Private Tour - Mount Etna & Taormina

This is a Private Tour

You will be met at the port by a Cruising Excursions representative who will guide you to your air-conditioned transportation ready to commence your tour.

The tour will commence with a drive on the outskirts of Catania, your guide will be pointing out all the main landmarks for your interest before the tour will continue toward the famous Mount Etna National Park.

The journey to the National Park will take around 1 hour 15 minutes, there will be a comfort break along the way in a beautiful Sicilian town. Here there is a local cafeteria where you will be able to use the washrooms (free of charge) or purchase a coffee or one of the many pastries on display, including the local delicacy the Canoli.

The drive will continue, making our way up to the National Park, the scenery during the drive is impressive, with lava rock formations on either side of the road as we continue through the twist and turns before reaching 3000 feet and the main coach park of this most visited area.  Your guide will be giving you information along the journey, explaining about the Etna eruptions over the years.

Mount Etna is a popular tourist area and extremely respected by the locals, Mount Etna otherwise known by the Sicilians as ‘Mamma Etna’ is the main water source for the island. The area is also famous for producing excellent wines due to the volcanic soil.

Disembarking the transportation, you will be taken on a guided walk of one of the many craters the National Park has to offer.  If you do not wish to embark on the walking part of the tour, there are plenty of café/bars boasting amazing views from their open terraces, just simply relax and enjoy.

After the visit to Mount Etna we will then continue the tour to Taormina.

Taormina is a very popular and interesting old town situated high up in the Sicilian hills. The journey from the Mount Etna will take you on a scenic coastal drove before embarking on a drive up to this beautiful town. The views are absolutely breathtaking as your driver navigates the twist and turns before getting to the parking area.

At the parking area, when we disembark the transportation we take a lift up to the road entrance to this pedestrianised town. There is an incline of around 50 yards before the entrance.

Once in Taormina we embark on a short walking tour of around 1 hour. Those who wish to experience Taormina on their own may advise the guide, your guide will then point out the meeting time and place for everybody to meet at the end. The walking tour will take you through the quaint Sicilian streets full of vibrance and shops and restaurants in abundance.

The first stop will be the Cathedral Square, your guide will give the history and all of the information about the Cathedral situated within the square before continuing with the tour.  A viewing point from the town is the next stop, be prepared to be amazed by the incredible views of the coast down below.  After taking your photographs from the viewing point the tour will continue.

There is an option to visit the Greek Roman Theatre during your hour free time at the end. If you wish to do this please inform your guide, who will take you to the entrance (entry fee to the Theatre is 10€ payable locally).

After the free time you will meet back up with the guide who will escort you back to your transportation ready to take you back to the port in plenty of time for your cruise ships departure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How strenuous is this tour?  If you are embarking on the walking tour of the crater, this involves walking up inclines, uneven ground, rocky pathways.  However, if you choose not to walk the craters you are able to sit and relax in the local café/bars, so those with walking difficulties do not have to embark on the walking tour if they do not wish to do this.

Are there washroom facilities in the National Park?  Yes, there are plenty of bars and cafes where you will be able to use their washrooms (please be aware some will expect you to buy a coffee, or purchase something first)

How long is the journey up to Mount Etna National Park?  Depending on the traffic the journey will the comfort break along the way will take around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Is there an opportunity to souvenir shop on this tour?  There are a few souvenir shops in the park, you can visit these during your free time at the end of the tour.  There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants in Taormina.