etna trekking tour

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Guided Etna tours and hikes to Mount Etna

We would be happy to provide an unforgettable safe tour with breathtaking insights and experiences for you.

Your advantages of booking Etna tours with EtnaWay

• Small groups maximum 10 participants
• Insurance cover during the entire tour
• free equipment rental: trekking poles, windbreakers, backpacks, trekking shoes (please specify size), helmets and lamps
• Pick-up from hotel or other meeting point (price by arrangement)
• Cancellation free of charge up to 24h before the tour starts

Etna Trekking Tour

A demanding trekking tour above the clouds on the edge of the valley “Valle del Bove” at 2300 m altitude, where we get to know the diversity of Etna. We visit a piece of paradise: the north-east side of Mount Etna. Off the beaten track, this tour takes us through birch forests and lunar landscapes, visiting craters, eruption vents, lava flows and a lava tunnel.

Difficulty:

2200 m.a.s.l

Start time:

2100 m.a.s.l.

Etna North Craters Tour

A tour to discover the largest craters of the 2002 eruption, the most impressive and abrupt volcanic activity of the last 20 years. From the top of the craters we admire the panorama of the northern side of Etna, from Calabria to the north-eastern main crater. This very varied route takes you to lunar landscapes and fairytale forests, making the tour an exciting experience that shows you the many faces of Etna: from barren craters of lava slag to the fertile forests of endemic birch trees and the dark corners of the lava caves.

Etna Family Tour

The “buttonline” of the Sartorius craters: the spectacular route that takes us from an altitude of 1660 metres into the forest of Betula aetnensis , and on along the ridge of the seven craters, nestled in a magnificent landscape that was a vast lava field a century and a half ago. Over boulders and stone slabs we return to the magical birch forest and then visit the “Grotta dei Ladroni” (Robbers’ Cave).

1780 m.a.s.l.

09:00 – 13:00

1800 m.a.s.l.

09:00 – 17:00

Etna & Alcantara Gorges Tour

A perfect excursion for nature lovers. We visit one of the most interesting places of Etna, see side craters, lava flows and a lava tunnel. In the afternoon, the gorges of the Alcantara River will surprise us with basalt columns and ice-cold water.

from 95 € p.p.

Etna and Wine Tour

A varied tour for connoisseurs: we hike relaxed through lava flows, up old and new craters. We go underground and visit a lava tunnel.

We learn about the wine that thrives in this particularly fertile soil and reward ourselves with a wine tasting and typical local dishes (2 choices: 4 wines + snacks or 4 wines + menu).

from € 145 p.p.

09:00 – 16:00

2800 m.a.s.l.

South Etna Tour

On this tour we see directly the power of the volcano, which in 2001 and 2002 has rammed up 3 huge craters from a plain. On the first half of our tour we explore this barren lunar landscape and climb to the Valle del Bove valley at 2800 m; in the afternoon we discover a fascinating underground lava tunnel.

Etna Top Craters Tour

The highest adventure that Etna offers, at an altitude of over 3300 metres! We discover the main craters Bocca Nuova, Voragine and the Northeast Crater. A full day excursion with fantastic trekking among incomparable lunar landscapes.

3300 m.a.s.l.

08:00 – 14:00

3000 m.a.s.l.

9:30 – 15:30

Etna 3000 Tour

We stand directly in front of the huge main craters, walk along crater rims, discover lava flows, lava tunnels and the Valle del Bove.

Eruption Live Tour

A thrilling adventure! To see explosions and lava fountains and to hear the thunder from the centre of the earth is not only to see Etna with your eyes, but to experience it with your whole body! Coming face to face with the forces of nature* is a primal experience that gets under your skin and you never forget for the rest of your life.

*At a safe distance approved by the competent authorities.

Price on demand

1200 / 2200 m.a.s.l.

17:00 – 22:00

Full Day Mount Etna Trekking Tour From Taormina

Explore europe's highest volcano alongside an expert guide, complemented by sicilian lunch.

Looking to hike to the summit of Mt. Etna but aren't sure about trekking alone? Then join our tour where we've enlisted the help of a volcanological guide and organized transport to and from Taormina and Giardini Naxos, so you can soak up the bucket list-worthy views without wasting valuable time and energy on logistics. Our carefully crafted itinerary, complete with lunch and free time at the foot of Mount Etna, allows you to safely experience the volcano in all its majesty.

• Visit the volcanic cave
• Speak with expert volcanologists
• Trek through rare birch trees
• View volcanic craters
• Cross Sartorius Mountains
• Easy hike on Mount Etna

After meeting your driver and fellow adventurers in Taormina or Giardini Naxos, your full-day tour begins with a scenic drive to the foot of Mount Etna. Gear up and greet your expert volcano guide, then begin your thrilling hike to the top, passing by rare birch trees and steaming craters of the Sartorius Mountains along the way.

Upon reaching the viewpoint, you'll be blown away by the surrounding lunar-like terrain, contrasting Sicily's elegant coastline and the rich blues of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a more leisurely hike down and settle in for a three-course Sicilian meal and free time in town before returning to your starting point.

Mount Etna Trekking Tour From Taormina Description

Your 8-hour tour includes:

Guided hike on Mount Etna and visit to a volcanic cave

Rental equipment

Delicious three-course lunch with beverages

Transportation from Taormina or Giardini Naxos

Professional English-speaking guide

Free time after lunch

Enjoy a small group size

Meet Your Driver in Taormina

There's no need to navigate the winding roads to Mount Etna yourself on this volcano trekking tour, as your day begins with a scenic transfer from Taormina or Giardini Naxos. After meeting your guide and fellow group members at a pre-designated location, you'll hop into a luxury A/C Mercedes minivan or minibus and drive through awe-inspiring Sicilian landscapes to a quaint village nestled at the foot of Mount Etna.

