Top Experiences in Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell'Alcantara)

Full day Off-Road experience to Etna Volcano to discover the amazing landscapes, Mount Fontana, Caves, lava flows dated 2002 and delicious lunch in a local country restaurant (wine included).

This full-day tour allows you to go from a morning visit to Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, to the beautiful and surprising valley of Alcantara river in the afternoon. In the first part of the excursion, you will submerge in nature and visit old craters and lava flow caves, enjoy breathtaking views, and taste typical local products. In the afternoon, before seeing the famous basaltic canyon named Gorges, you will walk next the river Alcantara through a lush vegetation until to visit the Gurne, little lakes created by the same river.

In the first part of this tour, you will visit some of the flank craters, which are dormant , at 2000 m. The landscape is amazing, surrounded by craters, lava flows, volcanic ash and lots of different plants, most of them are native to the area. An environment protected by a vast natural park, the Etna Natural Park, which since 2013 is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the second part , you will visit Alcantara river where is possible to relax a bit admiring the beauty of nature: a small sandy shore, clean and freezing water and huge basalt columns caused by past eruptions.

All our tour guides and drivers are certificated according to the Italian law.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic we follow all guidelines from WHO and Italian Government to guarantee your safety.

• Pickup and Transfer service, departing from Catania at 8:30
• Guided tour from 1900m to 2000m a.s.l.
• Visit Alcantara river
• Arrival time in Catania around 17:30

This entire day tour will allow you to get to the base of the summit craters of the Etna; the ascent to the summit will be performed either by cableway and off-road vehicles (on the South-East side of Etna) or by off-road vehicles only (on the North-East side of Etna). Once at the summit, you will enjoy an easy hike at the base of the summit craters accompanied by our naturalistic expert and a volcanological guide. Afterwards, you will explore the incredible volcanic underground by visiting one of the striking volcanic cave of the Etna, and then, after a lunch based on local typical products, you will visit the amusing Alcantara Gorges.

After leaving Taormina, explore the rock pools of beautiful Alcantara Gorges (own expense), and then visit the historical centre and the Basilica di Santa Maria in Randazzo all made in lava stone. Possibility to visit the local Sunday market. Wine tasting in a renowned winery. Return in the early afternoon.

Our tour permite you to discover all beautiful places aroud Mount Etna, discover Alcantara Gorges and its canyon.
On board an audioguide will explain you what you will see.

Leave Taormina and ride around Mount Etna by coach and by a 1950s-era train on the Circumetnea Railway (the train is not operative during winter time and will be substituted by the coach and a visit of Randazzo town). This exciting day trip also includes visit of the rock pools and canyons of Alcantara Gorges (entrance own expense) and the foothills of Sicily’s vivacious volcano. If you want to see Mount Etna’s smouldering upper craters, upgrade (extra) to include transport by cable car and jeeps and a walking tour to the summit craters.

Note that from November to March, the tour does not include the train ride nor the optional upgrade to the upper areas. A visit of Randazzo town is provided in substitution. A minimum number of 12 participants is necessary during winter.

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Etna and Taormina from Messina, where a world of awe-inspiring natural beauty and enchanting cultural heritage awaits. This one-of-a-kind private tour ensures a truly personalized experience, tailored to your interests and desires.

Your knowledgeable local guide, brimming with passion and expertise, will unveil the secrets of Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Feel the whispers of the earth beneath your feet as you explore its dramatic landscapes and unearth its captivating geological tales.

The picturesque town of Taormina will charm you with its ancient Greek Theatre, the stately Palazzo Corvaja, and the bustling Corso Umberto I.
The personalized attention and extensive knowledge of your private guide will elevate your experience, transforming your adventure into an unforgettable tapestry of memories.

This full-day tour allows you to go from a morning visit to Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, to the beautiful and surprising valley of Alcantara river in the afternoon. In the first part of the excursion, you will submerge in nature and visit old craters and lava flow caves, enjoy breathtaking views, and taste typical local products. In the afternoon, before seeing the famous basaltic canyon named Gorges, you will walk next the river Alcantara through a lush vegetation until to visit the Gurne, little lakes created by the same river.

A complete excursion for nature lovers. We will visit one of the most interesting areas of Etna, with lava flow caves, side craters, lava flows and, in the afternoon, the gorges of the Alcantara river will amaze us with columnar basalts and freezing waters.