Embark on an unforgettable journey from Palermo to Taormina, exploring the magnificent Mount Etna. This guided tour offers a chance to witness the breathtaking Silvester Craters and enjoy stunning vistas from 1,900 meters. Depending on weather conditions, you can even ascend to the summit via cable car for a closer look at this iconic Sicilian landmark. But the adventure doesn’t end there – you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the charming town of Taormina, including a visit to its renowned Greek Theatre.
Key Points
- This 7-hour multi-language tour offers van transfers from Palermo to Mount Etna’s Rifugio Sapienza and an optional ascent to the top of the volcano.
- The tour includes exploring the Silvester Craters and enjoying scenic mountain views, as well as leisure time in the charming town of Taormina.
- The tour is offered on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the price is Kč 3,727 per person.
- Inclusions are visits as per itinerary and a multilingual tour escort, while optional activities and entrance fees are excluded.
- Participants should arrive 10 minutes early, wear comfortable walking shoes, and be aware that the optional ascent is weather-dependent.
Tour Overview
This multi-language tour, titled "From Palermo to Taormina: Mount Etna," offers a comprehensive exploration of Sicily’s iconic Mount Etna.
Priced at Kč 3,727 per person, the 7-hour experience operates on Wednesdays and Fridays, with English, Spanish, and Italian language options.
The tour includes a van transfer from Palermo to the ski resort Rifugio Sapienza at 1,900 meters above sea level, where travelers can marvel at the Silvester Craters.
An optional ascent to the top of Mount Etna is available, weather permitting.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a van transfer from Palermo’s Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15, taking guests on a 3.5-hour journey to the slopes of Mount Etna.
At the ski resort Rifugio Sapienza, 1900 meters above sea level, guests will have:
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Time to explore the Silvester Craters
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Opportunities to marvel at the views from the mountain’s summit
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An optional ascent to the top of Mount Etna via cable car, weather permitting
A 1-hour van transfer to the Terminal Interbus in Taormina, where the tour concludes.
Activities and Highlights
Travelers will marvel at the sweeping views from 1,900 meters on Mount Etna. The scenic drive offers a chance to admire the picturesque Sicilian landscape as the tour travels from west to east.
During the leisure time in Taormina, guests can stroll the charming streets or visit the renowned Greek Theatre. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there’s an optional ascent to the top of Mount Etna, via cable car, weather permitting. Tickets for this additional activity can be purchased on-site.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes visits as per the itinerary, along with a multilingual tour escort or driver-escort.
Pick-up and drop-off at the specified locations are provided, and the transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle.
However, the following are excluded:
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Etna ascent fees (optional)
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Entrance fees (optional)
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Meals and beverages
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Gratuities
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking and to be aware that the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point in Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15 in Palermo, as pick-up may vary by up to 15 minutes due to traffic conditions.
This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. The experience requires a minimum number of participants; if the minimum isn’t met, alternative dates or full refunds will be offered.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Optional activities, such as the ascent to the top of Mount Etna, are weather-dependent and have additional fees. Entrance fees and meals are also not included in the tour price.
Scenic Drive: Admiring the Sicilian Landscape
As the tour departs Palermo, travelers embark on a scenic drive that showcases the diverse and captivating Sicilian landscape.
The journey winds through rolling hills, lush vineyards, and picturesque coastal towns, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history and natural beauty.
The highlights of the drive include:
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Panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged coastline
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Passing through quaint villages with traditional architecture
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Observing the transition from the western to the eastern regions of Sicily
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Catching glimpses of Mount Etna, the towering volcano that dominates the landscape.
Leisure Time: Exploring Taormina
After visiting Mount Etna, the tour transports travelers to the picturesque town of Taormina, where they enjoy ample leisure time to explore at their own pace. Taormina, known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea," offers a charming old town with winding streets, quaint shops, and the famous Greek Theatre. Visitors can stroll along the Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian thoroughfare, or visit the stunning Villa Comunale gardens. To make the most of their time, travelers can refer to the following table for recommended activities and sights in Taormina.
| Activity | Duration | Cost |
| — | — | — |
| Explore the Greek Theatre | 1-2 hours | €10 |
| Wander the Old Town | 1-2 hours | Free |
| Visit the Villa Comunale | 1 hour | Free |
| Enjoy Panoramic Views from Piazza IX Aprile | 30 minutes | Free |
Optional Activities: Ascending Mount Etna
Though the main tour program includes a visit to the ski resort of Rifugio Sapienza at 1,900 meters on Mount Etna, adventurous travelers can opt to ascend further up the volcano, weather permitting.
For adventurous travelers, the option to ascend higher up Mount Etna, beyond the ski resort, is available weather permitting.
Tickets for the optional cable car ride are available on-site. This provides access to:
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Higher vantage points with panoramic views
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Walking trails around the secondary craters
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Guided tours to the summit craters at over 3,000 meters
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The opportunity to peer into the active lava flows and steam vents of Europe’s most active volcano.
Proper hiking shoes and warm clothing are recommended for this optional activity.
The Sum Up
This tour offers an unforgettable journey through Sicily’s stunning landscapes. Travelers can explore the Silvester Craters, enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Etna’s summit, and discover the charming town of Taormina. With a scenic van transfer, optional cable car ascent, and ample free time, this multi-language tour provides an immersive cultural experience that showcases the best of the region.
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