Day Trips
13–14 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$118
per adult
SAT Group Tours
SAT Group Tours
4
Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursTaxis & ShuttlesBoat ToursCooking Classes
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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About
SAT Group, Tour Operator & Transportation Company based in Taormina, is the ideal solution for exploring Sicily, a region where art, history and culture blend to perfection with the landscape and give rise to a unique universe. With guaranteed departures from Taormina, Giardini Naxos and Letojanni, SAT Group offers the most extensive program of multilingual tours towards the major Sicilian destinations, including daily visits to Mount Etna, all the most important cities of art and two cruises to the Aeolian Islands. Not only that! A section apart is dedicated to the activities related to gastronomy with the successful Sicilian Cooking Class and the Pizza Making Class, two real best sellers of the past seasons. With over 30.000 passengers per year, SAT Group has gained the experience and the know-how that guarantee the quality of all tours and activities, by using only professional staff trained in-house. Discover Sicily with SAT Group!
Tours and Tickets by SAT Group Tours
Cooking Classes
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$79
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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from
$47
per adult
Cooking Classes
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travelers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$107
per adult
Cooking Classes
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$73
per adult
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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.
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4.0
792 reviews
Excellent
476
Very good
134
Average
70
Poor
50
Terrible
62
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JoanneR
Blackstone, MA59 contributions
Apr 2023
We hired SAT for inter-city transfers as our group size was too big for a single van and too small for a tour bus. The driver was always prompt and courteous. We were able to create a customized tour with input from SAT, consisting of a visit to Romana Villa del Casale, with a personal tour guide, lunch at an agriturismo in the countryside, combined with an inter-city transfer. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the food was delicious and plentiful. I would use them again for a group size >8. They may be on the expensive side for a smaller group intercity transfer, as compared to other tour companies in the area.
Written April 29, 2023
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.
Mare32
Leuven, Belgium24 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Great tour thanks to our driver Angelo and our experienced guide Lisbet ! We have done many tours with SAT GROUP and have never been disappointed : easy booking process, pick-up possibility at several places around Taormina, Giardini, Recanati. The program is respected, they are very punctual. During the trip we get a lot of practical information in several languages. Once arrived, our guide gives the detailed planning and let the guests decide if they join the group or go solo. Just be back in time, that's all. We recommend to stay with the group because Lisbet is an expert and takes time to answer questions and to give information you won't find in any book or brochure. Thanks, SAT GROUP, Angelo & Lisbet !
Written August 17, 2024
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.
Jane V
Nashville, TN46 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
A college alumni group tour of the eastern part of Sicily held many surprises, such as how green and agricultural Sicily is, how imposing and beautiful
Mount Etna is, and how incredibly well-preserved an amazing the ancient mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale are.
Our albergo (hotel) was a renovated Villa named Don Arcangelo dell'Olmo, located in Giarre, near Catania. Its gardens, rooms, and situation are all beautiful, and the food was fantastic.
We had a short trip each day, my two favorites of which were Mount Etna and the Villa Romana del Casale, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It deserves to be; it is an incredible treasure, discovered by luck and preserved by careful excavation.
Mount Etna is, and how incredibly well-preserved an amazing the ancient mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale are.
Our albergo (hotel) was a renovated Villa named Don Arcangelo dell'Olmo, located in Giarre, near Catania. Its gardens, rooms, and situation are all beautiful, and the food was fantastic.
We had a short trip each day, my two favorites of which were Mount Etna and the Villa Romana del Casale, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It deserves to be; it is an incredible treasure, discovered by luck and preserved by careful excavation.
Written July 5, 2023
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.
Such a passion in your review! It really shows the appreciation towards our region and our destinations so full of history and naturalistic beauties. We look forward to welcoming you back in the next future! Regards, SAT Group Customer Care Manager
Written July 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anne s
Ipswich, UK19 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
An amazing trip to mount Etna. Went via coach, circumetnea train,cable car and keep to reach the highest part. And wow it was breathtaking. Fantastic your guide Aleksandra was so informative throughout and had lots of knowledge. Made the tour so interesting. Several other companies offer tours but I did my research and felt SAT tours were the best. They certainly lived up to my expectations. Loved every minute of this tour. Made my silver wedding anniversary extra special.
