Private tour in Messina Vincenzo M

Mount Etna Authentic Towns | Private Tour From Messina

4.9

(13) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

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.

Overview of your Messina tour

This is a private and relaxed Etna experience that combines an easy walk through extinct volcanic craters with authentic village stops focused on local food and everyday life. After pickup from your hotel or cruise port, we head toward Mount Etna to explore Monti Sartorius, a scenic area formed by an eruption in the 19th century. Here we enjoy an easy walk suitable for all, ideal for discovering extinct craters, solidified lava flows and Etna’s unique volcanic landscape, surrounded by endemic Birch forest and open views. What makes this experience special is the connection with local villages. During the day, we stop in small, authentic towns at the foot of the volcano, where Etna life still follows a slower rhythm. We take time to enjoy traditional Sicilian pastries and street food, freshly prepared in well-known local spots, in a simple and genuine atmosphere. The pace of the tour is unhurried and personal, focused on sharing Etna through nature, villages and local flavors.

Recent Reviews

Kelly V.United States
June 2024

This was an incredible adventure that should not be missed. Vincenzo was a delight and the volcano experience was unforgettable. In addition, he took us for some of the most amazing authentic small village food and told us how to catch an exploding volcanoe from the balcony of our cruise ship as we sailed away. The man was a wealth of knowledge and provided multiple unforgettable experiences.

Steve M.United States
January 2024

Vincenzo was a fantastic guide. He shared his passion for Mt. Etna, as well as the local community. Mt. Etna is truly fascinating, but we also enjoyed climbing down into a lava tube on the side of the road. Another highlight was eating freshly made Arancini and Cannoli at Putia Lab in Mila. We highly recommend Vincenzo!

Lynne N.United States
September 2023

Vincenzo was a great tour leader. We were picked up in Messina and toured through the region in comfort listening to his vast knowledge of the characteristics of the area. He is a volcanologist who has studied extensively and truly shows his passion. All ten members of our party were thoroughly impressed and enthusiastic about this tour of Mt Etna and Taormina. I highly recommend Vincenzo's tours and look forward to a hiking tour with him.

Janice V.United States
July 2023

This was an absolutely wonderful excursion. We were picked up at our ship, had a great hike on Etna, far from the crowds & tour companies. Then spent time in Taormina. Thank you for a great day!

Adam E.United States
July 2023

My wife and I just spent an terrific day with Vincenzo Modica. In addition to stopping multiple times for the most delicious food, our climb to 1600+ sq ft above sea level with this amazing tour guide was spectacular. He is humble, educated, licensed and very passionate about this one of a kind place in Sicily. if your are looking for a great day, just book this tour and 'for-gettabout-it". Vincenzo is OUTSTANDING !

David A.United States
June 2023

Vincenzo was an amazing guide. An expert on Mt Etna, he made the mountain and towns come alive. We got to see his small village and eat Arrancini fresh and hot from his favorite place. We saw the craters up close with unmatched expertise from Vincenzo. We also made it to Taormina for a few hours of free time (our choice), the day was a huge success thanks to Vincenzo.

Your Messina tour itinerary

• Pickup from your hotel or cruise port in Messina. • Drive to Piedimonte Etneo, an authentic village at the foot of Mount Etna. • Stop at a renowned local bar to enjoy traditional Sicilian pastries and a short break. • Drive to Monti Sartorius, on the northeastern slope of Mount Etna. • Easy guided walk with private certified volcanological Guide at Monti Sartorius, suitable for all levels, exploring extinct craters, lava flows and volcanic scenery, with explanations along the way. • Drive to the village of Milo, on Etna’s eastern slope. • Street food stop in Milo, enjoying freshly prepared arancini and a classic Sicilian cannolo filled on the spot with ricotta. • Return drive to your hotel or cruise port in Messina.

Want to customize this tour?

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.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van

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

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Other: Private Official certified Volcanological Guide
What's not included
Tastings: Local food around 10 € per person
Meeting location

Messina, Sicily, Italy

Pickup available from your hotel or cruise port in Messina.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Day Trip
Layover
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
621708
Languages
English
French
Spanish
Italian
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Messina best suited for?

This private tour in Messina is perfect for travellers who want a relaxed and personal experience exploring Mount Etna and its surroundings. It's ideal for those interested in nature, local culture, and authentic Sicilian food. The tour is suitable for all ages, including kids, and offers a minimal activity level, making it accessible to most travellers.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Messina 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?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Messina 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

-
Hours icon 7 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Messina by Vincenzo M.
Similar tours in Messina
Explore more of Messina
Sicily gran tour: Taormina, Castelmola, Messina + cannoli tasting - private tourEtna, Taormina, Castelmola, Messina - private tourTaormina, Giardini Naxos and Castelmola private tourCastelmola & Taormina Shore excursion from MessinaVolcano Etna, Taormina and Giardini Naxos tour - private tourTaormina - from Messina Half Day Shore Excursion Mount Etna Cable Car & 4x4 | Private Tour From MessinaEtna DOC Wine Tasting | Private Tour From MessinaGodfather sites, Etna and Taormina - private tourTaormina Gorgeous Private Tour from the portMt Etna and Taormina Highlights full day Private Tour from the PortTaormina and Godfather's Private Tour from the portThe Pearls Tour: Taormina, Isolabella and Private BoatDay Trip from Messina to Mount Etna and TaorminaTaormina and Castelmola highlightsThe pearls Taormina and Castelmola Half Day TourGodfather and Mount Etna - private tourMessina: History & food . A private walking tourGodFather's Villages Half Day TourMessina highlights walking tour half Day Private TourMount Etna Authentic Towns | Private Tour From MessinaMessina Excursion tour to Taormina - Full DayStreet food of MessinaHighlights of Messina, Italy - Express Walking TourMt.Etna Summit Craters from Messina port - Shore TourCastelmola & Taormina Full Day TourMount Etna Unbelievable Half Day Private TourMessina, the Gate of Sicily: Half-Day Shore ExcursionMount Etna Shore Excursion from TaorminaMount Etna and Winery Unforgettable Half Day Private TourMount Etna Summit Craters Hike | Private Tour From MessinaGodfather Full Day TourThe Godfather's Tour from MessinaEnjoy Milazzo and Tyndaris Full Day Private TourItaly's Messina Strait - Full Day Sailboat Tour, stone's throw from Cruise ship dockEnchanting Taormina Private Tour from Messina/Catania HarbourMount Etna Shore Excursion from MessinaDiving in the Strait and visit of the town of Messina - private tourEtna North Jeep off road & Taormina Full Day TourIn the footsteps of Caravaggio - Shore Excursion