Mount Etna hiking tour from Catania: Wine and Alcantara Gorges

Trek inside a volcano, then taste the wine it grows

This 8–10 hour tour from Catania combines hiking on Mount Etna's northeast slope with a visit to a volcanic cave, a rustic lunch with Sicilian red wine at a traditional winery, and time at Alcantara River Gorges. A naturalist guide leads the trek in English or Italian (French and Spanish available on request), and the operator provides trekking shoes, jackets, helmets and torches. Hotel pickup and transport via Jeep or minibus are included, along with park entry and live commentary throughout the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Etna, lunch, and Alcantara

• Trek Mt Etna Northern-East side
• Explore volcanic cave with helmets
• Lunch with wine tasting
• Visit Alcantara Gorges

The experience

The day starts with a drive from Catania up Mount Etna's northern slope. You'll trek at altitude up to 2,000 meters, passing the Crateri Sartorius and moving through the mountain's forests and lava formations. The guide explains the volcano's geology and landscape as you walk, and the views open across Sicily as you climb. Trekking shoes and a jacket are provided if you don't bring your own.

Midway through the hike, you'll enter a volcanic cave using helmets and torches the operator supplies. After the trek, you stop at a traditional chalet for lunch: a rustic meal of starter and first course made with local products, paired with a glass of Sicilian red wine. Vegetarian, vegan and celiac options are available if you request them when booking.

In the afternoon, the group moves to Alcantara River Gorges, one of Sicily's most striking natural sites. The river has carved narrow, dramatic gorges through the landscape, and you'll have time to explore this second attraction before heading back to Catania. The whole day runs 8 to 10 hours, with transport, guide, meals and park entry all arranged.

What’s included

• Professional naturalist guide in English or Italian.
• pickup and drop-off from Catania.
• transport via Jeep or minibus.
• trekking shoes, jackets, helmets and torches.
• entry to Alcantara Park.
• rustic lunch with local products and Sicilian red wine.
• live commentary throughout the day.
• vegetarian, vegan and celiac meal options upon request.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Italian08:30

Guide in English or Italian08:30

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (under 18)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 44 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Etna Experience

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you want a full day on Etna with other travelers and a fixed schedule that covers the volcano, the cave, lunch and Alcantara Gorges without building the itinerary yourself. Choose the private option if your group wants the same route and stops with a guide and vehicle reserved just for you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (under 18).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the hike actually like on Mount Etna, how steep is it and how long do we spend trekking?

The trek climbs to 2,000 meters on Etna's northeast side and takes up the first part of the day. The route passes through forests and lava formations and includes a walk past the Crateri Sartorius. The operator rates the tour suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Trekking shoes are mandatory and provided free if you request them at booking.

Do we actually go inside the volcano, or just hike around it?

You enter a volcanic cave during the trek. The operator provides helmets and torches, and you explore the cave as part of the hiking route before heading down to lunch.

What's included in the lunch, and can you handle dietary restrictions?

Lunch is a rustic meal with a starter and first course made from local products, served with a glass of Sicilian red wine at a traditional chalet on the mountain. Vegetarian, vegan and celiac dishes are available. Just let the operator know when you book.

How long do we spend at Alcantara Gorges, and what do we do there?

Alcantara Gorges is the second major stop after lunch and the volcanic cave. The river has carved narrow gorges through the landscape, and you'll have time to explore this natural site before the drive back to Catania. The exact duration depends on the group's pace.

Does pickup from my hotel in Catania come with this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Catania are included, along with transport via Jeep or minibus throughout the day.