EXCURSIONS VOLCANO TOUR

An exciting and fantastic experience, trekking to the summit of three active volcanoes in Sicily guided by a Volcanology Guide. Explore the crater-rim of Europe's highest active volcano, Mount Etna (3326m), the Aeolian islands and the fascinating experience of Stromboli with its 916 meters and finally hike to the top of the Gran Cratere on Vulcano Island, in an unique scenery.

Day 1

Our adventure starts in Catania airport from where we head to our base for the next 2 nights, rifugio Manfrè located in the pine and birch forests on Etna's southern slopes. This guesthouse is popular for the trekkers during the summer months. It has a great restaurant that serves up typical local specialities such as home-made antipasti, all washed down with local wines.
Luca Cosma is a Sicilian volcanology guide and will be the Guide in this tour. Born on the Aeolian island of Stromboli, Luca has been leading walking groups in Sicily for over 20 years and is proud and passionate about his homeland. He'll share both his scientific knowledge and stories of growing up in the shadow of these volcanoes. He leads a warm-up walk this afternoon to see lava field and introducing his big love for the mountain. Today's three kilometre walk is expected to take around in one different track of Etna.

Trekking level: easy and introductory trekking to the tour 2 hours.

Accomodation: 1st night standard hotel in refuge.

Meals provided: Dinner included, drink not included.

Transport included.

Day 2

Our hike this morning will take us to the very top of Mount Etna the highest volcano in Europe, at 3326 meters, it has been in a state of eruptive activity since 2001, and espeally in the past 2 years.Travelling by minibus to the cable car station on Etna's southern flanks, we take the cable car from 1900 to 2500 meters then swap to a four-wheel drive truck to reach 2900 metres.
(***weather and volcanic activity allowing,) Here the trekking start heading to the top craters, and avoiding the exposure to the gas ‘d be possible walk along the rim of the Central Crater (the oldest at 2000 years old), the Bocca Nuova, which formed after the eruption in 1968 and the Southeast Crater, the youngest dating formed in 1971. We should be able to enjoy some superb views all the way to the north coast of Sicily and the volcanic Aeolian Islands lying offshore. Our descent follow a track made of sand, sometimes really funny to across. On the way will possible walk through the lavas dated July 2019 eruptiones us past the eruptive cones from the eruptions of 2001 and 2002 with an overview of the Valle del Bove Caldera, back to the cable car station.
Today's nine kilometre walk is expected to take around 4/5 hours with a total ascent of 500 metres and a descent of 900 metres.

Trekking level: easy and introductory trekking to the tour 2 hours.

Accomodation: 1st night standard hotel in refuge.

Meals provided: Dinner included, drink not included.

Transport included.

trekking level:
Accomodation: 2nd night standard hotel in refuge.
Meals provided: Dinner included, drink not included.
Transport included.

Day 3

We make an early start this morning to drive to the port of Milazzo on Sicily's northwest coast, gateway to the Aeolian Islands which are a UNESCO listed World Heritage site. We catch a fast hydrofoil to the awe-inspiring island of Stromboli, a classic cone-shaped island volcano which rises dramatically from the depths of the sea to 900 metres with a cloud of smoke almost permanently gracing its peak. Around its base are some small communities, whose white-washed houses splashed with scarlet
bougainvillea, provide a vivid contrast to the dark volcanic rock of the powerful crater behind. The walking on Stromboli is a one of a kind and a spectacular experience as the volcano here is constantly erupting. In the afternoon we climb on a zig-zagging path all the way to the crater rim, a hike of around four hours at a slow and steady pace with plenty of stops to admire the tremendous view. Our aim is to reach the
summit for sunset and then to relax and spend some time observing the volcanic activity after dark, the best chance to observe the light show caused by the lava erupting from the volcano. Our descent by the light of our head torches is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours. The top section of the climb and descent of the mountain is on volcanic ash so it's important to have good walking boots and you may
find walking poles helpful too. Today's eight kilometre walk is expected to take approximately six-and-a-half hours in total with a total ascent and descent of 980 metres.

Trekking level: easy and introductory trekking to the tour 2 hours.

Accomodation: 1st night standard hotel in refuge.

Meals provided: Dinner included, drink not included.

Transport included.

trekking level: .
Accomodation: 2nd night standard hotel in refuge.
Meals provided: Dinner included, drink not included.
Transport included.