Written September 30, 2022
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.
tjibbe
Sneek, The Netherlands1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Couples
We booked the tour to randazzo, the trip first went to the alcantara gorge 45 min time
Then on to randazzo (Point of Sale)
Within 25 min to Point of Sale and back to bus, then to center randazzo
Also half an hour
Then on to wine tasting where we spent most of our time vd trip.
For us the worst tour of the week, the tour management was always in a huge hurry, almost impossible to keep up with, all in all bad timing. We got the idea that the tour was only about the wine tasting.
Then on to randazzo (Point of Sale)
Within 25 min to Point of Sale and back to bus, then to center randazzo
Also half an hour
Then on to wine tasting where we spent most of our time vd trip.
For us the worst tour of the week, the tour management was always in a huge hurry, almost impossible to keep up with, all in all bad timing. We got the idea that the tour was only about the wine tasting.
Automatically translated
Written September 23, 2024
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.
Christina d
Worcestershire, United Kingdom25 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We used the company twice. Once for the boat trip and full day to Stromboli. Then full day to Agrigento and Villa Romana. In both cases the tour guides were outstanding with their known and overall provision for the days. Excellent value for money as well
Written April 13, 2023
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.
PandCdevontravellers
Holsworthy, UK18 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Took the Round Etna tour to 1900 metres & the Syracuse & Ortygia (on Sicily) tour with SAT excursions.
So glad we found this excellent tour company. Punctual, knowledgeable and extremely good value for money. Thank you & well done!
So glad we found this excellent tour company. Punctual, knowledgeable and extremely good value for money. Thank you & well done!
Written April 14, 2023
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.
YasmineinSydney
Sydney, Australia1,090 contributions
Firstly, let me say that I did a lot of research on visiting Mt Etna on my own (I was staying in Taormina as solo traveller) which would have been my preferred method as I dont enjoy group excursions - I like my freedom when travelling. My research showed me it is a long journey by public transport and you have to rely on several connections which may or may not line up - I could see if I missed one I would be hanging around for hours on end and it would not be a good use of my time hence I booked the SAT tour of Mt Etna including Alcantara Gorges on the way up. Here is my diary excerpt of the day, Friday 18 Sept 2009 (please excuse my spelling errors etc).
My SAT tour of Mt Etna started at 7am at the Taormina main bus depot. Cost was EUR82 including the cable car and jeep connection to the summit of Mt Etna (considering the cable car and jeep connection are EUR51 already, the price of the tour is extremely reasonable for a full day excursion). Our guide Santos was a real hoot, speaking in English, German and Italian. He was particularly funny in German, he had clearly lived there as he spoke in some colloquial terms that only a person who had lived in Germany would know. Great guy and very very funny in German but also entertaining in English with loads of trivia and information. I was pleased to see how new and modern the double-decker coach was ... very comfortable - amazing how Francisco the driver can negotiate the bus around the hairpin bends of Taormina!! He was a very professional driver, that's for sure!!
The tour started through Trappitano (or Taormina II - where the locals actually live as opposed to Taormina where the tourists stay). We picked up several other passengers along the route until around 7.40am and then headed off to Alcantara Gorges/canyons (over 1 million years old). Arrived 8.10am and had time to look around until 9.10am.
(Personally, if I went to Mt Etna again, I would leave give the Gorges a miss - you lose over an hour of your time that you could have spent up top of Mt Etna - by the time you get to the summit of Etna, you only get 40 mins up there then time to turnaround and come back which was a total waste - could have had 1 hr 40 up there ... next time I know)
Hopped back on coach, then went through Francaville 9.20am (nice hillside town), Mojo Alcantara (with the red cauliflowers), Randazzo at 9.45am - wine country. We left the coach and boarded a little old 1 carriage train at Randazzo. It was hot and not enough seats for everyone - this needs to be better organised by SAT with the rail company. Train left at 10.20am (Ferrovia Circumetna), went past Maletto 10.45, Bronte 10.55 (Bronte is quite a large town with several new buildings that looks a little like a new housing estate but there there is a lovely old Duomo and Old Town below - I will go back there to have a good look around next year). We got off the train and back on the coach at Bronte (main produce is pistacchio nuts). Arrived Adrano region 11.25am (smaller than Bronte but still quite large considering it is at the base of Etna). 11.40 arrived at Ragalna (Terrace of Etna). It's now 11.55 and there is sign saying there is still 12km to where we pick up the cable car, "Etna Sud". At 12.05 we reach 1250m, "Monte Sona" and the landscape starts to change into that rocky "moon scape" and you can see the past lava flow (in particular one section where the lava flow had gone over a building and you can see the roof standing out). By 12.10 you can clearly see the lava flow paths going down the hillside.
