Catania: Morning Jeep Tour of Mount Etna and Lava Flow Caves
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Catania, Italy
- 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Beat the heat and the crowds with a morning tour of Mount Etna. Cover more ground by exploring on board a sturdy Jeep, views over the lunar landscapes in the Valle del Bove, and the flora and fauna of the thick woods blanketing the lower slopes. Cap off your tour with a tasting of local specialties including honey, wine, and liqueurs.
- See more of Mount Etna with a Jeep tour on the upper and lower slopes
- Learn about the volcano's history and geology by visiting with a guide
- Sample gourmet delicacies produced on and around Mt. Etna
What's Included
- Multilingual tour guide
- Tastings of local products
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Air-conditioned vehicleTransportation from the meeting point in Jeep/Van an air-conditioned vehicle
- Trekking shoes (upon request)
- Car seat (infant 0-2 age rate only)
- Helmet
- Flashlight
- Anything not specified under "inclusions
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Etna & Sea ExcursionsP.za dei Martiri, 19, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Geographic coordinates 37.503780364990234,15.09548282623291 We will meet at P.za dei Martiri, 19 - Right in front of the Kilogrammo restaurant We have our white flag with our logo (red colour). IMPORTANT Customers must arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Parco dell'Etna
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Rifugio Sapienza
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Valle Del Bove
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Oro d'Etna - Azienda Agricola Costa - Il Parco
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Grotta Cassone
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
6
Rifugio Casa del Vescovo
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
7
Grotta del Gatto
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
This was an awesome tour! You get to experience the volcano at three different altitudes, ending at almost 2000 meters, which is more than halfway up. Being able to hike around on the craters is exhilarating and interesting! Our guide was very engaging and clearly knew his science. My nephew and I had a great time being in the outdoors and would definitely recommend!
Reviews
4.6
based on 273 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Andrea was our main guide. It was incredible being so up close to Mt. Etna and being surrounded by pyroclastic rocks. Highly recommended!
Gaetano, our driver and guide was knowledgeable, informative, and fun. He explained everything about the volcanic activity on Mt Etna, took on a cool hike and explored a lava cave. I would highly recommend him and this adventurous tour.
My sister and I had an absolutely wonderful experience on this Mt. Etna tour! Our guide, Giorgio, was engaging, funny, and clearly passionate about his home. He grew up in the area and told us that no matter where his travels take him, he always returns to the city he loves. His knowledge of both Catania's history and the history of Mt. Etna was incredible, and he shared it generously throughout the day.
The tour itself was packed with highlights: we saw the sites of past eruptions, walked into a lava cave, explored several craters, and stopped at multiple local shops to taste honey and olive oils along the way. Giorgio was also an excellent driver, navigating the winding, bumpy roads smoothly and safely the whole time.
One tip for future travelers: wear proper trekking shoes! The terrain can be slippery, and the lava rocks are tricky to walk on without solid footwear.
Highly recommend this tour and ask for Giorgio if you can!
This was a great day out. Fabio, our guide, was great fun and very knowledgeable, definitely a very proud Sicilian! We got some great pictures and wonderful memories. We also really enjoyed the local cuisine experience too.
Our driver Giorgio was amazing. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time. Highly recommended.
On the downside, I wish we could go even higher to the mountain.
The Good:
The tour itself was excellent. There were only six of us total (our family of four and another American couple) in a comfortable Mitsubishi 4x4, which made for a fantastic, intimate group size. Our guide, Gaetano, was an absolute 5-star professional. His English was fantastic, and he shared great insights about Catania on the drive up. On Mount Etna, his knowledge of the eruptions, lava flows, and volcanic history was impressive. He led us on a wonderful hike to a small crater (learned there are over 220 of them!), took us to a nice rest stop for a quick cannolo break, and guided us through the 400m Grotta del Cassone lava tube with hard hats and flashlights. It was an amazing experience! (Tip for future travelers: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with thick soles, as the rocks inside the cave are incredibly sharp). We finished the day with a nice stop at a local wine and honey shop.
Areas for Improvement:
The only reason this isn’t a 5-star review is the stressful communication and confusing meeting instructions prior to the tour. This was a cruise port excursion for us. On previous non-ship tours in Greece and Turkey, operators met us right at the pier. This operator provided a specific address, which I mistakenly assumed was inside the port terminal.
When we couldn't find the guide, I panicked. I tried messaging and calling the operator via WhatsApp and the Viator app, but got no response. Even the main Viator customer service line couldn't reach them. We finally walked out of the port gates, asked some friendly locals for directions, and rushed to the address just in time. The driver was literally about to pull away but luckily waited 10 minutes for us. The lack of proactive communication beforehand caused a lot of unnecessary anxiety for my family.
Final Verdict:
Gaetano completely saved the day and gave us an unforgettable tour. I highly recommend the excursion itself, but the tour company needs to provide much clearer instructions for cruise passengers, and be reachable when guests are trying to find them.