Day 4

This morning we take an hydrofoil to the island of Vulcano, named after Zeus' son Vulcan, the God of fire and metalworking. Although now quiescent, Vulcano has erupted spectacularly
throughout the centuries - the last dramatic explosion being only 100 years ago. In 183 BC a huge
eruption gave birth to Vulcanello (the Little Volcano) visible from the harbour. Today, Vulcano puffs out a steady stream of gases and vapour. Even offshore the presence of the sulphur, which was once mined here, is obvious. Our hike on the island takes us up to the crater rim, 'Gran Cratere' (400 m) for great views of the islands scattered around us. After descending, you may wish to try a mud bath, excellent cure for arthritic complaints followed later of a dip in the azure sea - the water here is very warm, an indication of how close the boiling interior of the earth comes to its crust. We return to Milazzo for our final night in Acitrezza. Today seven kilometre walk is expected to take approximately 3/4 hours with a total ascent and descent of 500 meters.

Day 5

Depending by the time of the flight free time probably would be a good idea for visit Acitrezza, small fisher town which at the same time with its crags ( I Faraglioni ) represent in geology the begin of the formation of Etna about 550.000 years ago. Transfer to Catania airport and end of the tour.

Excursion Etna Nord 3000 Nord Est Rift  

 50,00

Meeting at Piano Provenzana Etna Nord 1800 meters. After a short briefing with the Guides, we will gain altitude, crossing a lunar landscape, with the help of special 4×4 vehicles. The Pizzi Deneri at an altitude of 2840 metres, offer scenery and a spectacular view of the Summit Craters and the Valle del Bove. Once this first short trek is over, with the help of 4x4s, we will reach an altitude of 2600 meters at an ancient lateral crater dating back to the eruption of 1809. From here our trek begins in the direction of Mount Pizzillo, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view on the Aeolian islands and the gulf of Taormina. We will continue in the direction of the Hornitos (small volcanic cones) dating back to the 1947 eruption where it will be possible to enter to better understand the evolution of an eruptive event. The excursion continues downhill in easy and fun sandy channels along the sides of ancient craters until reaching the 2002 eruption theater, an important geological point of interest for Etna and the heart of the North East Rift. Here we will observe the lava flows that reached and destroyed the tourist station of Piano Provenzana and part of the Ragabo pine forest in a few hours. To conclude we will reach the starting point in Piano Provenzana crossing stretches of endemic vegetation of Etna.

Distance: 8 km

Altitude difference -600m

Languages: Ita – Eng - Fr

 Technical Data 

Excursion Itinerary:

****Meeting point Bar kiosk on Mar Neve - 08.30am - Return time approximately 2.00pm

Please note:

*To make the most of your experience, pay attention:

Included:

Volcanological guide, helmet, trekking shoes, wind jacket, trekking poles

Not included:

4x4 bus, Food/snacks and water, Long trousers (Recommended), Transfer to/from hotel

Everything that is not specified in the "Included" section

We recommend: Suitable clothing based on the period, trekking shoes, backpack,

Sunglasses (no contact lenses), Sunscreen/lip stick, Long socks, 1.5L water per person

Warnings:

The route passes through inaccessible areas and will mostly be on paths exposed to the sun. The itinerary may undergo variations due to weather conditions and/or other variables that could compromise its success. Due to the high altitude and the physical effort required, the excursion is NOT permitted for people with heart problems, respiratory problems or any other physical condition not suitable for hiking. Furthermore, it is not recommended for people with pathologies (e.g. diabetes, allergies, etc.). In these cases it is mandatory to inform the guide before booking/excursion.

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The private Guide service provides customized excursion and tours according to needs.

It is a service for individual, small groups or especially for families, who want to spend a day taking advantage of being able to exit the rules dictated instead by a group exit.

The service offered all year with special rates is available not only on Etna, but also for personalized excursion on Stromboli Volcano and Vulcano Island.

  Other itineraries:

- Excursion to the Summit Craters.
- Etna North: 2002 Eruption and Grotta dei Lamponi from Piano Provenzana.
- Etna North: Serra delle Concazze and grotta del Serracozzo and view of Valle del Bove.

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ETNA Summit – Sunset Excursion 

 60,00

The sunset excursion represents a unique experience, which will make you feel happy and satisfied and where every thought is mitigated by the setting of the sun, and all this on the highest active volcano in Europe.
Meeting at Piano Provenzana Etna Nord. By 4x4 you reach an altitude of 2840 meters from where the trekking begins. Having reached an altitude of 3326 metres, the excursion begins in the summit area where the duration of stay is dictated by volcanic activity and weather conditions. After leaving the summit area we reach the Pizzi Deneri area from where we will wait for the sunset surrounded by unique landscapes and scenarios. Return by 4x4 to Piano Provenzana.

