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Excursions Etna

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Etna Sunset Tour

Etna Morning Tour 2000 mt.

Etna & Alcantara Tour Experience

Tour to the Summit Craters of Etna 2920 meters with cable car and Jeep

Etna at dawn Private Guided Tour

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EXCURSIONS ETNA (Catania) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

The 5 Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania [2024 Reviews]

Mount Etna, Italy is the tallest active volcano in Europe and a fantastic destination for anyone interested in geology, history, or hiking across surreal volcanic landscapes. Its frequent eruptions have shaped the east of Sicily and provided fertile volcanic soil for grapes used in local wine production.

This volcano is the most popular natural attraction in Sicily, and no vacation on this island is complete without visiting Mount Etna. There are many Etna tours available from Catania. Some simply visit the craters while other Etna excursions also take in volcanic caves and local farms or historic towns.

I’ve selected 5 of the top-rated Mount Etna Trips to review. If you’re planning to go Etna touring, I believe one of these Mount Etna tours will be perfect for you.

Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania

Quick answer: the 5 best mount etna tours from catania.

• From Catania: Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour
• Etna in the Morning: Half Day Excursion from Catania
• Mount Etna Summit and Crater Trek
• From Catania: Etna Nature and Flavors Half-Day Tour
• Catania: Mount Etna Morning Jeep Tour

Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania Reviewed

#1 from catania: full-day mount etna and taormina tour.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up from Catania
• Departure Time: 8:30 AM
• Duration : 9 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna & Taormina, trekking tour, visit to a cave, helmet with a flashlight, and a taste of local produce

On this Etna tour, an expert guide will lead you across the lunar landscape of an active volcano so you can see the craters and explore a lava cave formed during an eruption. You’ll also visit an organic farm that makes use of the fertile volcanic soil beneath the volcano to grow grapes for wine and flowers for honey production. Sample the local produce and taste the difference.

In the wildlife reserve of Isola Bella, you’ll visit a spectacular sea cave famous for its crystal-clear blue waters and abundant marine life. Then, following a lunch break, you’ll be taken on a guided tour around the historic town of Taormina.

The Ancient Greek amphitheater in Taormina is still used for performances today. And you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Nexus as well as the stunning architecture in the Palazzo Corvaja. This is the most comprehensive Etna visit you’ll find from Catania.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:

#2 etna in the morning: half day excursion from catania.

• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Duration : 5 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna, trekking tour, visit to a cave, and helmet with flashlight

Enjoy a guided trek across a surreal landscape of recent lava flows and ancient craters.

Your knowledgeable guide will explain all the volcanic features you experience and answer any queries you may have regarding local geology and history as you tour Etna.

Your guide will also lead you into an amazing lava flow tunnel formed during one of the eruptions. Learn all about how it was formed and the fascinating features inside. Outside of the cave, you’ll stop at a viewpoint with panoramic views of the Valley of the Ox. This valley is an important barrier between flowing rivers of lava and the thriving city of Catania below.

This is one of the most informative Mt Etna tours you’ll find. Make sure you take along your camera for the stunning photographs you can take while you’re creating memories.

#3 Mount Etna Summit and Crater Trek

• Departure Point : Information Desk, Crateri Silvestri Restaurant, Nicolosi
• Departure Time: 9:30 AM
• Duration : 6 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, a cable car ride to Mount Etna, and trekking tour

After a safety briefing, you’ll ascend 8,000 feet up the slopes of Mount Etna in a cable car before transferring into a 4×4 bus. You’ll cover the final 2-hour trek to the summit on foot with regular breaks to admire the stunning scenery from the heights.

Atop the volcano, you’ll walk across the lava fields created by the 2017 eruption and follow the nature trails across a lunar landscape. Your knowledgeable guide will explain about the surrounding geological features and answer any questions you wish to raise about the volcano. If an active volcano crater is what you want to see, this is a perfect excursion to Etna for you.

#4 From Catania: Etna Nature and Flavors Half-Day Tour

• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna, nature trekking tour, visit to a cave, helmet with a flashlight, and a taste of local produce

Your professional guide will take you on a trek through the Sapienza Refuge 6,500 feet up the slopes of Mount Etna. There you can see the craters created during the 1892 eruption and evidence of the latest eruptions. You’ll also see a stunning vista of the Valley of the Ox.

One of the highlights of the tour is exploring a lava tunnel created by flowing lava. Equipped with a headlamp and helmet, your guide will take you into this volcanic cave and teach you how lava flows are formed.

Your excursion includes a visit to the town of Zafferana on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. In an organic farm there, you’ll discover how much better the local agricultural products grow in the fertile volcanic soil found on the slopes of this volcano.

#5 Catania: Mount Etna Morning Jeep Tour

• Includes : Experienced tour guide, transportation to Mount Etna, 6-hour nature trekking tour, visit to a cave, helmet with a flashlight, and a taste of local produce

From a viewing point, you can admire panoramic views of the Valle del Bove. Your guide will also lead you into a lava tunnel—a cave created by a lave flow. Using the provided safety equipment, you’ll be perfectly safe. And your guide will help you to understand all the unique features of the cave.

Your Etna excursion will conclude with an opportunity to sample some of the wonderful local agricultural products that have benefited from the fertile volcanic soil around the slopes of Mt Etna Sicily, including honey, wines, and liqueurs.

Catania, Sicily Travel Guide

Sicily will shock you. While your first choice for a vacation in Italy might be Rome and the Coliseum or Venice and it’s gondola rides , Sicily actually offers more. Successive waves of invaders have built some of their finest architectural masterpieces on the island, but somehow later generations left them alone.

You’ll find better medieval Norman buildings than anywhere in Normandy, the best-preserved Roman villa in the world, and Ancient Greek temples larger and in better condition than anything found in the Acropolis in Athens.

What’s more, Sicily boasts some amazing scenery, including one of the world’s most active volcanoes. And there are plenty of great beaches to take your family to for fun in the sun. Read this brief guide to find out more.

