Etna & Alcantara
Bronte, IT
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore the majestic Mount Etna
- Witness the dramatic eruption of 2002
- Indulge in honey tasting and local products
- Experience the breathtaking Alcantara Gorges
- Immerse in the icy waters of Alcantara river
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Duration 8 to 9 hours
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Expert guide included
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Snacks provided
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Torches and trekking sticks
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Insurance included
Experience the beauty and power of nature with the Etna & Alcantara tour. This complete excursion is a dream come true for nature lovers. Start the day by exploring the majestic Mount Etna, with its lava flow caves, side craters, and lava flows. Learn about the volcano's history and witness the stunning colors of the lava. Then, take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch in a charming mountain hut. In the afternoon, head to the Alcantara River and be amazed by the columnar basalts and freezing waters of the magnificent Alcantara Gorges. Touch the icy water, marvel at the 25-meter tall basalt cliffs, and even take a brave plunge into the river. This tour promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sicily's natural wonders.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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8 hours
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Available in German, English, Italian, French
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Etna and Alcantara with a guided excursion featuring caves, gorges, and local snacks.
Included
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In-vehicle air conditioning -
Torches
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Snacks
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trekking sticks
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Authorised tour guide
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GST (Goods and Services Tax)
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Insurance
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Helmet
Excluded
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Lunch
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Once on-board of our 4×4 jeeps, we will make our way towards Etna’s hill. We will leave the wonderful “Riviera dei limoni” (Lemons’ coast), to approach Etna’s villages. We will then get on the road that leads through the volcano’s slopes, crossing old mulattiere (ancient mule drivers’ roads) and coalmen paths, we are soon at about 1000 mt altitude where a protected area of 720km² begins. We also come across cold and dried lava flows that, like black highways, tear the mountainside. Surrounded by uncontaminated greenery¹, we can enjoy the view of chestnut trees, pines, oaks, beeches as well as endemic plants like Etna’s birch and Etna’s brooms2. Eruptive cones, lava flows, lava valley stand out in front of our eyes, testifying the volcano’s incessant eruption activity that carves out its own shape since more than 500.000 years. We will get into a fantastic Nature trail, inside the Etna Park, heading towards the craters. We will arrive on the top of a lateral crater, created by an eruption with the typical buttons’ line progress, called “bottoniera”. What is a crater? It is a pyroclastic slagheap that has been thrown out from the volcanic shaft and, once placed around the eruptive vent, creates a cone. Once we get to the edge of the lateral crater, in the exact point where incandescent lava used to come out from volcano slope, we will explain to you the features of Etna’s eruptions. You will have the opportunity to admire all of the different colours that lava turns into, as a beautiful reflection of a rainbow, and experience first hand all of the different kinds of consistency of pyroclastic rocks. We will be able to see very few plant species that manage to survive in very extreme conditions both in winter and summer. Let’s deeply penetrate in the heart of the wood to discover what’s hiding below the volcanic hard surface. Suddenly a crevice in the ground appears by our eyes: one of the about 190 Etna lava flow caves. We start our underground adventure: leaving the surface, we enter into the mountain deepness to discover its most hidden secrets, visiting a lava flow cave. After having explored the most interesting Etna area, we take a break enjoying a nice lunchtime in a typical mountain hut/chalet that seems to have landed here in Sicily directly from Alps. We can try traditional dishes of our Sicilian kitchen, delicious mountain specialities, since in Sicily we are lucky to have both exquisite seafood and delicious mountain food, typical from the inland areas.
300 minutes
Eruption of 2002, Honey tasting, typical products, liqueurs and "Fuoco dell'Etna" (liquor)
30 minutes
Gola Dell'Alcantara
Coming down we come out from the protect area of the Etna Park and we go towards the Alcantara Valley. We meet the river for the first time near the Castiglione di Sicilia’s bridge and, from this moment, our path is intertwined with it until we reach the gorges. We leave the jeep and go down walking until we get the riverbed: we are now in the deepest point of Alcantara gorges, facing 25 meters tall basalt cliffs that proudly stand all around us. Here we can touch the icy water of Alcantara river and the bravest of us can even plunge in the water and venture for a few dozen meters inside the gorges.
