From Catania: Mount Etna and Alcantara River Tour

Sicily’s breathtaking landscapes are the star of this small-group tour. Travelers can explore Mount Etna’s volcanic wonders, from the iconic Silvestri Craters to a lava cave. They’ll also discover the picturesque Alcantara River on a scenic walk and enjoy local produce tastings. With comfortable transportation and multilingual guides, this 9-hour adventure promises an unforgettable day immersed in nature’s marvels. But what makes this tour truly unique is the opportunity to experience these iconic sites up-close and personal.

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Key Points

Explore the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna and the natural beauty of the Alcantara River on a small-group tour from Catania.
Hike to the Silvestri Craters, visit an organic farm, and explore a lava cave as part of the 9-hour tour.
Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as multilingual guides and trekking gear provided.
Tour features a mix of outdoor activities, local tastings, and historical sites for a well-rounded Sicilian experience.
With positive reviews and a reasonable price, this tour offers good value for money for visitors to Catania.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Although the tour begins in Catania, it takes participants on an engaging journey to explore Mount Etna and the Alcantara River.

Priced from $96.84 per person, the 9-hour small-group tour is limited to 8 travelers, with pickup included from hotels or B&Bs in Catania.

Along With visiting the Silvestri Craters and exploring a lava cave, the tour includes stops at an organic farm and the Alcantara River.

With multilingual guides, optional cable car and 4WD access, and positive reviews for the guide and transportation, this tour offers a well-rounded Etna and Alcantara River experience.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup at Catania, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Rifugio Sapienza at the base of Mount Etna.

The tour begins with pickup at Catania, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Rifugio Sapienza at the base of Mount Etna.

Visitors then hike for 1.5 hours to explore the Silvestri Craters. An optional cable car ride takes them up to 2,504 meters.

Next, they continue by 4WD minibus to Torre del Filosofo. Here, they’ll explore a lava cave equipped with helmets and torches.

The tour continues with a visit to an organic farm in Zafferana for tastings of local produce.

Finally, they’ll walk along the Alcantara River and view the natural pools and ruins of Francavilla Castle.

Included Services

The tour includes a range of services to enhance the experience.

Pickup and drop-off at the hotel or B&B in Catania are provided. Multilingual guides lead the tour, ensuring clear communication. Trekking shoes are available on request.

Visitors receive a kit for exploring the lava cave, including helmets and torches. Tastings at an organic farm showcase local products like honey, wine, and olive oil.

High altitude access options, such as a cable car and 4WD transport, are offered. These comprehensive services create a well-rounded and seamless tour for travelers.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have consistently praised the Mount Etna and Alcantara River Tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 27 reviews. The guide received a perfect 5/5 rating, with reviewers highlighting their exceptional knowledge and experience. The transportation received a 4.6/5 rating, while value for money was scored 4.1/5. Traveler feedback indicates a high-quality tour with a knowledgeable guide, reliable transportation, and good value.

| Metric | Rating |

| ——— | —— |

| Overall | 4.5/5 |

| Guide | 5/5 |

| Transport | 4.6/5 |

| Value | 4.1/5 |

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Important Information

For this tour, travelers should bring weather-appropriate clothing.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Swimsuits and water shoes are recommended for exploring the Alcantara River.

The tour can be booked with a reserve now & pay later option.

Pickup and drop-off are included at the hotel or B&B in Catania.

Plus, the tour offers trekking shoes upon request, a kit for the lava cave visit, and tastings of local produce like honey, wine, and olive oil at an organic farm.

There's plenty more to explore in Catania

Pickup and Transportation

Pickup for the tour is included from the hotel or B&B in Catania.

Travelers are transported by van for the 1.5-hour drive to Rifugio Sapienza. At that point, they’ll have the option to ride a cable car or travel by 4WD minibus, for an additional fee, to reach higher altitudes.

The total travel time back to Catania at the end of the tour is 1.5 hours.

Transportation is provided throughout the day, allowing participants to fully experience the highlights of Mount Etna and the Alcantara River without worrying about logistics.

Exploring Mount Etna

Upon arrival at Rifugio Sapienza, the tour embarks on exploring the iconic Mount Etna.

Visitors hike for 1.5 hours, admiring the stunning Silvestri Craters. An optional cable car ride takes them up to 2,504 meters for panoramic views.

The tour then continues by 4WD minibus to Torre del Filosofo, where they explore a lava cave equipped with helmets and torches.

The experience provides a unique opportunity to witness the geological wonders of this active volcano up-close, showcasing its raw power and the resilience of the surrounding landscape.

Experiencing the Alcantara River

After exploring the volcanic wonders of Mount Etna, the tour then takes visitors to experience the stunning Alcantara River.

Along the river, the group will walk amidst the natural pools and ruins of Francavilla Castle. The Alcantara River is known for its dramatic basalt rock formations, carved over centuries by the flowing water.

Visitors are encouraged to bring swimsuits and water shoes to fully enjoy the river experience. The tour offers a chance to take in the unique natural beauty of this geological wonder, complementing the earlier volcanic exploration of Mount Etna.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an unbeatable opportunity to discover the natural wonders of Sicily. Venture to the iconic Mount Etna and the picturesque Alcantara River, with knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a focus on small groups. Taste local produce, explore lava caves, and learn about the breathtaking landscapes. It’s an unforgettable day that showcases the best of Sicily’s natural beauty.