Unique things to do in Catania

I GUIDE YOU OUT OF TOURISTS TRACKS!!! Surrounded by a moonlike landscape, we'll learn to understand and explore Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for it's beauty and uniqueness. Walking along the paths Europe's largest volcano, you'll admire the impressive volcanic structure with its typical flora and fauna. We will cross Deserts of black sand, Woods, Ancient and Recent Lava Flows and Old Craters in order to admire the fascinating VALLE DEL BOVE. We will also enter lava tubes, created during the volcano's eruptions, equipped with a helmet and flashlights. It'll be fascinating to descover not only their creation but also the secrets they so jelously conceal in their darkness. Difficulty: Medium Itinerary length: about 5.5 km Maximum altitude: about 2100 m Trekking duration: 3-3.5 hours approx Difference in altitude: about 350 m The route in the event of adverse weather conditions or real safety risks can be changed at the discretion of the guide In this adventure you will be accompanied by me or by my co hosts, enthusiasts and experts of Etna! Other things to note The duration of the experience is indicative. Unforeseeable situations could cause the experience to end at a different time. It is alway (It's important to wear trekking shoes or shoes you wouldn't mind ruining as at some point there will be a thriling decent into desert-like black sand)

First of all we will find out what the gastronomic 'path' of the day will be; this will depend on the season and on what the market offers: to prepare our dishes, in fact, we will use only fresh, local and possibly organic products. Each member of the group will be following my directions and / or demonstrations to begin the preparation of the menu that will normally include: a main course - first or second course of vegetables and a dessert. We will make pasta and bread, as often as times and preparations allow. As we proceed with the preparation of our meal, we will take notes on ingredients, quantities and recipes so that when you return home and show your friends and relatives photos and memories of your travel experiences you can taste the traditional dishes again, you will have learned to prepare with your hands! When everything is ready, consume yourself or together with us, if you prefer, the product of your efforts and I assure you that nothing will give you more satisfaction: in no restaurant you will find a dish equal to ... yours! Last but not least, if you have children travelling with you, they also enjoy this experience: what's better then prepare by themselves their own lunch?! Other things to note Of course, if someone hasn't got cooking hobby he/she could stay with us and look; the menù I'll propose to you can be modify if you don't like or cannot eat something

After pick up,Etna direction! Passing through trazzere, where we can see the lava flows (1792), where I will explain the fauna and flora of volcano Etna,telling you the Mount Etna history. Arrive at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level,starts our trekking off the turistic path, Direction Bove Valley, the ancient caldera formed about 64,000 years ago due to a collapse of two major eruptive centers. where we can admire the silvestri craters, the recent lava flows,south east active crater and a great view of Catania and ionion cost. During the hiking we stop to eat a sandwich gourmet with local product ( you can buy the sandwich,before the hiking). Other things to note Our experience is a mountain hiking with a good slope, it is suitable for everyone with good mobility and good phisical shape. It not suitable for people with low physical fitness, breathing problems and heart problems.

This is a sailing adventure focused on respect for nature, sustainable lifestyle and knowledge of navigation. An exciting sport activity, rich of new experiences and discoveries. The sailboat is fully equipped and meets all the standards of comfort and safety. First we meet 15 minutes before the boat tour, generally at the Caffe del Porto. Once embarked, we begin by introducing you to the bases of sailing, winds and the ocean. Set sail from the Club Nautico Catania, we open the sail and begin to cruise along the volcanic coast of Catania going with the winds, on the horizon we will see the Island of the Cyclops, the place where Etna was born. All the members of the tour will help to steer, to manage the sail and to sport activities. In the meantime you will learn the sailing techniques on board we prepare the aperitif. So let's the party starts and altogether we cheers with a glass of prosecco. Last but not least, you will have the opportunity to bath or to swim near the Grotta di Ulisse or the Riviera dei Ciclopi. This is a perfect first experience on a sailboat because in 3 hours you enjoy the vibe of the sail that allow you to decide to return for a longer experience, even the next day. Other things to note At the start of the tour you will be registered on the 'crew list' by filling in a short form from our company. ID or passport is required on board.

We'll organize excursions on Etna, the most active and highest volcano in Europe. The tour includes: pick-up with my Minivan at 8.30 am from Catania center to strategic points such as Central Station, Piazza Alcalà, Piazza Stesicoro, Piazza Borgo. We'll visit a lava flow cave with helmets and torches. We'll do a hiking of 3 h, crossing volcanic desert environments, craters, Valle del Bove and the different mountain colors. The hike is about 5-6 km from 1800 meters above sea level to 2300/2400 meters. Lunch is packed ,but along the drive up we'll stop in Trecastagni ( a Etna Village) where could we buy sandwiches with typical Sicilian dishes like caponata and parmigiana. We'll drop off to Catania around 3.30pm.

