Taormina

Jeep & 4WD Tours

Begin your journey by boarding a coach with your friendly and knowledgeable tour leader. This will take you approximately 1900 meters (about 6233 feet) up Mount Etna, where you will then switch to jeeps in order to get within a safe proximity of the main crater area at 3000 (about 9840 feet) meters elevation. During your ascent, you’ll be escorted by licensed guides of the CAI - Italian Alpine Club.   Mount Etna is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicility, and the tallest active volcano in Europe, standing at 3,350 meters (about 10990 feet). It’s also one of the most active volcanoes in the world and in an almost constant state of activity since its first eruption about half a million years ago.   After reaching the highest authorized area, stop to experience a stunning sunset as the fading sun’s colors cover the volcano, the Valley of the Bove, and all of the expansive surroundings. Following the sunset, return by jeep to 1900 meters, at which point it will be time for a wonderful dinner at your expense in a local restaurant to finish off the evening.

Depart from Taormina to visit the Sicilian hill towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò. Explore the sets of the popular movie The Godfather. See the famous Bar Vitelli and wedding venue, among other places you’ll recognize from the films. Hear stories about the movies and Sicily from a local guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside. Take a pleasant stroll in the villages. Easily find filming locations of the movie. Visit the Trimarchi building, the venue for the famous Bar Vitelli. Then, see the location of the wedding shoot, the Church of Santa Lucia. Learn about tales behind the great film, and the equally captivating history of the island that inspired this masterpiece by Francis Ford Coppola. Many scenes of village life were filmed on the cobblestone streets and traditional houses of Forzà d'Agrò. Explore SS. Annunziata Square, Church of SS. Annunziata, and the birthplace of Vito Corleone. Admire the charm of the Sicilian countryside in this amazing place, nestled between the provinces of Messina and Catania.

2002 Lava front. The first visit is the 2002 lava flow, reachable by jeep through a winding dirt road surrounded by chestnut and oak forests. The 2002 eruption lasted from October 27th to January 29th 2003 and it is considered one of the most explosive eruptions of the past one hundred years Corruccio Cave’s Continuing our excursion we will reach the Ragabo pine forest where hidden among pines and brooms, we will discover the cave of Corruccio (1350 meters above sea level) a cave formed by flowing lava. Piano Provenzana Later, driving up along the Mareneve road we will reach Piano Provenzana (1800 meters above sea level), a ski resort, theater of the great eruption of 2002. After enjoying an excellent espresso, we will take a short walk to visit the ruins of the hotel Le Betulle destroyed by a molten lava flow. Monti Sartorius Our tour continues with a short walk to some of the side craters, the Sartorius Mountains (1700 meters above sea level), formed in the year 1865 and characterized by seven small, aligned eruptive cones (or "buttonholes"). This area holds great geological and botanical treasures, and our tour winds along clearings rich in endemic species, large volcanic “bombs” and woodlands dominated by birch trees (Betula Aetnensis). Halfway down from the top of one of the craters, one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast, from Riposto to Taormina, the Calabrian coast, the North-East Crater (3350 meters above sea level), the impressive dark lava formations of 2002 and the eruptive mouths (2000 meters above sea level), near the tourist resort of Piano Provenzana. Traveling through one of the wine roads of Sicily and crossing large expanses of vineyards (Etna D.O.C.), we will arrive at a local restaurant. This is the ideal place to enjoy relaxing moments surrounded by nature while sampling local cuisine and excellent wines. (Lunch not included) Alcantara River In the afternoon we will discover a unique canyon comprised of basaltic lava (the “Alcantara” Gorges) and shaped by the waters of the Alcantara river. The Alcantara's vertical cliffs reach 30 meters in height and its structures have been forged by high intensity geological and geothermal events. In prehistoric times, a river flowed here over clay sediments until a massive volcanic eruption channeled magma into the river bed forming the current canyons. After this stop, we end our memorable day and return to town.

Jump in the shuttle bus and head out into the lunar landscape of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna. At over 6,500 ft (1,981 meters), this majestic mountain dominates the coastline, concealing plenty of treasures within its lair. No trip to Sicily would be complete without a visit to the tempestuous territories of Mount Etna. Starting at Rifugio Sapienza, follow the line of the old Silvestri craters down into a cave of lava formed during the eruption of 1792. From here, head to the province of Zafferana, where you'll visit a local organic farm and sample honey and wine, cultivated in the fertile soils of the region. En route to Taormina, look at the spectacular wildlife reserve of Isola Bella from above. Upon arrival, spend lunch at your leisure, then re-group to check out the highlights of this unique historical town. From the old-world charm of the ancient Greek theater to the breathtaking views of the Bay of Nexus and the striking architecture of Palazza Corvaja, this town steals the heart of every visitor.

Visit the tallest volcano in Europe and explore Etna Park on a 6-hour tour from Taormina. The first stop of the day is in the town of Zafferana, known as the town of honey, located on the eastern side of Etna. Visit one of the area’s top organic farms to taste products such as honey, olive oil and wine. Later, put on a helmet and headlamp and head inside a lava cave to learn how lava flows are formed. At the Sapienza Refuge, see both the newest eruptions of the volcano and the old Silvestri craters dating from the 1892 eruption. Trek along a nature path enjoying breathtaking views, before the drive back to Taormina.

