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The baroque city of Etna
Travel Sicily through history and see authentic and unusual places. Discover the historic center of Catania, the Baroque city, on foot.
With our tour guide, a visit to Aci Castello and its Norman castle in lava stone is also planned.
Without forgetting a walk in Acitrezza, to see the volcanic rocks of the Cyclops (birthplace of Etna) and the giant Polyphemus.
- Catania in Roman times: the Roman theater, the Odeon, the Roman amphitheater and the thermal baths.
- Catania in the Middle Ages: the Bonaiuto Chapel, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Church of Sant'Agata al Carcere, the Ursino Castle.
- Catania in the Renaissance: the Benedictine monastery, the walls of Charles V, the fountain of the "seven channels".
- Baroque Catania: after the eruption of 1669 and the earthquakes of 1693, Catania was almost completely rebuilt in Baroque style.
What to do in Catania
This experience is offered in a private formula: you will benefit from the support of our tour guide, exclusively for you. The private itinerary includes a visit to Catania, Aci Castello and Acitrezza.
Catania is a splendid baroque city
Catania is located on a vast citrus plain on the Ionian Sea, at the foot of Mount Etna. Already a Calcidesi colony in 729 BC, Catania was dominated by various tyrants and peoples, with a period of great splendor that lasted until the imperial and Byzantine domination. A terrible eruption of Etna in 1669 seriously damaged the city, and the disastrous earthquake of 1693 accelerated its progressive decline. The current urban layout dates back to the reconstruction of the city of Catania in the 18th century. Catania can boast magnificent and interesting ruins, one of which is the Greco-Roman theater in via Teatro Greco, with a capacity of 7000 seats: only a part is visible, the rest has been incorporated by the surrounding buildings. Excavations have brought to light some parts of the stage, the large auditorium and the orchestra pit. On the side of the monumental building there is an Odeon, a small theater used for choirs, with a capacity of 1300 people. The portico and the architectural features make it an unusual archaeological testimony. In Piazza Stesicoro we can see the large amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD: it is one of the largest Roman remains still existing, with a capacity of 15,000 people, partly hidden by modern buildings and streets.
What to eat in Catania
Taste the arancini (stuffed rice balls), pizzas, ricotta cannoli, granitas, ice creams and almond pastries. Without forgetting the granita with brioche. You cannot leave Catania without having tasted the granita, a sorbet made with crushed ice. Taste the pasta alla Norma, the Catania specialty, the ingredients: aubergine sauce, tomato and ricotta (it owes its name to Norma, a work by Vincenzo Bellini).
What to see in Catania
Via Etnea (covered with lava pebbles), Via Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Plebiscito and Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. At the beginning of February, come for a tour to see the feast of Sant'Agata, patroness of the city of Catania. To see in Catania the Massimo Vincenzo Bellini theater (famous composer from Catania), Palazzo Biscari, the pescheria (fish market), Piazza Stesicoro. The public gardens of Villa Bellini, the Duomo. Piazza Duomo and the Liotru (the lava stone elephant). Castello Ursino, via Crociferi (with palaces and baroque churches). The Roman Theater and the Massimo Bellini Opera House. Visit the fish market and the market in Piazza Currò, near Piazza del Duomo. In the evening, in the center you will find many places to eat and socialize.
