Bookmarking to read later - thanks for all the info!

Just a reminder for the trains and local buses. Be sure to validate your tickets before boarding, otherwise you can get a hefty fine if there's an inspection.

Does anyone have any suggestions for tour companies offering trips to Mt Etna?

Peyton, if you walk down the main pedestian strip in Taormina there were about 3 or 4 companies offering Etna trips - all about same price just find the one that has the most convenient day for you.

Do you recall what the approximate costs for the tours were? Did they offer only day tours or also an early evening tour?

I found a co. (Etna experience) on line that would pick me up at my hotel (not a necessity---but nice)and had an evening tour for 44E...are you familiar w/ them? or should I just try to go w/ a company once I am there? I will be travelling solo---so, it is important (for $ reasons) that I am able to join in w/others.

Thanks :-)

Hi peyton, can't remember the costs, just that that they were all the same! We didn't actually do one in the end because of the days we were there, the Mt. Etna tour was on the day of my stepson's wedding! I do remember seeing Etna experience I think. I think it is pretty competitive for tours there so they probably all maintain a pretty good service.
Sorry I can't be more help.

peyton,
It was some years ago that I went but we did an evening tour and it was quite nice. We took a bus from Taormina and then at the base of the Mt. we were loaded into vans. They gave us heavy jackets and boots to wear b/c it gets very cold up there. We were able to go right to the edge of the crater.
You can probably book while you're there but if you're certain of your plans you might as well book in advance.

I am looking at an evening tour w/ the Etna Experience...so, glad to hear that you liked your tour...hopefully mine will be as enjoyable :-) Did you book ahead or just when you got to Taormina? Do you remember the company you used?

So how bad is it to drive?

How bad is the parking situation? ZTL all over?