
Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 318 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch worth booking?
Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch is a 6-hour experience in Catania, Italy, from $102 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 318 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (318)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $102 per person
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 a walk through the Ragabo forest to the 2002 eruption lava front. Continuing along the Via Mareneve, immersed in the Ragabo pine forest, we will arrive at the starting point of our trekking to the Monti Sartorius craters. A trail about 3 km long, starting at 1,650m and ending at 1,750m, a 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’ll head to the picturesque Alcantara Gorges for a 1-hour free visit, where you’ll discover a stunning lava canyon traversed by the Alcantara River! Take a dip in the river’s icy waters or explore the surrounding area.
What you get
About this experience
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 a walk through the Ragabo forest to the 2002 eruption lava front. Continuing along the Via Mareneve, immersed in the Ragabo pine forest, we will arrive at the starting point of our trekking to the Monti Sartorius craters. A trail about 3 km long, starting at 1,650m and ending at 1,750m, a 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’ll head to the picturesque Alcantara Gorges for a 1-hour free visit, where you’ll discover a stunning lava canyon traversed by the Alcantara River! Take a dip in the river’s icy waters or explore the surrounding area.
What's included
Included
- Entrance fee to the Alcantara Gorges (through the municipal entrance)
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Trekking equipment: helmet and flashlight, hiking poles (upon request)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
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.
360 minutes here · Admission included
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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catania
In front of "Autoscuola Sorrentino" driving school, free parking on the street.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
In front of "Autoscuola Sorrentino" driving school, free parking on the street.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Dream Island
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NOT suitable for cruise ship passengers due to scheduling conflicts.
- For safety reasons, due to volcanic activity or particularly unfavorable weather conditions, the tour may be modified or canceled at the guide’s discretion. We’re here to have fun together, but safety comes first.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 317 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
317 verified traveler reviews for Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day trip
Really beautiful and unique scenery, interesting facts about volcanoes, and the gorge was stunning. Pick-up and the driving were very smooth and lunch (a choice of several pasta dishes) was tasty. Alfio did a very good job - his English made it a little difficult to communicate at times but he was always willing to repeat himself. Would advise bringing water shoes for the gorge - when we were there we only went in to just above our knees as it was quite cold and we were able to see most everything that way, so we personally did not need bathing suits.
via Tripadvisor
Must do attraction, short group with amazing guide
Julia was amazing the trip was just splendid the lunch was very good, it was the best pasta in Taormina
via Viator
Excellent day on Etna
Staff were fun. It was an enjoyable trip even in the rain. I would use this tour company again without any hesitation
via Tripadvisor
Mt Etna and Alcantara Gorge
Lunch is a single pasta dish, no substitutions. The pasta was disappointing, they also offer one coffee. They didn’t provide the Catania pick-up that day. I had to take the train to a station near their office from Siracusa. Apparently, the regular guide was injured in a motorcycle accident the day prior. The replacement guide was nice but it was an off day for the company. I brought my hiking boots, I would have preferred a more challenging hike up Mt. Etna. The weather was nice and I enjoyed the Alcantara Gorge.
via Tripadvisor
A great Etna adventure!
We really enjoyed our tour of mt. etna and the surrounding areas. It was great getting out of the city and going for a hike in nature. Our guide was very kind and knowledgeable. The lunch stop felt authentic and had lots of delicious options. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes for the hike portion as well as water shoes for the gorge to be able to comfortably explore all stops on the tour.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 111
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catania.
How much does Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch cost?
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Prices start at $102 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Catania usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Catania is not rushed.
Is Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 318 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Catania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch?
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Around 111 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Catania can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Catania and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Catania within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Catania?
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On Outty we rank every Catania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Catania Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better, Etna Tour - HalfDay Small Group & licensed Tour Guide, Tour Etna and Wine Tasting. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Catania?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Catania?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch?
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Included: Entrance fee to the Alcantara Gorges (through the municipal entrance); Private transportation; Lunch; Bottled water; and Trekking equipment: helmet and flashlight, hiking poles (upon request). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 11 listed pickup locations in and around Catania. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Etna and Alcantara Gorges Excursion with lunch?
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Across 318 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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