Mount Etna and Alcantara Gorges Day Trip with Circumetnea Railway Ride

Leave Taormina and ride around Mount Etna by 1950s-era train on the Circumetnea Railway! This exciting day trip also includes trips to 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 summit, upgrade to include transport to the top and a walking tour of the craters.

Meet your host in Taormina and travel by air-conditioned coach to Alcantara Gorges, a series of deep incisions in the cliffs around the Alcantara River. Pay your entrance fee, and then follow your host around the incredible waterfalls and gorges, created after a series of ancient volcanic eruptions.

Return to your coach and travel to the small town of Randazzo. If you visit on a Sunday, your host will allow you free time to browse the town's Sunday market. Then, head to Circumetnea Railway, a private train station that operates a 1950s-era train around Mount Etna. Take a seat aboard the delightfully old-fashioned train, and relax as it weaves its way around the entire circumference of the volcano. The route offers unique views of the volcano with valley vineyards and flower-frescoed meadows to one side and old lava fields of Mount Etna on the other.

After an hour on the train, disembark and swap back to your coach. Travel to Etna south station, at an altitude of 6,234 feet (1,900 meters), and enjoy free time to hike the trails in the foothills at leisure. Grab a snack at the station’s cafe (own expense) and ask your host for hiking trail recommendations; sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Please note: During winter months (November to March) you proceed from Randazzo by bus and not by train to Etna south station. Ascent by cable car or jeep is not possible, only optional trekking to Silvestri craters.

Upgrade to skip the free time and head straight to the top, instead. Ride by cable car to a height of 8,202 feet (2,500 meters), and then travel the remaining distance by 4x4 jeep, stopping at a dizzying 9,843 feet (3,000 meters). Follow your host around the summit’s craters and peering into hornitos (small openings that release lava) while learning about volcanic activity.

Board your coach at the pre-arranged time, and then travel back to the start point in Taormina.

• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Train ticket
  
• Tour escort/host
• Professional guide (if Mount Etna’s summit upgrade is selected)
  

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
  
• Food and drinks
• Entrance fee to Alcantara Gorges