Trek Mount Etna

Your volcanic trekking guide, who will accompany you throughout the trek, will meet you in this enchanting village. Take a few minutes to absorb the impressive views of the Mediterranean to the south and Mount Etna to the north; then, if you haven't already, lace up your hiking boots, and grab any required gear from your guide.

You'll then begin the bucket list-worthy trek on Mount Etna, hiking across the Sartorius Mountains. Enjoy a relaxed pace as you navigate through these side craters that formed after the 1865 eruption, and deepen your understanding of the region as your guide details Mount Etna's fascinating history, geology, and morphology.

A surprising highlight of the trek will surely be the otherwordly birch trees you'll pass through, which have adapted to Mount Etna's harsh surroundings. Displaying a silvery-white color, and even some pink hues, it's a sight to behold against the dark colors of Mount Etna. There's no need to hurry here, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

Admire 360-Degree Views

Fatigued legs will discover renewed energy as Mount Etna's viewpoint comes into view, and you'll quickly acknowledge the hike was well worth it for the astonishing 360-degree views surrounding you. Admire the harsh yet beautiful lunar-like landscapes, unique shades of deep reds and browns, and pungent smells of sulfur that remind us of the powerful forces of this breathtaking scenery.

Peaking at 10,921 feet (3,329 m) above sea level, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, and on a clear day, you can gaze out over the entire coastline that Etna dominates, stretching from Taormina to Calabria, and even catch sight of the distant island of Stromboli.

Indulge in a Three-Course Lunch

After enjoying the much easier downhill portion of your Mount Etna hike, you'll again find yourself in the charming village set at the foot of the volcano. You'll have no doubt worked up an appetite and will be happy to hear a delicious Sicilian lunch is waiting. Sit down for a well-earned three-course meal, complemented by beverages, and reminisce with your newfound hiking friends about your favorite parts of the adventure so far.

Explore at Your Leisure

There's plenty more to explore at the foot of Mount Etna, so the next hour is yours to wander at your leisure. Check out the charming souvenir shops dotted around the village, grab another drink at one of the picturesque restaurants, or embark on another short hike to one of the nearby viewpoints. After roughly an hour, meet back up with your driver and group members and transfer back to Taormina or Giardini Naxos, happily exhausted from your epic day out!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

What should I bring?

Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are mandatory, as is proper rain gear if conditions require it. We also recommend bringing sunscreen and a water bottle.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Sicily.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. This tour involves navigating uneven terrain that can be steep and challenging in places.

Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?

Yes, a delicious Sicilian three-course lunch and beverages are provided in the price of this Mount Etna tour. However, food and drinks outside of lunch will need to be purchased.

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends at the designated meeting point in Taormina or Giardini Naxos. Our guides are happy to arrange taxis from here to your accommodation if needed.

. Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?

We recommend this tour for ages 13 and up who are comfortable hiking on uneven terrain. If you'd like to purchase this tour for someone under the age of 13, please reach out to us for options.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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• Etna Volcano

Mt. Etna Hiking Full Day Tour

Excursion information.

Start . One of Etna Experience’s expert naturalistic guides will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel in Catania or from an agreed meeting point, to take you aboard one of our 8-seater vehicles (jeep or minivan).

Trekking . Hours of fascinating trekking around the most interesting places on the North-East side of Etna, scene of the last impressive eruption: Piano Provenzana .

Lunch . There will be another break for a tasty and natural “packed lunch” offered by Etna Experience

Wild nature . Different naturalistic routs with a scheduled circumnavigation of a button-like row of craters, lava-flowing caves and native plants. The tour is also designed for trekking and nature lovers, in good health conditions. Pauses are planned during the hike and this walk is smoother due to the very few obstacles.

Explore the lava caves of Etna . In the afternoon, you will visit a volcanic cave using the equipment provided (helmets and torches) to safely explore it. Our expert guide will introduce you, with some basic information on speleology, to the fascintating phenomena often related to eruptions.

Come back . The Mt Etna Full Day Tour will finish at 5:30/6:00 p.m., when you will come back to Catania.

Second stop

From April 1st to June 30th:

• € 89 for adults; • € 79 for students up to 24 years; • not available for children 0-12 years.

From July 1st to September 15th:

• € 94 for adults; • € 84 for students up to 24 years; • not available for children 0-12 years.

From September 16th to October 30th:

From November 1st to March 31st:

• € 75 for adults; • € 65 for students up to 24 years; • not available for children 0-12 years.

Included in the booking

Recommended equipment, requirements, itinerary changes.

• Tours & Dates
• Destinations

Etna Trekking Tour

• Stand on top of Etna volcano - Europe's most active volcano
• Breathtaking scenery
• Great introduction to a live volcano!
• Private tours with expert guide
• Group tours to the summit
• Personalised tours to your own wishes.

Etna's summit craters from Etna South

Etna's summit region & short mountain traverse, group tours to the summit craters, valle del bove, schiena dell’asino - grotta dei tre livelli, grotta del gelo excursion:, etna's summit craters from etna north, eruption tour, arrival info:.

Depending on the itinerary the meeting point will be at Rifugio Sapienza ( Etna South) or Piano Provenzana (Etna North). On request, we can include transfers (e.g. from Taormina or Catania) for you at additional cost.

