This Is Etna
This Is Etna
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
Similar Experiences
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
147 reviews
Excellent
133
Very good
9
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Andrea L
Milan, Italy31 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
We spent the entire day with them and we learned a lot of things. I strongly reccomand them for the professionalism, information quality and knowledge sharing.
They are so kind and they pay attention to each single member of the group!!
They are so kind and they pay attention to each single member of the group!!
Written August 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roan H
1 contribution
One of our most memorable days in Sicily and a MUST DO if you are on the east coast. 'This is Etna' tour was a fantastic experience. Jonny our tour guide picked us up from our hotel - waking us up with his sunny personality and enthusiasm for the day ahead. We felt spoilt as there were only 4 of us on our tour -so many of the other tours we found were crowded and impersonal. Jonny made sure that were didn't follow the tourist trap routes, we didn't have to share the views/area of interest/trekking/or our wine and cheese with anyone except our guide. Bliss.
Jonny our guide was fantastic, his enthusiasm was contagious and his knowledge and history of both the mountain and Sicily itself was in-depth and fascinating (even my girlfriend found it captivating!). Having been to 'active' parts of the volcano on numerous occasion he has some great stories to tell about eruptions he had experiences and other fellow vulcanologists experiences of the mighty Etna.
The lava caves were creepily fun, the winery was a very welcome treat - we sampled 4 different wines and were positively encouraged to finished the whole bottles. Luckily there was plates full of local cheeses, olives, meats and bread to soak up the numerous glasses of wine. You can purchase the wines at the end if the tasting - great price, delicious. Unfortunately we smashed one bottle on the way back to the hotel - fortunately the lovely guys at This is Etna team have said that they we get a replacement bottle posted to us back in the UK.
Finally to sober us up a little we were taken to the beautiful lava gorges - if you are brave go for a VERY refreshing swin, if not stick with a quick paddle.
Recommend this tour to anyone young or old and any level of fitness - brilliant.
Jonny our guide was fantastic, his enthusiasm was contagious and his knowledge and history of both the mountain and Sicily itself was in-depth and fascinating (even my girlfriend found it captivating!). Having been to 'active' parts of the volcano on numerous occasion he has some great stories to tell about eruptions he had experiences and other fellow vulcanologists experiences of the mighty Etna.
The lava caves were creepily fun, the winery was a very welcome treat - we sampled 4 different wines and were positively encouraged to finished the whole bottles. Luckily there was plates full of local cheeses, olives, meats and bread to soak up the numerous glasses of wine. You can purchase the wines at the end if the tasting - great price, delicious. Unfortunately we smashed one bottle on the way back to the hotel - fortunately the lovely guys at This is Etna team have said that they we get a replacement bottle posted to us back in the UK.
Finally to sober us up a little we were taken to the beautiful lava gorges - if you are brave go for a VERY refreshing swin, if not stick with a quick paddle.
Recommend this tour to anyone young or old and any level of fitness - brilliant.
Written October 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeeFamily
Hong Kong24 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Our family of 11 stayed for a week in a beautiful villa managed by Simone, who also manages tours for This Is Etna.
Communication with Simone always friendly and responsive and we thoroughly enjoyed the Etna tour with big brother Johnny in his Jeep. Johnny is very passionate and knowledgeable of Sicily and Mt Etna, and a well respected professional guide. We borrowed hiking shoes and the weather was perfect only needing a light sweater when we explored a cave. The children had never hiked before, but were always in front asking questions and having a laugh but never complained even though we stopped for lunch at the Gambino winery at 2pm.
The wine tasting at Gambino winery came with a light lunch of cheeses, olives, egg, bread and meats (sausages, salami) and the children had pasta and soft drinks. We sampled 5 bottles of red and whites which we didn't particularly like and asked if we could sample the reserve Petto Dragone 2014 which to our delight Gambino agreed to. It was so good we finished the bottle whilst relaxing on the grass and chatting with Johnny, we later purchased 3 bottles.
Thank you to Simone and Johnny for arranging a great tour, we highly recommend.
Communication with Simone always friendly and responsive and we thoroughly enjoyed the Etna tour with big brother Johnny in his Jeep. Johnny is very passionate and knowledgeable of Sicily and Mt Etna, and a well respected professional guide. We borrowed hiking shoes and the weather was perfect only needing a light sweater when we explored a cave. The children had never hiked before, but were always in front asking questions and having a laugh but never complained even though we stopped for lunch at the Gambino winery at 2pm.