50 minutes
Admission Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers -
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Service animals allowed
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Tell us in advance about any special needs or health issues, such as allergies, heart disease, pressure problems, walking difficulties, handicaps. We will do our best to let you enjoy the tour to its full extent. Thank you!
What our experts say
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Try honey tasting at Piano Provenzana. -
Visit nearby Castiglione di Sicilia.
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Bring a swimsuit for Alcantara river.
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Enjoy traditional Sicilian food at lunch.
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Wear sturdy shoes for the hike.
More About this Experience
Introduction:
Experience the true beauty and wonder of nature with the Etna & Alcantara tour. This tour is perfect for nature lovers who want to explore one of the most fascinating areas of Mount Etna and the stunning gorges of the Alcantara River. Embark on an adventure that will take you through lava flow caves, side craters, and breathtaking lava valleys. In the afternoon, be prepared to be amazed by the majestic columnar basalts and the freezing waters of the Alcantara River.What to expect?
The Etna & Alcantara tour offers an incredible journey into the heart of these natural wonders. With a total duration of 480 to 540 minutes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. You will have the opportunity to explore the slopes of Mount Etna, witnessing the volcanic activity that has shaped the landscape for more than 500,000 years. Immerse yourself in the pristine greenery filled with chestnut trees, pines, oaks, and endemic plants like Etna's birch and brooms. Discover the vibrant colors of lava and the different consistencies of pyroclastic rocks. Descend into the depths of the mountain to explore one of the 190 lava flow caves. Afterward, indulge in a delightful lunch in a typical mountain hut, savoring traditional dishes and mountain specialties. Then, continue your adventure to the Alcantara Valley, where you will witness the magnificent basalt cliffs and touch the icy waters of the Alcantara River. For the more daring, take a plunge into the water and venture further into the gorges. This tour guarantees a day filled with natural wonders, excitement, and unforgettable memories.Who is this for?
The Etna & Alcantara tour is designed for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone seeking a unique and immersive experience. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a group, this tour caters to all. It is an opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of nature up close and personal. The tour welcomes individuals of all ages who are physically fit and ready for an exhilarating day of exploration.Why book this?
Embark on the Etna & Alcantara tour for an unforgettable journey through extraordinary natural landscapes. This tour offers a holistic experience, allowing you to witness the magnificence of Mount Etna and the enchanting Alcantara River. By joining this tour, you will have access to 4x4 jeeps, ensuring a comfortable and adventurous ride to these breathtaking destinations. The experienced guides will provide expert knowledge about the geological and historical aspects of these natural wonders, enhancing your understanding and appreciation. This tour also includes a delicious lunch at a typical mountain hut, offering a taste of Sicilian cuisine and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. From exploring lava flow caves to marveling at the basalt cliffs of the Alcantara gorges, every moment of this tour will leave you in awe. Book now to experience the beauty and power of nature like never before.Good to know:
Before embarking on this tour, it is important to note the following details. The total duration of the tour is between 480 to 540 minutes, ensuring ample time to fully immerse in each destination. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for outdoor activities and walking. The tour provides other inclusions such as honey tasting, sampling of local products, liqueurs, and "Fuoco dell'Etna" liquor.Reviews:
Travelers who have experienced the Etna & Alcantara tour have been captivated by its wonders. They praise the knowledgeable guides who provided fascinating insights into the volcanic activity and the unique features of the landscapes. Visitors highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.
The excitement and thrill of exploring the lava flow caves and witnessing the power of Mount Etna's eruptions left travelers in awe. They were amazed by the vibrant colors of the lava and the diverse plant life that thrives in this extreme environment.
The Alcantara gorges received high praise, with travelers describing them as a true natural masterpiece. Touching the icy waters and venturing into the gorges left an indelible mark on their memories. Overall, visitors highly recommend the Etna & Alcantara tour for its exceptional beauty and unique experiences.
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