Additional info

Physical requirements.

At least some experience with hiking on unpaved trails necessary. Climbing up and down 300 m (ca. 1000 ft) at ca. 3000 m altitude. Walking up and down on steep, loose sandy surfaces. No fear of heights. No breathing or serious respiratory problems.

Transfer to 2900 m - visit summit area - hike back to base (Rifugio Sapienza 1900 m)

Transfer by cable car+jeep to 2900 m (Etna S) - Visit of the Summit Craters- Descend to Etna's north side

Transfer to 2900m- Ascent to the top - Return to the starting point

Descend into Valle del Bove, hike on 1991-93 lava flows

Schiena dell'Asino - Grotta dei 3 livelli

Excursion to Grotta del Gelo

Transfer to 2900 m - visit summit area - hike back to base (Piano Provenzana 1810 m)

Tour Dates & Prices

Prices for tours at custom dates.

• Certified volcanological and alpine guide
• Group tour: 4x4 and cable car ticket

Not included:

• Arrival to departure point
• Depending on the itinerary, 4x4 and/or cable car transfers (approx. 30-45 EUR p.p.)
• Personal equipment
• Private transfers from and to your accommodation:
• Accommodation:

"I believe we will be talking about it for the next few years..."

"Hi Tom ... Once again, we really appreciated with your arrangement and guidance. It was the most enjoyable and the highlight of our trip. It had also opened our eyes to see how wonderful and powerful our planet is. We still have been talking about it. I believe we will be talking about it for the next few years. I don't think it will be a forgettable experience in my life. Poor me, it will be very hard to find another experience as good as this again. Unless your will take us to somewhere else on earth. ... We would also thank for your organisation with Rosario to be our volcano guide. He was amazing. Hope we can visit him once again in the future. ... Thank you very much. Please keep in touch and take care. Cheers Tony / Moon / Joan / Eva" (Tony S. from Hong Kong, about the Etna Volcano Special tour )

A great TRIP to Etna with Rosario

"... btw we had A great TRIP to Etna with Rosario, so much so it has really inspired my son to do Geology in Imperial College in London this September. ... Cheers, Michelle" ( Private Tours on Etna )

...thank you for the wonderful experience that we had... ( Trekking Tour on Etna )

Dear Tom, we've just returned from Sicily and would like to thank you for the wonderful experience that we had . We had great weather and could descend into Etna's main crater. Your "variant 1" turned out to be the perfect challenge for our 9 year old daughter, although she found the craters and the fumes a bit scary. My wife and I rank this trip as one of our top 3 experiences so far! Rosario was a perfect guide : he made us feel at ease and safe, provided just enough explanations without sounding like the stereotypical tourist guide and he was just 100% a pro. Minor correction: the guides do have boots, backpacks and jackets that your customers can borrow. I've enclosed a few pictures of us on Mt Etna. Best regards Sven Jorissen"

a wonderful excursion at the Etna

"Hi Tom, I would like with this email to thank Volcano Discovery and the Team (Specially Rosario Basile) for a wonderful excursion at the Etna. I took nice photos which I would like to share at the web page of Volcano Discovery. What shall I do? Best Regards, Gabriela Marcano"

... about a trekking tour on Etna

"Hi Tom, I am sorry that it has taken me so long to email you with feedback from the trip Janet smith and Michael bailey took in June with your guide Rosario to do the full traverse of Etna. It was fantastic and something we will never forget. It was a hard walk but very enjoyable and Rosario was fantastic, he is very knowledgeable, kind and friendly, we were like friends by the end of the walk. Please make sure that you feed back this to him... Thank you for all your help and we would definitely recommend you to others Kind Regards Janet and Mick" (UK)

Feeback from a private group tour on Etna

"Dear Tom, On Nov. 15, 2009 a group of 11 people went up the Etna with our guide Rosario starting from Rifugio Sapienza. It was the first vulcano tour for all of us and we were all impressed what we saw during the day: It was awesome to see the boiling craters on the top of the Etna and feeling the heat of this impressive active vulcano. The highlight was for sure the currently open lava spot on the Eastern side of the Etna, it was amazing to see and to feel the power of the earth. We really have to thank you and Vulcano Dicsovery for the perfect organisation and we also have to thank our guide Rosario, who took care very well of the large group and provided us with very useful and detailed information on vulcanology and geology of the Etna . Rosario thank you very much for this perfect adventure tour! Here I will also attach 1 foto of our group walking up the Etna on this day. Thank you again for the organisation! Mit freundlichen Grüßen/Best regards Thomas Fruhmann"

Michelle about her tour to Etna volcano

"Greetings, Tom! Enclosed is the link for the photos from our trip. It was WONDERFUL. Please pass our greetings to Rosario who is such an amazing person. I have become a volcano-holic! Michelle" See Michelle's pctures on Shutterfly

"Tom, Had a great tour, Etna was more than impressive, just fantastic - like a moonscape up there. ..." (J Perston, UK) ".. Just got back from Sicily. I had a very enjoyable time even though Etna has been shy and did not want to put on a performance. On the Monday I went round to the North side visiting the Grotta del ghiaccio, first time wearing crampons. The second day was spent in the Valle del Bove. The third day spent at the summit craters. The fourth day I joined Marta visiting the Alcantara Gorge, Taormina and spending the evening and next day in Catania. As usual, Marta maintained the professional standards I have come to expect from the "Volcano Discovery" team, and I expect the three other clients felt the same way." (S. Banfield, UK)

Requested tour:

Name and (billing) address of the main traveler (person responsible for the booking):, you can enter the names of up to 3 additional participants in your booking:, additional information:.