12.15pm we stop for an hour lunch break at Ristorante Corsaro/Hotel Corsaro (EUR14 for full hot buffet not included in the tour cost). This was particularly well organised - tables were set, staff was ready for the onslaught of around 80 people. Well done - food to suit everyone and service was quick and efficient. Food was very good including various Sicilian specialities and vegetarian dishes. Plenty of rest rooms and a nice souvenir shop too. By 1.25pm we were all back on the coach but we really could have walked - it was only about 2 mins up to Rifugio where you catch the cable car (Funiva Dell'Etna, Nicolosi). We queued up for the cable car and on board by 1.35pm (cable car runs 9am to 5pm in Sept when I was there)
(Note the cable car goes to 2500m and you board the huge 4WD jeeps that seat around 30 people to take you up to the summit at 2900m - the cable car and the jeep take around 20 mins each on the way up - slow going in the jeep of course)
We boarded the connecting 4WD super-jeep at 2.05pm and by 2.22pm we were at the summit. We did a guided walk around the rim for approx 45 mins and then had to be back in the jeep by 3.10pm to get connecting cable car down and be back to the bus by 3.50pm (I was 10 minutes late for the coach and the last one back on board - lucky Santos did a head count ha ha ha)
As you can see, it took SUCH A LONG TIME to get to the wonderful summit of Etna, I had beautiful clear day, could see for miles and miles, and all I had was 40 minutes up there! So as per my previous comment - my advice to fellow travellers is to forget the Gorges on this trip and have longer at the summit which is so spectacular you are very sorry you dont have longer. You need at least an hour. BTW, NO KIDDING IS IS ICEY ICEY COLD up there - the wind was blowing a gale and it felt sub zero (celcius) even though it was about 26 on the coast. Do not be like all the other fools who came in sandals - not to mention that the summit is very slippery with lose rocks so you MUST have proper foot wear - you can easily slip and you would end up half way down the mountain ... there are no barriers or railings!!
After boarding the coach again at 4pm at Rifugio, we returned to Taormina via a much shorter route - via Sylvestry Craters on the opposite side to which we came up. Also went through Zafferana (?) at approx 500m - was in the past known for saffron production but now for honey production. We stopped for a display on honey production and bee-keeping which was OK - again, I would prefer to drop the honey production visit and have the extra 30 min at the summit of Etna. We left Zafferana at 5.20pm (albeit it is a very very nice town with some huge and lovely homes and would be worth a visit on a separate occasion). Then on to Santa Venerina - site of the earthquake in 2002 (nice, well kept town, obviously with a lot of new buildings after the earthquake).
We reached the highway at 5.35pm, via Mascali (destroyed by lava in 1928 and reconstructed as a tourist town). By 5.45pm I can see the Calabrian coast line again and I know I'm nearly back at my beloved Taormina! Arrived Giardini Naxos at 5.55pm (very nice resort-style town at sea level - nice streets, restaurants etc. very cute port area and beach area with good views up toward Taormina and along the coast line). Arrived back into Taormina bus station at 6.30pm.
All in all a great day - visiting Mt Etna was just FANTASTIC and I thoroughly recommend it but drop the Alcantara & the honey production if you can and use the time for the Etna summit. Alcantara can be visited separately if you really want to see it - and frankly, if you are a nature lover, an hour is not enough to do a good long hike there anyway, so better to go on a separate day and have a nice picnic there.
My SAT tour of Mt Etna started at 7am at the Taormina main bus depot. Cost was EUR82 including the cable car and jeep connection to the summit of Mt Etna (considering the cable car and jeep connection are EUR51 already, the price of the tour is extremely reasonable for a full day excursion). Our guide Santos was a real hoot, speaking in English, German and Italian. He was particularly funny in German, he had clearly lived there as he spoke in some colloquial terms that only a person who had lived in Germany would know. Great guy and very very funny in German but also entertaining in English with loads of trivia and information. I was pleased to see how new and modern the double-decker coach was ... very comfortable - amazing how Francisco the driver can negotiate the bus around the hairpin bends of Taormina!! He was a very professional driver, that's for sure!!