Airports & Entry

Sicily has two international airports: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and Palermo Falcone-Borsellino International Airport . Palermo handles around 7 million passengers a year but most flights arrive at Catania, which handles 10 million passengers a year and is one of the busiest airports in Italy. Visitors can also reach the island by sea.

Catania has a small terminal with a good selection of food outlets and shops, including a post office and duty-free. The shops and food outlets all close by midnight. It’s difficult to find power outlets to charge mobile devices and Wi-Fi is only available inside the two airport lounges, which you must pay to enter.

There’s an Information Desk in the Arrivals area and a Tourist Office nearby. Both offices open at 8 am, the tourist office closing at 10 pm and the information office at midnight. You can also find a currency exchange desk and ATMs in the Arrivals area.

The easiest way to get into the city center of Catania is to take the AMT Alibus or a public bus. The AMT Alibus runs services every 25 minutes from 5 am to midnight and takes around 20 minutes to the center and railway station. You purchase €4 tickets from the Bus Ticket Office in the Arrivals area before boarding the bus. Local Bus No. 457 runs the same route every 40 minutes but only costs €1! However, you must buy your ticket from the Newspaper Stand (Tabacchi) in Arrivals.

If you prefer, you can take a taxi into town. These should take around 15 minutes and cost between €25 and €40. The difference in price relates to the number of passengers carried and the time of day. Taxis are more expensive at night. They can be identified by an illuminated TAXI sign atop a yellow or white vehicle.

For greater freedom, you can rent a car at the airport. There are 8 car rental companies at the airport, including Hertz Italiana and Sixt.

The airport near Palermo is a little better. It also has a small terminal, and the shops and eating outlets are on the expensive side. But it does offer free WiFi in the Departure lounge, and there are plenty of mobile device charging outlets.

You’ll find the Information Desk in Arrivals, and it’s open from 6 am to midnight. In a medical emergency, there’s a First Aid Station in the Check-In area and a Pharmacy in Departures. The foreign exchange desk is also in the Check-In area.

The easiest way to get into town is on the train service that links the airport to central Palermo from 5 am to 8 pm. The train takes about an hour and costs €5.50. However, the airport bus is quicker. It takes around 50 minutes and costs €6.50. Bus services run from 4 am to 10:30 pm and you can buy your ticket on the bus.

Taking a taxi from the rank outside the Arrivals area is a little quicker. They generally take 40 minutes to the city center and cost around €45. Or you can rent a car for greater freedom. Car rentals are provided by 12 different agencies including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

Since Sicily is less than 2 miles away from mainland Italy, it’s also easy to get there by taking a short ferry crossing which costs around €13. You can cross from Reggio di Calabria or Villa San Giovanni on the mainland to Messina on the northeastern point of Sicily.

Long-distance ferries also link Sicily to more distant places, including Malta and Tunisia as well as major Italian seaports like Genoa and Naples. You’ll need your passport ready if you’re traveling from Tunisia or Malta. Technically, you shouldn’t need your passport traveling from other Italian ports, but you may be asked to show a photo ID to land in Sicily.

Planning Tips

There are a lot of great things to see and do in Sicily. You’ll really enjoy your visit. Here are 5 tips to help you plan your stay.

Tip #1: Decide what you want to do before planning your visit to Sicily

There’s a lot to do around the island, but when you go and where you stay depends upon what you want to do when you get there. If you want to hike up and down mountains or to the many wonderful ruins, avoid the midsummer heat and go in spring or the fall. If you want to ski, go in winter. If you want to snorkel and enjoy the water, summer is great. It takes time to move around the island, so research where you want to spend your time and base yourself nearby or in a central location.

Tip #2: Buy unique art and crafts

Sicily boasts many unique products that make excellent gifts for your friends back home or souvenirs for you. For example, you can buy jewelry made from the local coral, ornaments made from volcanic rock from Mount Etna, and traditional marionette puppets as used in the traditional Opera dei Pupi (Sicilian puppet theater). The puppets from Catania and Palermo are the best known.

Tip #3: Be prepared for arduous hikes

Many of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks are best viewed by ascending steep slopes to a lofty height in hot weather with bright sunshine. So, be prepared. Before your visit, do a few practice hikes up and down hills near home to prepare your muscles. When packing, take a hat for shade, plenty of sunscreen, and well broken-in shoes. On actual hikes, carry plenty of bottled water and stay hydrated.

Tip #4: Book in advance, especially during summer

Sicily is the place Italians come to enjoy the beach in summer, so be ready for huge crowds. Popular activities and the best hotels can be fully booked months in advance. To ensure you don’t miss out, book in advance. Reputable tour companies will agree to refunds for tours tickets canceled with reasonable notice.

Tip #5: Be prepared for the challenge of Sicily

Sicily offers some of the most amazing cultural sites you’ve ever seen. However, it’s not like the rest of Italy. When you get there, you’ll find it’s more like Mexico than Rome…more roadside garbage and graffiti that you’re expecting, run-down structures and infrastructure, and some wild locals. This is all changing very rapidly, with new roads being built and tourism going through the roof as more and more people realize what a prime cultural site the island is. Get there before the tourist crowds and global corporations ruin it and turn it into Rome Mark #2.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Sicilian cuisine is distinctly Italian and Mediterranean but of a distinct local variety shaped by the island’s rich history and the locally available food ingredients. So, you’ll see plenty of pasta, seafood, all cooked with lashings of olive oil. But you’ll also see elements of cooking influenced by the Moors and the Greeks who occupied the island in the past.

Perhaps the most famous dish in Sicily is pasta alla Norma. It’s made using aubergine, locally grown tomatoes, salted ricotta, and garlic served with short pasta. If you’re wondering “who” Norma was, it’s actually the name of an opera written by Bellini. Pasta con le sarde is the equivalent seafood dish, with sardines, anchovy fillets, raisin, pine nuts, and saffron made into a sauce and poured onto a kind of spaghetti called bucantini. You can find tasty Sicilian pasta dishes in Ristorante Bellotero in Palermo.

Like elsewhere in Italy, pizza is a popular dish on the streets. However, Sicilian sfincione pizza has an unusually thick base. You’ll typically find it with a thick topping of cheese, onions, and anchovies. Sarde a beccafico is one of the signature dishes of the island. Sardines are one of the most common fish in the sea around Sicily, and a popular way of cooking them is stuffed with breadcrumbs, raisins, and pine nuts.