Hiking Tours

Etna hiking tours & etna trekking excursions, etna hiking tours & etna trekking excursions.

Off tourists road adventure for those who are looking for a real trekking experience! These hiking tours and trekking excursions will let you discover the beauty of the nature in Sicily, and the Mount Etna. You will see more than the “standard” touristic places and stroll in the unspoiled nature!

Choose your Etna private Hiking Tours with Etna experts.

Discovering Etna on foot means savoring all the charm of the Sicilian volcano step by step. Etna is in fact both challenging and rewarding.

The excursions and trekking proposals vary according to your level of physical preparation. While they are customizable, they still present breathtaking landscapes and the chance to learn, along the way, thanks to our expert guides, all the scientific information that will provide you with a complete understanding of the Etna volcanic system.

Lava caves, old and new cones and craters. From the south or north side, Etna offers a thousand examples to fully demonstrate the power of nature.

Our services offer the opportunity of discovering all this safely.

With the professionals of Etna Exclusive, visiting Etna safely without missing anything is now possible.

Hiking tour to Etna’s summit craters

Etna hiking tour to the summit craters to discover the main ones of Etna, at 3300 meters above sea level to feel the breath of the volcano

Hiking tour to Corruccio and Serracozzo Caves

Hiking tour to Corruccio and Serracozzo Caves, sliding caves formed by the caves of the lava.

Hike to the Silvestri craters

Hike to the Silvestri craters, allow you to explore the Volcano in its most significant spots.

Etna Hiking tour Sartorius Mountains

Hiking tour Sartorius Mountains is one of the most famous and highly valued within the Territory of Etna Park, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 2015.

Etna Hiking tour Cave of Lamponi

Etna Hiking tour Cave of Lamponi, a volcanic cave on Etna with a magnetic charm of ancestral and evocative places.

WHY CHOOSE OUR ETNA TOURS

Some of the reasons why you should choose our Jeep & Hiking Etna Tours

DISCOVER REAL ETNA

Get off the beaten track and discover the real Etna Tour Experience. Live the real Etna with us!

CUSTOM ETNA TOURS

Custom Etna Tours following your own requirements and needs. Build your dream Etna Jeep & Hiking Tours with us.

PRIVATE DRIVERS

Enjoy Etna with a private expert and friendly driver, with exclusive jeep, professional tourist guide and deep knowledge of the Volcano.

EXCLUSIVE JEEP

Enjoy your Etna Tours on board of exclusve jeep, up to 5 people. Tour Etna comfortably, with free wifi and free water.

DIRECT BOOKING

No intermediaries will be involved in the booking. You will speak directly to our team to create your Tour of Etna by jeep or hiking.

SAFE PAYMENTS

At the moment of booking, you will pay only the 15% of the price. You will then pay the rest at the drivers with Cash or Cards.

Please send us your Etna enquiry with no obligation

Contact Info

Via Consolare Valeria, 100 Giardini Naxos 98035 Sicily

Mobile: +39 389 4771477

Email: [email protected]

Web: Etna Excluxive

Choose your excursion on Etna

Quad and trekking, etna quad tour € 100, trekking top craters 100 €, excursions on request educational events and itineraries.

Live the experience you’ve always imagined! Discover all the activities that we can organize for individuals or groups, from the simplest itineraries to the most adventurous routes to discover the most suggestive places and stay updated on all scheduled events.

With our experience and that of our guides, it is possible to arrange together excursions tailored to your needs , according to your expectations and your degree of physical preparation or, again, educational paths , intended as interdisciplinary activities capable of combining the sciences natural with the human ones to offer a singular formative opportunity.

Excursions on request and educational tours

The Etna Esagonal Trekking Tour , thanks to the many years of experience of your team, aims to introduce all visitors to the landscape and natural beauties of the Etna area, organizing various types of excursions , according to different needs, to accompany you to discover unique paths. Our expert volcanological guides will put in place preparation and passion to make you enjoy an unforgettable day, totally immersed in the nature of Etna, between paths, caves, craters and breathtaking views. Choose your experience and book now to experience the adventure you’ve always dreamed of!

Etna a volcano of emotions

Etna is the volcanic massif that dominates the entire eastern coast of Sicily and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Thanks to the 2700 years of eruptive activity, its height today exceeds 3300 meters of altitude on about 45 km of base diameter. Over the millennia with its activity it has contributed to shape the surrounding area, modifying the landscape. Its spectacular eruptions have always been at the center of the interest of scientists and visitors from all over the world Find out more .

Mount Etna is one of the most charming and magical places in Sicily. Its unique…

A Proposal to Remember: The Beauty of Mount Etna as the Perfect Setting

Photos by Rafael Pietrainferno. Thanks for the spectacular images of Etna.

Ttna pics september 2021

Etna excursion – 15-6-21

Mount Etna is one of the most charming and magical places in Sicily. Its unique beauty is admired by tourists…

Absolutely top and breathtaking experience! Highlight of our Sicilia vacation. Nuccio was an outstanding guide, very competent, informative, kind and funny! Safe trip, all the highlights included, with nice sweet surprise at the end. If you never go, you will never know. Go.

In spite of being a little unlucky with the weather, we had a very memorable experience on our first visit to Mt Etna. We arrived relatively unprepared and were able to rent coat, hiking boots, socks and helmets. We then took the Funivia then bus up to Torre del Filosofo (weather was too bad for the summit). From there Nuccio guided us via several craters and told us more about the eruptions over the years, the rock formations and dried lava flows. Fascinating experience, though it was physically pretty tiring!