The wine tasting at Gambino winery came with a light lunch of cheeses, olives, egg, bread and meats (sausages, salami) and the children had pasta and soft drinks. We sampled 5 bottles of red and whites which we didn't particularly like and asked if we could sample the reserve Petto Dragone 2014 which to our delight Gambino agreed to. It was so good we finished the bottle whilst relaxing on the grass and chatting with Johnny, we later purchased 3 bottles.
Thank you to Simone and Johnny for arranging a great tour, we highly recommend.
Written August 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BathEGR
Bath, UK76 contributions
Mar 2016 • Business
We were a group of seven professional colleagues off on a four-day retreat to Sicily and Etna. We rented a house through a well-known site and were lucky to find that the house was run by Johnny, Simone and Valeria. They arranged nearly everything for us. From the moment we stepped off the plane and they greeted us with their friendship and enthusiasm, we knew we'd be in good hands. Food, wine tastings, Etna tours (in a blinding snowstorm!), local excursions -- they took care of it all. What fun! Johnny was nearly part of our group by the end. We were sad to say goodbye. Great place, great people, great experience. Don't hesitate!
Written March 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay C
Catania, Italy4 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
I'm a professional photographer and have done a lot exploring in my life and my experience of guided tours is mixed- often I'm antsy or bored or not fully engaged because the pace and mode of interaction is hum-drum and lackluster. Nothing could have been further from those kinds of experiences- We had an absolutely amazing day with Johnny on our Etna Excursion!
We began in the Etna town of Milo had an espresso and headed of in his Land Rover. Johnny is a great guide, he's friendly, warm, smart and super knowledgable about not only Etna, the volcano, the environment, culture but also about geology in general. He was able in an interesting and fun way the phenomenon of Etna, geologically and historically.
He brought us to lava flows, underground volcanic chasms where in ancient times snow was stored and sold to keep meat and fish fresh through the summer. Johnny had a great knowledge of the plant life and was able to point out not only the trees and wildflowers but was also able to explain their origins, botanical species and medicinal uses.
I had know idea just how complex and how much there was to see in terms of the eruptions, the lava, the fissures and chasms, it was like being on another planet. Johnny is great at explaining things in detail but in a relaxed and fun way. I knew so, so much more by the end of the trip than I would have ever expected. I weeks after am still marveling at the experience.
Perhaps most importantly, Johnny is native Sicilian born on Etna and has traveled, lived and worked around the world- This is man who truly loves Etna and his work as a guide and it shows in a huge way- because of this it's contagious.
We finished they day back in Milo for a typical Sicilian lunch outside on the piazza with beautiful tufts of clouds floating at eye level through the blue skies. If you're planning to visit or visiting Etna I can not recommend a trip with This Is Etna enough!
We began in the Etna town of Milo had an espresso and headed of in his Land Rover. Johnny is a great guide, he's friendly, warm, smart and super knowledgable about not only Etna, the volcano, the environment, culture but also about geology in general. He was able in an interesting and fun way the phenomenon of Etna, geologically and historically.
He brought us to lava flows, underground volcanic chasms where in ancient times snow was stored and sold to keep meat and fish fresh through the summer. Johnny had a great knowledge of the plant life and was able to point out not only the trees and wildflowers but was also able to explain their origins, botanical species and medicinal uses.
I had know idea just how complex and how much there was to see in terms of the eruptions, the lava, the fissures and chasms, it was like being on another planet. Johnny is great at explaining things in detail but in a relaxed and fun way. I knew so, so much more by the end of the trip than I would have ever expected. I weeks after am still marveling at the experience.
Perhaps most importantly, Johnny is native Sicilian born on Etna and has traveled, lived and worked around the world- This is man who truly loves Etna and his work as a guide and it shows in a huge way- because of this it's contagious.
We finished they day back in Milo for a typical Sicilian lunch outside on the piazza with beautiful tufts of clouds floating at eye level through the blue skies. If you're planning to visit or visiting Etna I can not recommend a trip with This Is Etna enough!
