Gole dell'Alcantara

A unique fun, pure adrenaline in the rapids of this fascinating basalt canyon, where you can combine this amazing sport with the wonderful natural setting of the Alcantara Park Nature Reserve. Arriving at the Alcantara Gorges River Park aboard our mini-van, and after a short briefing in which you will be given information on how to carry out the activity, you will set off towards the starting point of this adventure. You will continue wearing the technical equipment that we will provide you, and then launch yourself along the descent of the river. Hydrospeed is a discipline that is practiced through the use of a small bob with a dual function: both for buoyancy and for protection against shocks along the descent. You will then carry out the descent of the river in complete safety, equipped with a bob, neoprene wetsuit, helmet and life jacket you will be ready for this adrenaline rush, a descent in which the river bed changes constantly, from large spaces with a fairly slow descent, at times of faster descent, icy rapids and jumps between the basaltic conformations. A truly unique experience that will allow you to enjoy, in addition to the adrenaline of the rapids, also the wonderful natural views of this fantastic park. A canyon carved into the basalt by the incessant erosion of the river, its crystal clear waters, its pristine landscapes, where Mediterranean scrub and native fauna live unchallenged and preserved by human action.

With an expert guide by your side, discover the Mount Etna volcano, sitting at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. Explore ancient craters, lava flow caves, and admire the breathtaking landscape of the Ionian coast. Explore Alcantara Park in your free time. Dissected by the Alcantara river, Alcantara Park is a location brimming with unique vegetation, lava rock formations, and columnar basalts formed by the icy waters of the Alcantara. During the warm season, cool yourself off by taking a refreshing dip in these pristine waters or just stroll alongside the river.

Depart from Taormina and head to the Rifugio Sapienza on Mount Etna. Learn the history of the volcano and visit the sites of its last eruptions. Choose to trek along the nature paths of the Parco dell’Etna or take the cable car to an altitude of 2,504 meters and continue by 4WD minibus to the Torre del Filosofo. Get stunning views of the scenery stretching down to the sea and admire the craters and old lava flows that characterize the landscape. Explore a lava cave with all the proper equipment. Continue down the mountain and stop at the organic farm for a delicious sampling of local products, including honey, wine, and oil. Discover the different corners of the Alcantara River. Walk down small paths, past cultivated fields, and see the natural pools and waterfalls and continue to get up close to different basalt and unexpected lava formations.

Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation in Catania and journey by bus to Rifugio Sapienza on the slopes of Mount Etna. Visit the sites of recent volcanic eruptions and the old Silvestri craters. Choose from different options at Rifugio Sapienza and trek the nature paths of the park or ride the cable car to 2,504 meters above sea level. Continue by 4WD minibus to Torre del Filosofo for an additional fee. Get up close to the central and southeast craters and marvel at how the landscape has been shaped by lava flows. Visit locations where the volcano flourishes before you return to Rifugio Sapienza to look inside a lava cave using helmets and torches. Sample the local produce at an organic farm in Zafferana, and get stunning views of the Alcantara River. Walk the small paths past cultivated fields to see the natural pools of Gurne dell'Alcantara and the ruins of Francavilla Castle. Admire the basalt columns and lava formations of the gorge.

Reach the summit area of Etna, ascending 2750 meters by either cableway or off-road vehicle on this tour from Taormina. Hike the base of the active craters with a naturalistic guide, experience the lunar landscapes, and savor a typical Sicilian lunch with local wine and drinks. Begin your tour with a pickup from your accommodation (or close vicinity in Taormina and the surrounding area). You'll travel in a small group of no more than 8 people for a more intimate and personalized experience. Drive to Mount Etna where you'll start the ascent to the summit area (2750-2800 meters of altitude). Depending on the availability and the circumstances, in order to guarantee an optimal service, the ascent can be carried out either by cableway or off-road vehicles only. Once at the summit area, enjoy light trekking with a volcanological guide and a naturalistic guide. Walk through a desert of black ashes and extinct craters, while admiring the lunar landscape and the spectacular view of the active craters from a close distance. Back at 2000 meters, you'll be given the proper equipment, such as helmets and torches, to visit one of the striking lava caves of the volcano. Then, enjoy a typical Sicilian light lunch with local wine and drinks during the midday break. Finally, you'll admire the Alcantara Gorges created when thick lava flows invaded the bed of the icy river Alcantara, giving rise to geometrically perfect rocks.

A different experience that will allow you to visit two of the wonderful natural attractions of our island: Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, and the spectacular Alcantara Gorges. The two treks will be enlivened by an intermediate stop in one of Etna's renowned wineries. Begin by meeting your nature guide at the designated meeting point or near your accommodation. Start by visiting Etna and reach an altitude of about 2000 meters on the north side of the volcano. Walk along a beautiful nature trail that will lead you to some of Etna's inactive side craters, admiring the majesty of the central mouths in front of you. Have the opportunity to visit a cave of lava origin or lava tunnels formed as a result of eruptions. Helmet on your head and torch in hand you'll go inside the cave to discover it. In the afternoon, head towards the last stop of the day, the Alcantara Gorge. Enter the canyon with its spectacular basalt gorges. You will be fascinated by its unique shapes and details caused by the erosion of the river Alcantara that made them famous throughout the world.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel, or a meeting place of your choice, and take you by comfortable private car the Alcantara river. The river is an ecological wonder, with limestone rocks that make it perfect for letting the rapids take your body on an exciting descent. When you arrive, our specialized guides will take you on your body rafting adventure. Enjoy the views of the rocks as this unique experience allows you to use your body as the raft, with the upmost confidence in your safety. At the end of the tour, your guide will accompany you to the nearby village of Giardini Naxos where you can have lunch with the traditional "pasta alla norma" with good local wine – a just reward for all of your exercise earlier.

You will make the pick-up at your accommodation in Catania and you will reach Francavilla di Sicilia. From here you will follow the path that will lead you to the Gurne delle Gole dell'Alcantara, along the path you will even meet the excavations of a Greek settlement, dating back to the fifth century. BC and the ruins of the ancient Norman castle of Francavilla di Sicilia. Continuing the trek to the Alcantara Gorges you will reach a footbridge that crosses the Alcantara river. From here you will enjoy the splendid landscape of the Gurne: small lakes along the river created by the erosion of water on the lava stone, surrounded by lush vegetation: poplars, downy oaks, willows and oleanders. You will end this part of the experience with the observation of the Ciappa Mill, where the production of hydroelectric energy was experimented in the late nineteenth century. During this trek you will be able to experience, in addition, the experience of Body Rafting. You will dive along the watercourse of the Alcantara River. At the end of the experience you will be taken back to your accommodation in Catania or Taormina.