Great experience and guide (Nuccio). We enjoyed every minute of the tour! We were guided close to the newest craters and heard great stories about the history of the area as well as the actual vulcanic status. I recommend this tour to everyone who wants to experience more than just a simple touristic walk.

Privacy Overview

Our live webcams to follow all the eruptive activities of Etna volcano. Follow the live broadcast from a unique point of view!

Choose your adventure on the volcano

Enjoy the roar of the engine and make your way through rugged trails – our quads know no obstacles. The most modern ATVs are waiting for you so you can experience a unique adventure, discovering the wilder side of Etna.

Accompanied by expert volcanological guides, you will discover the most beautiful trails Etna has to offer. You will hike across paths immersed in wild nature, going up to the craters of the tallest volcano in Europe.

MTB EXCURSION

Under the heading of both sport and nature, these tours are dedicated to the fans of riding on two wheels. Our bikes, E-MTB, come with pedal assist so that everyone can enjoy these fantastic excursions.

Why choose Euro Etna Tourism

Mountain and volcanological guides on etna.

The Mount Etna National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique place in the world, from the point of view of both culture and nature, and for this reason we believe that everyone should enjoy it. Our routes, each requiring different levels of exertion and physical effort, have been designed so that living this experience can be made available to as many people as possible.

Certified alpine and volcanological guides will lead you to discover Etna. From the classical trekking routes, to the E-MTB trips with pedal assist, to the quad tour, you will be able to choose how you want to experience your journey on the volcano.

Highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment will accompany you to the most remote corners of the Etna Park, through lava plains, forests, and caves, all the way up to the smoking craters of the volcano.

Visit Etna and live a unique experience

Go out and discover Etna with our tours: Trekking, Mountain Bike or Quad tours, and live a unique experience. Get on a bike, on a quad, or just go on foot, and start your journey on the tallest volcano in Europe. Accompanied by our volcanological guides, you will walk along paths immersed in wild nature, and you will get to know the most interesting aspects of this one-of-a-kind place, right up to the very top, where the summit craters will afford you an unforgettable experience.

What Our Customers Say

News, events and special departures.

Etna seen by Antonio Bruno Fenice

Special departure: Etna eruption May 2019

Euro Etna Tourism organizes a special departure to admire the lava show. The excursion starts…

Etna eruption May 30, 2019

Etna returns to show. As a matter of fact, few hours ago, Etna shows a…

Privacy Overview

• Through a Travel Lens: Plan. Travel. Share stories

• Love Letters to Ukraine

Travel to Kiev

Kiev old town: free walking tour around andriivska street.

18 Stops on One of the Most Picturesque Kiev Old Town Routes

Any of the professional guides in Kiev will tell you – a walking tour around the old town around the Andriivska street area is the second most popular route in the city, after Khreschatik. Any of the city’s residents will most probably place this street first, or at least among the top 3 of their favorite Kiev places to visit. It has a special and controversial, a bit demonic, but also an extremely charming atmosphere…

…So, Let’s Dive Into This Kiev Old Town Route

Today’s Kiev is split between the left and right banks of the river Dnipro. In the olden days, however, it was divided into the upper and lower towns. The upper one was home to the elite, and still has remains of the luxurious residences. The lower town was where the poor ones and workers lived. 

The only bridge between these two worlds was the Andriivsky descent. During your stay in the city, we highly recommend you to take one of the guided walking tours around this area. 

It is filled with mysteries, stories, and noteworthy landmarks. While we did our best to pack this virtual Kiev free walking tour around the old town with as many details as possible, there is no such thing as too much of Andriivsky descent. This is something any local will tell you.

We will begin our journey the most logical way, from the top, at Mykhailivska square. The path will lead us down, and we will be stopping to explore the monuments and landmarks. We will have a bite to eat at a local Ukraine-themed cafe and will maybe even wander off to the nearby smaller streets.

Note: Before we proceed, please give it up for our mom. She was the one to write this post. She is currently in Donetsk, and missing her Kiev life.

Table of Contents

1. Mykhaylivska Square and the Monastery – Welcome to the Historic Heart of Kiev Old Town!

We offer to start a walk at Mykhaylivska square. A charming beauty is located in the city center, on the historical Knyazha mountain. Though overcrowded at times (on weekends and holidays), the square manages to remain a very cozy place. 

Its main attraction is, of course, the St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Church and Monastery. This sky-blue cathedral is famous worldwide for its unique frescoes and shimmering mosaic. 

Though being a rather touristic site, it is still working as a monastery. We recommend you not only take a picture next to the cathedral’s entrance decorated with unique frescoes but to also go inside. 

Hiding behind the walls is a lush garden, which is particularly lovely during spring and the cherry and apricot blossom seasons. The insides of the church are decorated to the Orthodox canon. A tall bell tower opens fantastic views on the capital. 

If you are a female, be sure to cover your head.

2. Walk by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Located in close proximity to the church is a grandiose building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can spot it from where you are standing near the St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. Originally the headquarters to the Soviet Ukraine’s Communist Party, it is an example of the monumental and ambitious architecture of the Soviet Era.

Tip: The building is also located next to the cozy park Volodymyrsky Hill, with its gazebos overlooking the Dnipro river and the left bank of Kyiv.  