The tour started through Trappitano (or Taormina II - where the locals actually live as opposed to Taormina where the tourists stay). We picked up several other passengers along the route until around 7.40am and then headed off to Alcantara Gorges/canyons (over 1 million years old). Arrived 8.10am and had time to look around until 9.10am.
(Personally, if I went to Mt Etna again, I would leave give the Gorges a miss - you lose over an hour of your time that you could have spent up top of Mt Etna - by the time you get to the summit of Etna, you only get 40 mins up there then time to turnaround and come back which was a total waste - could have had 1 hr 40 up there ... next time I know)
Hopped back on coach, then went through Francaville 9.20am (nice hillside town), Mojo Alcantara (with the red cauliflowers), Randazzo at 9.45am - wine country. We left the coach and boarded a little old 1 carriage train at Randazzo. It was hot and not enough seats for everyone - this needs to be better organised by SAT with the rail company. Train left at 10.20am (Ferrovia Circumetna), went past Maletto 10.45, Bronte 10.55 (Bronte is quite a large town with several new buildings that looks a little like a new housing estate but there there is a lovely old Duomo and Old Town below - I will go back there to have a good look around next year). We got off the train and back on the coach at Bronte (main produce is pistacchio nuts). Arrived Adrano region 11.25am (smaller than Bronte but still quite large considering it is at the base of Etna). 11.40 arrived at Ragalna (Terrace of Etna). It's now 11.55 and there is sign saying there is still 12km to where we pick up the cable car, "Etna Sud". At 12.05 we reach 1250m, "Monte Sona" and the landscape starts to change into that rocky "moon scape" and you can see the past lava flow (in particular one section where the lava flow had gone over a building and you can see the roof standing out). By 12.10 you can clearly see the lava flow paths going down the hillside.
12.15pm we stop for an hour lunch break at Ristorante Corsaro/Hotel Corsaro (EUR14 for full hot buffet not included in the tour cost). This was particularly well organised - tables were set, staff was ready for the onslaught of around 80 people. Well done - food to suit everyone and service was quick and efficient. Food was very good including various Sicilian specialities and vegetarian dishes. Plenty of rest rooms and a nice souvenir shop too. By 1.25pm we were all back on the coach but we really could have walked - it was only about 2 mins up to Rifugio where you catch the cable car (Funiva Dell'Etna, Nicolosi). We queued up for the cable car and on board by 1.35pm (cable car runs 9am to 5pm in Sept when I was there)
(Note the cable car goes to 2500m and you board the huge 4WD jeeps that seat around 30 people to take you up to the summit at 2900m - the cable car and the jeep take around 20 mins each on the way up - slow going in the jeep of course)
We boarded the connecting 4WD super-jeep at 2.05pm and by 2.22pm we were at the summit. We did a guided walk around the rim for approx 45 mins and then had to be back in the jeep by 3.10pm to get connecting cable car down and be back to the bus by 3.50pm (I was 10 minutes late for the coach and the last one back on board - lucky Santos did a head count ha ha ha)
As you can see, it took SUCH A LONG TIME to get to the wonderful summit of Etna, I had beautiful clear day, could see for miles and miles, and all I had was 40 minutes up there! So as per my previous comment - my advice to fellow travellers is to forget the Gorges on this trip and have longer at the summit which is so spectacular you are very sorry you dont have longer. You need at least an hour. BTW, NO KIDDING IS IS ICEY ICEY COLD up there - the wind was blowing a gale and it felt sub zero (celcius) even though it was about 26 on the coast. Do not be like all the other fools who came in sandals - not to mention that the summit is very slippery with lose rocks so you MUST have proper foot wear - you can easily slip and you would end up half way down the mountain ... there are no barriers or railings!!
After boarding the coach again at 4pm at Rifugio, we returned to Taormina via a much shorter route - via Sylvestry Craters on the opposite side to which we came up. Also went through Zafferana (?) at approx 500m - was in the past known for saffron production but now for honey production. We stopped for a display on honey production and bee-keeping which was OK - again, I would prefer to drop the honey production visit and have the extra 30 min at the summit of Etna. We left Zafferana at 5.20pm (albeit it is a very very nice town with some huge and lovely homes and would be worth a visit on a separate occasion). Then on to Santa Venerina - site of the earthquake in 2002 (nice, well kept town, obviously with a lot of new buildings after the earthquake).
