Sicily decided to amaze us from the very first day, and there couldn’t have been a better start for an unforgettable tour than an excursion to Mount Etna with a private driver, accompanying our new friends Shaoran and Akame, who had just arrived from distant China.
After spending the night in Taormina, this morning’s clear sky offered a breathtaking panorama—with a surprise: majestic and imposing, Etna revealed itself covered by a thick blanket of snow.
“Is that really her?” asked Shaoran, pointing at the white outline on the horizon, visible between the terraces of Taormina.
“It looks like a painting,” added Akame, wrapped in a technical jacket and trekking gloves. “And we want to go up. Right now!”
⛰️ No hesitation: backpacks ready, camera around the neck, and excitement in their eyes.
With our private car and professional driver, we set off toward the south slope of the volcano, heading to Rifugio Sapienza, the starting point for high-altitude Etna tours.
A Safe and Comfortable Journey with NCC Service
The drive from Taormina to Etna is an experience in itself. The winding road climbs through chestnut forests and dark lava fields that speak of centuries of eruptions. Shaoran looks silently out the window.
“There’s a different energy in this nature,” he says.
“Etna isn’t just a volcano. It’s a world that changes every day,” we reply. “It’s alive, and you can hear its voice even when it’s quiet.”
Thanks to our NCC – Car with Driver service, our guests don’t need to worry about a thing: no stress about driving, parking, or the weather. Just the beauty of the journey and the anticipation of adventure.
Rifugio Sapienza: The Gateway to the Volcano
At 1,900 meters, Rifugio Sapienza welcomes us with wooden and lava-stone souvenir stalls and tourists geared up for the ascent. The air is crisp and clean. Snow covers the slopes, giving the landscape an almost alpine atmosphere.
“It feels like the Alps, but with the sea down there,” says Akame, pointing at the coastline in the distance.
“That’s the magic of Etna,” we explain. “Nowhere else in the world can you go from sea to snow in under an hour.”
Etna Cable Car and the Ascent to the Volcano
We board the cable car, which in a few minutes takes us up to 2,500 meters. The landscape changes drastically: below us stretch lunar fields of solidified lava, smoking craters, and a silence that speaks volumes. Tourists' laughter becomes more subdued, almost in reverence.
“This place forces you to listen,” whispers Shaoran, looking down.
“Every eruption leaves a mark,” we explain. “Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The last eruption was just a few weeks ago.”
“Isn’t it scary?” asks Akame.
“Not if you respect it. It’s a powerful yet generous presence. In fact, the highest vineyards in Italy are grown here, and Etna wines are famous all over the world.”
Walking on Lava: Between Craters, Ice, and Legends
At the upper station, our friends decide to continue with a volcanologist guide for a short hike among the lateral craters. They walk among fields of black and red lava, alongside snowdrifts that create stunning color contrasts.
“Looks like Mars,” says Shaoran, snapping a photo of a porous black rock.
“Or a dream,” adds Akame, picking up a small lava fragment as a souvenir.
The guide tells the story of the historic 2002 eruption that destroyed ski lifts and slopes, and also of the fertility brought by volcanic ash every time the volcano awakens.
“Here, destruction and rebirth go hand in hand,” the guide says. “And those who live on Etna know it well.”
Lunch with a View of the Volcano
After the excursion, we return to the Rifugio for a well-deserved hot lunch. Our guests enjoy:
- 🥣 Etna legume soup
- 🧀 A platter of local cheeses and smoked cold cuts
- 🍷 A glass of Etna Rosso DOC, made from Nerello Mascalese grapes
“The wine has a bold flavor... just like this mountain,” smiles Shaoran.
“A little rough at first, but then it wins you over,” adds Akame.
Return to Taormina and First Emotions
On the way back, the silence in the car speaks more than words. Shaoran stares at the horizon, Akame reviews the photos taken. We can guess what they’re thinking: Sicily has already captured their hearts.
“We didn’t expect a volcano to be this emotional,” Shaoran finally says.
“Thank you for bringing us,” concludes Akame. “Without your NCC service, it wouldn’t have been the same.”
Why Choose a Mount Etna Tour with a Private Driver?
Choosing a Car with Driver (NCC) for a tour of Mount Etna means:
✅ Reaching the volcano comfortably and safely
✅ Personalizing the experience according to your wishes
✅ Receiving insights, tips, and local curiosities from experts
✅ Experiencing Etna in all its facets: nature, wine, history, emotion
📍 Discover Etna with Sicily Car Service – Your tailor-made tour between fire and snow.
📞 For bookings and info:
🌐 www.sicilycarservice.com
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📲 +39 333 160 6317 | +39 328 481 7474
🚗 Private Driver Service in Sicily: travel comfortably, discover more.
🌋 Etna Tour? Do it with us.
