Volcanic Explorations and Alcantara Marvels with Lunch at Winery

A Journey through Fire and Ice

Pick Up

Our professional nature guide will pick you up in Catania, the starting point for all excursions, near your hotel or at a previously agreed location, starting between 8:30 and 9:00 in the morning, aboard an 8-seater minivan. The exact meeting time and place will be finalized after the booking, in the days immediately preceding the tour.

First Stop

We’ll introduce you to the fascinating world of volcanic phenomena, traversing ancient forests, extinct craters, and old lava flows, usually exploring the Sartorius craters or the 2002 crater on the northeast side of Mount Etna. Lava deserts, ash-covered areas, unique lava formations, traces of the most impressive eruptions—this is the singular landscape you’ll discover with us on the northeast slope of our volcano. During the tours, we’ll reach a maximum altitude of 2000 to 2200 meters (within the competence area of our guides). In case of soft snow, at no extra cost, you’ll have the opportunity to experience snowshoeing, which will be provided for your progression. If it’s your first time with snowshoes, don’t worry; the guide will explain all the tricks for enjoying the snow safely.

Second Stop

You’ll explore a volcanic cave (such as the Grotta dei Ladroni or Grotta Cassone), and we’ll provide the necessary equipment (helmets and torches). Our guide will lead you to areas where nature remains untouched, allowing you to admire various plants and animals.

Third Stop

Lunch will be served at a winery, where you can savor our local cuisine and 2 types of Etna DOC wines (locally produced). You’ll enjoy a genuine and typical Sicilian lunch made of fresh products. Every dishes will be paired with Mount Etna DOC wines.

Fourth Stop

After lunch, you’ll visit the Gorges of Alcantara, formed thousands of years ago by a lava flow that invaded the Alcantara River bed. The clash between the extremely cold river water and the molten lava created one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes.

Come back

You’ll return to Catania around 6:00 to 6:30 PM, and we’ll drop you off at the same place where you were picked up, unless previously arranged otherwise.