About this activity

Maximize your time in Sicily with a seamless 7.5-hour shore excursion tailored for cruise travellers, combining the volcanic majesty of Mount Etna with the baroque charm of historic Catania.

First Stop: Mount Etna & Rifugio Sapienza (2,000m) Meet your driver right at the Catania Cruise Terminal and enjoy a comfortable, scenic drive up the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Arrive at Rifugio Sapienza (2,000 meters / 6,500 feet), surrounded by dramatic lunar landscapes and ancient lava flows.

Here, you have full freedom to customize your adventure:

Self-Guided Exploration: Walk around the famous Silvestri Craters and soak in the panoramic views of the Ionian coastline.
Cable Car & 4x4 Option (Optional): Take the Funivia dell'Etna cable car up to 2,500 meters, or board specialized 4x4 alpine buses or quad bikes to reach the upper crater zones accompanied by official alpine guides.
Local Flavors: Relax at local mountain cafes, taste regional honey, or pick up unique volcanic souvenirs.

Second Stop: Catania Historic Center Walk After your high-altitude experience, descend to Catania for a 1-hour walking through its UNESCO-listed historic heart. Stroll past lava-stone baroque architecture, marvel at the iconic Fontana dell'Elefante in Piazza del Duomo, admire the grandeur of Catania Cathedral, and soak up the bustling atmosphere of the traditional city streets.

After enjoying the volcano and local culture, relax on the short drive back to Catania Port, arriving with guaranteed ample time before your cruise ship sets sail.