Written July 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal Y
Umbertide, Italy2 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
My group and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. This tour is not for those who don't enjoy hiking and putting in some effort for a great experience. However, if you're hesitant, DON'T BE. You must do this tour. Our tour guide Johnny was absolutely amazing. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and one group member's savior. He picked us up from our Bed & Breakfast and spoke English very well. He lived in San Francisco for a while and was an electrical engineer before starting his career as a tour guide. He is from Catania and therefore knows all the local beauty of the city. At one point in our hike, during a steep climb, one of our group members started having a panic attack (she's afraid of heights), and Johnny climbed BACK down to calm, encourage, and ultimately help our friend make it to the top! She has an amazing picture of herself at the top and one with her and Johnny. I can't say enough good things about this tour and Johnny. I recommend it with no hesitation!
Written January 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
majesty318
Rahway, NJ1,781 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
I read reviews of many Etna tour companies before booking, but I chose this one because the full-day tour included so many things. I am so glad I did!
The guide Johnny met us just off the highway near our agriturismo at about 8:30 AM. He was friendly and personable as we chatted (his English is EXCELLENT) in the jeep on the way to pick up the other people on the tour, an Italian family.
We started to drive up the mountain, stopping in the town of Milo for coffee and to hear about Etna's history. We continued up to the former site of Milo, now covered by lava, and were soon off-roading. Then we walked through the forest (easy hike) to overlook Valle del Bove (so named because the noise sounds like mooing cows!). The whole time, Johnny was telling us such interesting facts about the science of the volcano, its details, its history. My volcano-obsessed husband and two young children on our tour had lots of questions, but he was not impatient at all and seemed happy to answer all.
Next we drove to another area to see craters and "lava bombs." Note, we were walking for a very long time. It was not strenuous but it was long - probably an hour at least. The lava bombs are rocks of varying sizes formed from old lava flow. We also walked along the edges of old craters. Another thing to note with this - if you have fear of "edges" (like I do) this may be difficult. My husband and Johnny had to help me down. I think most people would be find as it was not that narrow but fearful people be warned. However, I am still happy we did it even though I was frightened at the time.
Next stop was a lava tub, a cave formed by lava flow that was used years ago as a cold storage, due to the temperature inside.
Next was an AMAZING lunch and wine tasting at the gorgeous Gambino vineyard. Grapes are grown in the volcanic soil. We had meats and cheeses, a platter of olives/ sundried tomatoes/ mushrooms, lentils, chickpeas, coffee, dessert, and, of course, sampled several wines, all delicious and all reasonably priced if you want to purchase a bottle. The one we bought was 10 euro. The kids on our tour were given pasta.
Last stop was the Alcantara Gorge where the water is between 8-12 degrees Celsius all year. In other words, freezing, even in the height of summer! While we drove there and then drove back to our meeting points, Johnny was telling us about the towns we passed and various old ruins. Every single thing was fascinating and beautiful.
I suggest you definitely wear comfortable sneakers (hiking boots/ trekking shoes are really not necessary) but keep in mind they will be covered in volcanic ash by the end. Bring sunscreen and a hat and if you have long hair, something to tie it back as it's super windy up high. And at the top of the craters it was chilly even in July so a sweatshirt is a good idea.
I was impressed how Johnny handled the tour in both English & Italian all day. Neither language seemed rushed and I think everyone felt that they got the full explanation. I highly recommend this tour for the reason I booked it, the variety offered, and for the knowledgeable and friendly service.
The guide Johnny met us just off the highway near our agriturismo at about 8:30 AM. He was friendly and personable as we chatted (his English is EXCELLENT) in the jeep on the way to pick up the other people on the tour, an Italian family.
We started to drive up the mountain, stopping in the town of Milo for coffee and to hear about Etna's history. We continued up to the former site of Milo, now covered by lava, and were soon off-roading. Then we walked through the forest (easy hike) to overlook Valle del Bove (so named because the noise sounds like mooing cows!). The whole time, Johnny was telling us such interesting facts about the science of the volcano, its details, its history. My volcano-obsessed husband and two young children on our tour had lots of questions, but he was not impatient at all and seemed happy to answer all.