Both Fabio and Roy were excellent guides. It was a fabulous experience! Would 100% recommend this to anyone visiting Catania
This was an excellent tour. From start to finish our tour guide Fabio was professional, funny, friendly, kind and incredibly knowledgeable. He did a fantastic job of including people from different countries in the conversation and leaving time for questions. We learned so much about Mount Etna and the surrounding area and little towns. The pace and stops were perfect. 100% my family and I would recommend this tour!
The title says it's a "Jeep Tour" and you're stuck in a van for four and a half hours and never ever set foot in a jeep. Why? No explanation, no JEEP
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We would like to clarify a few details regarding your experience. Our tours are structured in various stages, meaning our guests are never inside the vehicle for 4.5 hours straight; the itinerary includes several stops, guided walks to the craters, and an exploration of a lava cave on foot.
Regarding the vehicle, we state in our tour description that the excursion is conducted using both 4x4 Jeeps and comfortable, air-conditioned passenger vans, depending on the group size and logistical needs to ensure the best comfort. We apologize if this aspect was not clear to you before departure, and we appreciate your note as it helps us keep our communications as transparent as possible
Everything about this trip was brilliant
Great transport
Superb guide in Ramas - he gave us all such great memories and knew so much about the Mt Etna National Park
The honey stop was fabulous along with wine and olive olis to sample
The coffee stop had such amazing views too
All in all a brilliant trip thanks to Ramas
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! 🌋🍯 We are delighted that you enjoyed the full experience, including the tastings, the stunning views, and the smooth transport. Rama is truly passionate about what he does, and hearing that he made your trip so brilliant is the best compliment we could ask for. Thanks for the great recommendation, and safe travels
This was an amazing day. Andrea was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable, gracious and funny. He kept us on schedule and showed us such beauty. Andrea, your tour was unforgettable and on behalf of the Canadian girls’ “team” and me especially, thank you.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
"Thank you for taking the time to share such a lovely review! 🌋🇨🇦 We are so glad Andrea made your day unforgettable with his knowledge, humor, and hospitality. Ensuring our guests see the absolute best scenery while enjoying a seamless, well-paced day is exactly what we strive for. Thank you to you and the Canadian crew for choosing us, and we wish you all many more amazing travels ahead!"
This tour was a highlight of our trip! Our guide Andrea was very knowledgeable (he grew up in this area and is well studied in all things Catania) - and was very friendly. Our group was small, and he took time to answer our questions, and engage with us. We toured in his van, but also hiked a bit up the mountain and saw the caves. We really enjoyed our time, and would definitely book with this company again. Well worth the price.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that our tour was a highlight of your trip. Andrea's deep roots in Catania and his passion for the region really shine through in everything he does, so it’s wonderful to know you appreciated his local expertise and friendly nature. We purposely keep our groups small to allow for that exact kind of personal engagement, hiking, and Q&A time. Thank you for recognizing the value of our experience and for your trust—knowing you would book with us again is the highest compliment we could receive. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Sicily soon!
Wonderful tour with Kevin. Nice blend between nature and tourism (shopping opportunities). He was very informative and entertaining.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with Kevin and appreciated the balance between exploring the natural beauty of the area and enjoying some local shopping opportunities. Kevin prides himself on keeping our tours both highly informative and entertaining, so knowing he hit the perfect note for you is fantastic. We will be sure to share your kind words with him. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for another great adventure!
Orella was an excellent guide and answered every question we had along the way. She was knowledgeable, patient and kind. She even made an excellent recommendation for a local fresh seafood restaurant. Wear hiking shoes and layers.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that Orella made such a great impression with her knowledge, kindness, and patience. She always goes above and beyond, and we are glad you enjoyed her local fresh seafood recommendation! Thank you also for adding that excellent tip about the hiking shoes and layers—it is perfect advice for future guests, as the weather on the volcano can change quickly. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again
Very informative and insightful trip! Our guide Rau was the best.
We were a party of 4 and each of us loved the trip. Our guide made it wonderful with his knowledge, humor and patience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that all four of you loved the trip. Rau will be incredibly happy to read your kind words—he truly brings the tour to life with his knowledge, humor, and patient guidance. It was a pleasure hosting your group on the volcano, and we hope to welcome you all back for another adventure in the future. Safe travels
Lovely morning out with Fabrizio on the slopes. Easy walks and stunning scenery of forests, lava tube and lava flows
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We are delighted that you enjoyed your morning with Fabrizio. The contrast between the lush forests and the raw power of the lava flows and tubes is what makes Etna so unique. We're glad you found the pace enjoyable and the scenery stunning. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Fabrizio!
One of the highlights of our whole trip! The guide is super knowledgeable and engaging and the tour is away from the crowds,
This was one of the highlights of our entire trip! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging and took us to a variety of interesting and beautiful spots that were away from the crowds. The tour was a wonderful way to spend a day exploring outside!
