Below you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions arranged by subject.  If you are unable to find an answer to your query please do not hesitate to contact our customer service personnel and they will be happy to assist you and clarify your uncertainties.

MEMBERSHIP & AFFILIATION

What are the advantages of becoming a member and/or affiliate?

Members can take advantages of a multitude of special offers and/or discounts.  Such special discounts and/or offers include those offered by Etnasicilytouring as well as those available at a number of touristic structure and/or venues thanks to the conventions stipulated between Etnasicilytouring and other business enterprises operating in the tourism sector.  Such conventions can be found and viewed on our ‘Conventions’ page..

How much would it cost me to become a member or an affiliate to the EtnaSicilyTouring circuit ?

The membership fee is included in the listed prices of our excursions, tours, and activities.  If you are in managing a business enterprise operating in the tourism sector you can find all the details regarding the affiliation with Etnasicilytouring on the webpage Joining the EtnaSicilyTouring Association  

Which one is the EST logo that I have to insert in my website?

You can choose the most suitable logo for your website from the various EST logos available.

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EXCURSIONS

Are the excursions suitable for anyone?

Our excursions can be tailored to suit a wide range of physical finesses and ages.  However, please do let us know in advance, that is, at the time of booking if you:

•  suffer from any conditions affecting your mobility or your cardiovascular and/or respiratory system/s; and/or
• Suffer from any food allergy/ies and/or intolerance/s (since many of our tours include at the least a Deli tasting, lunch, dinner refrshment etc.).

Can we bring a pet along with us on the day of the excursion or tour?

You are allowed to take a small-sized pet with you on the day of your activity/excursion/tour, provided that:

• You have notified us at the time of booking; and
• None of the other members participating at the same activity, excursion, or tour have any objections to express in regard.

What about children; do they have to pay?

Children will have to pay a reduced fee only if they occupy a sit in the vehicle.  Children below two years of age do not have to pay a fee if they are being held or sit on their parents lap.

What about a child chair; is it possible to one fitted in the vehicle used for the excursion?

If the child is two years or older and necessitates a child's chair to be fitted on the vehicle you will have to notifiy us in advance, at the time of booking.

What about reduced fees; who is entitled and in what case? 

A discount will be conceded when:

• A participant is under the age of 24; or
• When a specific discount for groups or families is clearly shown on the tour description page or, on the homepage of our website.

What is the maximum altitude reached during our excursion on Etna?

The maximum altitude, reached during our excursion on Etna is of about 2000 metre (±6560 feet) above sea level.

What is the most suitable clothing for an Etna excursion?

The recommended type of clothing for an excursion on Etna varies depending on season and weather conditions.  You will have to bear in mind that you will reach an altitude of about 2000 metres (± 6560 feet).  However, in some tours that include the excursion on Etna you may start out by visiting a locality literally on the seaside.  We therefore advice a layered clothing with comfortable high-necked shoes suitable for at least light trekking so as to prevent sand and small stones from getting inside.

How long do the walking/trekking activities last?

Our explorative tours are carried out in stages and normally do not include long walks and/or trekking activities (unless these are required by you as in the case, for example of customised excursions).  Our guiding excursionists will drive you from one stage of the explorative tour to the other on board of a 4x4 vehicle.  At each stage you will step out of the vehicle, conduct the short guided excursion/s or activity included in the program and then, at the end, you will step back into the vehicle to be driven to the successive stage of the explorative tour.

When is the Special Etna Eruption tour being operated?

The Special Etna Eruption Tour is being carried out when Etna is in a steady eruptive phase; that is, during a phase when a constant flow of lava is present and few explosive phenomena are occurring.  During such times EtnaSicilyTouring organises and operates Special Etna-Eruption Tours.  You will always be able to find out when the Special Etna-Eruption Tour is being carried out by checking out regularly the updates on our homepage or by following us on Facebook.

What does it mean pick-up from and drop-off at your holiday residence?

It means that your assigned guiding excursionist shall come and pick you up at the beginning of the tour or excursion from the location of the accommodation where you will be staying during your holiday period and ,return to and drop you off at the same location after the end of the tour or excursion activities.

Do you do pick-ups and drop-offs all-over the area comprised within the Catania province?

The Pick-up and/or drop-off is included in the cost of the excursion if the pick-up and/or drop-off location is situated in any one of the following:

Catania, Pedara, Zafferana Etnea, Nicolosi, Trecastagni, San Giovanni La Punta, Misterbianco, Acireale, Aci-trezza, Aci-Castello

If you are residing in a location not listed above, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We will try to offer you the best and most suitable solution for a pick-up and/or drop-off at your location.  We can advice and provide you with suggestions and maps.  Otherwise we can arrange specific pick-ups and drop-offs for a small fee if you prefer.

Can I participate to the excursions if I suffer from food allergies and/or intolerances given that some tours include a full lunch?  What Should I do with regard to that?

In case of personal issues related to food allergies and/or intolerances please do contact us when you place your booking and inform us of your requirements.  We will notify the restaurant manager so that you may be able to enjoy a lovely meal tailored to your requirements.