With this Shore excursion in Sicily, our focus is dedicated to Mount Etna, the most active and tallest volcano in Europe reaching 3340 metres above sea level. Thanks to this excursion we will discover natural points of interest for example, the Lava Flow Caves or the famous Buttonhole Craters formed by a series of eruptions.
During our journey it will be possible to touch with your hands various ypical Etna products. Above all Etna wine which is actually one of the most followed wines across the globe and in the last 20 years has shown the importance of Sicily to the rest of the world. Not forgetting our extra virgin olive oil and Etna honey, which through our guided tour will be possible to taste directly where it is produced.
Italiano, English, Español
Daily
Cruise Terminal - Port - Harbour
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Full refund up to 72 hours before of the experience
Our tour begins with collection from the port at a previously agreed time confirmed during your booking process. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a welcome sign stating your group or family name.
After our initial briefing we will head towards the town of Zafferana Etnea. This town emerged at around 750 metres above sea level and is the last town before our 21 km drive to Rifugio Sapienza, Etna South.
Zafferana has been threatened many times over the years by various eruptions, it was completely destroyed by the eruption of 1792 and once again suffered in the eruption of 1991 which damaged several homes before the lava flow stopped after one year of active flow. Today Zafferana is an important centre of production. mainly of natural honey thanks to its position and perfect sun exposure. We will have a brief tasting of honey in one of the most famous local production sites.
Zafferana is also home to various Etna produce that during the weekends of October are exhibited and sold to the rest of the world. This event is called “Ottobrata Zafferanese”.
Our journey will continue in the direction of Rifugio Sapienza, a 21km road journey will take us to 1980 metres above sea level. During this journey we will come across various lava flows from 1792 and discover caves formed by the flows, which represents the “Valley del Bove”.
On our arrival to our highest point the scenery will change dramatically, looking very moonlike. Black volcanic sand covers the land and you will notice old craters but yet a lack of vegetation. Rifugio Sapienza represents the most visited part of Etna thanks to its cable car which allows you to climb to 3000 metres above sea level.
After reaching the highest point of the volcano Rifugio Sapienza, Etna south around 2050 metres above sea level we will admire how the eruptions have modified the land over the course of 200 years. Carrying on towards one of the five craters of the Buttonhole “Crater Silvestri” this eruption dates back to 1892 and lasted for 6 months, it finally stopped at the doors of Nicolosi around 1000 metres above sea level. This is a perfect view point which puts us at the mouth of the 2001 eruption.
Our final part of the excursion is dedicated to visiting a vineyard positioned on the north east side of Mount Etna. This area lends itself to the prestigious DOP certification expanding from Linguaglossa to Castiglione di Sicilia including Verzella, Solicchiata, Passopisciaro and many other small villages. Currently in 2023 we are seeing an elevated valuation of the territory. Historic cantines are investing in new technology for production to increase their prestige in the wine market.
The guided tour of the cantine offers a simple tasting or full lunch with a combination of wines and sparkling wines, you can choose directly at the vineyard with costs ranging between €30pp - €70pp. Alternatively this can be chosen during the booking process making this a unique experience. At the end of the wine tasting we will head back to your port.
The order of the events will be communicated by your Driver on the day • All activities will be carried out on foot, in a car or minivan • All refreshments and wine tastings are excluded
| from Messina | |
| 1-3 pax | 400€ |
| 4-6 pax | 460€ |
| 7-8 pax | 520€ |
| from Giardini Naxos - Taormina | |
| 1-3 pax | 350€ |
| 4-6 pax | 400€ |
| 7-8 pax | 450€ |
We will collect you from your cruise terminal at a previously arranged time established during the booking process based on your cruise schedule.
During your shore excursion your guide will be an experienced driver that speaks Italian, English and Spanish with a deep knowledge of the local area.
We recommend booking this excursion in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during days of festivities. We require at least 2 days notice and bookings are subject to availability.
To make a reservation, follow the link at the bottom of the page. You will be contacted within 24 hours by our booking team who will confirm your booking and assist you in preparing for your excursion.
You may cancel this excursion free of charge up to 72 hours before the date of activity. No refunds will be given for cancellations within the 72 hour period, arriving late or no shows.