Response from Host, May 2026
Wow, what a wonderful compliment! Thank you so much for choosing us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that our tour was a highlight of your entire trip. Our mission is precisely that: to take our guests away from the crowds to discover the hidden, quiet beauty of the volcano. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with your guide, who will be delighted to know they made your day so special.
Our guide Giorgio was excellent. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and gave us lots of useful information along the way. He was also a careful and considerate driver and host. We felt very safe at all times (unlike on some other tours with different companies). The tour was the right length allowing us to fit in lots of sightseeing while still being back in town for the afternoon.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We are delighted to hear that Giorgio made such a positive impression. Safety and comfort are our top priorities, so it’s wonderful to know you felt secure and well-cared for throughout the journey. We’re also glad the tour timing worked perfectly for your schedule. We’ll be sure to pass your compliments along to Giorgio—he’ll be very proud to hear them!
Had a great time with Giorgio, who shared his local knowledge and made sure all members of the trip were comfortable and enjoyed the ride and the walks.
The meeting spot was easy to find, and all tour-guides were wearing Etna&Sea hoodies/t-shirts. We left and came back on time.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for such a detailed review! We’re thrilled you had a great time with Giorgio—he always makes it a priority to ensure everyone feels comfortable and engaged. We're also glad you found our meeting spot easily and appreciated our team's professional look with our Etna&Sea gear. Being on time is very important to us, so we're happy everything ran smoothly.
Fabio was very knowledgeable and communicative, as were the other guides. The hike to the crater was manageable.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We are delighted to hear that you found Fabio knowledgeable and communicative. It’s also wonderful to know that you appreciated the professionalism of our entire guiding team. We’re glad the hike to the crater was manageable and enjoyable for you.
I enjoyed the tour from start to finish. The guide was friendly and informative. The tour was definitely good value for money.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your feedback! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour from start to finish. Our team strives to provide informative and friendly service to every guest, and we're glad you felt the experience offered great value. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Great tour, avoiding the crowds, saw wonderful sights. Entertaining guide. Everything we wanted. Thanks
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for the feedback! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the sights and that we could provide a more intimate experience away from the crowds. Providing that 'off-the-beaten-path' feel is exactly what we aim for. Glad our guide kept you entertained, too
It was a great deal for this price! Our tour guides were amazing, many fifferent and beautiful sites and all in all great experience🥰
This was a fabulous way to spend our morning. There was just a few of us on the tour so it felt very private. And for the first part, we felt like we were the only ones on the mountain. Bluebird day, great views, and the guide was fabulous.
Really cool experience! Mount etna is very unique and you won’t get this experience anywhere else! Please make sure you wear long pants that covers your ankles or else you could be pricked by plants
Ship docked late. We couldn’t get refund or different times were not offered. Unfortunately no cell service nor WiFi service was available
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We called you before the excursion started, the phone rang but there was no answer. After 2 hours of the excursion starting, you asked for a refund and said that the phone had no reception. We explained to you that we had marked the no-show and that cannot be cancelled.
Wonderful experience with Luca exploring Mt Etna. Despite crappy weather, Luca provided alternative sights and made our experience memorable.
Bring warm clothes!
Our guide Dario was just outstanding. Excellent command of English, very knowledgeable and very concerned and caring for the abilities and limitations of each of the six members of our group, ranging in age from 30s to 70s. Commentary involved various perspectives on the lava flows, interactions between the local population and the active volcano which was insightful. Visitor center stop allowed ample time for photography of the spectacular setting, a brief hike up the mountain, and a drink/bathroom/shopping stop for those inclined to more passive time. Maybe the highlight was exploration of a lava cave; unique for sure. Suggestion for those considering this excursion - check the weather on Etna, not in the cities at the base. It can get windy and cold on a mountain. Our only complaint had nothing to do with the tour itself, or of our guides. Both were superb. Our problem was with communication with management - in particular- confirming the meeting location. We sent messages through the Viator app - no response. Day of tour we showed up at the location shown on the Viator app but the office at that location was locked and had a different business name. Fortunately there was another couple waiting there. We both reached out to our booking companies - they were informed the meeting place was across the piazza. Viator only told us that the tour had not been cancelled. Both Viator and the company management failed us. If not for the other couple we would have missed an exceptional tour.
Alrhough it said morning trip it was almost a full day 8.30 till 2.30 guide Fabio was excellent and knowledgeable he made sure we had an informative trip
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're glad to hear that Fabio provided an excellent and informative trip. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in the future!
Our tour guide Paul has only been doing this job about one month and we would have never guessed. He was great very informative and proud of his knowledge so willing to share. Everyone needs to request him. Thank you
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Paul made such a positive impression despite his short time with us. I'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. We hope to see you again on future tours!
Member Pricing
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$66.74
per personWas $70.25(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Catania: Morning Jeep Tour of Mount Etna and Lava Flow Caves
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