Duration : 8 Hours
Starting From:Experience
the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano,
combined with the charm of Taormina, Sicily’s iconic hilltop town. This
private day tour from Catania offers flexible timing, comfortable
transport, and the chance to explore two unforgettable destinations at your own
pace.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Port
Pickup & On-Time Return
If arriving
by cruise in Catania, please share:
We plan the
itinerary to ensure a smooth experience and on-time return (see cruise arrival instructions). You can rely on our on-time
return guarantee.
Suggested
Itinerary (Flexible)
This
private day tour is flexible and customizable with your driver on the day.
Pickup
in Catania
Meet your driver at your hotel/accommodation or agreed meeting point.
Stop 1:
Mount Etna
Explore the volcanic area with views of craters, lava fields, and panoramic
vistas. (Additional activities such as hiking or cable car rides can be
arranged on request but are not included.)
Stop 2:
Taormina
Visit the historic town, Greek Theatre, and enjoy panoramic views over the
coast and sea. Time for strolling, shopping, and café breaks (not included).
Return
to Catania
Relax on the drive back, with timing planned for a smooth return.
Why book with DriverInRome
What You’ll See
Cruising
to other ports in Italy? Here are a few popular options:
Civitavecchia
shore excursions
Livorno
(Florence) shore excursions
Naples shore
excursions
Cruising
to multiple ports? Share
your itinerary and we’ll help you plan the smoothest, most time-efficient days
ashore.
Optional customization
More shore
excursions from your port:
CA02 -Catania, Riviera Dei Ciclopi & Castelmola
CA03 -Godfather Towns, Savoca & Forza D Agro
See all Catania shore excursions
Included
Not included
What to
expect from your driver on a private day trip or shore excursion:
Our drivers will share with you the facts and history of the places and
monuments you will be seeing from inside the vehicle. Note that drivers in
Italy are not permitted to share information once you have exited the vehicle,
nor can they accompany you on foot. You will have the opportunity to stop in
each area listed on the itinerary to explore on your own. We can arrange a
private guide for you if you wish to be accompanied inside churches,
archeological sites, and other points of interest (additional expense; refer to
the Optional Items section, if present, or contact us for details).
Is this Etna and Taormina tour from Catania private?
Yes. This is a private tour operated exclusively for your party, with your own driver and private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Can you pick us up from the Port of Catania for an Etna and Taormina shore excursion?
Yes. We can pick you up at the Port of Catania. Please share your ship name and docking times so we can confirm the best meeting point and schedule.
Is gratuity included in the price?
Tips are never included in our quotes .We think that a tip shouldn’t be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.
What is the best time to visit Mount Etna on a day tour?
Spring through fall is popular for clearer views, but Mount Etna can be visited year-round. Weather and visibility can change quickly, so we plan stops based on the best conditions that day.
Do you go to the summit of Mount Etna on this tour?
This tour focuses on accessible viewpoints and the Silvestri Craters area on the southern slopes. Summit access depends on conditions and requires specific logistics; ask us if you want a higher-altitude option.
Where do you stop on Mount Etna (Silvestri Craters)?
Typically on the southern side near the Silvestri Craters area, where you can enjoy volcanic scenery, viewpoints, and short walks at your own pace (conditions permitting).
Is Mount Etna safe to visit?
Yes, when visiting approved areas and following local guidance. Stops may be adjusted due to weather or volcanic activity to keep the experience safe.
How much walking is involved on Mount Etna?
Walking is optional and can be kept light. You can choose short strolls near viewpoints or do a bit more walking depending on your comfort level.
Is Taormina worth visiting on a day trip from Catania?
Yes. Taormina is one of Sicily’s most scenic towns and pairs very well with Mount Etna for a full-day mix of nature, views, and town atmosphere.
How much time do we get in Taormina?
Time in Taormina is flexible. If you want more time for strolling, viewpoints, shopping, or the Greek Theatre, tell us and we’ll balance the schedule.
Can we visit the Greek Theatre in Taormina on this tour?
Yes, during your free time in Taormina. Entrance tickets are not included, and visits depend on your timing and preferences.
Is the itinerary flexible (can we spend more time on Etna or more time in Taormina)?
Yes. This is a private tour, so we can adjust the flow within reason—more volcano scenery, more town time, extra photo stops, or a relaxed lunch break (not included).
Is the driver also a guide? No. Our English-speaking drivers are not licensed guides on foot. They can share information from inside the vehicle, but cannot guide once you exit the vehicle. A licensed private guide can be arranged on request.
No. Our English-speaking drivers are not licensed guides on foot. They can share information from inside the vehicle, but cannot guide once you exit the vehicle. A licensed private guide can be arranged on request.
Does the driver go with us inside monuments or sites?
No. Only licensed guides are permitted to accompany guests inside sites. Your driver will coordinate drop-off/pick-up points and remain with the vehicle.
Does this tour include tickets, a guide, or lunch?
No. Tickets, guides on foot, and lunch are not included. If you want a private guide or need help planning visits, contact us for options.
Do you guarantee return to the ship on time from the Etna and Taormina shore excursion?
Yes. We plan the itinerary around ship schedules and organize the day to ensure an on-time return to the Port of Catania.
What should we wear/bring for Mount Etna?
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket (it can be cooler at altitude). In warmer months, sun protection and water are recommended.
What happens if the weather is bad on Mount Etna?
If weather affects visibility or comfort, we can adjust stops and timing (or prioritize Taormina) to make the best of the day.
Can you customize the itinerary on the day?
Yes. Since this is a private tour, you can adjust timing and stops with your driver (within the overall duration).
Is the cable car ride on Mount Etna included?
No, cable car rides or other activities on Mount Etna are not included.
There
will be a full charge for bookings canceled with less than 72-hour notice for
any service required. In this case, a full charge will be made on your credit
card.
If you miss your flight or if your airline decides to cancel the flight due to
bad weather or if your flight is directed to another airport on arrival, please
advise us on time (as soon as you know) or a full charge will be made.
Please give us enough time so we can accept other reservations and allocate
them to our chauffeurs.
If the ship does not make it to the pier for bad weather, you will not be
considered responsible so NO CHARGE will be made to your credit card. A full
charge will be made for a no-show-up.
Only pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets (if requested) are not refundable
under the circumstance and will be charged to your card.
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