From here, you can not only enjoy the fantastic views of the city, but you can also ride the Kiev funicular down to the Podol area and the Dnipro river. It will be a detour from this route, but it is a ride worth taking. We are currently working on a detailed Kiev walking tour of Podol. 

The funicular provides a nice, comfortable and rather cheap ride downhill. By the way, you can pay on the turnstile by your PayPass card, which will be even cheaper, and not many visitors to the city know about it!

3. Try to Spot the Monument to Gogol’s Nose on One of the Buildings

Kiev old town has a fair share of strange monuments, and the nose of Nikolai Gogol, the legendary writer, is exactly one of them. 

This peculiar bronze nose framed with ornate mustache adorns the facade of the house №34 on the famous Andriyivsky Descent. 

The monument is a tribute to the writer’s famous work «The Nose». There is an opinion that one day Gogol was walking around Kiev in search of inspiration for the next novel, but unfortunately, he had a bad cold, so all his thoughts were only about one thing – about his running nose. The idea to create “The Nose” came to the sculptors after they learned about that episode in the writer’s life.

This is a cute city legend. It is not the only one for such a tiny monument! Another tale of the city says that touching the Nose helps to cure minor colds and runny noses.

4. Discover the Local Goods – Shop at the Vsi.Svoi Market

Sightseeing in Kiev old town is great, but there is another great thing to do in this city, and it is to shop. I do not mean mass-market or brands that you can find at the malls pretty much anywhere around the world, so we’re offering to maybe combine these two experiences during the walk. Why?

One of the positive impacts of the Revolution of 2014 was the rise of the local production. It started out modestly, with a few of the young brands launching social media pages and offering shoes, bags, clothes and other goods produced here, in the small productions.

Today, many of those pioneer startups have turned into the thriving local brands, at the same time showing an example and giving motivation to more Ukrainians to venture into this business, as well. 

Why This Particular Place?

What’s notable about the Vsi.Svoi Market is that it first started as a small initiative, too, a fair and a platform for those first brands, and has now evolved into a chain of shopping malls with all-Ukrainian products. The name of the shop means «Our People», by the way.

This is now a place to buy different, often exclusive clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. from the Ukrainian designers. Besides, while the prices are usually the same as in the world-famous branded stores like Zara and whatnot, the level of style, diversity, and quality at Vsi.Svoi is usually higher.

To quote my good friend, the owner of Nine (the local clothing brand): “Unlike some major brands, I can not screw up and sell something of poor quality. The customers usually don’t come knocking on the door of a major brand to complain. But they will come knocking on mine because they know where I live. They know I am local. So, I must deliver”. 

What’s really good about this market – three floors of all sorts of products, including some locally produced furniture – is that it also features street food market stalls located on the two terraces. Stop by, if not for the sake of shopping, then at least for a glass of lemonade and a snack.

5. Get Inspired by the Oldest Tree in Town – The Kiev Linden

This Linden (Lipa is what the locals call it) is a definite Kiev old town must-see. It is one of the most legendary old trees in the city, with its own glorious history. 

Some sources say that it was the Metropolitan Peter Mogila who planted the tree near the Desyatynna Church at the beginning of the Andriivskiy descent back in 1635. According to this story, the tree is more than 400 years old! There is, however, a version that the linden is close to 1000 years old as it was planted even earlier than 1635.

It is almost impossible to miss this beauty. Its trunk and the crone make it as high as 15 meters. Each summer, in June, the linden blossoms with small yellow flowers, filling the air around with a beautiful aroma. A few years ago, the trunk of the tree was sealed – a move that will help the tree to stay alive for at least 2 more hundred years, the experts say.

Some believe that the tree fulfills desires. The recipe is simple and somewhat entertaining: make a wish and walk around the Lipa 7 times counter-clockwise.

6. Wander Off to Peyzahna Alley

This tiny street is the pride and joy for many locals. Also known as the Landscape Alle due to the panorama of the Vozdvyzhenska street, all the hills and even the left bank opening from it, it is also famous for its colorful, Alice-In-Wonderland-like sculptures.

In 2009, an old street turned into an unusual playground with statues of fairies, cats, zebras, and elephants, as well as with a fountain and benches, all decorated with tiny and colorful mosaic tiles. 

Once part of an old fortification that surrounded the city, and from which our ancestors looked outside the borders of Kievan Rus, it is now a cozy place to come to have some tea or coffee and to rest. Because it is also a mini-park, many locals come here with their kids.

The alley also gradually keeps extending, with more and more objects appearing on it. 

7. Take a Shortcut from the New Stairs to Vozdvyzhenska Street

A stylish and modern bridge uniting two very popular areas – the Andriivsky Descent and the Vozdvyzhenska street, these stairs are in fact rather old. They were designed in 1695 and got renovated fairly recently. 

You can walk past them on your way down the Andriivsky Descent, and come back later to maybe even go up. The stairs have comfortable handrails and many benches to rest.

We especially recommend walking here in the evening. All 247 steps and rails are nicely illuminated, which creates the illusion of a fairy tale. At daytime, the main benefit of this location is, of course, breathtaking panoramic views over the Dnipro river.

It is absolutely safe to walk here in the evening because the stairs are equipped with surveillance cameras. There is also free access to wi-fi.

8. Rub the Ring of the Pronia Prokopovna’s Monument

Returning back from the Peyzazhna Alley detour, you will spot a peculiar monument hidden under a tree not far from the Andriivska Church.

