Catania: Full Circuit of Etna in MTB

Exploring the wild terrain of Mount Etna by mountain bike promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure. This full-day tour whisks travelers on an 80-kilometer circuit through volcanic landscapes, ancient lava flows, and tranquil forests. With experienced guides leading the way, participants can look forward to a personalized small-group experience and an unparalleled encounter with the majesty of one of Sicily’s natural wonders. What secrets await those who embark on this two-wheeled journey around the iconic Mount Etna?

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Key Points

A full-day MTB tour around Mount Etna, departing from Catania and covering 80.84 km over 6 hours with a difficult rating.
Highlights include observing lava flows, exploring lava flow caves, and cycling through serene oak and pine tree woods.
The tour is led by qualified mountain bike guides and includes bike and helmet rental, with a transfer back to the starting point.
The tour is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, and those with mobility impairments, and participants are advised to bring appropriate gear.
The tour offers a small group experience with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized guidance and adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The article describes a full circuit MTB tour around Mount Etna, departing from Catania. The tour is priced from $133.25 per person and lasts 8 hours, with a small group limited to 8 participants.

Live tour guides are available in Italian and English, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The biking portion covers 80.84 km over 6 hours, with a difficult rating and significant elevation changes.

A challenging 80.84 km, 6-hour bike tour around Mount Etna, with significant elevation changes and a difficult rating.

Tour highlights include following lava flows and cycling through oak and pine woods around the volcano.

Inclusions, restrictions, and other important details are also provided.

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

Tour Itinerary

Starting at the Euro Etna Tourism chalet, the tour takes participants on a 4-hour bike ride along the Altomontano trail.

The journey covers a total distance of 80.84 km, with an uphill climb of 963 m and a downhill descent of 2,828 m, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.

The tour highlights include:

Following recent and ancient lava flows, offering a unique perspective on the volcanic activity of Mount Etna.
Exploring lava flow caves, providing a glimpse into the geological wonders of the region.
Cycling around Mount Etna, surrounded by the natural beauty of oak and pine tree woods.

After the bike tour, participants are transferred back to the starting point, completing the full circuit of Mount Etna in MTB.

Tour Highlights

As participants embark on the bike tour, they’ll follow recent and ancient lava flows, offering a unique perspective on the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. They’ll have the chance to view lava flow caves, which provide a glimpse into the mountain’s dynamic geology. Throughout the ride, they’ll be surrounded by the verdant oak and pine tree woods, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop. The tour highlights are summarized in the table below:

| Highlight | Description |

| — | — |

| Lava Flows | Observe recent and ancient lava flows |

| Lava Flow Caves | View the intricate network of caves |

| Woodland Scenery | Cycle through oak and pine tree woods |

| Mount Etna | Ride around the iconic volcano |

| Diverse Terrain | Experience a range of volcanic landscapes |

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes the transfer from the end of the Altomontano track back to the starting point, as well as a qualified mountain bike guide.

Bike and helmet rental are also provided.

However, the tour excludes:

The tour excludes all expenses not specified, luggage or large bags, and participation for certain groups.

All expenses not specified under the "cost includes" section.
Luggage or large bags, as they aren’t allowed on the tour.
Participation for children under 14, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments, as the tour isn’t suitable for them.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and water for the duration of the biking activity.

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Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

The Catania: Full Circuit of Etna in MTB tour isn’t suitable for everyone.

Children under 14 years, pregnant women, and those with mobility impairments should avoid this challenging cycling adventure.

Participants must come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and water. Luggage and large bags aren’t allowed.

This 8-hour tour covers 80.84 km with a significant elevation gain of 963 m uphill and 2,828 m downhill.

The difficulty level is classified as difficult, requiring a certain level of fitness and cycling expertise to navigate the Altomontano trail around the active volcano.

There's plenty more to explore in Catania

Important Information

The meeting point for the Catania: Full Circuit of Etna in MTB tour is the Euro Etna tourism chalet.

Participants are advised to check availability for starting times, as the tour operates on a flexible schedule.

On top of that, a "reserve now & pay later" option is available for those seeking a more flexible booking.

The key important information for this tour includes:

Meeting point: Euro Etna tourism chalet
Check availability for starting times
Reserve now & pay later option available for flexible booking

Price and Duration

The Catania: Full Circuit of Etna in MTB tour is priced from $133.25 per person.

The tour duration is 8 hours. It’s a small group experience, limited to 8 participants. The tour is led by a live guide available in Italian and English.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The biking portion lasts around 6 hours, covering a total distance of 80.84 km with an uphill elevation of 963 m and downhill of 2,828 m, making it a difficult activity.

A van transfer takes participants back to the starting point after the bike tour.

Small Group Experience

As a small group experience, the Catania: Full Circuit of Etna in MTB tour limits participation to just 8 people. This intimate group size ensures a personalized and focused adventure.

Some key benefits of the small group format include:

The small group size allows for a flexible pace, personalized guidance, and exclusive access to intimate areas along the trail.

Enhanced Guidance: With a limited group, the qualified mountain bike guide can provide more attentive and tailored support to each participant.
Flexible Pace: The small group allows for a flexible pace, accommodating different skill levels and ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Exclusive Access: The small group size facilitates access to more intimate and exclusive areas along the Altomontano trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike for the Tour?

Sure, you can bring your own bike for the tour. The tour provider offers bike and helmet rental, but if you prefer to use your own mountain bike, that’s perfectly fine as well. Just make sure it’s in good working condition.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Participants?

The tour has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for children under 14. Pregnant women and people with mobility issues also can’t participate. Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and water, but large bags aren’t allowed.

Is This Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

No, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. According to the information provided, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The terrain and activities involved would make it difficult for wheelchair users to participate.

Can I Purchase Additional Equipment or Gear on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t allow participants to purchase additional equipment or gear on-site. Riders must bring their own comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and water. Large bags and luggage are also prohibited during the tour.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Prevent Me From Participating?

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments. Participants should be in good physical condition to handle the difficult terrain and lengthy cycling distance.

The Sum Up

This thrilling 80.84 km mountain bike tour around Mount Etna offers an unforgettable exploration of the volcano’s stunning volcanic landscapes, ancient lava flows, and serene forests. With a small group and expert guides, you will enjoy personalized attention throughout this challenging 6-hour adventure departing from the Euro Etna Tourism chalet.