I GUIDE YOU OUT OF TOURISTS TRACKS! WE ARE TWO GUIDES MANAGING THE EXPERIENCE, TO MEET THE GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. We climb up the slopes of the Etna volcano, encountering different landscapes; forest, lava desert, caves/lava tube (this is not 100% sure), sandy deserts and other amazing points of views! Then, we get to a perfect place to observe the summit craters and the Bove Valley (the biggest one on Mt.Etna), the reason why Mt.Etna is part of the UNESCO heritage! Walking along the ridge, you will enjoy the view of the active summit craters, of the Ionian sea and of the Italian peninsula. We will descend through fun sandy canyons, which will take us to the top of some ancient craters born during last years! To get to the meeting point : - By rental car, there is a big parking. - By BUS : get BRT1 Bus line (the fast bus line in Catania). Other things to note: This is not an experience for tourists but for travelers that love walking, trekking and the adventure. I will give to you the best I can, this is my mission !

IMPORTANT: All excursions are carried out in compliance with the levels of volcanic risk, so the tour may undergo changes depending on the level of volcanic activity Meeting and departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza at the Ashàra Info Point. After a brief briefing, the hike will begin that will lead us to the top at an altitude of 3340 masl. With the Etna cable car we will quickly gain altitude up to 2500 masl and then with special Unimig 4x4, we will climb further up to 2750 masl. From 2750 masl we will start the ascent up to 3340 masl of about 2 hours where we will make 2-3 intermediate breaks to enjoy the panorama along the lava fields with a lunar aspect that will lead us to the Central Crater of Etna, where we could admire the volcanic and geological peculiarities that characterize the summit area. Crossing the crater terrace we will also visit the other summit craters. Then, downhill, fun sands will lead us to the craters of 2002-2003 and equipped with a helmet we will visit a lava flow channel. After admiring the great Valle del Bove, returning to 2500 masl the cable car will take us back to the starting point. Cable car and unimog 4x4 tickets (50€ per person) are not included in the price and should be paid in cash at our info point

The tour includes an itinerary in steps. By my 4x4 off-road vehicle or SUV car, I will drive you to the "lava desert," the quintessential lunar landscape. We will walk along the paths of Europe's highest active volcano, I will show you the impressive volcanic structure, explain its history and origin. We will stop and look at the views and vistas that only Mount Etna can create. We will walk together over old extinct craters located on the southern slope, the most vibrant in recent years. I will give you a tour of a lava tunnel with helmets and flashlights, and we will also see the Valle del Bove. On the way back you will have a free tasting of typical Etna products inside a local farm. EXTRA An 'enchanting tasting in an Etna winery, a visit to the Crateri Sommitali (with the help of the cable car) or the Alcantara Gorges or Taormina would make your experience even more unique. I can arrange anything according to your needs. Write to me if you are interested! We discuss about the pickup place and time the day before. Rent service mountains boots upon request. NB: THIS EXPERIENCE DOES NOT INVOLVE TREKKING If you like hiking, check out my other experience -> Discovering Etna's trails If you have bulky luggage with you must notify me in advance. The temperature may be 10-15° C lower than in the city with wind.

Automatic discounts for 2 or 4 or more people. Ask price for electric MTB option (available also for child in private tours). Pick-up or drop-off service in Catania for 15 euros. Free pick-up in Bus stop Gravina. Available private tour (without surcharge for 3 or more). 1) The easy standard route, entirely in the protected area of the Etna Park (closed for veichles), is 22 km long, at about 1800 meters of altitude. Here you can also ride the bike on the edge of a volcanic crater, from which you will admire the source of a huge lava flow! 2) If you do not like the uphills you can ask to do the 22 km descent route to lose in downhill more than 1000 meters of altitude. 3) If you love long descents and it's ok to ride uphill for six km to gain the necessary 270 meters of altitude that will allow us to go in downhill for over 30 km along the side of the volcano, this is your path! 4) If you are fit, book the complete tour of the volcano; 57 Km total of which 37 within the protected area with about 800 meters of elevation gain, and 20 Km of panoramic descents on asfalt roads. Remember: only if you are sporty, you love challenges and you practice mountain biking regularly, you'll like it. Paths of points 2,3 and 4 require a surcharge of 40 euros per person.. Morning tours have to be booked online at least 18 hours before: if you arrive late, try to ask to book!

This experience is dedicated to private groups (couples, individuals, families) or very small groups of up to 4 people! I will take you, through the seasons, to discover the multifaceted aspect of the volcano and to know its stories. We will do this by walking, reconnecting with nature. We will observe volcanic rocks and ancient eruptive cones, or reaching some observation points during the eruptive phases. I will lead you on itineraries in and out of the dense network of paths. Each time it will be different, trying to deepen one of the aspects of the volcano. I will accompany and involve you while giving you suggestions on how to "guide you". I will be pleased to offer you some activities along the way to improve some hiking skills, for example you can try your hand at reading a topographic map and how to use a compass, experiment with the use and understand the functioning of trekking poles. Each excursion will be different and will take part in creating a puzzle, looking at Etna each time from a different perspective. I will share with you stories and myths related to the land and Etna, and the "soul" of the place, the Mongibello, La Montagna Maestosa. Other things to note It is possible to get a free ride (MAX 4 persons). Get in touch with me to know the availability of seats. Possible to arrangee a pick up/drop off directly from your accommodation.

