Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 15 or more days in advance of your tour date are fully refundable, minus our 3% credit card processing fee. See our complete Cancellation Policy for more information.
Catania Urban Hike
City Tour
Active
Archaeology
2 hours
Private Tour
About
This is an urban "hike" through central Catania during which we'll get to see up close the astounding power of Sicily's most famous volcano. In order to have the city at its most atmospheric, I always recommend doing the tour in the early evening (6:00 pm in summer and 4:30 in the winter).
Completely different from classic city center walking tours, together we'll explore the historic core while focusing on understanding how Etna's eruptions affected and changed the landscape of the city.
To start, we'll enter the courtyard of Catania's Benedictine monastery of, a historic site that was among the first to be damaged by the massive eruption of 1669. So powerful was it, that important remains can still be seen today, like huge blocks of lava several meters high.
We'll continue our tour descending towards the Roman theatre, all the while discussing the history of the Amenano River. Once a prominent feature of the city, nowadays this riverbed is almost fully underground. I'll tell you why!
From this point, we'll head towards the Castello Ursino, a fortress that was almost completely surrounded by surging lava flows. There, we'll get an even better understanding of how this natural phenomenon affected the city and influenced its unique architecture.
Next up is the Well of Gammazita, also linked to the eruption of 1669, and which has an interesting legend associated with it.
Our exploration finishes in Dusmet street, just a minute's walk from the Cathedral.
Overview
Highlights
- Monastero dei Benedettini lava flow
- Church of S. Nicolò
- Roman theater
- Ursino Castle
- Night life streets
- Private tour - only you and your guide
Duration
Approximately 2 hours
Start Time
This tour can start at any of the following times: 6:00 PM
Included
- Your guide Mirco
- A local drink during one of our stops
Not Included
- Anything not mentioned above
Languages
This tour can be delivered in English, Spanish, or Italian
Max Participants
This private tour can accommodate parties of up to people
Price
This tour costs a flat fee of $250.00 USD
Transportation
Tour Itinerary
Meet in Piazza Dante
Visit a hidden place at the Monastero dei Benedettini
View the exterior of the Roman Theater
Stroll the castle walls
Visit Gammitza Well
Pass through busy night life streets
Say goodbye at Via Dusmet (Dusmet Street) by the Cathedral
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 15 or more days in advance of your tour date are fully refundable, minus our 3% credit card processing fee. See our complete Cancellation Policy for more information.