Pronia Prokopovna and Svirid Golokhvosty are the legendary characters from the 60’s comedy «Running After the Two Hares». In the story, a bankrupt business owner decides to marry a rich but a not-so-pretty lady Pronia, while at the same time falling for a prettier but poorer girl and offering his heart to her, too. On the day of his wedding to Pronia, the liar gets exposed. The family then chases him away from the church.

These personages became so popular that people decided to immortalize them. The monument was built in 1999 on Andriiskiy descent and since then gathers lots of fans of the story around it.

The monument shows Svirid Golokhvasty kneeling to kiss the hand of Pronia Prokopovna. Many local couples come here to have their pictures taken in the exact same poses. Also, rumor has it that if you rub Pronia’s engagement ring, you will be successfully married in the nearest future. This is, however, not the only legend about this monument (as you might have already noticed, we, the Ukrainians, loooove assigning many legends per each of the monuments).

Attached to the back of Svirid’s costume is a small bug – a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and also a desirable object for many visitors. For at least 6 times, the mischievous locals managed to steal the bug, and for that exact amount of times, its copy was reattached back.

If you want to fully immerse into the atmosphere of this famous Kiev story, we recommend you to have lunch at a restaurant «Running After Two Hares» near the Andriivska church.

9. Explore the Andriivska Church of Kiev Old Town

St. Andrew’s Church is one of the most famous Orthodox temples in the Ukrainian capital.  It is currently one of the four architectural landmarks of Ukraine accepted into the List of Mankind Treasures of Five Continents by the world society. 

This graceful church has five green domes – a color not that typical for Orthodox architecture in this town. Its designer is the famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Many think that the church is the swang song of the master. The church has no bells, which is another thing atypical to the Orthodox canon.

Legend says it that the hill, on which the church stands, was once washed by the sea from all of its sides and it is due to St. Andrew who erected a cross on this hill that the waters retrieved. They are now hidden under the hill. However, the ringing church bells can awaken the sea and cause the flood, which is why St. Andrew’s cathedral does not have any of those.

Even more impressive than its Baroque exterior is the church’s interior with its notable bright-red wooden iconostasis and golden highlights. Today this church is a working temple and services are being held here regularly.

The church’s terrace is a place to admire the panoramic views of the city. The holy territory starts right behind the gates. Women must cover their heads and to wear skirts below the knee.

10. Hunt for Treasures Amidst the Souvenir Stalls

“A picturesque street with diverse souvenir stalls”, “a major tourist attraction in Kyiv old town”, “Ukrainian open-air market” – these opinions about the Andriivskiy descent are the most common among the guests.

This place is famous for its numerous street vendors, big and little gift shops and small art-galleries for every taste. It is a perfect hunting ground for ones who love collecting trinkets during the travel. Among those are old fur hats with stars from the Soviet era, hand-made pipes and our traditional clothes – vyshyvankas. Bad news, though: the place can be a bit pricey, especially for a foreigner. Haggling may work, though. 

Despite the fact that it is very tourist-oriented, this is also a very authentic place where you can feel the real atmosphere of Kiev. It is also a convenient area for a snack or for a lunch stop. Those of you looking for a fancier meal can stop by Kanapa (Andriicky descent, 19). This is a fine-dining place offering a mix of traditional Ukrainian cuisine with a modern serving. A salad, main course, and a drink will cost you around 20 USD. 

Kanapa’s closest neighbor and a budget swap is a casual cafe Gnezdo (Andriivsky descent, 21), where on average you will spend under 10 USD for a lunch.

Speaking of lunch at Kanapa…

11. …Dine at the Last Wooden House of the City

…the restaurant shares a wall with a peculiar building.

Located at Andriivsky descent 19a is a true wooden beauty. It is the last wooden house of the Kyiv old town. It dates back to the 19th century. The house once belonged to a merchant woman. Today it is an art gallery and, well, a fine-dining place.

12. Ascend Richard the Lionheart’s Castle Stairs

Oh what an odd place this castle is! To be honest, Richard the Lionheart has never lived here. If the king were alive, he would’ve been very surprised to learn he owns such a peculiar residence. In reality, this is a poetized name of the building №15 on the Adriivskiy Descent. 

The castle dates back to 1902-1904 and once finished, it became notoriously known for the howling sounds its walls made. It also had a reputation for chasing away its inhabitants. Some were killed, others mysteriously disappeared. Neither of the owners stayed here for long.

Years passed by until one of the castle’s tenants finally cleared the reputation of the building. Intrigued by the devilish noises, he inspected the walls of the building to discover that some of them contained the bottoms of the glass bottles and these were producing noises whenever the wind was blowing. Some believe it was the way that the builders avenged the first owner after he underpaid them.

But even with its reputation cleared, the building remains empty. Which is something we won’t say about its terrace. Located to the left of the main gates, there are the steep metal stairs leading to the upper level of the castle. From there, you can enjoy…

…you guessed right – the panoramic views of the Podol area. In the early mornings in spring and summer, this terrace is also a place where the Kiev yogis gather for the early practices.

13. Wander Off to Vozdvyzhenska Street

Just across from the castle, there is a turn to the Vozdvyzhenska street. This street has an interesting story to it.

Due to its colorful and unusual buildings, this was one of the most popular projects in the city. All of us were waiting impatiently for the construction to be over, and for the street to start living its life. But time passed by. The buildings were completed. And they just stood there empty, for quite a few years.

At first, the entire street reminded more of a colorful decoration in the Hollywood studio. As the years went by, it then became known as the Dead City for the Millionaires. Back in 2012, the price for the apartments here reached around 4 million UAH (approximately 500,000 USD back then). Only wealthy people could afford to live on this street.

