Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover Etna and the Alcantara Gorges! The perfect mix of adventure and refreshing relax!
The excursion begins by SUV or minivan (up to 8 people), together with our experienced guides.
Our first stop is an off-road trip to the 2002 eruption lava fron.
Continuing along the Via Mareneve, in the middle of the Ragabo pine forest, we will arrive at the starting point of our trekking to the Monti Sartorius craters. We will continue on foot, starting at 1650 metres and arriving at an altitude of 1750 metres, an easy walk suitable for everyone.
We will then explore a lava flow cave, the Grotta dei Ladroni, equipped with helmets and torches.
We will stop at a local chalet or restaurant for lunch (included in the price: a first course, water and coffee/tea).
After lunch, we will reach the characteristic Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges. A refreshing and relaxing visit to a wonderful place. You can cool off in the Alcantara river in the middle of the canyon of the Gorges!
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for cruise ship passengers.
What To Expect
Mount Etna
Transportation by SUV or minivan from the meeting point to all the points of interest included in the tour, with return to the original meeting point at the end of the tour. First stop to visit the lava flow from the massive 2002 eruption. Main hike of approximately 3 km along the typical “bottoniera” side craters of the Sartorius Mountains. Exploration of the Grotta dei Ladroni, a lava flow cave. Lunch at a local Etnean chalet or restaurant, included in the price: a first course dish, water and coffee/tea.
Le Gole dell'Alcantara
After lunch (included in the price: a first course dish, water and coffee/tea), we will pass through Castiglione di Sicilia, one of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages”, and arrive at the Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges. The Alcantara Gorges lava canyon is located in the municipality of Motta Camastra, it's a masterpiece of nature carved out over thousands of years. With walls up to 25 meters high and passages barely 2 meters wide. The entry fee to the Alcantara Botanical Park is included in the price; we will stop for about 1 hour for a free visit of the Alcantara Gorges.
Options
Etna and Alcantara Gorges
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Trekking equipment: helmet and flashlight, hiking poles (upon request)
Admission ticket to the Alcantara Gorges Botanical Park (through the municipal entrance)
Air-conditioned vehicle
A first course, drink and coffee
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
277 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fascinating view of Mt...
MARY C,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fascinating view of Mt Etna! Massimo did a great job personalizing our trip since my group wanted a shorter hike. Our favorite part was the the Alacantara Gorge. Recommend wearing. Bathing suit under your clothes and good walking shoes and bring water shoes.
Great way to see Etna!
Courtney K,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Vincenzo was an amazing guide! His energy was perfect, and he was very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed our trip!
Wonderful excursion!! A varied and complete course. We were impressed by the Alcantara gorges. Thanks to Vincenzo who was
Delphine J,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful excursion that must be done absolutely!
Perfect combination of education and action!
Tiffany I,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour and time with our family! We love an active tour that involves nature and learning about the earth and unesco sites, this was perfect!
Great experience, but be prepared for a lot of hiking
Dream66380217330,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a wonderful excursion, but please be prepared for a LOT of intense hiking in the heat. I would definitely recommend bringing hiking shoes and water shoes. The best part of the trip was the Alcantara gorge!
Fantastic and Amazing!
Jo E,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This Tour is the only one to go on! Brilliant from pick up to drop off, the team were fantastic! No messing about with stop off to "taste or buy" produce, first stop small hike to the cave, then main hike to a crater and stunning views, then a wonderful lunch (one pasta dish, bottled water, and coffee) all included in the price, then stop off at the Gorge which was totally amazing! Thank you so so much for a fantastic experience 💗
Boom with these folks!!!!
359lloydb,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the Etna & Alcantara Gorge tour today and it ended up being one of the highlights of our Sicily trip. Going into it, I honestly did not know exactly what to expect. We later learned there are other tours that use more extensive 4x4 transportation to move people between many of the sites. While most tours still involve some trekking — especially up near the craters — I really appreciated that this tour encouraged us to get out, stretch our legs, and spend more time actually walking through the volcanic landscape rather than simply driving from stop to stop. We visited the 2002 lava flow, explored a fascinating lava tube, and hiked up to multiple craters on the north/east side of Etna. Being able to walk through these areas made the experience feel much more immersive and authentic. The pit stop and then lunch at Rifugio Alpino Ragabo was also excellent — a really nice surprise for a full-day excursion. After Etna, we continued on to the Alcantara Gorge, which was another unique and beautiful experience and a perfect contrast to the volcanic terrain earlier in the day. Most importantly, both Vincenzo and Massimo were outstanding. They were both incredibly knowledgeable and engaging guides; they made the entire day enjoyable, informative, and very well organized. We learned so much about Etna, Sicily, geology, and the local area throughout the day. If you are trying to choose between Etna tours, I would strongly recommend choosing one that includes meaningful trekking and exploration like this. For us, it made the entire experience far more memorable.
Would recommend
jordansP2957JL,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a really enjoyable day and it had a lot more involved than if we had tried to organise a Etna trip ourselves. It was a good mix of was the mountain had to offer and felt that is a waste very good value for money. The whole thing felt very organised and was suitable for a wide range of people. There is some low intensity hiking on uneven ground so be warned to wear sensible shoes!
Etna and alcantara gorge. Very nice day
christelle221969,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day with Vincenzo, great guide speaking French and English. We were a couple in a group of 8 people. The group quickly sympathized thanks to Vincenzo. We made the lava flow of 2002, then a lava tunnel, a crater with an exceptional wind. Then a great lunch in a restaurant at altitude. Then go to the gorges of the alcantara.
Everything perfect
lukasNecchi,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect experience throughout!!
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