My husband and I want to visit Mt. Etna from Catania during our 2-week visit to Sicily in May. We are 68 and 71 and are in reasonably good shape but have never done mountain (or serious) hiking or been in high altitudes. We are interested in an adventure day but want to be careful not to overdo it. The cable car and 4x4 experiences look good but we're wary if going too high is not a good idea or if the terrain is too loose and insecure to make it stressful.
There are SO many different companies and tours offered, it's a bit overwhelming. Ideally, we want one that picks up and drops off at the hotel in Catania but meeting at a meeting point is also probably doable. We are thinking morning, not evening.
Etna Tribe keeps coming up in searches. We also see Trails of Sicily. We understand Get Your Guide is a 3rd party operator so perhaps best not to use. There are so many others.
Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with a tour company or particular tours they really liked? We see some are combined with other stops too (e.g. a ravine, a cove). Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much.