A popular vegetarian dish originating in Sicily is caponata. This antipasto is made using fried aubergine mixed with tomatoes, onion, and celery and turned into a stew. The exact recipe changes from restaurant to restaurant, but caponata is seen on menus throughout Italy.

Wandering around the island, you’ll see arancini balls sold in many food stalls and cafés. These are balls of creamy risotto rice breaded and deep-fried. They make a great snack while you’re walking around the picturesque streets of Palermo or Catania.

Granita con brioche is an interesting traditional breakfast. Granita is a frozen sorbet made from ice and sugar with fruit or coffee, and at breakfast, it is typically served with a warm brioche roll. This dish has a long history, and before refrigeration was invented was made using ice brought down from the high mountains on the island. Now it’s a popular morning meal on hot summer days. Every morning, you can see people sitting outside cafés like The Bam Bar in Taormina enjoying granita con brioche.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you’ll love the vast variety of desserts found around Sicily. A great place to sample traditional Sicilian sweets is Pasticceria Cappello in Palermo.

Torta Setteveli is a delicious, seven-layered chocolate and hazelnut cake. Cassata is a sponge cake flavored with citrus fruits, chocolate, marzipan, and sweet ricotta cream. Cannoli is made from deep-fried pastry tubes filled with creamy ricotta. And Semifreddo alle mandorle is a molded frozen almond parfait that is soft and similar in texture to ice cream.

Nightlife & Entertainment

You’ll find a broad variety of nightlife in Sicily from quiet bars with soft piano music to wild beach bars and nightclubs. Most of the nightlife is found in the two largest cities of Catania and Palermo. Taormina is another popular tourist resort where you’ll find a lively nightlife, though it’s tiny compared to the two cities. In the town center of Taormina, you’ll find some great bars with outside seating areas, like Caffe Wunderbar .

Catania is a student city and a focal point for Sicily’s nightlife. The bars and dance clubs are clustered together making it a great place to tumble from bar to bar. If you want to begin the evening with a snack, the Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a drink with stunning views of Mount Etna and a delicious evening buffet. But if you prefer a livelier venue, Afrobar is a bar with a dance floor on the beach. Here you’ll often see bonfires and fire dancers.

The most well-known club in Catania is located in the Contrada Jungetto area south of the city. Mercanti Generali is spread over three rooms and a palm-shaded courtyard and terrace area. The music is eclectic, from hip hop and R&B to house, dubstep, and drum and bass.

Palermo is much more spread out than Catania, so you’d be better staying in one nightclub otherwise you’ll need transport. The nightclubs tend to draw a younger crowd, many of them students. There are 4 main areas for nightlife in Palermo: Old Town, La Cala Marina, Downtown and the beaches.

The historic center is where you’ll find the less formal bars and clubs. While the bars and clubs in other parts of the city are closed by 3 am, some of the venues around Vucciria in Old Town stay open until dawn. Check out the Cantavespri Art Café where you’ll often find live bands on Wednesdays and Fridays. The horseshoe-shaped La Cala Marina is found close to the Old Town, and you can find a selection of trendy bars overlooking the water.

The Politeama and Liberta Downtown area are where you’ll find the quieter crowd of more mature drinkers and the more sophisticated cocktail bars. Along the coastline and beaches, the Addaura, Mondello, and Sferracavallo coasts are where you’ll find the locals drinking and dancing. In summer, it’s cooler on the beaches and a great place for dancing.

Getting Around

Sicily has a well-developed public transport system, so it’s easy to get around by train or bus. In the past four decades, the roads have been upgraded so getting around by rental car is also a good option.

The trains are a fast option and provide great views of Sicily’s landscape. The Inter City Express trains are the fastest and most comfortable, but they’re more expensive than the local trains that stop at every station. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to hear that kids between 4 and 11 get half-price tickets.

The services are operated by Trenitalia . Before boarding your train, you must stamp your ticket in one of the orange ticket machines in the station to validate it.

When planning connections or booking events at your destination, be aware that Sicilian trains are notorious for running late. Allow extra time between arrival at the railway station and the start of your activity or connecting service.

Buses are usually cheaper but slower than trains, but there are exceptions like the connection between Palermo Airport and the city center where the buses are both quicker and more expensive than the local train connection. Research the particular journey you want to take to compare time and cost.

Orange-colored buses run services around a specific town or city, and you can use them to reach attractions around that city. Blue-colored buses provide connections between cities. Tickets can be purchased in advance from newsagents and other small stores. Note that Sunday services are very diminished.

Renting your own vehicle is a great option if you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially on a Sunday. However, the cities do experience the usual problems of traffic jams, one-way systems, and a lack of parking places near the major attractions. Also, note that you may find the pace of traffic much slower than you’re used to. Even on the freeway, people sometimes drive quite slowly.

On the smaller, rural roads, watch out for potholes and landslides. Mount Etna is an active volcano, so the ground around the island isn’t as stable as most other places.

The new freeways are wonderful but note that the A18 from Messina to Catania and the A20 from Messina to Palermo are toll roads. Because most vehicles enter Sicily on ferries from the mainland at Messina and Catania and Palermo are the two main cities, these are the two most important routes. Using the A18 costs €3.70 and the A20 €10.10.

Taxis are generally fast and safe, but they are also expensive. If a bus journey costs €1, expect to pay around €25 for a taxi ride to the same destination. You may find it difficult to hail a taxi in the street or find one at a taxi rank, but hotels can arrange one in advance if you ask at reception.

Accommodations

There are lots of fascinating attractions spread around Sicily, and if you want to visit them all then you might want to consider staying in several locations during your visit rather than settling in just one. Otherwise, where you stay depends upon whether your main interest is soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean or visiting some of the many cultural and historic sites.

