Top Sicily Day Trips

Our guide, Danilo, was entertaining and very knowledgeable about volcanism. He filled us in on the history of the volcano and the various eruptions over the past. After being picked up at my hotel, it was about a 60 minute drive to where the hike began. The first activity of the day was a hike of approximately 90 minutes up to an altitude of 2000 meters(6,600 feet). The walk can be challenging as the first half is uphill, and the oxygen content of the air is reduced at the higher elevation. The group stopped frequently so Danilo good show us the various lava flows as well as some of the vegetation that is growing in the area. He has some wonderful pictures and videos that he has taken during active eruption. I am sure he will show them to you. The second activity was to visit a lava tube. Walking was difficult over the volcanic rocks and the ceiling is a little low in some places. A flashlight is provided and it is a nice experience. The third, and final activity of the day, was a stop at an overlook of a valley. Unfortunately, for us, it was pretty cloudy that day, but the clouds parted occasionally, and we could see the view. The tour is held rain or shine so be prepared and wear layers of clothing. It was in the low 50s Fahrenheit the day that I went. On the volcano, the weather conditions kept changing; the wind would pick up and clouds would come and go. I also want to thank Antonio, who was the driver of our SUV, for getting us up and down the mountain safely.

Was a fantastic experience. Our tour guide was Giuseppe, he was fantastic and kind ,great playlist and booked us a great restaurant for lunch! It was a great experience even with 12 people on the boat it didn't feel too crowded as people at the front and we layed in the back of the boat as well.

It was amazing! We loved our driver and guide, Salvatore and Mario. The experience itself was a ton of fun and our hosts were very accommodating and kind. Mario has encyclopedic knowledge of the flora and history of Etna and was excited to share with all of us. The meal in the pine forest alongside other tourists and locals was very charming and delicious. Highly recommend water shoes for the gorges, and be sure to turn to the right once you reach the bottom of the stairs for the main attraction!

Great experience, highly recommend! Our tour guide, Diego, was wonderful. He was very pleasant and knowledgeable, gave us great explanations to all questions (including many from very curios kids) and was very patient with our kids (who did not behave well from time to time). Tour was very balanced with hiking/walking, sightseeing, guidance and lunch, not overwhelming at all and manageable for all ages.

Nando was an amazing tour guide with tremendous passion for Etna and the region. We not only got to walk some of the craters on Etna and go into an old lava tube - Nando made an extra stop on the way home so we could look back at the volcano to see the lava flowing. Amazing!!

If you’re looking for the absolute best way to experience Mount Etna, book a private tour with Maximo. It was, without question, one of the highlights of our entire trip to Sicily. From the moment he picked us up, Maximo made us feel like we were exploring Sicily with a close friend. His English was flawless, his knowledge of the island was incredible, and he thoughtfully personalized every part of the day around our interests. Every stop felt authentic, unhurried, and perfectly planned. The highlight of the day was our visit to Azienda Agricola “La Vite” – F.lli Lizzio (Antichi Vini di Sicilia). Tucked away on the slopes of Mount Etna, it was one of the most enchanting vineyards we’ve ever visited. The panoramic views of the vineyards and volcano were absolutely breathtaking, the wines were exceptional, and the meal was one of the most delicious we enjoyed anywhere in Sicily. The warm hospitality from the Lizzio family made the experience feel incredibly special and unforgettable. (Città del Vino) This wasn’t just a tour—it was a perfectly curated Sicilian experience. Maximo’s attention to detail, genuine kindness, and passion for sharing his homeland created memories we’ll cherish forever. If you want to experience the real Sicily, beyond the typical tourist attractions, this is the tour to book. It was a perfect day from beginning to end, and we cannot recommend Maximo highly enough. Five stars simply aren’t enough!

We loved this day outing! Our guide Mariarita was exceptional and shared information and made recommendations as we drove for various places to check out in the area. Gorgeous views of Mt Etna in Castelmola! Her guided walking tour in Taormina and at the theater was also enjoyable and engaging. She clearly likes what she does! Our driver, Lorenzo, navigated the crazy roads with ease. Heartily recommend this tour and Mariarita in particular.

We had a wonderful experience on our Mount Etna tour, and much of that was thanks to our guide, Simone. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history, geology, and culture of the region. The scenery was breathtaking, and Simone ensured we had plenty of opportunities to take in the views and capture memorable photos. He was attentive, patient, and happy to answer questions. After Etna, we made a stop and had a tasting of many different local products, which was also amazing. If you're planning a visit to Mount Etna, we highly recommend this tour. Our guide’s expertise and enthusiasm made our visit truly special and unforgettable. Thank you, Simone, for an amazing experience!