At the foot of Europe’s largest active volcano, Nicolosi serves as the perfect launch point for Mount Etna adventures. The local tours here are expertly organized and surprisingly varied. I’m especially impressed with two standouts: The Etna Adventure Trek & Wine Tasting Tour offers the perfect mix of outdoor activity and culture – you’ll hike the volcanic terrain, then reward yourself with excellent Sicilian wines and local food. For the more ambitious, the Summit Craters Guided Excursion takes you right to the volcano’s dramatic 3,000-meter peak, offering what I consider the most spectacular views in Sicily.
Let’s explore the top tour options waiting for you in Nicolosi.
Key Points
- The Mount Etna Quad Volcano Tour offers a 2-hour guided quad bike adventure through forest trails and lava flows, highlighting volcanic features like explosive craters and lava flow caves.
- The Etna Adventure Trek & Wine Tasting Tour is a 7-hour guided hike exploring craters and lava fields, followed by a visit to a local winery for wine tasting and traditional Sicilian cuisine.
- The Summit Craters 3,000m Guided Excursion takes visitors to the summit craters via cable car and 4×4 vehicles, with a focus on the geology and eruptive history of Mount Etna.
- The Excursion to Summit Craters With Lunch and Wine Tour includes a cable car ascent, jeep/SUV ride, and guided hike, along with a 2-hour lunch and wine tasting in Nicolosi.
- The Mount Etna: Tasting and Winery Tour offers a 4-hour scenic experience with a cable car ride to the Silvestri Craters, a guided hike, and a visit to a local winery for wine tastings and Sicilian delicacies.
From Nicolosi: Mount Etna Quad Volcano Tour
One of the most thrilling ways to explore Mount Etna from Nicolosi is the Mount Etna Quad Volcano Tour. This 2-hour guided excursion takes adventurers on a quad bike ride through forest trails and lava flows, offering a unique perspective of the iconic volcano.
The tour starts at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, where you will be provided with the necessary equipment before embarking on their quad bike journey. Along the way, they’ll witness volcanic features like explosive craters and a lava flow cave, as well as the broom tree forest that’s unique to Sicily.
The ride also includes traversing the basin of a dried torrent, adding to the excitement.
With a price tag of $63 per person, the Mount Etna Quad Volcano Tour is an affordable way to experience the raw power and stunning landscapes of this natural wonder.
The tour is available in multiple languages and can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Read our full review: From Nicolosi: Mount Etna Quad Volcano Tour Review
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From Siracusa: Etna Adventure Trek & Wine Tasting Tour
What better way to experience the grandeur of Mount Etna from Siracusa than the Etna Adventure Trek & Wine Tasting Tour? This 7-hour excursion takes adventurers on a guided hike up the volcano, offering a chance to explore its craters and lava fields. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 27 reviews, the tour is priced at €85 per person.
During the trek, you will witness the volcanic landscape’s unique features and learn about the mountain’s history and geology from a knowledgeable guide.
After the hike, the tour includes a stop at a local winery for a tasting of the region’s renowned wines, complemented by traditional Sicilian cuisine. This combination of outdoor adventure and culture provides a well-rounded experience for those seeking to discover the wonders of Mount Etna from Siracusa.
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable day in Sicily, the Etna Adventure Trek & Wine Tasting Tour is an excellent choice, offering a perfect blend of exploration and indulgence.
Read our full review: From Siracusa: Etna Adventure Trek & Wine Tasting Tour Review
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Summit Craters 3,000m Guided Excursion
Reaching the summit craters of Mount Etna at an elevation of 3,000 meters, this guided excursion offers adventurers a chance to witness the raw power and grandeur of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
During this 5 to 6-hour tour, you will journey by cable car and 4×4 vehicles to the upper reaches of the mountain, where they’ll explore the lunar-like landscape of the summit craters.
With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can expect to learn about the volcano’s fascinating geology and eruptive history.
The tour has earned an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 3,400 reviews, with customers praising the stunning views, informative commentary, and well-organized logistics.
Priced at Kč2,636 per person, this immersive experience provides a thrilling opportunity to get up close and personal with the mighty Mount Etna.
Read our full review: Summit Craters 3,000m Guided Excursion Review
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Excursion to Summit Craters With Lunch and Wine Tour
Although reaching the summit craters of Mount Etna at an elevation of 3,000 meters is an exhilarating experience, this guided excursion offers even more.
Over the course of 7 hours, participants can enjoy a cable car ascent, a jeep/SUV ride, and a guided hike to the summit craters. Along the way, they’ll receive a safety briefing, take a photo stop, and return via cable car.
The excursion also includes a 2-hour lunch and wine tasting in Nicolosi, where visitors can sample local products and typical wines from the Etna slopes.
Expert volcanological guides are provided, and safety gear like helmets is included. The tour is priced from €85 per person and can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with altitude sickness, this excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the lunar landscapes of Mount Etna’s summit craters.
Read our full review: Excursion to Summit Craters With Lunch and Wine Tour Review
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Nicolosi: Mt. Etna Guided Quad Tour Adventure
Adventurous travelers can embark on a thrilling 1.5-hour quad bike tour that takes them through the diverse landscapes of Mount Etna.
The “Nicolosi: Mt. Etna Guided Quad Tour Adventure” offers an off-road experience, guiding visitors through the volcano’s paths, lava fields, and forests. Priced at $136.55 per group (up to 2 people), the tour includes a specialized guide, safety gear, and a quad bike with automatic transmission.
Participants will cross lava fields, black volcanic sand, and explore caves, while also enjoying scenic views of the alternating lava landscapes and forests.
The tour also allows visitors to explore typical local buildings resembling Sardinian nuraghi or Puglian trulli. With cancelation flexibility and an overall 4/5 rating based on 5 reviews, this quad tour is an excellent way to experience the unique features of Mount Etna.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, individuals with back problems or mobility impairments, and people over 70 years old.
Read our full review: Nicolosi: Mt. Etna Guided Quad Tour Adventure Review
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Mount Etna: Tasting and Winery Tour
For those seeking a more leisurely and oenological experience on Mount Etna, the “Mount Etna: Tasting and Winery Tour” provides an opportunity to savor the region’s renowned wines and cuisine.
This 4-hour tour takes visitors on a scenic journey through the vineyards and wineries that dot the slopes of the iconic volcano. Guests will enjoy a cable car ride to the Silvestri Craters, where they’ll embark on a guided hike to explore the volcanic landscape.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to a local winery, where participants can indulge in tastings of the region’s signature wines, paired with traditional Sicilian delicacies.
With pickup and drop-off services available, this tour offers a seamless way to take in the culinary and viticultural riches of Mount Etna.
Whether a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the “Mount Etna: Tasting and Winery Tour” delivers an unforgettable exploration of this magnificent natural wonder.
Read our full review: Mount Etna: Tasting and Winery Tour Review
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Recap
Nicolosi offers a variety of thrilling tours for exploring Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Visitors can choose from quad bike adventures, guided treks to the summit craters, and winery tours with tastings. These tours provide an unforgettable experience and a unique opportunity to witness the power and grandeur of this natural wonder up close.