We reached the highway at 5.35pm, via Mascali (destroyed by lava in 1928 and reconstructed as a tourist town). By 5.45pm I can see the Calabrian coast line again and I know I'm nearly back at my beloved Taormina! Arrived Giardini Naxos at 5.55pm (very nice resort-style town at sea level - nice streets, restaurants etc. very cute port area and beach area with good views up toward Taormina and along the coast line). Arrived back into Taormina bus station at 6.30pm.
All in all a great day - visiting Mt Etna was just FANTASTIC and I thoroughly recommend it but drop the Alcantara & the honey production if you can and use the time for the Etna summit. Alcantara can be visited separately if you really want to see it - and frankly, if you are a nature lover, an hour is not enough to do a good long hike there anyway, so better to go on a separate day and have a nice picnic there.
Written November 22, 2009
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.
Dear YasmineinSydney,
we are posting our response only now and we are sorry for that, nevertheless we are pleased to read your detailed and precise diary of our “Etna Round Alcantara” tour which is one of the most traditional tour of our program and was invented by our company long time ago.
We understand that you would have liked much more time on top of the volcano while the excursion, as the name says, is developed in order to visit all different aspects of the vulcano, starting from the Alcantara Gorges and continuing around the foot taking an old traditional train called Circumetnea and ending on the South side from where the bus goes up to 1900 metres at the Rifugio Sapienza.
At that point, the ascent to the craters is structured in order to fit all targets, that means that is tailored for all ages, health conditions and it does not require a particular athletic preparation.
So, the permanency at the top follows the tour schedule and is studied to be enough to complete the ascent.
Next time, we will try to understand your needs and interest much more and propose an alternative tour such as the Etna Sunset that goes straight to the top and leave much more time to admire the panorama.
We take the occasion to thank you again for posting your review and we remain at your disposal for any other clarification and we send you our warmest regards.
Written November 3, 2010
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mint61
Taunton, UK106 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
So 90 euros each! pick up at 9.am on a coach we were told the trip would have a maximum of 70 people on the boat. when we arrived at the boat. there were 2 other coaches and several mini vans I would say there were likely to be more like 200 on board the boat. I saw 6 life rafts on board but no life jackets. There was no safety briefing.
There were not enough seats for everyone on board I wonder if they had enough safety equipment.
The trip to the islands is 2 hours each way.
Panarea is lovely, Stromboli is not really. At 6.30 we were asked to be back on board for Dinner. When we arrived every seat was already taken and the dinner service had already begun. it was utter chaos. It was then that it struck me that if they find it difficult to serve dinner what would it be like if we had a problem at sea.
When we finally were offered dinner it was cold pasta with tomato sauce. they had run out of bread and the wine which came in a plastic coated cartoon. Warm and vile. As cheap as could possibly been found.
Seeing stromboli erupting was a spectacular site only spoiled by the fact so many people were on board it was very hard to see.
I could not get off the boat and back to our apartment fast enough I was edge particularly once I had seen the crew working together under pressure during the dinner service.
Really expensive and very poor value for money.
I would not take anyone I loved on this trip. Avoid!
There were not enough seats for everyone on board I wonder if they had enough safety equipment.
The trip to the islands is 2 hours each way.
Panarea is lovely, Stromboli is not really. At 6.30 we were asked to be back on board for Dinner. When we arrived every seat was already taken and the dinner service had already begun. it was utter chaos. It was then that it struck me that if they find it difficult to serve dinner what would it be like if we had a problem at sea.
When we finally were offered dinner it was cold pasta with tomato sauce. they had run out of bread and the wine which came in a plastic coated cartoon. Warm and vile. As cheap as could possibly been found.
Seeing stromboli erupting was a spectacular site only spoiled by the fact so many people were on board it was very hard to see.
I could not get off the boat and back to our apartment fast enough I was edge particularly once I had seen the crew working together under pressure during the dinner service.
Really expensive and very poor value for money.
I would not take anyone I loved on this trip. Avoid!
Written September 18, 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.
Dear Trevorqt,
we are sorry that your comment on the excursion to Panarea & Stromboli has not been given during or right after the experience.
In fact, if you, at the moment of the cruise, had the feeling that it was not worthed, you were absolutely welcomed to discuss the matter with us, either through the guide or with our staff at the agency.
We would have analysed your feedback basing on concrete documentation interfacing the boat company and checking the name of the boat, the number of passengers on that day and all important details regarding the discomfort you are describing.