If you want to explore the Ancient Greek temples, consider staying near Syracuse in the southeast or Agrigento in the southwest. For beautiful Baroque architecture, base yourself in the southeast near Val di Noto. To explore the Norman historic sites of Monreale and Palermo, find a hotel in the northwest. If you intend to take a lot of boat tours and visit other islands, you’ll find Messina the most convenient location. And if Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes appeal to you, then stay somewhere around Catania.

Palermo is the largest city and where you’ll find the most hotels. The city is divided into 25 districts, but only 3 areas are really tourist-friendly: the Old Town, the Politeama and Liberta districts, and Mondello. Generally, the Downtown area of Liberta and Politeama is the best place to base yourself as it’s considered the safest area, and it is still convenient for the tourist sites around the Old Town. The Old Town is also great, but it’s the main party and nightlife area…so it can be wild and the streets full of drunk people in the wee hours of the night.

If you want to do your bit for the environment, check out the Bio Hotel in the Politeama area. They aim to leave a minimal carbon footprint. But if you want to enjoy sumptuous luxury, consider the Grand Hotel Wagner .

Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and offers a wide range of options for tourists. If you like roof terrace gardens and classic rooms, check out the Hotel Villa Roma . But if you’re traveling with your family, you can get great value family rooms in the Hotel Etnea 316 , which is centrally located close to St Agatha’s Cathedral and within sight of Mount Etna.

But if you want to live out in the beautiful countryside of Sicily, consider renting a villa for the duration of your stay. There are a wide range of modern and historic buildings to choose from in lots of different locations around the island.

Sicily has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Because of African currents reaching the southern coast and high-altitude areas inland, different areas of the island can experience very different weather conditions.

The winter temperatures are coldest in January, with an average daily high of 59 0 F and a low of 50 0 F. Areas above 3,000 feet see enough regular snow for skiing. By April, the fields are green, though the snow yet lingers atop Mount Etna. The temperatures range from a high of 64 0 F to a low of 55 0 F.

In the summer, Sicily occasionally sees scorching sirocco wind from the Sahara and rainfall is rare. Water shortages are common on the island. The hottest month is August, with an average high of 86 0 F and low of 75 0 F. The local harvests begin in August, with crops such as figs and watermelons providing wonderful treats and the wine grape harvest begins.

The main harvests are during September and October, when the pistachios, almonds, and olives are ready to reap. November sees rapid cooling. You can see snow atop Mount Etna again, but the fields remain green. The average daily high drops to 66 0 F and the low 57 0 F.

Attractions

Sicily is a treasure house of world-class cultural and natural attractions. You’d need years to explore them all completely. Here’s a selection of some of the best.

Ragusa and Modica

With an active volcano and its position on the edge of a tectonic plate, Sicily sees a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. An earthquake in 1693 destroyed most of the buildings around the southern tip of the island.

This provided a blank canvas for rebuilding on a grand scale in a fashionable style we now call the Baroque. Because of this, the towns of Ragusa and Modica are one of the best places in the world to view fine Baroque buildings.

Monreale Cathedral

Almost a thousand years ago, the Normans spread out across Europe and occupied many areas of coastland or islands, including Sicily. During this time, they built a grand cathedral in Monreale.

The most remarkable thing about this structure today is that, unlike many other cathedrals across Europe, it has remained largely unaltered since its first construction making it the best-preserved Norman building in Europe. Monreale Cathedral features 12 th -century mosaics in vibrant colors and rows of grand double columns around a courtyard fountain.

Villa Romana del Casale in Enna

Sicily is home to one of the best-preserved Roman villas in Europe. 50 rooms have been excavated by archaeologists to reveal over 38,000 square feet of mosaic floors and lots of fine features, such as a thermal bathhouse with a colonnaded courtyard and fountain. The detailed mosaics paint a picture of everyday life in the Roman Empire along with scenes from history and mythology.

Ancient Greek temples

In Selinunte, you can see 8 Ancient Greek temples, the oldest dating back to the 5 th century BCE. Nearby is a large Acropolis with surrounding walls from the 7 th century BCE. One of these temples, known as Temple G, was one of the largest Greek temples ever built.

But it is the large complex of tombs and temples in Agrigento that most visitors want to see, including the famous Tempio di Concordia—one of the best-preserved Doric temples in existence. The group also includes the circular Tempio di Heracles, the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, and the Tempio di Juno Lacinia.

The tallest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna dominates the eastern end of Sicily and fascinates millions of visitors every year. It stands 10,912 feet tall as I am writing but may be shorter or taller when you read this because frequent eruptions change its height. In winter, snow tops its peak providing fun for skiers and a beautiful skyline.

Visitors are often treated to views of a smoking cone, bubbling hot springs, volcanic vents, and occasional lava flows. But be careful and only go on organized tours run by experienced locals. The volcano is very active!

Aeolian Islands

Sicily also makes a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding Mediterranean islands. The Aeolian Islands are 7 islands of volcanic origin off the north coast of Sicily. Stromboli boasts the most active volcano, and its pyrotechnics frequently light the night sky. Visitors love to engage in water sports around the islands and admire their unique volcanic landscape.

Tour Guides

The Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour is our Editors Choice for the Best Mount Etna Tours From Catania

Richard Moore

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Go-Etna Excursions   Reviews

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What a super expierence. Stunning landscape.

What a super expierence. Visiting the Etna volcano. We had a super tour guide (Salvo) who knows his stuff. You can ask questions and have enough time to make spectaculair photos. Although you do not go to the crater (toxic gasses), or see hot red lava you see enough other beautiful things, go into a cave and walk on stoned lava from the eruption of 2022. If you visit Sicily visiting the Etna should be on your list. Highly recommended with Go-Etna.

Date of experience : July 05, 2023

Great full-day excursion at the Etna…

Great full-day excursion at the Etna and the region. Excellent staff. Only downside is the restaurant food which could be improved (starter and dessert were good, pasta alla norma were average - general opinion from the tourists during our trip also).

Date of experience : April 30, 2023

Mount Etna 4 x 4 Jeep Half Day Tour

Somewhat curtailed due to snow but a wonderful experience none-the-less. High part of the hike was somewhat challenging due to high winds at the top, glad we were reasonable fit and able to keep our feet! Great sense of satisfaction having completed the walk. Our guide was excellent with good teamwork between his team, looking after us well. Logistics worked out well (pick up, breaks etc). Highly recommended.

