Must see: Catania & Etna Private Experience from Cruise Port

In this tour you will get to set foot on the base of one of the largest active volcanoes in Europe and to understand how its volcanic activity shaped the history of one of Sicily's biggest cities: Catania. Join us on a personalized trekking of the south base and on a walking tour of the city reconstructed from the ashes. In Top Private Tours we want you to have an amazing experience, that is why our tours can be customised to you liking! Hope to see you soon!

1. 1

   Mount Etna

   2 hours

   In this part of the tour you will explore the south base of one of the largest active volcanoes in Europe that has at least 2,700 years of documented volcanic activity. This trekking includes the craters located on the south part of the volcano.

2. 2

   Fontana dell'Elefante

   20 min

   It was built by the architect Gianbattista Vaccarini in 1757, who was inspired by the Elephant of Minerva in Rome. This architect from Palermo built the fountain using some of the city's historical relics as a symbol of rebirth after the eruption and the earthquake of 1669 and 1693 respectively.

3. 3

   Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata VM

   25 min

   This magnificent example of Baroque architecture is dedicated to Saint Agatha, patron saint of Catania and protector of its citizens from the eruptions of Etna. Its original construction dates back to the period between 1070 and 1093.

4. 4

   A' Piscaria Mercato del Pesce

   25 min

   This market has been a big part of Catania's history and it is also an important element of the day to day life of its citizens. A piece of authentic Sicilian culture that has been around for centuries where you can find, not only fresh fish but also meat, vegetables and fruit from local vendors.

5. 5

   Via Etnea

   20 min

   Via Etnea is the main street in Catania. It extends from the Piazza del Duomo to Gioeni Park, in the northern part of the city. Along its 3 kilometers of extension there are numerous palaces, churches and squares of the Baroque and Neoclassical Catania.

6. 6

   Porta Uzeda

   20 min

   Porta Uzeda is considered one of the symbols of the city and it was built in 1695 by the Duke of Camastra and dedicated to Paceco de Uzeda, who had promoted the reconstruction of the city after the earthquake of 1693.

7. 7

   Teatro Massimo Bellini

   20 min

   This Teatro was designed by the Milanese architect Carlo Sada and it was inaugurated in 1890. In the hundred and thirty years of its existence, this driving force of musical life in Catania has seen many of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century pass through its stage.

8. 8

   Piazza Universita

   20 min

   This square located on Via Etnea, a few meters from the Cathedral, has existed since the last part of the 18th century and it is home to the University of Catania, the oldest university in Sicily, that was founded in 1434 by King Alfonso the Magnanimous.

9. 9

   Anfiteatro Romano

   20 min

   The Roman amphitheater of Catania, of which a small section is visible today in Piazza Stesicoro, was probably built in the 2nd century on the edge of the ancient city. The area where it stands, which today is part of the historic center of the city, was once used as a necropolis.

10. 10

    Museo Civico Castello Ursino

    25 min

    This symbol of Catania was built between 1239 and 1250 as one of the royal castles of Emperor Frederick II, King of Sicily, closing a chapter of the turbulent period in Sicily that followed the death of his predecessor. The project was based on a defensive model similar to the Castle of Maniace in Syracuse, considered impregnable at the time.

11. 11

    Via dei Crociferi

    20 min

    Via Crociferi is one of the oldest streets of the city. It is surrounded by churches and monasteries that portrait an example of Catania's Baroque architecture. It is in the heart of the historic center and it begins in Piazza San Francesco D'Assisi crossing the famous triumphal arch of San Benedetto .

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.