From Catania: Etna Tour to the Base of the Summit Craters

Mount Etna is one of Sicily’s most captivating natural wonders. This 8-hour tour from Catania promises an unforgettable journey to the base of the summit craters. Travelers can expect a cable car ride to 2500 meters, followed by a 4×4 ascent to 2950 meters, where knowledgeable guides will lead the way through diverse landscapes and a volcanic cave. The $220.63 per person price tag may seem steep, but the breathtaking views and insights into the region’s geology and botany could make it a worthwhile investment. What secrets might this active volcano hold?

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Key Points

Provides an 8-hour tour from Catania to explore the Central and South-Eastern Craters of Mount Etna at altitudes up to 2950 meters.
Includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, cable car and 4×4 vehicle access, picnic lunch, and necessary equipment.
Offers the opportunity to trek on the southern side of Mount Etna and discover a volcanic cave.
Features live commentary in English and Italian, and a cancellation policy with full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour has received a 4.9/5 rating from 33 reviews, praised for its knowledgeable guides and unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour from Catania to Mount Etna’s Base of Summit Craters is priced from $220.63 per person and lasts 8 hours.

It includes transportation, a guide, cable car and 4×4 tickets, a picnic lunch, and necessary equipment.

The tour offers live commentary in English and Italian. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

There’s also a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour’s highlights include visiting two altitudes, trekking on the south side, exploring a volcanic cave, and learning about speleology and volcanic eruptions from expert guides.

Looking for more options in Mount Etna? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

Around 8:30 AM, the tour picks up participants from their accommodations in Catania. Next, they’ll travel to Rifugio Sapienza, where they’ll take a cable car up to an elevation of 2500 meters. From there, they’ll board a 4×4 vehicle to reach a maximum height of 2950 meters.

| Tour Details | Description |

| — | — |

| Departure Time | 8:30 AM |

| Cable Car Elevation | 2500 meters |

| Maximum Elevation | 2950 meters |

| Guided Nature Walk | Explore geological & botanical aspects |

The tour then includes a guided nature walk to explore the geological and botanical aspects of the area. Lunch featuring Sicilian baked goods and Mount Etna wine is also provided, along with a visit to a volcanic cave equipped with helmets and torches.

Tour Highlights

Though the tour doesn’t reach the summit of Mount Etna (3343 meters), it allows visitors to experience the magnificence of the Central and South-Eastern Craters at two altitudes: 2000 meters and 2950 meters.

Participants will trek on the southern side of the volcano and explore a volcanic cave, equipped with helmets and torches. Expert guides provide insights into speleology and volcanic eruptions, enhancing the educational aspect of the tour.

The diverse landscape, with its geological and botanical features, offers a captivating exploration of Etna’s natural wonders.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes transportation in a Jeep or minibus, as well as the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Participants must wear comfortable shoes, as sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with heart problems.

The inclusions:

Cable car ticket to reach 2500 meters.
4×4 unimog ticket to access the maximum height of 2950 meters.
Picnic with Sicilian baked goods and Mount Etna wine.

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Important Information

While the summit of Mount Etna (3343 meters) isn’t reached on this tour, the maximum altitude explored is 2950 meters.

The tour may be canceled if the minimum number of participants isn’t met or if weather conditions prevent access. Snow conditions may require a snow cat vehicle, increasing the price by 30 EUR per person.

However, the tour has received an impressive customer rating of 4.9/5 based on 33 reviews, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and overall excellent experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Mount Etna

Customer Feedback

Customers have praised the Etna Tour from Catania, awarding it an impressive 4.9-out-of-5 rating based on 33 reviews.

Highlights of the customer feedback include:

Knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights into the geological and botanical aspects of Mount Etna.
An overall exceptional experience exploring the majesty of the Central and South-Eastern Craters.
The opportunity to trek on the South side of Etna and discover a volcanic cave, adding to the sense of adventure.

The tour’s stellar reviews underscore its ability to deliver an unforgettable journey for visitors to Catania.

Exploring Mount Etna’s Treasures

Although towering at an impressive 3,343 meters, the summit of Mount Etna is not the sole focus of this captivating tour. Instead, the journey delves into the mountain’s geological and botanical wonders, offering a multifaceted experience. Guests are treated to a cable car ride, a 4×4 excursion, and a guided nature walk, culminating in the exploration of a volcanic cave. Along the way, expert guides share their knowledge on speleology and volcanic eruptions, providing a deeper understanding of this dynamic, ever-changing landscape.

| Highlights | Inclusions | Requirements |

| — | — | — |

| Visit two altitudes: 2000m and 2950m | Transportation, guide, cable car, 4×4 ticket | Comfortable shoes, no sandals/flip-flops |

| Trek on the South side and explore a cave | Picnic with water, wine | Not suitable for heart problems |

| Experience the Central and South-Eastern Craters | Necessary equipment | All children must be accompanied |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes a picnic lunch, so bringing your own food and drinks is not necessary. However, you’re welcome to pack additional snacks or beverages if desired, as long as they don’t interfere with the provided meal.

Is There an Option to Explore the Summit Area of Mount Etna?

There’s no option to explore the summit area of Mount Etna on this tour. The tour only reaches a maximum altitude of 2950 meters, as the summit at 3343 meters is not included in the itinerary.

How Often Do the Tours Run During the Week?

The tours run daily, with multiple departures throughout the week. Specific departure times may vary, so it’s best to check the tour provider’s schedule when booking.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Booking?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a "reserve now & pay later" option available if customers need to change their booking.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children on the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must wear comfortable shoes, as sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

The Sum Up

This thrilling Etna tour offers a captivating glimpse into the geological wonders of Sicily’s iconic volcano. Travelers can marvel at the dramatic landscapes, explore volcanic caves, and gain insights into the region’s unique ecology – all while accompanied by knowledgeable guides. With its mix of adventure and education, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to explore the majesty of Mount Etna.