Date of experience : March 15, 2023

A wonderful day around Etna!

As a family with children, we chose the ECO Green Tour (half-day tour) and were all delighted. Small groups, a very nice and competent guide (with a very good knowledge of German) who made the tour very interesting and varied for young and old and of course the fantastic Etna landscape. And on top of that, the tour was very well organized. Highly recommended!

Date of experience : November 04, 2023

Full day GO Etna tours - five star

The full day tour was excellent and worth the money. Our guide was knowledge and made sure everyone had wonderful and safe experience. We had the perfect day, views were amazing. Each of the stops were interesting, the meal at lunch was delicious and we travelled in safe and reliable vehicles.

Date of experience : October 30, 2023

Mount Etna experience

1. Good exposure to Mount Etna basic understanding and Sicilian history 2. The guide the very good in terms of keeping the team informed, updated and helping. 3. However, the value for money is not there with what we did in a half day tour, it should package itself to global more closer to Etna height or something , else its not worth it.

Go-Etna Excursions A+++

Go-Etna Excursions was by far the most professional tour we took during our visit to the Tarmina area. We were picked up on time at our hotel (option) and arrived on time to meet our group. The guides were professional, organized and knowledgable. We ordered hiking shoes (option) for the climb up Mt Etna. The our tour guide for the climb was friendly , very knowledgable on both earth science and local history regarding the volcanic activity of Mt Etna. I would recommend this company and would use them again when in the area.

Date of experience : October 01, 2023

The guides were great

The guides were great, very knowledgeable. The jeep added authenticity to the trip but needs updating, I would have gone so much further up the mountain rather than stop and have a meal, but that’s just me. Having done it once I would do it DIY next time as there were no obvious restrictions in place.

Date of experience : April 23, 2023

Half day Go-Etna’s 4

We picked the half day Go-Etna’s 4×4 Tour. We were travelling with children, guided by Salvo who was great! Views were great and we were lucky to see not only the volcano but the Sicilian coastline. Definitely recommend this trip to anyone visiting Sicily.

Date of experience : November 02, 2023

Disappointing

It is very difficult to get accurate information about tours on Etna which change frequently with weather conditions and volcanic activity. Only after speaking to Go Etna did we understand there is currently (end March 23) only a half day tour to Etna north operating. Nothing on the South Side as the cable car is closed. In fact there is a lot of padding on this half day tour with the only real Etna experience being a 45 minute hike to a small peak looking up at the summit from around 1200m. That hike was good with some lovely views but the rest was some pretty garbled explanation about the volcano and a short visit to a really small cave where ice was produced. We felt the whole thing could have lasted two to three hours rather than the 5-6 hours it took, or the full time could have been better used. Our guide didn't seem to like questions much either. All in all pretty disappointing.

Date of experience : March 20, 2023

trip under Etne than on Etne

Big plus for your guide, Three stars because we expected something more demanding (total hiking time 40 minutes from the parking lot), we spent most of the time in the Jeep and it was rather a trip under Etne than on Etne.

Date of experience : April 25, 2023

Enjoyable hike on Mt. Etna north side

Our guide picked us up on time and took us on a great hike of the northern side of Etna. On that side there is no cable car so one cannot reach the top, but we hiked for over 60 minutes through volcanic craters (none active) and went into a lava tube. It was mid-November, cold, and raining/sleeting periodically, but the beauty and fresh air were tremendous. 6 of us were in his group and we met up with several other small groups before starting the hike. He shared lots of interesting information about Mt. Etna's activity through the years. Very enjoyable.

Date of experience : November 23, 2022

Great Guides, great experience

The English guide Salvo was very friendly and professional. He looked after everyone and didn’t rush anyone to take photos. Our driver for the return journey Andrea was also English speaking and answered all of my partners many questions. Also when we had to return via Taormina to drop off other guests, he kindly took us to a great spot for some quick photos. We experienced as much of Etna that we expected and that was promised and had a great experience. What’s not to like about that? :)

Date of experience : April 16, 2023

A fantastic trip!

We had an absolutely fantastic time on our Etna trip! Our guide Alberto and the tour team were so knowledgeable and friendly, we were picked up right on time and the day ran like clockwork. It was so interesting seeing the lava flows and the lava tube, and the views from our hike were just stunning. I'd recommend the full day trip if you can, the traditional Sicilian lunch was delicious and the waterfalls were a great way to round off the day. Communication by email to organise the trip was also excellent, thank you Ginella! We can't wait to come back again :)

Date of experience : April 01, 2023

Great Day Trip

We had a great Trip with our guide and driver Christian. He picked us up and we had a lot of friendly and fun conversations with him throughout the day. His German was flawless which enhanced the experience even more. The scenery on Etna is well worth it even if you can't go to the top and stare directly into the main craters. You get a lot of information on geological and historical topics without being overwhelmed. It's just the right mix.

Date of experience : November 02, 2022

Amazing experience, 100% reccomended

We booked the Emotion 3000 tour, and start to finish this day was excellent. We opted for hotel pick up, and they were there within a few minutes of the pickup time, and through the whole day everything was handled for us for a completely stress free experience....that allows the sights and experience to utterly blow your mind. Etna itself at 3000+ meters is amazing, but the lunch was also absolutely incredible, and all very well organised. If it is within your budget, I cannot recommend this more.

Date of experience : August 06, 2023

Amazing experience!

We had the 4x4 half day tour with my wife. Our guide Salvatore and his crew were just amazing, having a lot of knowledge about Etna volcanoes and the area. He had lots of fun walking around many craters and a cave visit underground! Highly recommended!!!

Great trip - great value!

I spent ages dithering between which side of Etna to visit and with which company. GoEtna were quick to answer my queries, and offered a half day to the North side where it's far less busy, and the landscape is much more varied. We visited the Sartorious craters with uber helpful guide David, whose English was excellent, and knowledge was fantastic. Worth every penny!