This private adventure begins with hotel pick up from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. In the comfort of an air-conditioned, 4WD vehicle, take on regular and unpaved roads as you ascend to the extinct craters at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Break away from the classic tourist itineraries to discover unique panoramas enriched by stories and fun facts from your experienced guide.  Walk amongst lunar landscapes on Europe's highest active volcano and UNESCO World Heritage Site and view the ancient lava flow, the Etna forest, Valley of Bove, and extinct craters. What's more, put on your helmet and headlamp, provided by your guide, and make your way through a long, underground tunnel, formed by the lava flow.  To ascend the summit area at 3,0000 meters, you may purchase a cable car ticket on the spot. After a full day of touring, hotel drop-off is provided.

Depart from Taormina and head to the Rifugio Sapienza on Mount Etna. Learn the history of the volcano and visit the sites of its last eruptions. Choose to trek along the nature paths of the Parco dell’Etna or take the cable car to an altitude of 2,504 meters and continue by 4WD minibus to the Torre del Filosofo. Get stunning views of the scenery stretching down to the sea and admire the craters and old lava flows that characterize the landscape. Explore a lava cave with all the proper equipment. Continue down the mountain and stop at the organic farm for a delicious sampling of local products, including honey, wine, and oil. Discover the different corners of the Alcantara River. Walk down small paths, past cultivated fields, and see the natural pools and waterfalls and continue to get up close to different basalt and unexpected lava formations.

Hike to the highest active volcano in Europe, Mt Etna, and continue to the characteristic town of Taormina on a guided day trip from Catania with return hotel transfers. Visit old craters and lava flow caves and sit down for a picnic lunch in nature with a glass of wine. Start with a pickup from your accommodation in Catania and make your way to Etna. Get introduced to the fascinating world of volcanic phenomena by your guide. Gear up in hiking equipment and walk through ancient woods, extinct craters and past lava flows on Etna. Explore a volcanic cave and the surrounding landscape of Etna. After working up an appetite, enjoy a packed lunch with some typical street food products in an open area. In case of bad weather, go to a refuge to munch on sandwiches.  Next, head to the historical center of Taormina for a self-guided visit. Admire the Ionian coast on one side and Mount Etna on the other, immersed in a picturesque atmosphere. Visit the elegant avenue that separates the medieval city gates, Porta Catania and Porta Messina, walk down the alleys, and see the Greek theater. After your visit to Taormina, jump back on board for the return trip to Catania.

Hike on Mount Etna's finest trails to discover one of Europe's most famous volcanos. Enjoy a trek over extinct craters, lava flows, lava tubes, and have a fantastic view over the dramatic beauty of the Valle del Bove caldera. During your hike discover the beauty of Mount Etna and see the vibrant active craters of the summit. Enjoy the view along the volcano's flanks and see the Ionian Coast from Taormina to Catania. This tour is adaptable to all levels of hikers and transportation is carried out with off-road pickups vehicles. Depending on the season, your lunch includes a picnic in the outdoors or at a restaurant with typical Sicilian products. If time allows, your excursion will conclude with a complimentary tasting of Etna's finest products, including honey, wine, liqueurs and much more at a local producer in Zafferana Etnea. This village of honey sits along the Etna Wine Route, which will lead you back to your accommodation where you will be dropped off as the tour concludes.

The tour will begin with a visit to Savoca, one of the most picturesque medieval villages of Sicily, inserted in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy since 2008. Also named Terra Ferace of Gagliardi Ingegni and country of seven faces, this delightful city of art has been chosen as a set for several important films including The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. You will start from one of the most important places in Savoca, the Vitelli Bar, then go on a stroll through the alleys of the village, immersed in a suggestive landscaping setting. Admire the ruins of an ancient synagogue, a precious mullion in a pure 15-century style and you will reach the historic center of the country, which, according to some historians, is rooted in Roman times. Visit the church of San Nicolò, built in the 13th century and restructured in the 18th century, where some well-known scenes of the renowned cinematic work were also filmed.  Continue by moving to Forza D’Agrò, immersed in the D’Agrò Valley. During the journey, you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view and admire the obvious traces of an intense and previous farm activity which took place in the valley thanks to the terraces. You will also be able to enjoy a beautiful panorama that opens up towards the Ionian Coast. Here, you will make a small stop to visit the Cathedral of Mary S.Annunziata and Assunta dating back to the 15th century immersing yourself even more in a pure medieval context that exudes the Sicilian tradition at every corner. The excursion will end with some free time to visit the picturesque town of Taormina. Along the main road of this town, Corso Umberto, with the Messina Gate below and the Catania Gate on the mountain side, you will admire the most important monuments: Palazzo Corvaja (The Corvaja Palace) the Teatro Antico* (The Old Theatre), Piazza IX Aprile, the Torre dell’orologio (The Clock Tower), the Cattedrale Fortezza (The Fortress Cathedral), the Badia Vecchia (The Old Abbey), the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano (The Duke of Saint Stephen Palace) and much more. It will also be possible to go shopping in the exclusive shops which alternate with workshops.