Every excursion by SAT Group is guided by a professional guide who is responsible of everything and always at disposal of all customers, ready to take care of particular necessities, solve eventual problems or even take note of possible complains.
Besides that, we want to underline that all Tarnav ships have the highest standards of safety guaranteed and certified by Genova’s RINA offices (Italian Shipping Register) and by the SMS System (Safety Management System) which certifies the highest standards of international security.
Tarnav, and therefore SAT Group, always works in safety.
It is obvious that this is the peak of the season especially for the Aeolian Islands and considering that many tour operators work with Tarnav the excursion's standard is not a tailor-made one. It is quite strange that you thought there would be no other groups on board in addition to yours.
On top of that, as there are many children on board it is quite possible that some of them were sleeping on the benches taking more than one seat and that explains why you were convinced that seats were not enough.
We really hope to have the possibility to offer you a more memorable experience next time.
Warm regards
SAT Group
Incoming Department
Written September 20, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
worldtraveller99
Greater London, UK2,725 contributions
We went on the SAT tour of Mount Etna - booking in their office, 73 the Corso, in Taormina, the day before is fine.
It was excellent. They take you up in a "jeep" taking about 20 people, on large wheels, which lurches up the dust tracks to the top.
You can then walk to craters, and get a great view of Catania at night. (We did the Sunset tour).
The buffet spread for the dinner (extra) in the evening is very nice.
The only problem is - it is freezing!! (And it was very hot in Taormina). Do bring a hat & gloves, as well as walking boots and a thick jumper & jacket. You will get red hands and painful ears if you do not.
It was excellent. They take you up in a "jeep" taking about 20 people, on large wheels, which lurches up the dust tracks to the top.
You can then walk to craters, and get a great view of Catania at night. (We did the Sunset tour).
The buffet spread for the dinner (extra) in the evening is very nice.
The only problem is - it is freezing!! (And it was very hot in Taormina). Do bring a hat & gloves, as well as walking boots and a thick jumper & jacket. You will get red hands and painful ears if you do not.
Written June 10, 2007
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.
Dear Worldtraveller99, we wish to thank you very much for taking your time in writing the feedback about SAT Group tours.
As a matter of fact, our company goal is to keep a constant quality standard for our services besides focusing on the satisfaction of each individual guest.
So, it is really a great satisfaction and an incredible reward to read your enthusiasm towards our organization and our staff.
We wish to thank you for giving a detailed description of the Etna tour adding some important tips that can be useful to other travellers visiting Sicily.
Hoping to have you on board again and soon welcoming you back in Sicily, we take the opportunity to send you our warmest greetings.
Salvatore Lo Giudice
Direttore Tecnico
Written September 3, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darjan23
Pancevo, Serbia
Hello. We would like to go Mt. Etna tour with you, but I don't know if we are equipped for it. We only have like light jackets, we are afraid that we would be freezing for 8 hours there?
Written August 1, 2019
Hello sorry for our late reply. you can rent wind jackets and boots at Mount Etna's Station.
In any case during daytime it is not that cold.
All the best,
SAT Group staff
Written August 26, 2019
My family of 4 will be stopping in Messina onboard an MSC Cruise Ship on November 6 at 8:00 AM. The ship leaves at 6:00 PM. We would like to tour Ortygia, Mt. Etna and Taormina while we are in port. Is it possible to see all 3 and get back to the ship in time? If so, can you arranger it?
Written July 8, 2018
Hello Richard, thank you for your kind request.
Regarding your schedule and considering the distances we can suggest two different options:
1) Etna and Taormina, so you will have time enough to visit both destinations.
2) Siracusa with the Archaeological area and Ortygia island.
So, you have to choose between the two tours because you will not have time enought to visit 3 destinations.
Please let me know what you prefer, we remain at your disposal.
Giovanna
SAT Group
Written July 10, 2018
Hi there,
I will be arriving to Sicily on July 13, 2017. I would like to visit Mount Etna, Alcantara Gorge and the Aeolian Islands. I have a couple of days that I want to join your tours. Please recommend the tours and I would like to book with you direct to get the 10% off.
Thank you
Zumiedd
Written May 23, 2017
Hello Zumiedd,
thank you for your kind request. Basing on the period of your visit, we recommend Etna Round Alcantara with departure at 7am on Friday which includes Alcantara Gorges, Circumetnea train and Etna reaching the altitude of approx. 3000 mts.
