Private tour in Catania Vincenzo M
5.0
(9) reviews
9 hours
1
9 hours
1
Vincenzo M.
5.0
Guide rating
73
Reviews
Tours delivered
34 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello, I’m Vincenzo. I’ve spent most of my life on and around Mount Etna, guiding people through its landscapes, geology, stories and constant changes. I love welcoming ToursByLocals travelers and making them feel as if we already know each other. That’s exactly the atmosphere I aim for: friendly, honest and easygoing. I enjoy sharing the volcano in a natural, relaxed and personal way — spending the day together, discovering the real beauty of Mount Etna, with clear explanations and an itinerary that naturally adapts as we go along. I am a certified volcanological guide, licensed tour leader, hiking guide and professional NCC driver. These qualifications allow me to manage every aspect of a private experience with safety, flexibility and good organization, so you can simply enjoy the day. My deep familiarity with the volcano helps you truly understand the geological environment you’re walking through, in a clear and accessible way. At the same time, each experience is shaped around the people I’m guiding. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a family with children, or senior travelers who prefer an easier pace, the itinerary is always adapted to your abilities, interests and comfort. I live in a small town where Etna Bianco Superiore DOC is produced. Because of this, wine is a natural part of how I experience the volcano. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep knowledge of Etna DOC wines, local wineries and the unique relationship between volcanic soil, altitude and climate. I’m always curious to discover new tasting experiences, family-run cellars, traditional recipes and the culinary side of Sicilian culture. If you’re looking for a private way to explore Mount Etna with a knowledgeable, professional and genuinely friendly local guide, I’ll be happy to guide you. Sincerely, Vincenzo
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Vincenzo M.
This is a private summit craters experience on Mount Etna, combining an exciting 4x4 ascent with a guided hike in the volcano’s highest and most active areas, reaching up to 3,330 meters, depending on conditions. Starting from the northern side of Etna, we gain altitude using authorized off-road 4x4 group vehicles, crossing lava fields and volcanic landscapes shaped by recent eruptions. From the highest point reached by vehicle, we continue on foot toward the summit crater area, following a route adapted to volcanic activity, weather conditions and official safety regulations on the day of the tour. During the hike, I explain the geology and current activity of Mount Etna in a clear and accessible way. We spend about one hour in the summit crater area, observing the volcanic environment and enjoying wide panoramic views. The descent is on foot, with a panoramic picnic break along the way, directly facing the summit craters. After the break, we return to the 4x4 vehicles and head back to Piano Provenzana.
We did this tour with Vincenzo M. He was an awesome guide and extremely knowledgeable. He is a great communicator from start to finish. He added a stop at a small Italian bakery to give us the small town Italian feel and it was fantastic. If you're looking to do this tour don't think twice book it with Vincenzo and you will not be disappointed you will have a great time and see some fantastic sights.
We had a wonderful time hiking with Vincenzo. He picked us up and drove us through some small towns and countryside on the way to Mt Etna. He was very knowledgeable about the formation and activity of volcanoes and the natural surroundings. For others looking to take this tour, I would recommend hiking shoes instead of running shoes (our mistake) and be aware that the temps on the hike might be much less than at sea level.
Amazing experience. Vincenzo is the perfect guide - knowledgeable, personable, and attentive. And he's fascinating as a person (good luck with your hot sauce and olive oil!). Our Etna trek got us off the beaten path for a fantastic but not-too-difficult hike while he explained the scientific, sociological, and cultural aspects that made Etna so important. And then, after the hike, he took us to an amazing slow-food restaurant in his hometown. 10/10, could not have been happier.
We had the most wonderful day hiking the north side of Mt. Etna. Vincenzo is a fantastic guide! He is very passionate about the mountain and his job. I would highly recommend this tour!!!
We had a wonderful day with Vincenzo exploring Mt Etna. We were on the north side of the volcano to ensure we had the most memorable experience. Vincenzo led us on a hike up through the lava flows to the site of the most recent major eruptions. He pointed out many beautiful sites and trees/plants. His passion for the volcano is incredible and he passes on his extensive knowledge of every aspect of the volcano science, myth and local culture importance. Highly recommend this best part of our Sicily trip.
Vincenzo was amazing, very professional, informative and exceeded our expectations. The vineyard recommendation made the the entire experience even more pleasurable. He even hooked us up to solve a problem with the local carrier service. Incredible day! Thank you...
• Pickup from your hotel in Catania or from the cruise port. • Drive to Piano Provenzana (about 1,800 m) on the northern side of Mount Etna. Short briefing about weather, volcanic activity and the day’s conditions. • Ascent by authorized 4×4 off-road group vehicles, crossing lava fields and volcanic landscapes, reaching approximately 2,900 meters. • Guided hike toward the summit crater area on volcanic ash and lava terrain, following a route adapted to safety regulations and conditions on the day of the tour. • About one hour in the summit crater area, observing craters, fumaroles and enjoying panoramic views. • Descent on foot with a panoramic picnic break facing the summit craters. • Return to the 4×4 vehicles and transfer back to Piano Provenzana. • Drive back to your hotel or cruise port.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Private pickup from your hotel in Taormina or Giardini Naxos cruise port, with a modern, clean 9-seat NCC Opel Vivaro van or Jeep Renegade car equipped with air conditioning, water and Wi-Fi on board. - Please note: the use of Etna authorized 4×4 group vehicles for the ascent to high altitude is not included and must be paid on site (extra cost: €50 per person).
Catania, Sicily, Italy
Pickup available from your hotel in Catania or from cruise port.
English
French
Spanish
ItalianWho is this private tour in Catania best suited for?
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Catania be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
Is this private tour in Catania suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
9 hours
1
9 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works