In reality, however, behind the luxurious facades of the stylish buildings, there were lots of problems. These included sewerage malfunction, excess dampness, mold…. The houses were pretty. But they were also impossible to live in.

Gradually, all of these problems got fixed. Today Vozdvyzhenka is the go-to place to shop local clothing brands, to wine and dine in some of the best restaurants, and to stay in one of the best Kiev boutique hotels. It is also a street popular among wedding and fashion photographers.

14. Visit the Most Mysterious House of Andryyvsky Descent

The house at Andryyvsky descent 13 is the most mysterious building in the area. It is a place where the legendary writer Mykhail Bulgakov lived. He was the person to write the legendary Master and Margarita novel.

In this house, Mykhail lived with his family. This is where he also wrote The Days of the Turbins – a novel where fiction intertwined with his real life. Today the house at Andryyvska 13a is the museum, where each room tells an episode from the writer’s life. Very much in Bulgakov’s style, each room also hides a mystery. This is a museum well worth a visit.

This is the part of the street that has a mystery number 13 repeated 4 times! The museum stands at 13a, with 13b the restaurant and 13 the house attached to it. The writer lived here for 13 years.

15. Admire the Renaissance Mural

Kiev is known for its murals, and not only in the old town. Artists from all corners of the world come to Ukraine’s capital to paint the walls and metro stations.

The Renaissance mural is located almost at the bottom of the Andriivsky descent. It appeared on the wall in 2014. Its author is the artist from Sevastopol, Oleksiy Kislov. He painted a girl dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothes. This girl symbolizes the rebirth of the Ukrainian culture.

16. Treat Yourself with Some Delicious Chocolate…

Shall we wrap up the walk with a nice cup oh hot chocolate with red pepper? Or with some tea and handmade candies?

Andriivsky descent 2b hosts the famous cafe that came to Kiev from Lviv. It is the Lviv Chocolate Workshop, a cozy place with lots of visitors. You might probably need to wait in line for a table.

But the sweets and the atmosphere is well worth the wait!

17. …Or Maybe, Mingle with The Locals Over a Glass of Cherry Cordial

Adjacent to the Lviv Chocolate Workshop cafe is the no-less famous Drunken Cherry cafe. It serves its signature cherry cordial by glasses or by bottles. As a side dish, it offers chocolate candies with the cherry inside or cherry paste.

In the evening, this is one of the most crowded places in Podol. Many locals come here to have a drink and to mingle. As the place does not offer tables to sit at, the visitors stand by the cafe. This is a very dynamic and fun place to explore. 

18. Observe Kiev Old Town from the Podol Ferris Wheel

Technically, this is not Andryyvsky descent anymore, but it is such a nice way to wrap up the walk! A round of the Ferriss Wheel costs around 3 USD and shows nice panoramas of the Podol area.

That’s it for the walk around the Kiev Old Town. Hope you enjoyed it!

Written by Inessa Rezanova

I am a Kyiv-based screenwriter with 10+ years of experience in producing scripts. I love my job, and no, I did not quit it to travel the world. I see different countries in my spare time. As a storyteller, I believe that it is the emotional journey that matters the most. This is why together with my sister I started this blog to encourage everyone to travel and to do so with a heart and mind opened to adventures.

Images by Natalie Rezanova

I am a photographer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am lucky to be able to do what I love the most for a living. Photography is an endless source of inspiration for me. My mission on this blog is to inspire by sharing some of the favorite captions from my journeys. I also provide professional photography tips to help the readers bring home some beautiful photo memories.

Inessa Rezanova

I live in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am a screenwriter with 10+ years of experience in producing scripts. I love my job, and no, I did not quit it to travel the world. I see different countries in my spare time. As a storyteller, I believe that it is the emotional journey that matters the most. This is why together with my sister I started this blog to encourage everyone to travel and to do so with a heart and mind opened to adventures.

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Walking City Tour - Kyiv

• Private guide
• Entry/Admission - Saint Sophia Cathedral
• Entry/Admission - Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate
• Not reccomended for thavelers who cannot walk a lot
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Saint Sophia Cathedral
• Khreshchatyk
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti
• Golden Gate
• Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Maidan Nezalezhnosti Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 2 Saint Sophia Cathedral Stop: 20 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ukraine Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 4 Golden Gate Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 5 St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 6 Khreshchatyk Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Mahesh K 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Value Holiday I booked a 12-day tour with TriptoKyiv and it was perfect. The airport pick-up and drops were superb, the tour guides very good, the accommodations were nice. I was very happy. Thanks, Sasha, Evheniy, Oksana, Olga, Anastasia and Galina. cheers. Read more Written October 1, 2019
• Demetrius_Sh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Weekend in Kiev! Want to say thank you TripToKyiv Team for such a great 2 days in Kiev! The guide was knowledgeable and passionate. We had good vehicle during the tours, tried tasty food and met nice people. I wish prosperity to Ukraine and all the best! Read more Written October 1, 2019
• HannaZrok 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time in Kyiv! Thank you TripToKyiv Team for the best local guide i’ve ever had and an amazing day in Kyiv city. Will come back for sure!) Recommend 👍🏻 Read more Written September 21, 2019
• TinkaS15 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Chernobyl experience Hi! I've booked a mixed group tour to Chernobyl with these guys two days ago and it was absolutely impressive! I booked via my hostel (they gave me a recommendation) a day in advance of my trip only. All worked perfectly and smoothly. thanks a lot!! Read more Written September 20, 2019

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