Next we drove to another area to see craters and "lava bombs." Note, we were walking for a very long time. It was not strenuous but it was long - probably an hour at least. The lava bombs are rocks of varying sizes formed from old lava flow. We also walked along the edges of old craters. Another thing to note with this - if you have fear of "edges" (like I do) this may be difficult. My husband and Johnny had to help me down. I think most people would be find as it was not that narrow but fearful people be warned. However, I am still happy we did it even though I was frightened at the time.
Next stop was a lava tub, a cave formed by lava flow that was used years ago as a cold storage, due to the temperature inside.
Next was an AMAZING lunch and wine tasting at the gorgeous Gambino vineyard. Grapes are grown in the volcanic soil. We had meats and cheeses, a platter of olives/ sundried tomatoes/ mushrooms, lentils, chickpeas, coffee, dessert, and, of course, sampled several wines, all delicious and all reasonably priced if you want to purchase a bottle. The one we bought was 10 euro. The kids on our tour were given pasta.
Last stop was the Alcantara Gorge where the water is between 8-12 degrees Celsius all year. In other words, freezing, even in the height of summer! While we drove there and then drove back to our meeting points, Johnny was telling us about the towns we passed and various old ruins. Every single thing was fascinating and beautiful.
I suggest you definitely wear comfortable sneakers (hiking boots/ trekking shoes are really not necessary) but keep in mind they will be covered in volcanic ash by the end. Bring sunscreen and a hat and if you have long hair, something to tie it back as it's super windy up high. And at the top of the craters it was chilly even in July so a sweatshirt is a good idea.
I was impressed how Johnny handled the tour in both English & Italian all day. Neither language seemed rushed and I think everyone felt that they got the full explanation. I highly recommend this tour for the reason I booked it, the variety offered, and for the knowledgeable and friendly service.
Written September 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andreaw20
lancashire127 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
This was by far the best day we had in the 2 weeks on Sicily. Our guide Johnny was amazing, and his incredible knowledge of Etna was infused with genuine enthusiasm and passion for what he was doing. We opted for the full day experience, which we would whole-heartedly recommend to everyone. Even before we'd reached Etna, Johnny was telling us all about the surrounding area too. The experience involved firstly a walk up to the craters (capped at 2300m for safety). You do need stout footwear (we borrowed - let them know when you book) and there are a few steep parts, but to view what was once a hotel but now with only a partial roof showing under grey rocky lava is staggering, and to see full villages obliterated with only perhaps a chimney and a partial wall left here and there very eerie. The craters were absolutely huge, imagine being on the moon! Understanding the science and geology of how the volcano formed and being astounded that 6 new craters formed even while we'd been there in those 2 weeks was mindblowing. The off-roading experience to enable us to see the Valley of the Bulls was something I'd recommend to anyone. Lunch and wine tasting was fabulous. The wine and food is without question just superb all around the island, but the minerals in the soil on Etna add that extra depth to the wine grown on there. We finished with a trip to Alcantara gorge, which is a miracle of nature really, formed where lava cracked through a rock face and hit an ice pack, creating a wondrous sight of rock columns and waterfalls. There are many companies offering visits to Etna, and some which even offer to bus you part way up, but This Is Etna has been set up to inform and involve its visitors. You would struggle to understand about Etna if you tried to do this by yourself, and would miss the wonder of this vast volcano which would be a shame. Absolutely amazing, and a wonderful, memorable day to make our honeymoon extra special. Thank you.
Written August 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uzmi
Manchester, UK40 contributions
Me and my boys aged 19 and 8 had a thoroughly enjoyable day on this tour .. They really tailored it to suit us and made a delicious picnic according to our specific dietary requirements which my normally fussy children wolfed down ... The well spoken english guide had endless knowledge which he was keen to share with us We were sad when we had to end our day ... Our next stop was Naples and we wished we could have found tour company which did something similar ..
Written August 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurencefrench2015
London, UK22 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
We spent over half a day with our guide Johnny visiting Mount Etna as he talked us through the history, geology and social aspects of Etna with such great passion ! The tour was in a Land Rover, meaning it was easy to drive up towards the volcano, and Johnny took us to amazing locations including a couple of food breaks :) We walked quite high up and it was fascinating to be able to see the craters - our teenage daughters loved the day too.
Be sure to take some sunscreen with you if you go on a sunny day !
Be sure to take some sunscreen with you if you go on a sunny day !
Written August 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience