Top attractions in Catania

This was a brilliant experience of the highest quality. It was exactly as described and more. It was an adventure experience with helmets, proper boots that we hired (at no cost!) from the company and this meant we had full confidence in the equipment and the company. They took safety seriously, which enabled us to take on an exciting endeavour without unnecessary risk. We were all of a good fitness , as required by this trek meaning that we felt accomplished afterwards. The explanations by a proper volcanic geologist were interesting and appropriate, providing insight without being overwhelming. The meet-up point was clear and convenient to leave your car. Owing to the early start, a hire car is the best way to get there and amazing views en-route. Although there are hairpin bends, they are not scary as there are no steep drops below, like alpine roads. Overall, a fabulous experience which I couldn't have been happier with , especially the periodic crater smoke billowing up.

We were picked up at 10.30am by Roberto, our tour guide.As we sped along in his battered Ford he explained about the lava, it's use in building and architecture,it's fertile minerals,the importance of the sun,the wind,the rain and the old ways of making wine. We started with a small producer, meeting up with two other couples and their guides.We sampled a white, a rose and two reds, all generously poured, the perfumed white proved to be our favourite of the day. Next we went to a slightly bigger outfit where we sat down at tables and were given a light meal of foccacia, sun-dried tomatoes, aubergine pickled with celery, olives marinated with fennel, small slices of salami and cubes of cheese. Still only the three couples, we sampled a white, a rose, two reds and a red dessert wine. Lastly we went to the Gambino estate, the panoramic view was simply stunning.Pleasantly full and slightly stupified we relaxed in the back of the Ford instead worrying about the cracked windscreen!

Used Sicily Grand Tours for this trip. Alessio, our guide, was friendly, knowledgeable and his English is very good. He gives you a bit of the history of Sicily on the journey to Agrigento and the first stop at the Valle dei Templi where you get an hour and a half to explore on your own. We found this sufficient time including grabbing an arancino for lunch. Then it's off to the Villa Romana del Casa near Piazza Armerina where you again have sufficient time to view the well preserved mosiacs. Then back to Catania. Expect a long day as it is not a short journey from Catania but both sites are well worth visiting.

We had a really good time on this excursion. Our guide Giovanni was very pleasant and knowledgeable and he shared lot of information about the mountain, environment, volcanic activity, plants, etc. You can really see that he enjoys what he does :) The trail was full of cool elements (craters, viewpoints, lava exit points, etc.). Lunch afterwards was also very nice and we drank a pretty tasty wine ;) In the end, Alcantra Gorges were wonderful :)) All in all, I highly recommend this classic tour.

Guide arrived to pick us up about 20 minutes late, but I learned that was GetYourGuides fault. Guide was friendly and engaging. Fluent in English. Was knowledgeable regarding a variety of topics relevant to the trip that day. Allowed the group of three couples independence to determine what each would like to do. Only recommendation would be to make stops at the homes destroyed by Etna and a view of Etna on the drive up. Otherwise, great trip.