Meeting Point at the Bellini Garden in Catania(main entrance in via Etnea), a place for recreation and relaxation, known as “A Villa” by the people of Catania. After a short visit of the Garden, our tour will continue along via Etnea, the main street of Catania full of beauties in Baroque and Liberty style to be photographed and admired. Our walk will continue inside the characteristic streets of Catania, we will arrive at Piazza Federico di Svevia, seat of the Ursino Castle, where we will make a short stop and quench your palate with seltz, lemon and salt, a typical drink non-alcoholic Catania. Unmissable stop will be the fish market, where you can fully experience the folklore of the city of Catania. The tour will continue crossing “Piazza Duomo”, where you can immortalize the symbol of the city, “U liotru”, a lava stone statue depicting an elephant. Then we will head towards the iconic square of Catania's opera, Piazza Teatro Massimo, seat of the homonymous Vincenzo Massimo Bellini theater, characterized by the Liberty style. Finally we will visit the Catania fair, called “a fera o 'luni”, where there are stalls of all kinds. Once out of the fair you will taste a piece of our typical Sicilian Street Food (Arancino, cipollina, pizza, cartocciata or bolognese). We will end the tour in via Etnea. > "Automatic" discount on the tour based on the number of participants.

Excursion on Mount Etna by jeep and trekking to visit craters, caves and the last eruption of 2002 up to the authorized quotas based on volcanic activity. We start from the Hotel if located in the town of Zafferana etnea or from our meeting point with comfortable 4×4 jeep o minivan , in a north-easterly direction, after a couple of km we will stop inside the National Park accessible by authorized guide, because there are about 45 craters. After a walk of about 40 minutes we will visit 5 craters, one of which is still open and you can see the real size of a crater. In this area we will observe all types of lava, minerals, volcanic desert and pioneer plants of our volcano. After visiting the craters at altitude, with our jeep we will make 2 km of off-road vehicles to discover the last big eruption,that destroyed the old tourist center. Finally with helmets and lamps provided by us we will visit the small craters inside (cave) an expansion chamber and a fracture, which divides Etna into 2 parts, (moves 14 millimeters a year) The visit will be carried out in areas of volcanological and scientific interest ,with an expert and qualified guide. Excursion suitable for everyone even for families with children.before booking verified with a message if we have availability Other things to note IMPORTANTBefore booking send a message to see if we have the availability. In our meeting point we have a free guarded parking in front of our reception. We provide for free: shoes jackets and lamps.

➡️ READ BEFORE BOOKING: We will do hiking and hiking on the main attractions of Mount Etna, still active! We will climb to 2,170 meters above sea level with views of the incredible Bove Valley. We will visit hidden caves, trails, and when there is snow we will face the snowy path! Our hike includes a full tasting of oil, honey and Etna wines. Your regional nature guide and hiking, is a Geologist expert who will enchant you with the most curious stories that mother nature gives every day on "Mamma Etna". The total cost of the tour is 65€ per person (25€ airbnb+ 40€ for transportation and hiking guide to be paid at the time of pick-up). The one-person tour has a total cost of €95 (€25 airbnb+ €70 for transportation and private hiker's guide to be paid at the time of pickup). Pick up a/r , in place to be agreed.

Surrounded by a lunar landscape, we will learn to understand and explore Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beauty and uniqueness. Strolling along the largest volcano in Europe, you will admire the imposing volcanic structure with its typical flora and fauna. We will visit one of the most fascinating sites where you can watch the sunset together (you will not see the sun setting but only appreciate the colors). We will enter a lava tube, created during the volcano's eruptions, equipped with a helmet and flashlights. It will be fascinating to discover not only their creation, but also the secrets that they hide so jealously in their darkness. Difficulty: easy Maximum altitude: about 2100 m Trekking duration: about 1.5/2 hours Difference in altitude: about 100 m The route in case of adverse weather conditions or real safety risks can be changed at the discretion of the guide In this adventure you will be accompanied by me or by my co hosts, enthusiasts and experts of Etna! Other things to note The duration of the experience is indicative. Unpredictable situations could cause the experience to end at a different time. (It is important to wear hiking shoes or shoes that you wouldn't mind spoiling)

**Mainly for beginners** We meet at the Diving Center at 9.00 am, and we start by introducing ourselves, registering and we fill out the forms needed. You will given the necessary equipment for your diving test, and we will have an accurate breafing of the equipment and what we will do in the water. As soon as we are ready, we will jump into the blue of Catania and discover the wonders of the Ionian sea, among lava flows, submerged caves and biodiversity! Once out of the water we will do a debriefing. We will have a snack and photo of this amazing experience! Other things to note This type of activity is not recommended for pregnant women. Minors must be accompanied by their parents.