Aeolian Islands are in program Sunday(Panarea & Stromboli) and Friday(Lipari & Vulcano). Otherwise you can go to Etna on Saturday and go to Lipari & Vulcano on Friday, it depends how many days you will be staying in Sicily.
We remain at your disposal fo the booking.
Warm regards from Taormina.
Giovanna
SAT Group
Written May 25, 2017
I am planning on using these yours, but I am staying in catania. what would be the most recommended transport from catania to Taormina?
Written March 23, 2017
Hello, thank you for your kind request.
We inform you that all our tours to the cities of art such as Palermo & Cefalù, Siracusa, Noto, Agrigento & Piazza Armerina will pass by the Catania highway exit.
You just need to arrange a taxi from the centre and we will indicate the exact time for pick up.
We remain at your disposal
warm regards
SAT Group
Incoming Dpt
Written March 23, 2017
Buongiorno,
On your web site you mentioned "10% discount for online booking" but how can we book the excursion on your site? I don't find a booking form...
Thanks
Written August 26, 2015
Hello Guizmy420,
thank you for your kind request and for your interest in SAT Group.
We will be glad to offer you a 10% discount on your pre payment.
Please contact us by mail using the address you find on the website, because Tripadvisor does not allow us to write down the email address.
Please contact Giovanna Fichera and you will receive the Reservation Request Form for the booking.
Thank you in advance.
Warm regards from Taormina
SAT Group
Incoming Department
Written August 26, 2015
Hola, queria saber si para la excursion a las Islas Eólicas - Panarea y Stromboli- tienen guia en español y si puedo comprarla personalmente 48 horas antes en las oficinas de Corso Umberto 73. Gracias
Written July 18, 2015
Estimado cliente, tratamos de enviar la respuesta en los últimos días, pero no ha llegado a ustedes. Le informamos que nuestro guía en el autobús habla en Italiano, Inglés y Alemán. En el barco en el que habrá otros grupos a bordo, los guías hablan otros idiomas, pero no podemos garantizar que habrá españoles. Definitivamente, usted puede reservar en nuestra oficina 48 horas antes u opción y confirmar después. Quedamos disposición para más información o aclaraciones.
Saludos cordiales desde Taormina.
Giovanna
Written July 23, 2015
How far from the beach and centre of PB is HKV?
Written June 18, 2015
Hello bandf39, thank you for your question, but we are sorry, we do not understand the meaning of PB and HKV. could you please clarify and make a new question to us? Thank you so much. We send you our warmest regards.
Giovanna
SAT Group - Taormina
Written June 19, 2015
Hi, We will be arriving from Salerno to Giardini-Naxos on 1st May 2015 which I believe is a holiday in Italy. We wish to go on the full day Mt. Etna tour on 2nd May from Taormina. I have tried emailing to arrange booking this but have not had a reply. Can anyone help me in contacting them?
Written March 21, 2015
Hello Mr Jan, sorry for the inconvenience! We are glad to inform you that on Saturday the 2nd of May, we have in program the Etna tour, a basic excursion which is leaving at 8.30 from Taormina and returning around 16.30/17.00. The program is the following:
departure from Taormina Bus Terminal by bus with tour leader and arrival at the Etna station at 1,900 meters. Stop with the possibility of soft trekking visiting the most recent lava flows and the Silvestri craters, now extinct. Possibility to have lunch or buy snacks at a local restaurant. Lunch is extra. Optional ascent by cable car up to 2,500 meters and continuing by off-road vehicles to the area summit crater about 3,000 meters with the assistance of licensed guides of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club). Stop to admire the eventual activity of the summit craters in a safety zone. We strongly recommend warm clothing and suitable shoes.
This excursion has two options of prices:
Up to 1,900 mts: € 35.00 per person (Lunch not included)
Up to 3,000 mts: € 85.00 per person (Cableway and Jeep included, lunch not included)
Just let us have your email addree and we will send the reservation request form.
We remain at your disposal.
Warm regards from Taormina
Giovanna
Written March 22, 2015
hello we are the Wintermeyers and we will be arriving by train from Napoli at 4:oo pm. Is it best to take a taxi?
Carl
Written March 9, 2015
Hello Mr Wintermeyers, we are sorry but we could not answer for an error in the system. Please advise more info in order to give a complete answer. Thank you so much. Wartm regards. Giovanna
Written March 22, 2015
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