FAQ
1Do I need a guide to visit Etna and the Sicilian natural parks?
A nature guide is certainly useful but not mandatory except in the summit area of the volcano. The Sicilian parks as well as the Etna park is open to everybody and accessible with their own vehicles up to the ski areas. The person who decides to take a nature guide is the one who want to explore every beautiful and incredible areas to understand all natural aspects of the territory. An expert guide will allow you to visit places that alone and without a local knowledge, you will not be able to explore. And he has the task of transferring all those geological, botanical, land history knowledge that a superficial and visual examination cannot grasp.
2Are the proposed tours suitable for everybody?
Everyone can joint our tours……a family with children who want to spend half day visiting the most beautiful and incredible landscape of the area, including the exploration of volcanic caves,….or hiking enthusiasts who want to go into the park trails and enjoy the surrounding environment, or even who want to combine a naturalistic tour of Mount Etna or any Sicilian parks with a visit to a local winery.
3What type of equipment do I need?
Type of clothing and equipment depends on tour and season. It’s always advisable to bring a sweater or fleece and a jacket, as well as closed shoes or trekking shoes. In the different tours description, it is always suggested the type of clothing/equipment needed. For some tours we also provided the necessary equipment as helmets, flashlights, snowshoes, etc.
4What’s the minimum or maximum number of participants in the excursion?
The minimum number is two persons. Theoretically there is not a maximum, but our tours are directed to small groups and every guide is responsible for no more than 12 participants (except for preformed groups eg.: schools, group trips, etc).
5What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is generally organized even in case of no-optimal weather conditions as fog, wind, rain. It will be at discretion of the guide any change or variation of the tour if conditions get worse. In case weather conditions are critical before the tour starts, in accordance with all participants, the excursion may be canceled.
6How do I book a tour?
Once the application/reservation form is filled, an advance payment of 20% of the tour cost is required to ensure the confirmation of the booking.
7Is it possible to cancel a tour already booked?
In case you can’t join the tour you booked and you’ve already paid the down payment, you will be refunded according to the cancellation policy previously received during the booking.
8Is there any meeting point?
Meeting point for our tours is the town of Zafferana Etnea in Piazzale Papa Giovanni Paolo II (in front of the City Park). The transfer from the meeting point to the excursion location is free and it could include off-road transfer. If you do not have a car or you have any difficulties to reach Zafferana, please let us know and we will organize for you the transfer to the meeting point.
9Can I have an exclusive tour?
Our tours are designed to allow anyone to visit the most beautiful and attractive places according to the type of excursion you’ve required. These are the tours we propose but it do not exclude the possibility to customize to your needs a tour in exclusive formula with jeep and private guide.