Date of experience : November 21, 2022

We had an amazing experience w/Giovanni…

We had an amazing experience w/Giovanni as a guide. Everything worked like clockwork (including times - German behind the scene mgmt also helps 🤪). Even though the overall group (multilingual) was over 60-70 persons, we were able to see everything that was promised and more. We were able to walk through a crater (at 3,000 mts) that was active just a few years ago (2012), and it was amazing. Just a warning. We had a very warm day in mid July, and even though it didn’t feel to warm (around mid 70’s or mid 20’s C) we had a Siricco blowing and you dehydrated very quickly. Take water with you!

Date of experience : July 19, 2023

This was an incredible experience

This was an incredible experience. Every detail was perfectly orchestrated, from pick up to drop off. Our driver was so friendly and very knowledgeable… a fun ride to and from “Mama Etna!” The hike is probably a little more than moderate. We hiked from the funivia to the highest possible point which was somewhere around 9600 ft. There are some pretty strenuous points on this hike so I recommend really evaluating your physical status. Take the precautionary warnings seriously. There are no words to describe the beauty. We had a perfectly clear day, we could see everything! The science of the volcano was so fascinating.Our guide Francisco gave a very clear explanation of the geology and history. Wow! Highly recommended excursion!

Date of experience : April 27, 2023

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Takes you off the beaten path

Mt. Etna guided tours

If you wish to find out what to do on mount Etna, this is the ultimate guide. Along with this detailed article, we are going to share tips, suggestions, and disclose five unmissable excursions to explore this beautiful active volcano.

A Guide to Mount Etna's best tours

When they think about an excursion on an active volcano, most travelers picture the red, hot flowing lava. Those who visit Sicily during one of the frequent Mt Etna eruptions can see lava streams and get so close to it that they can feel the heat. Still, the Volcano has much more to offer in terms of tours and excursions than you can imagine. Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. This giant's flanks rise from the depths of the mediterranean sea to an altitude of 3320 meters. There are lush forests, lava deserts, 300 craters, hundreds of trekking trails, many caves, and the beautiful wine district on Mount Etna 's slopes. In wintertime, it is possible to ski. The proximity to the Alcantara valley and the Alcantara Gorges  and to  Taormina  offers the possibility to discover some of Italy's most beautiful mountain villages. If you are one of those travelers who love outdoor adventures, keep reading and find our top five tours to explore this Volcano.

1 Mount Etna Summit tour

This   Mt. Etna Summit tour  with departure from Taormina must take the number one spot because most travelers that visit mount Etna aim to climb the top of this active Volcano and experience the feeling of walking around the rim of the big active craters; moreover, the view from the 3340 meters summit is breathtaking . This excursion's  departure occurs from the cable car on the south slopes at "Rifugio Sapienza," not far from Catania and close to the Silvestri Craters. After reaching 2220 meters with the funivia dell Etna , a massive 22 seat Unimong van in 20 minutes reaches the south-est craters' feet. The walking tour starts at 2900 meters, and it takes roughly three hours to get to the Summit. The trekking on the way back goes to the Barbagallo craters, formed during the eruption of 2002, to the viewpoint on the bove valley's edge, and back to the cable car. 

Total time: 6h/Best price €169. 

Careful: Some agency sells tours advertised with the words: top, summit or 3000 meters, but they do no go to the Summit. 

Tips: Ask if trekking boots and walking poles are included in the price.

2 Etna mountain bike tours

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. Still, to see some incredible landscape, you do not necessarily need to reach the Summit. The lush forest and the lava desert of the north flanks between 1500 meters and 2800 hide some of the best views you will ever see in Sicily. The Offer for  Mountain Bike tours  is considerable; in the last ten years, Mount Etna's cycling trails have become very popular. Sicily Active offers different Mtb excursions both with electric and muscle bike cycles. We recommend the Etna bike Tour  on the north side between the great eruption of Piano Provenzana, the Pine and birch forest, and the passage by a beautiful cave. 

Total time: 6h/Best price €69 

Tips: If you are not very fit, ask for an Electric MTB.

3 Horse riding 

The nature that the Volcano enclose is spectacular, and among the available adventures on Mt. etna, we place the horse riding tour on the top things to do because exploring the forest and craters on the back of a horse delivers unbelievable feelings. The Mountain chalet   "Clan Dei Ragazzi"  is the best place on Mount Etna to ask for a horse riding tour. Giulio is a fantastic rider and loves horses so much that his entire life is devoted to taking care of these noble animals. The tour usually goes through the pine forest and on top of some craters overlooking The Mediterranean sea. Giulio will show you the best places around while telling you about Mount Etna's geology and history .

Total time: 4h/Best price €120. 

Careful: The lunch must be included in the price 

Tips: Ask if they have both English and American saddle s.

4 Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges

This full-day trip mount Etna tour that departs from Taormina  has been a best seller for many years now. We have included   this "Grand Tour"  in the top five Mount Etna tours because it consists of a hike through the forest, the climb to some of the most beautiful craters on the north flanks, the visit to a lava cave, and after lunch, the tour goes through the Alcantara Valley and inside the Alcantara Canyon .

This excursion packs so much in a single day that no other tour can beat the ratio quality-price of this full-day Alcantara Etna Tour . Visiting Mt. Etna through this tour will make you discover the best views of the north side and some hidden naturalistic jewels like the white birch forest.

Total time 8h/Best price €69 

Careful: Choose tours in small groups, make sure the gorge's ticket is included in the tour price.

 Tips: Bring shorts and river shoes for the visit to the Alcantara Gorges.

5 Etna wine tour

This Mount Etna wine tasting tour that we place at number five deserves to be listed in the top things to do in Sicily. For those people not very fond of walking and more focused on food, the wine tour is the best way to see to visit Etna. The view of the smoking craters and the vineyards is phenomenal. The best tour operators offer a jeep tour that goes off-road through the forest and a short guided walking tour, plus a visit to a famous winery.  

Total time: 7h/best price €109 

Careful: Make sure it is a Jeep tour 

Tips: Check if the tour goes to the Alcantara valley and the beautiful town of Castiglion

6 Sking on Mount Etna

There are two ski lifts at the foot of Mount Etna's summit craters, both on the north and south sides. Between December and March, the slopes are busy with local people skiing, snowboarding, or just relaxing on the snow. Alpine skiing up to 2800 meters is also available, like Nordic skiing through a 6 km. long trail, the "Pista Poiana."