Visit to Aci Castello and Acitrezza
The villages are 30 minutes from Catania, a car journey is necessary. Aci Castello, 9 km from Catania: its territory borders the Cyclops Islands, a protected marine area. Acitrezza is characterized by the rocks of the Cyclops. A visit to the castle of Aci on its basaltic promontory, Acitrezza and its islands of the Cyclops is planned. Aci Castello is a town of about 20,000 inhabitants. This city takes its name from the Norman castle which dominates the coast. Aci Castello is built on a lava rock, of previous geological formation to that of the Etna volcano. The rock is characterized by the presence of lava cushions which testify to marine eruptive activity. History: Aci Castello and the other Aci would be from Xifonia. A mysterious disappeared Greek city, probably today located in the territory of the municipality of Aci Catena. The poets Virgil and Ovid gave birth to the myth of its foundation, taken from the love story between the nymph Galatea and the shepherd Acis, as well as from the cyclops Polyphemus (in turn in love with the beautiful Galatea). In Roman times there was a city called Akis, which participated in the Punic wars. The history of the medieval Jachium, then of Al-Yag and the other villages in the area closely coincides with that of the castle of Aci. Under Spanish rule, conflicts broke out between New Aquilia (Acireale) and the farms of Aci, which determined their administrative autonomy. Environment and territory: Aci Castello is today at the center of a coastal territory that attracts for its extraordinary charm. It is formed by the hamlets of Acitrezza, Capomulini, Cannizzaro and Ficarazzi. Also worth seeing are eighteenth-century works in lava stone, secular trees or votive aedicules, among which those dedicated to Sant'Agata, the Ecce Homo and the Madonna di Valverde stand out. Acitrezza is 11 km from Catania. Its history has been linked for centuries to fishing, still practiced today, according to traditional methods. The site is characterized by rocks also called "rocks of the Cyclops". Picturesque basalt pinnacles, which according to Homeric legend were hurled by the giant Polyphemus towards Ulysses. Close to the coast is the Lachea Island, which currently houses the headquarters of a biology station of the University of Catania. This is the place where the Etna volcano was born. From a naturalistic point of view, the complex of the Faraglioni and the Lachea Island is a magnificent regional nature reserve. It is a geological environment of rare beauty, the result of an ancient submarine eruption (it was the cradle of the Etna volcano about 550,000 years ago). The majestic columnar basalts and the small island complex hold minerals and various plant and animal species. In 1881, in the seaside village of Aci Trezza, the writer Giovanni Verga established the famous novel "I Malavoglia".
Visit Catania, the Baroque city
Catania is Sicily's second largest city, sits at the foot of Mount Etna and offers many glimpses of the active volcano. Catania has a strong personality given its turbulent and painful past, it is an ancient city almost rebuilt following the terrible earthquake of 1693. Catania is a late Baroque city in the Val di Noto (south-eastern Sicily), exceptionally testifying to the exuberant genius of late Baroque art and architecture, the last flowering of Baroque art in Europe at its peak. Catania is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ancient historic center of Catania begins from the hill of Montevergine (now Piazza Dante), characterized by "archaeological stratifications" since the Neolithic age. Around the eighth century BC, the legendary Greek acropolis Katane was built on the top of the hill, the center of religious and political life, which straddled the houses and roads of the Roman Catina. Catania is a city of about 500,000 inhabitants, the metropolitan area of Catania is the seventh in Italy for residents. Founded in 729 BC by Calcide, it has a long history characterized by various dominations whose remains enrich the artistic, architectural and cultural heritage. Catania was conquered by the Romans in 263 BC, who left architectural remains from the Augustan era. The Byzantine domination was followed by the Arab one, then the Norman one, which brought many changes and innovations to the city, such as, for example, the construction of the Cathedral in Piazza Duomo and the numerous monasteries. Under the Aragonese dynasty it was the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily and it was in this period that the first university of the island was born. Over the centuries, Catania has been repeatedly hit by volcanic eruptions (the last one in 1669) and earthquakes (the most catastrophic in 1693). From the end of the 17th century, an important phase of reconstruction began according to "modern canons". The damaged buildings were demolished and new ones were built over the layers of rubble, raising the level of the city that has come down to us as we know it today. In 2002 the Baroque of the historic center of Catania was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, together with that of seven cities of the Val di Noto (Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa and Scicli).
