Leave Taormina and ride around Mount Etna by coach and by a 1950s-era train on the Circumetnea Railway (the train is not operative during winter time and will be substituted by the coach and a visit of Randazzo town). This exciting day trip also includes visit of the rock pools and canyons of Alcantara Gorges (entrance own expense) and the foothills of Sicily’s vivacious volcano. If you want to see Mount Etna’s smouldering upper craters, upgrade (extra) to include transport by cable car and jeeps and a walking tour to the summit craters.
Note that from November to March, the tour does not include the train ride nor the optional upgrade to the upper areas. A visit of Randazzo town is provided in substitution. A minimum number of 12 participants is necessary during winter.
Posted By : Pauly_Dents
Two of the reasons for going to Sicily was to see Mt Etna and ride the Ferrovia Circumetnea Railway, I found this trip which allowed us to do both.
I had an issue with booking on line and had to email the company expecting the usual week to wait for a reply which seems the post pandemic norm, but no 10 minutes after sending a reply was received and we conversed throughout the day to resolve my payment issue nothing being too much trouble.
Anyway back to the tour.
The tour was excellent and ticked all our boxes we were picked up at 7.40 am thankfully near to our Hotel on a modern clean coach driven by Enzo and our guide was Alexandra at the time stated.
First stop was the Alcantara Gorge and it is optional to pay and go in as this entry is not part of your ticket for the few € cost it is worth it and there’s a lift that takes you down to river level.
Next stop is Randazzo Railway Station after a short stop to let you get photos of Mt Etna. On the station is a oldy worldy cafe where you can get a coffee and bite if you have time.
Here you board the train and you enjoy the views as it winds its way around the base of Mt Etna and Alexandra pointed out things of interest like the massive expanses of pistachio trees.
After about an hour you rejoin the bus and it takes you to Mt Etna.
Here you stay at the lower level where there are bars and shops where the food and drink is reasonably priced and have plenty of time to wonder round or if you paid to go up (well worth doing) you join the cable car.
Once up you are met and put onto 4x4 trucks and driven further up the Volcano where you meet your guide. They then take you on foot up the volcano stopping at points of interest and to allow people to photograph and catch up.
It is recommended to take a jacket but more for the wind than cold for me and sturdy flat soled shoes these really are a must, trainers are ok.
Once down there’s time for a coffee or beer before the coach takes you back to your pick up point.
All in all a long but very good day well run and informative, never felt rushed like on some previous tours ample time to wander and see things in the various stops.
Well worth the money
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Posted On : 2024-05-30 02:19:40 
Posted By : Alpenflieger
The day trip to Etna was excellently organized by Renate, the tour guide. You are taken to the train station by bus, then you continue by train to the foot of Etna. From there you take the cable car up. Walk a bit and then you can see all the beauty from above. The nature is breathtaking, but so is the wind 😉.
Then we took the bus to the Alcantra Gorge. Really worth seeing.
Renate really explains everything in 3 languages, hats off!
Angelo, the bus driver, drove us on time and safely.
The SAT agency is highly recommended!
Thank you for the lovely day 😄
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Posted On : 2024-05-06 08:47:44
Posted By : 344sallye
Great tour. Akexandra constantly provided interesting information in English, German and Italian. She looked after all the guests very carefully. Our driver, Sandro, drove very safely and despite many obstacles on the road he got us everywhere safely.
The Al Qantara Gorge is very beautiful and can be managed - slowly - even with slight walking difficulties.
The whole area around Etna is worth seeing. We had booked the tour without the cable car and jeep. The stay was a bit long, but there are snacks and drinks everywhere and lots of souvenir shops. And of course, the hike around the Silvestri crater. We didn't miss Etna's upper part.
I can really recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2024-04-12 12:11:17
Posted By : patriziab956
Alexandra, a magical guide, created a beautiful atmosphere and made us enjoy the magic of this route little by little
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Posted On : 2023-11-04 11:21:37
Posted By : rolfg717
Well organized tour, excellent bus driver and an excellent tour guide Aleksandra. Wed
A wonderful day with lots of positive impressions.
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Posted On : 2023-10-07 12:14:11
Posted By : Fanny Sue B
The tour guide Aleksandra gave all the information in German, English and Italian, and the bus ride was shortened by the interesting stories about Sicily. The driver Alfio drove calmly and safely.
The trip is recommended, even for people with limited mobility. You should pack something to eat, because if you decide to climb the crater, you won't have enough time for a warm lunch.
The clear announcements about times and meeting points and the constant presence of the tour guide were very pleasant.
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Posted On : 2023-09-21 07:07:27
Posted By : Noeleen A
Wonderful ! the day was fantastic from the pick up onwards. Giuseppe just wow! So knowledgeable and so informative about the history and information as well as added culture and insights. He and our fellow companions Tyler and Lyndsey just made such an amazing trip. We hiked the craters even though the weather and our fitness were not ideal. We shared food stories and laughter . We cannot thank Giuseppe enough for his generosity of time and wisdom. The company should be praised for such an amazing talent.
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Posted On : 2023-06-11 16:43:47
Posted By : Marian_S
The train ride from randozza was very enjoyable. Fantastic scenery. Our guide was excellent. The opportunity to circumnavigate Mt Etna was terrific.
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Posted On : 2023-05-12 02:38:12 
Posted By : Greg_H
Enjoyed the train journey through a surprisingly barren landscape and up steep gradients. In hindsight, it would have been better to have spread the group into the second carriages.
After the 4WD ride, my wife was pleased that we were not climbing up to the steep path to the rim of one of the craters but instead walked on the level to overlook the ancient caldera.
Beforehand we read reviews mentioning a lack of time for toilet breaks and food; however, there was plenty of time for both on this trip.
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Posted On : 2023-05-03 17:22:16
Posted By : goodguyjas
Very much enjoyed the full day tour to see Etna and the Gorge. We also did the small train around the side of Etna. It is a full on day and all credit to the driver for navigating a large coach around tiny roads I would not want to take a car on. The guide was very informative and very pleasant and really looked after us. There was a lot to manage and pack in so hats off to both for the organisation.
After a few pickups we headed to the gorge. It is a nice pleasant garden to walk around as well as going down to a volcanic gorge with picturesque stone that has been carved out by volcanic activity and water. The waterfall was completely obscured behind trees and shrubs though but it was a pleasant area and the extra $10 was fare.
After a stop to take a lovely photo of Etna with farm fields below we went to the train. The train for me is not that special. The seating is very cramped if you have others sitting near you and tall people will find it uncomfortable. The journey is ok and there some different views of Etna and the other side with picturesque valley. But i would be tempted to remove this and drive to the Etna area and get more time there.
After a ride by coach from the train you get to Etna. There was issues with the cable car due to wind so we had to go up straight away as we might not get time up there. The ride up was ok and you get great views but cloud came in on one side. Once up a quick drive in heavy duty buses for a short walk around the volcanic fields of rock. It was very informative and explanations of how the volcano has changed with craters and additional eruptions adding more height to Etna was fascinating.
There was no time to do the many walks up to the various craters. You need a dedicated day I think.
All in all great trip but some elements reduce the time at Etna and weather plays a massive part in what you see.
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Posted On : 2023-04-26 14:17:06