The price for a ski lift pass is €35.

 Careful: The weekend is jam-packed.

 Tips: Try to sleep at the beautiful mountain Chalet of Clan dei Ragazzi.

Things to do near Mount Etna

We thought that it would have been a good idea to include a couple of extra excursions to discover the beauty of two places not far from the Volcano and that are amongst the top five attractions of Sicily's island; The Alcantara Gorges and Isola Bella Taormina Marine park . These two wonderful locations offer various tours and things to do. Let see what we have selected for you. 

1 Body Rafting Alcantara

Located in the Beautiful Alcantara Valley , we find the wild Gorges of Alcantara. The amazing rock formations of this Sicilian canyon along the river Alcantara is a geological marvel created by ancient eruptions and lava flows and is one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. A  body rafting and riverwalk  tour is the ideal choice to reach the Canyon's deep part. The local tour operator provides you with all the technical gear (wet suit, helmet, footwear, and life jacket). To visit the Alcantara Gorges, you do not necessarily need to take part in any excursion. The first 100 meters of the Canyon are accessible even without any technical gear.

Total time 3 h/ Best price €45 

Careful: Make sure you book through a legitimate tour operator. 

Tips: In August and July, go for the first tour; the Gorges are less busy.

Marine reserve of Taormina Isola Bella

Taormina is called the pearl of the Mediterranean. The marine park of Isola Bella is a must-see place while visiting Sicily. From the coastal town of Giardini Naxos, several activities explore the marine beauty of the Taormina coastline. Still, we believe that a relaxing boat tour to the blue grotto of Taormina is the number one choice. The departure of the Taormina Boat trips   heading to Isola Bella   takes place from Giardini Naxos Harbour. The two-hour tour visits the four most beautiful bays and the "Grotta Azzurra" Blue cave, where there is time for a refreshing swim. Onboard is available fruits and drinks.

Total time 2h. Best price €25.

Careful: Do not buy directly from Isola Bella beach; the tour is shorter, and they do not serve fruit and Drinks. 

Tips: Go for a Sunset boat tour.

• Alcantara Gorges

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Solo Trekking Experience

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Etna Experience Excursions - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Etna Volcano

Since 2005 We organize excursions to Mount Etna.

We are an Agency and a Tour Operator, which has always been working together with expert professionals and naturalistic guides. Etna Experience takes care of its customers by meeting their needs and organizing amazing Etna tours.

Our tours on Etna

We organize excursions to Mount Etna. We are a Sicilian tour operator that valorizes and promotes the Etna territory in collaboration with naturalistic guides and professionals.

Etna from Syracuse Hiking lunch and Wine

With this tour you will enjoy Etna and its wonders with a guaranteed pick up…

From 8.00 am to 5.30 pm

Mt. Etna Summit Strong Tour

A full day excursion that will safely lead you to the top of Europe's highest…

from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Etna Sailing Tour

With our professional skippers, on the same routes of Ulysses, you will discover the wonders…

From 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Mt. Etna, Wine and Taormina Tour

An amazing full day tour to see two of the most famous and beloved wonders…

from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00/6.30 p.m.

Mt. Etna Morning Tour

Our Mt Etna Morning tour is the perfect way to visit the Volcano during an…

from 9.00 a.m. to 2.30/3.00 p.m.

Mt. Etna Sunset Tour

An half day excursion to discover the volcano when less crowded and hot, during the…

From 2:30 / 3:00 pm to 8:30/9:30 pm

Mt. Etna Summit Easy Tour

A full day tour to reach the base of the summit area, at 2950 meters,…

from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30/6:00 p.m

Mt. Etna Hiking Full Day Tour

With the Mt Etna Full Day Tour You will have 5/6 hours of trekking, fully…

From 8.30 am to 5.30 / 6.00 pm

Food and wineries: Etna tasting tour

Live one day under the badge of Etna DOC and its best wines, having lunch…

from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Sicily has a beating heart

One of the expert naturalistic guides of Etna Experience will let you to discover about the fascinating volcanic phenomena

Volcanic Vortex rings: the natural gas rings of Mt Etna

Mt Etna is famous for its spectacular eruptions and impressive…

Etna for families

Etna is for everyone. Explorers, scientists, photographers, tourists, the elder…

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Etna - eruption on 1971.

The magnificence of our vulcano Etna in all his wonderfully.

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Dear Hiker, we thank you for choosing us as your guide. We ask you, as soon as you will be able, to share your experience by leaving a comment about your excursion on our website. We will make good use of your comments, critics and suggestions.

/ thank you associazione naturalistica e culturale excursions in sicily, 129 responses.

We took the sunset tour as a family of 4 and we enjoyed it very much! The stops are well planned, we saw a bit of the Etna, the lava caves as well as parts of the towns nearby. Our guide Zelia was the best and we learned a lot about the people and the nature of the Etna. We did not exacly experience the sunset part of the tour, because it was a very foggy day, but we still got to see some very nice views. Thank you very much!

Un’escursione bellissima alla quale hanno agevolmente partecipato i nostri due figli di 5 e 9 anni che porteranno nel cuore, come noi grandi, il ricordo di questa meravigliosa avventura, la bellezza e la grandezza di questo Vulcano e della sua Terra. Tutto questo grazie alle due super guide, Aristide e Simone, che ci hanno accompagnato coinvolgendoci con ironia e sapienti spiegazioni catturando la nostra attenzione ed il nostro cuore.

Had a really fantastic experience visiting Etna and Alcantara with our guide Gigliola, she was really knowledgeable and made our trip really great!

Visita prenotata con contatto WhatsApp, a cui abbiamo ricevuto risposte esaustive e immediate. Ottima organizzazione per il punto d’incontro, con suggerimenti per il pernottamento dato che eravamo in camper. Incontrata la guida, il Prof Aristide, molto preparato ed entusiasta nelle spiegazioni del tour, capace di coinvolgere sia noi adulti che i bambini, 4 e 7 anni. Piacevole la presenza anche di 2 future guide in formazione! Consigliato! Grazie a questo tour, abbiamo scoperto luoghi che da soli sarebbe stato difficile scovare e/o raggiungere!