Beds in Catania and surroundings:
B&B Acqua dell'Arte, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 46, 95121 Catania. Hotel Biscari, Via Giovanni Anzalone 7, 95131 Catania. B&B Catania Globetrotter, Vicolo della Lanterna, 14, 95121 Catania. B&B Faro, Via S. Michele, 26, 95131 Catania. UNA Hotel Palace, Via Etnea, 218, 95131 Catania. Sheraton, Via Antonello da Messina 45, Aci Castello, 95021 Catania. 4 Spa Resort Hotel, Via Nazionale, 114, 95021 Aci Castello CT. Zash, SP2/I-II 70 Riposto CT Donna Carmela, Contrada Grotte 7 Carruba. Ramo d’Aria, Viale delle Provincie 261 Giarre CT. La Terra dei Sogni Hotel Agriturismo 95013 Fiumefreddo di Sicilia CT. Casa del Marchese B&B. Via Guglielmo Marconi 20 95018 Riposto. Kemmare Spiaggia. Via la Vie Fuille 57 Riposto. Sunshine. 29 Lungomare Edoardo Pantano Riposto. B&B Casabella. Via Circumvallazione 77 Riposto. Acqua E Fuoco Chez Rachel. Via Antonio Gramsci 208 Riposto. Sicilia Etna Mare. Via Antonio Gramsci 106 Riposto. Le Giare B&B Spiaggia. Via Cavour 233 Riposto. Casa del Marchese B&B. Via Guglielmo Marconi 20 Riposto.
Restaurants in Catania:
Me Cumpari Turiddu. Piazza Turi Ferro 36-38 CT. Il Sale Art Café. Via Santa Filomena 10-12 CT. Trattoria Paranza. Via Calì 11 CT. Al Vicolo. Via del Colosseo 5-7 CT.
Be prepared to walk around 3 hours on foot.
We can reserve for you: accommodation, trips, transfers and visits.
Pour accéder au refuge Sapienza, situé sur le versant sud de l'Etna, vous avez la possibilité d'emprunter le bus de l'AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti).
Ce dernier part de la gare centrale de Catane à 8h du matin et arrive au bar restaurant La Cantoniera, sur le versant Sud de l'Etna, à 10h.
C'est ici que le guide vous attendra pour débuter l'excursion.
Le retour vers Catane est prévu aux alentours de 16h, mais il est conseillé de vérifier les horaires exacts à l'avance.
Ce moyen de transport est une solution économique et pratique pour rejoindre notre guide et participer à l'excursion sur l'Etna Sud.
La situation géodynamique de l'Etna évolue en fonction de l'activité imprévisible du volcan et les restrictions concernant les zones autorisées pour les excursions évoluent aussi souvent.
Je vous tiendrai au courant à temps pour vous informer des conditions météorologiques et de l'activité volcanique.
Je vous enverrai une mise à jour par mail la veille de votre excursion, concernant les conditions météorologiques et géodynamiques de l’Etna. Veuillez lire attentivement ce mail et toutes mes communications.
Dans l'excursion en groupe, il faut s'adapter au rythme de la personne la plus lente, donc l'atteinte de l'altitude et des kilomètres maximaux n'est pas garantie. En revanche, avec l'excursion privée, vous pouvez ajuster le rythme selon vos capacités sportives.
Oui, le guide se réserve le droit de modifier entièrement l'itinéraire, l'altitude maximale et d'autres aspects en fonction des conditions météorologiques, géodynamiques et du niveau des participants.
Nous fournissons un casque, une lampe torche, des bâtons, un sac à dos et un k-way gratuitement.
Oui, les chaussures de randonnée montantes sont obligatoires. Si vous n'en avez pas, elles sont disponibles à la location pour 5€ la paire. Veuillez indiquer vos pointures 24 heures avant l'excursion.
Outre les chaussures de randonnée, vous devez avoir des guêtres ou chaussettes hautes, un pantalon de randonnée, un pull/polaire, une veste chaude imperméable, des gants, un bonnet, une casquette, de la crème solaire, des lunettes de soleil et un piquenique avec 1 litre d'eau par personne.
Il est essentiel d'être en parfaite santé sans problèmes de santé majeurs. Les personnes asthmatiques ou enceintes ne peuvent pas participer. Veuillez nous informer à l'avance de toute condition médicale ou allergie.
En cas de conditions défavorables, l'excursion peut être annulée ou reportée. Si vous ne pouvez pas déplacer la date, vous serez intégralement remboursé.
Oui, les frais d'annulation varient selon le type d'excursion et le délai d'annulation. Les détails sont spécifiés dans nos conditions de vente.
