Mount Etna Tours FAQ

Free cancellation up to 7 days before the excursion (100% refund), 50% refund up to 2 days before, no refund from 1 day before. A free date change is always possible up to 7 days before, subject to availability. If we cancel for weather, volcanic activity or safety reasons, you always get a full refund or a free new date.

Minors must be accompanied by adults. Children can participate under parental responsibility, but the guide reserves the right to exclude very young children for safety reasons depending on the tour type.

Most tours depart from Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South, 1,900m) or Piano Provenzana (Etna North, 1,800m), both easily reachable by car from Catania (45 min) or Taormina (1h 15min). Some excursions start at Monti Sartorius on the north-east side. Private transfer service is available from your hotel in Catania, Taormina, or other locations in eastern Sicily.

Yes. At Rifugio Sapienza and Piano Provenzana paid parking is available (around €10/day). At some locations, such as Monti Sartorius, parking is free and unattended. If you book a private transfer with us, parking is not needed.

Mount Etna is accessible year-round. Spring to autumn offers the best conditions for summit excursions. In winter, snow trekking and snowshoeing excursions are available. A licensed volcanological guide is mandatory above 2,920m.

Morning tours typically depart between 8:00 and 10:00. Since every excursion is private, we agree on the exact departure time together when you book.

Required equipment: trekking shoes (ankle-high), layered clothing (it gets cold at altitude), windbreaker jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, water (1.5L minimum), and a small backpack. In winter, warm layers and snow gear are essential.

Yes, at Rifugio Sapienza and Piano Provenzana you can rent trekking shoes, jackets, trekking poles and backpacks. Several rental shops are available at both locations. Winter equipment (crampons, gaiters) is also available for rent.

Children can participate in most tours under parental responsibility. The 2002 Craters hike and the Monti Sartorius walk are family-friendly. For the Summit Craters excursion, a minimum age of 12-14 is recommended due to altitude and physical demands.

A licensed volcanological guide is mandatory for excursions above 2,920m altitude. Below that level, you can hike independently, but a guide greatly enhances the experience with safety expertise and geological interpretation.

Yes. Safety comes first. In case of bad weather or volcanic alert, the excursion may be modified (alternative route) or cancelled with a full refund. Routes, maximum altitude and timing may change based on weather, volcanic activity and Civil Protection instructions.

Pick a free date in the calendar on the tour page, enter your details and pay securely by card. Payments are processed by SumUp on its secure pages — card details never pass through this website. You get an instant confirmation email and a reminder the day before; the extras shown on the tour page (4x4 transfer, cable car tickets) are paid on site.