Svegliarsi presto al mattino per questo splendido giro sull’Etna ne è davvero valsa la pena. La nostra guida, Aristide, ci ha permesso di fare un esperienza immersiva del mongibello. Come speleologi ci ha portato nelle grotte di scorrimento lavico e come esploratori abbiamo camminato sul paesaggio lunare dei crateri Silvestri. Aristide ci ha divertito ed intrattenimento descrivendoci dettagliatamente questo affascinante mondo lavico.

Esperienza straordinaria insieme alla guida Aristide e Fabio. Meraviglioso scenario in una terra altrettanto meravigliosa. Aristide, una persona molto preparata e soprattutto appassionato del suo lavoro. Tour gastronomico di mieli, vini e oli dell’Etna tutti da scoprire. Da ritornarci sicuramente 😍

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ETNA TOURS EXCURSION ON MONTE ETNA WITH EXPERT GUIDES EVERY DAY

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Geo Etna Explorer carries out tours on Etna up to 2,000 m and excursions on Etna up to 3,000 m every day of the week, shared or private tours, tailor made.

We'll pick you up in front of your hotel!

Pick-up from your hotel in Catania, Acitrezza, Acireale, Zafferana, Giarre, Giardini Naxos, Taormina included.

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The guides of Geo Etna Explorer are experienced, qualified, skilled, and have great experience in conducting various tours on Etna and excursions on Etna for individuals and small groups.

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Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure

An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more

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Sailing on Silversea's luxurious and exquisitely designed Silver Nova ship is dreamy in itself, but add to that an incredible itinerary including the iconic Panama Canal and you have yourself a bucket-list cruise. 

As a solo traveller, I was pleasantly surprised by how well solo guests are looked after, with nightly solo traveller drinks, hosted by the friendly guest relations team. I made some fantastic friends here on day one, which turned into a group who met for dinners, drinks on deck and post-trip conversations. 

Tours and activities

Some people book their excursions as soon as they are released, but I booked mine the day I arrived and still managed to get on my desired trips. However, I would recommend booking tours and activities in advance, if possible, to avoid disappointment.

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For me, the stand-out excursion had to be my first Mayan ruins experience, in Belize. It was certainly worth the hike to see the fascinating geometric carvings face to face, and the tasty traditional lunch of Belize chicken, rice and beans beforehand certainly helped keep us going.

Another exciting excursion was the all-terrain vehicle trip through the rainforest in Costa Rica. Seeing the colourful flora and fauna comfortably from inside was fun, then we got out for a stroll where our guide pointed out local species such as the eye-catching bright red poison dart frog. 

In Honduras, we were exposed to the culture with song and dance, history lesson opposite the bright blue sea from a knowledgeable local, as well as a taste of the traditional taro bread. 

The high point, however, was traversing the Panama Canal. Guests sat together in the plush panoramic lounge, with mimosas in hand, eagerly waiting to pass through the first lock. It felt monumental, and the Panamanian cooking class and talk about the history of the canal, as well as the Panamanian dance show in the evening, made the day all the more memorable. 

During "sea days" there are a host of activities to choose from, including dance classes, language classes, and even origami. My favourite was the quiz sessions – especially since my team won a few times! 

For a more relaxing pastime, pay a visit to the smart Otium spa, where you're offered champagne upon arrival before an exfoliating and nourishing 'Roman Bliss' massage.

A cabin should be a place you look forward to retreating to after an adventurous day on excursion, or even a fun-filled day at sea, and my cabin was a real haven. 

There is a choice of toiletries, from pH-balanced Sebamed to luxuriously scented Bvlgari, and my attentive butler made sure I received the right ones. My delicious ganache chocolates were also topped up daily. 

The bathroom was very spacious, with clean lines and Carrara marble finish, which was carried through to tabletops in the suite. The walk-in closet meant I could stash my suitcase, with plenty of space to unpack and hang all my clothes, and ample shelving too. 

I also had a desk, a dressing area with plug sockets adapting to all nationalities, and a comfortable sofa to sit. If I wanted to dine outside, there was also a balcony with two chairs and a table.

Eating and drinking

Breakfast can be eaten at a few venues, as well as a room service, which was popular with guests, set up on their balconies and always brought on time. 

I particularly enjoyed the 'healthy' options at the Marquee restaurant which also offers fabulous poke bowls for lunch, or you could order an excellent pizza from adjacent restaurant Spaccanapoli, which are cooked in a traditional oven. 

There's a broad, ever-changing buffet menu at La Terrazza for lunch – its dessert selection is huge and for dinner Italian classics shine. At delicately designed Japanese restaurant Kaiseki, there's sushi and hearty ramen bowls, among a larger dinner selection. 

At my favourite, the S.A.L.T restaurant, where the menu centres on the country you're in, try some of their local cuisine, elevated yet authentic. You can enjoy some jazz accompaniment at La Dame, the ship's signature French restaurant.

Throughout the day I popped into the Arts Café for delicious coffee – always a plus –or a slice of cake and fresh juice in a light-filled space that's a joy to sit in. 

One evening I fancied something chocolate-y and ended up with one of the best brownies ever from the room service menu. 

The verdict

This voyage took me on an incredible journey from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel, Belize to Roatan, Honduras and Costa Rica to Panama. 

As well as the journey, Silversea adds exciting context to the countries you are visiting, from cooking classes that highlight the fascinating cuisines, to talks giving the background history and much more – all creating an incredible and unforgettable trip. 

Yasemen Kaner-White was a guest on the Silver Nova ship, and her trip was a segment of the Fort Lauderdale, US to Callao, Peru voyage. 

Door-to-door fare is £9,700 per person based on double occupancy in a Classic Veranda (including private executive airport transfers, overnight hotel stay, round trip flights, food and beverage on board, butler service, expedition gear and shore excursions). For more information, visit Silversea.com or call 0844 251 0837.

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