Oui, il est recommandé de réserver votre excursion à l'avance. Ceci assure la disponibilité de votre place et permet une organisation optimale, surtout pendant la haute saison touristique.
De plus, la réservation préalable nous permet de vous fournir toutes les informations nécessaires et de préparer l'équipement adéquat pour votre aventure sur le volcan.
Si l'Etna entre en éruption, la sécurité de nos participants reste notre priorité absolue. Le jour précédant votre excursion, je vous fournirai une mise à jour complète sur les conditions météorologiques et géodynamiques de l'Etna.
En cas d'activité éruptive, je m'efforcerai de proposer un itinéraire et des horaires adaptés pour essayer d'observer l'éruption à une distance de sécurité.
Cette adaptation sera effectuée en tenant compte de toutes les mesures de sécurité nécessaires.
En cas d'impossibilité d'assurer une observation sûre ou si les conditions l'exigent, l'excursion pourrait être annulée.
Vous serez informés en temps utile pour prendre les mesures appropriées.
Réservez Votre Expérience : Appelle +393334591618
Prêts pour l'aventure ?
Contactez Antonio par WhatsApp pour organiser votre escapade sur l'Etna.
Contactez-Nous : info@etna3340.com
Antonio, votre spécialiste francophone, est là pour vous accompagner dans cette aventure exceptionnelle au cœur de la Sicile.
Etna3340, bien plus qu'une randonnée, une expérience qui marque l'esprit et le cœur.
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Si l'expérience ne répond pas à vos attentes, nous vous proposons une alternative ou un remboursement partiel.
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Terms and Conditions. Etna Excursions
1. Purpose
These terms and conditions apply to the excursions organised by Etna3340 on Mount Etna, in Sicily.
Any booking implies full and unconditional acceptance of these terms by the client and by each registered participant.
2. Booking and payment
The booking becomes effective only after written confirmation from Etna3340 and receipt of full payment, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The client undertakes to provide accurate and complete information regarding all participants (identity, health, physical level, equipment).
3. Prices and included services
Prices, included and excluded services, as well as the detailed description of each excursion, are stated on the website etna3340.com or in the quote sent by e-mail.
Only the services explicitly described as “included” in the programme or in the quote form part of the service.
Any additional element constitutes an optional or extra service.
4. Medical fitness and client responsibility
The client warrants that all participants are in good general health and are physically and psychologically fit to take part in a mountain hike on an active volcano, at altitude and on unstable terrain.
Etna excursions are not suitable for people who suffer, even mildly or in the past, from heart or respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, neurological disorders, significant bone, ligament or joint problems, a tendency to cramps, psychological or psychiatric disorders, nor for pregnant women.
Any medical condition, medication, physical limitation or psychological disorder must be disclosed to Etna3340 before booking. In case of doubt, the client must seek medical advice before confirming participation.
5. Mandatory equipment
For safety reasons, appropriate technical equipment is mandatory.
High-cut hiking boots are required.
Low shoes and sneakers are not permitted.
The volcanic terrain features deep ash, sharp rocks, steep slopes and unstable areas.
If the equipment does not comply, the guide may refuse access to the excursion, without refund.
The client undertakes to comply with the list of mandatory equipment indicated in the excursion description (suitable footwear, high socks, technical clothing, protection against cold, humidity and wind, water and food, etc.).
6. Safety, active volcano and itinerary changes
Dates, times and itineraries may be changed depending on availability, weather conditions, volcanic activity and organisational needs.
Etna is an active volcano.
Volcanic activity, weather, wind and trail conditions may change quickly and without notice.
Safety takes precedence over any other objective (altitude, distance, craters to reach, duration).
The guide reserves the right to modify, shorten, postpone or cancel the excursion, to change side, itinerary, altitude or schedule at any time if weather, geodynamic conditions or the participants’ real level require it.
These decisions are discretionary and non-negotiable.
No compensation is due if the planned route cannot be completed for safety reasons or due to external conditions beyond the control of Etna3340.
7. Cancellation by the client. Etna Excursions
Any request for cancellation must be sent by e-mail from the address used for the booking.
The date on which the e-mail is received shall be binding.
