the fire demon Adranos driving him out of the volcano.

Etna has inspired several literary works from ancient times to the present day, from Hesiod to Aeschylus’ tragedy The Etna, now lost and the play The Cyclops by Euripides. In modern times, the poet of the Spanish Baroque Góngora wrote Fábula de Polifemo y Galatea, inspired by the legend of the shepherd Aci and the nymph Galatea and Ercole Patti setting his novel, A beautiful November, in Zafferana, a small village in the foothills of Etna,

Pier Paolo Pasolini shot four movies on Etna, while in 2008, Coldplay have used the Etna as the set of their video clips Violet Hill, the first single from their fourth album Viva la vida.


What is included

  • Car or minivan with air conditioning
  • Insurance
  • English or Spanish speaking driver/guide
  • Gas
  • Parking fees
  • Tolls
  • Taxes

What is included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Meals
  • Tickets
  • Archaeological park/museum guide
  • Everything not expressly mentioned on “the tour includes”

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy hiking shoes

The volcanic terrain can be uneven and rugged, so proper footwear is essential.

Bring layers and sun protection

Weather can change unexpectedly; pack layers and wear sunscreen and a hat.

Stay hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during hikes and outdoor walks.

Respect local sites

Follow guidelines to preserve the natural environment and historical sites.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Sicilian Wall Lizard
  • Eurasian Blue Tit

History

Mount Etna's eruptions have shaped the landscape for thousands of years and played a crucial role in local culture.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to respect the fragile volcanic environment and stick to designated paths to minimize impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Catania

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy hiking shoes

Essential

Good traction and ankle support needed for volcanic and uneven terrain.

all specific

Sun protection

Essential

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to shield from intense sun exposure.

summer specific

Layers

Essential

Clothing that can be added or removed to adapt to changing weather.

spring; fall; winter specific

Light backpack

Useful for carrying water, snacks, and extra layers during hikes.