Mount Etna Half-Day Tour from Catania with Wine Tasting
Discover Etna’s craters, caves & wines on a semi-private tour, with guide and pickup included
Organizing a full-day trip from Catania to Mount Etna with reliable transportation, a certified guide, and time for both hiking and wine tasting can be complicated and time-consuming. This small-group tour solves it all for you: enjoy scenic crater hikes at 2,000 meters, explore a natural lava cave with a guide, and relax at a family-run Etna winery for a tasting of local wines and products. With hotel pickup and drop-off included all you have to do is enjoy the experience.
What You Get With This Tour
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Pickup and drop-off
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Certified, English-speaking nature guide
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Transportation by air-conditioned minivan
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Visit to a lava cave with helmets and torches provided
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Guided hike at 2,000 meters on Mount Etna
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Wine and food tasting
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Group size of 12
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Guide gratuities
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Extra wine purchases
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Lunch
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Pickup outside the Catania area
Tour Itinerary
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1
Hotel Pickup in Catania
Meet your guide and small group for a comfortable morning departure toward Mount Etna. -
2
Scenic Drive
Pass through this charming village as the landscape transforms with altitude. -
3
Rifugio Sapienza
Reach the base of Etna’s hiking trails at 1,900 meters. -
4
Silvestri Craters
Walk across ancient craters with views of the volcano and coastline. -
5
Volcanic Panoramas
Admire Etna’s dramatic lava fields and rugged beauty. -
6
Lava Cave
Enter a real lava tube with helmet and torch—an unforgettable experience. -
7
Etna’s Wine County
Relax on a scenic ride through vineyards and lava-stone villages. -
8
Local Winery
Enjoy Etna DOC wines paired with local products like cheese and salumi. -
9
Wine Tasting
Learn how volcanic soil shapes the region’s distinctive wines. -
10
Drop-off in Catania
Return to your hotel by mid-afternoon with memories of nature and flavor.
Additional Information
Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano, and this guided excursion brings you close to its awe-inspiring landscapes, from ancient lava flows to eerie underground caves. Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Catania and drive up the southern slope of the volcano with a small group and expert nature guide. Your first stop will be a walk among craters at around 2,000 meters, surrounded by volcanic rock, ash, and endemic vegetation. Your guide will explain the history of past eruptions and the unique ecosystem that thrives here.
Then, gear up with a helmet and torch to explore a real lava cave —formed by ancient magma rivers flowing beneath the surface. This dark and mysterious natural tunnel offers insight into Etna’s geological forces. After your active morning, it’s time to relax. You’ll be welcomed at a local winery near Santa Venerina for a tasting of Etna wines, paired perfectly with traditional Sicilian bites like cheeses, cured meats, olives, and bruschetta. A delicious way to end your volcanic adventure.
Mount Etna & Wine Tasting Half-Day Tour from Catania with Wine Tasting Description
Your 6.5-hour experience includes:
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Catania
Professional, English-speaking nature guide
Transportation by air-conditioned minivan
Visit to a natural lava cave with helmet and flashlight provided
Scenic hike at 2,000 meters across volcanic craters and lava fields
Tasting of typical Sicilian products paired with Etna wines
Small-group experience of max 12 people
Hike Across Etna’s Lunar Landscape
After your morning pickup in Catania , your guide will drive you through the charming town of Nicolosi, a historic gateway to Mount Etna that itself holds stories of resilience, having been rebuilt after the devastating 1669 eruption that reshaped the region. As you ascend toward Etna, the landscape dramatically shifts from lush Mediterranean forests to stark, black lava fields—a raw testament to Etna’s volcanic power and ever-changing nature.
At the Silvestri Craters, formed during the explosive 1892 eruption, you’ll walk amidst a lunar-like terrain of hardened lava and volcanic ash. These craters are among the most accessible and iconic geological features of Mount Etna, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcano and the sparkling Ionian Sea in the distance. Along the trail, your guide will point out native flora adapted to thrive in this harsh environment, including resilient shrubs and wildflowers that symbolize nature’s ability to reclaim volcanic soil.
Explore a Lava Cave with Helmet and Torch
Your adventure continues as you descend into one of Etna’s natural lava tubes, —a subterranean tunnel formed when molten lava cooled and hardened on the surface while still flowing beneath. This eerie, otherworldly cave reveals the volcanic processes that have shaped Sicily’s landscape over millennia. Equipped with helmets and torches, you’ll explore this geological wonder safely, guided by an expert who will share fascinating insights about the cave formation, the mineral-rich environment, and the legends tied to Mount Etna’s fiery temperament. This experience offers a rare glimpse beneath the surface of Europe’s most active volcano, connecting you with the island’s volcanic heritage.
Wine Tasting at a Local Etna Winery
After the excitement of the hike and cave exploration, you’ll head to a family-run boutique winery near Santa Venerina, nestled on the fertile slopes of Etna. This region’s volcanic soil, rich in minerals and nutrients, gives Etna’s wines their unique character: —complex, vibrant, and expressive of the terroir. During a guided tasting, you’ll sample a selection of local varietals, typically including Etna Rosso—made from the indigenous Nerello Mascalese grape—and Etna Bianco, known for its fresh and aromatic qualities.
Complementing the wines are traditional Sicilian delicacies such as aged cheeses, cured salumi, and rustic breads, crafted by local artisans and reflecting centuries of culinary tradition. This tasting not only delights the palate but also offers a cultural immersion into Sicily’s rich agricultural heritage and the deep connection between the land and its people. You’ll return to Catania enriched with a deeper understanding of Mount Etna’s natural wonders, volcanic history, and the distinct flavors of Etna’s wines and foods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes (preferably hiking shoes). Bring a jacket, as temperatures can be significantly cooler on Mount Etna. Sunscreen, water, and a camera are also recommended.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes (preferably hiking shoes). Bring a jacket, as temperatures can be significantly cooler on Mount Etna. Sunscreen, water, and a camera are also recommended.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Catania.
Is the hike difficult?
The walk is moderate and suitable for most fitness levels. However, the terrain can be uneven, so it's not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Is this a private tour?
No, this is a small-group tour (max 12 people), designed to encourage a fun, social experience.
Is the lava cave safe to enter?
Yes, the cave is safe and will be entered with helmets and torches under the supervision of your certified guide.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour runs in most conditions, but in the event of dangerous weather (especially at high altitude), the itinerary may be modified for safety. In case the weather is extremely bad and the tour cannot run, we will contact you and work together on rescheduling or on a refund.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes! The tour is suitable for families. Infant seats are available upon request. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, because of the areas visited, this tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, back problems, or other serious medical issues. If you have other concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to assist you.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, lunch is not included. However, the wine tasting at the local Etna winery features a selection of delicious Sicilian products such as cheeses, cured meats, and breads that make for a light and satisfying snack during the experience. If you prefer a full meal, we recommend bringing food along, or planning to eat before or after the tour.
What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?
Please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. We will work with our tour partners to provide you with an alternative when possible.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On rare occasions if the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
Can I request a pickup outside of Catania?
Yes, pickup outside the Catania area is available upon request — just let us know in advance. Please note that additional fees may apply depending on the location.