If the cancellation occurs more than 30 days before the excursion date, the amounts paid will be refunded, minus a flat fee of €100 per booking, corresponding to administrative, management and seat-blocking costs.
If the cancellation occurs 30 days or less before the excursion date, or in the event of a no-show at the meeting point, no refund is due, regardless of the reason (unless mandatory legal provisions provide otherwise).
Any request to change the date is treated as a cancellation followed by a new booking, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Etna3340.
8. Cancellation or changes by Etna3340
Etna3340 may cancel or postpone an excursion in case of adverse weather conditions, volcanic activity deemed incompatible with safety, restrictions by the authorities, technical problems or any other safety-related reason or force majeure.
In case of cancellation by Etna3340 without a rescheduling solution accepted by the client, the amounts paid for the excursion will be refunded within a maximum of 30 days by bank transfer.
This refund constitutes the only possible compensation.
9. Informed consent and acceptance of risks. Etna Excursions
By booking an Etna excursion with Etna3340, the client and each participant declare that they have read and understood the full description of the activity, including duration, difficulty, terms of sale, included and excluded services, required equipment and safety warnings.
Participants confirm that they are physically and technically able to take part in the excursion, that they are in good health, without allergies of any kind, without heart, respiratory or blood pressure problems, and without significant bone, joint, muscle, diabetic, cramp-related or neurological issues.
They confirm that the information provided to Etna3340 regarding their health, equipment and physical condition is accurate and complete.
They acknowledge that they have been informed of the risks associated with activities on an active volcano, including the possibility of injury, material damage and, in extreme cases, death.
They declare that they have received sufficient explanations from Etna3340 or its guides, have been able to ask all desired questions and have obtained clear and understandable answers.
They undertake to follow the safety instructions, to respect the group and not to take individual initiatives without first informing Etna3340 or its guides.
They accept that Etna3340 and its guides may modify or cancel the programme for safety reasons, weather conditions, volcanic activity or in light of the health, capacities or equipment of the participants.
They acknowledge that Etna3340 and its guides cannot be held liable for accidents, except in cases of duly proven gross negligence.
By taking part, they voluntarily accept all risks inherent in a mountain activity on an active volcano.
A separate consent and risk acceptance form may be presented and signed on site before departure, in addition to these terms.
10. Punctuality
The meeting time and place are confirmed by e-mail.
The guide will wait a maximum of 15 minutes after the agreed time, after which the excursion will start.
In case of late arrival or absence of the client, no refund is due.
11. Animals
Animals (dogs and others) are not allowed on Etna excursions, unless expressly agreed in writing.
12. Personal data and payments
Etna3340 respects the confidentiality of personal data.
The information provided by the client (identity, contact details, data necessary to organise the activity) is used solely for booking management, invoicing, customer relations and compliance with legal obligations.
This data is neither sold nor transferred to unauthorised third parties.
Online payments are made via secure systems using SSL or equivalent encryption protocols.
13. Applicable law
These terms and conditions are governed by Italian law.
Any dispute will, in the absence of an amicable settlement, be submitted to the competent courts of the place where the agency has its registered office.
Legal notice and contact details
Etna3340.Voyage di Isabella Francesca Anastasi
Travel Agency & Tour Operator
VAT IT05705930872
Tax Code NSTSLL66R44E017U
SCIA No. 202201051028-2391190 of 05/01/2022 – SUAP Municipality of Ferrara
Civil liability insurance: Lloyd’s DY087999-LB
Guarantee fund “Vacanze Garantite” 2021121121AT
REA FE 225682 – ATECO 79.11.00 Travel agency – ATECO 79.12.00 Tour operator
Registered office: Via Del Commercio 48 (interno 13), 44121 Ferrara (Italy), by appointment only
Agency affiliated to the “Gruppo Info Vacanze” network
Technical director: Dr. Daniela Vecchiato
- The tour can be done in a full day or in a half day.
- To travel, you can use your own vehicle or public transport.
- Otherwise, you can take advantage of our transfer service with our luxury vehicles (Mercedes GL or V-Class) with a dedicated driver.
French & English-speaking guide
