FULL DAY excursion – ETNA and TAORMINA

The FULL DAY excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina offers a comprehensive taste of Sicily’s volcanic wonder and charming town life. Priced at $109.86 per person, this tour spans approximately 8 hours and features visits to Europe’s most active volcano and the picturesque hilltop town of Taormina. With a 5.0-star rating from 24 reviews and a recommendation rate of 100%, it stands out as a well-organized, reliable choice for those eager to experience Sicily’s highlights in a single day.

Travelers appreciate how this tour balances spectacular natural scenery with free time to explore at each stop. The journey begins at the Crateri Silvestri of Mount Etna, where participants ascend to around 1900 meters, with options to go further up to 2500 meters via optional cable car. The afternoon is dedicated to Taormina, offering panoramic views, characteristic alleys, and notable Greco-R Roman and medieval architecture. This tour suits those who want a structured yet flexible experience of Sicily’s volcanic and cultural treasures without the hassle of arranging transport or guides.

Key Points

• Includes a visit to Mount Etna’s Silvestri craters and a walk up to 2000-2100 meters with a mountain guide
• Optional cable car ride up to 2500 meters, at an additional fee
• Free time in Taormina for sightseeing and shopping on a plateau of Mount Tauro
• Air-conditioned transportation included, with a maximum group size of 16 travelers
• Tour duration of about 8 hours, with precise stops and timings
• Booking in advance is recommended, with an average of 25 days prior to departure

Mount Etna: The Most Important Volcano in Europe

The tour starts with a visit to Mount Etna’s Silvestri craters, the most significant volcanic site in Europe. Reaching around 1900 meters, you’ll explore the landscape shaped by past eruptions with a mountain guide leading the way. The walk around the craters offers a close-up of volcanic features, with the possibility to go even higher up to 2100 meters on foot.

Travelers can choose to take the optional cable car at an additional cost to ascend further up to 2500 meters. This option provides a more extensive view of the volcano’s summit area, with spectacular vistas and the chance to see volcanic activity if conditions permit. The admission ticket for the crater area is included in the tour price, making it a seamless experience.

Exploring Mount Etna’s Craters with a Local Guide

The presence of a mountain guide enhances the experience by providing expert insights into Etna’s geology and activity. The guide explains the features of the Silvestri craters, created by past eruptions, helping visitors understand the volcano’s power and history. The walk is designed to be accessible but still offers a vigorous outdoor activity suitable for most guests.

The walk around the craters takes approximately three hours, allowing plenty of time for photos, questions, and enjoying the landscape. Travelers should note that the cable car ride is optional, and paying an extra fee grants access to higher altitudes with better panoramic views. This flexibility makes the experience adaptable to different physical levels and preferences.

Afternoon in Taormina: Panoramas and Free Exploration

After the volcano visit, the tour moves to Taormina, a renowned Sicilian town perched on a plateau of Mount Tauro. The free visit allows time to stroll along the charming alleys, admire Greco-Roman ruins, and enjoy spectacular views over the coastline and Mount Etna. The town’s medieval architecture and characteristic shops make for a lively, picturesque setting.

In approximately two hours, visitors have the freedom to explore at their own pace, including shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing at cafés. The tour emphasizes self-guided discovery so travelers can enjoy the town’s ambiance without a fixed schedule.

Practical Details: Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport from and back to the meeting point in Avola, with most travelers able to participate. The group size is capped at 16 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. The meeting point at Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 147, Avola makes it easy to join the tour, with proximity to public transportation.

The duration of 8 hours allows for a well-paced experience, balancing active exploration with relaxed free time. Lunch, however, is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly for their meal during the day.

Experience Quality and Guide Expertise

The tour is highly praised for its professional and knowledgeable guides, with reviews mentioning the expertise of guides like Corrado and the safe, friendly drivers. The guides are known for their clarity, kindness, and punctuality, which makes the day smooth and enjoyable.

Several reviews highlight the good organization and timing, with some mentioning the informative videos provided during transit, which help pass the time and prepare travelers for the activities ahead. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly approach are often noted as the tour’s best features.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Reservations are best made around 25 days in advance, as the tour is quite popular. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for change of plans. The full refund policy ensures peace of mind if weather or other factors interfere.

The tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded or can be rescheduled. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience without risking guests’ safety in adverse conditions.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This excursion suits travelers looking for a structured yet flexible day of Sicilian adventure. It’s ideal for those interested in volcanoes and natural phenomena, as well as visitors who want free time in Taormina to explore at their own pace. The moderate physical activity involved in walking around the craters makes it suitable for most ages, with some optional higher altitude options.

The professional guides, well-organized logistics, and affordable price make this tour an attractive choice for independent explorers and family groups alike, seeking a trustworthy way to experience Mount Etna and Taormina.

The Sum Up: A Reliable Sicilian Full-Day Adventure

The FULL DAY excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina offers a balanced and engaging itinerary at a fair price. The visits to Etna’s craters and free time in Taormina deliver diverse experiences, from witnessing volcanic landscapes to enjoying scenic town views.

With expert guides, comfortable transport, and flexible options like the cable car, the tour provides a convenient way to see Sicily’s natural and cultural highlights. While lunch is not included, the overall organization, safety, and quality of the experience are highly praised.

This tour is perfect for those who want a full-day, expertly managed trip that combines active exploration with leisurely sightseeing. It suits adventurous travelers eager to learn about Sicily’s volcanoes and enjoy iconic towns in a single, well-paced day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport is included, with pickup and drop-off at the designated meeting point.

Can I go further up Mount Etna?
Yes, an optional cable car ride up to 2500 meters is available for an extra fee, offering better views and higher altitude exploration.

How much free time is there in Taormina?
Travelers have about two hours to walk around, shop, or relax in Taormina’s characteristic alleys and admire the scenic vistas.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
The main walk around the Silvestri craters takes about three hours, and some optional higher-altitude activities are available. The tour is generally accessible but involves outdoor walking on volcanic terrain.

How do I book this tour?
Advance booking is recommended, with an average of 25 days in advance. The tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before, ensuring flexibility in planning.

What is the price inclusive of?
The $109.86 fee covers crater visits, mountain guide, transportation, and admission tickets for the crater area. Lunch and personal expenses are not included.