Even despite the closure of the roads leading to Mount Etna due to bad weather conditions, our optimistic, joyful and patient guide was able to provide a wonderful trip to our group. We were able to visit most of attractions of the program (even though with small alterations) while listening to the numerous interesting stories about Mount Etna and its relations to the city, myths and history of Catania. The tasting of local products like honey, olive oil and pistacchio cream took place in a small antique museum of the tradition of beekeeping, which was the perfect location to round up the trip.

Our leader, Natasha, was so accommodating, as we were a bit late. Her driving was excellent as was her commentary in various languages. When we arrived the gondola was closed but the atv option was available. My husband would do it again even thought it was rough and quite cold. I hiked up the hill on the road that was only gravel, no snow, on a beautiful sunny day. We were lucky with weather. Try to time your tour with good weather if you can. My 1.5 hour hike alone was exhilarating and I felt safe the entire time. We all met up and we ordered lunch followed by a drive on the way back to a village to taste some local wine and treats. It was a positive experience and we are so glad we did it.

Ended up getting a private tour (since it’s the past the holidays and low season). Our guide, Andrea, was phenomenal… so knowledgeable about Etna, Catania, Sicily (in general), and volcanos! He answered all of our various questions and spoke English really well. We decided to do the cable car option ($30 each) and then trek ourselves to the crater created during the 2001 eruption (instead of the Jeeps which would have been another $38 each)… very happy with that decision since clouds rolled in blocking the Jeep’s panorama viewpoint. I am young but not the most fit, however, Andrea’s pace allowed me to ascend slowly without feeling rushed. It wasn’t the easiest but absolutely worth the views once inside the crater. The local food/wine tasting and lava tube (cave) parts of the tour are like the cherry on top of an already great day. This tour ranks as one of my favorite excursions during my month-long travel. Worth every penny and would do it again in a heartbeat.