N.B: Medium difficulty excursion, requires physical effort given the altitude and type of terrain. Reserved for adults and children over the age of 11. The excursion may be subject to variations due to adverse weather conditions or environmental causes and/or volcanic risk.

Technical data 

Equipment

Trekking boot, long trousers, sweatshirt, windproof jacket, gloves and hat, sunglasses, sun cream, 1.5 L water per person, torch, packed lunch.

Heart problems, asthma
For those affected by these pathologies, it is "absolutely" not recommended to undertake any type of hiking activity, whether at lower or higher altitudes.

Contact lenses

Due to the continuous presence of volcanic ash carried by the wind, the use of contact lenses in combination with sunglasses is recommended.

 Price

60,00 € (the price does not include transport services)

**** The guide has the right to interrupt the excursion for reasons that could compromise the safety of a single participant or the entire group.

 EXCURSIONS ETNA 3000 FROM SOUTH

 50,00

Meeting and departure at Rifugio Sapienza square at Bar Terrazza dell'Etna. It reaches 2500m with the help of the cable car from where the trekking will begin.

From here, by tackling a difference in altitude of about 400 meters, and passing by a lava flow channel, you reach the Barbagallo craters at an altitude of 2900 meters, whose formation dates back to the violent eruption of 2002-2003, and for which you have an almost perfect overview of the summit craters, recent flows and the eastern coast of Sicily.

The descent runs alongside the lava flows of the 2017 and 2019 eruption to the Belvedere where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Valle del Bove.

Return to the cable car terminal and return to the Sapienza refuge.

Cost: € 50.00 € per person ** price for a group of at least 5 people (not includes return cable car, includes hiking boot rental)

EQUIPMENT

Long trousers, high-necked trekking boot, sweatshirt, sunglasses, gore-tex jacket, bandana, gloves, cap, packed lunch, 2 lt water, trekking poles, sunscreen.

DIFFICULTY

Easy. The excursion is not particularly difficult and takes place largely on a marked route and requires good physical condition

Excursion Etna North Summit Craters Trekking

 60,00

The most popular excursion for volcano lovers, a unique experience on the highest active volcano in Europe.

Meeting at the Piano Provenzana Etna Nord. By a special Jeep 4x4 we reach an altitude of 2840 meters. Thus begins the trek which, after crossing extensive lava field, will lead us up to an altitude of 3300 meters, the access point to the summit area of ​​ Etna. The times of stay are dictated by the volcanic activity in progress and by the weather conditions. Leaving the summit area, the itinerary includes a view of the Valle del Bove and return to Piano Provenzana after a long descent through beautiful and panoramic sandbanks.

N.B: Excursion of medium difficulty, requires physical effort given the type of terrain, altitude and difference in height. Reserved only for adults and children over the age of 11, especially accustomed to excursions lasting several hours. The excursion may be subject to variations due to adverse weather conditions or due to environmental reasons and / or volcanic risk

Technical data:

Equipment:

Trekking boot, long trousers, sweatshirt, windproof jacket, gloves and hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, 1.5 L water per person, packed lunch. The price includes hiking boots.

Heart problems, asthma:

For those affected by these pathologies, it is "absolutely not recommended" to tackle any type of excursion activity, both at the lowest and highest altitudes.

Contact lenses

For all excursions, and especially those leading to the summit area, due to the constant presence of volcanic ash carried by the wind, the use of contact lenses in combination with sunglasses is recommended.

€ 60.00 (the price does not include transport services)
**** The guide has the right to interrupt the excursion for reasons that could compromise the safety of a single participant or the entire group.

Surely the most interesting excursion of Etna, which will give you emotions and satisfaction, at the center of a truly unique natural setting.

Meeting and departure at the Rifugio Sapienza square. south side of Etna.

By cable car first, and  off road Minibus 4x4 after, we reach the Torre del Filosofo at 2900m, where the ascent to the craters begins. After about 2 hours of climbing, through the lava fields dating february-March 2021, we reach the rim of the Bocca Nuova crater at 3250m formed in 1968. We walk along the rim of it and once reached the Central Crater it starts a downhill along an easy sand slopes in the South direction. We also walk through the Belvedere from where you can admire a unique panorama of the Valley del Bove.

Reached the  Montagnola at 2500m, we will be able to reach the starting point ( Rifugio Sapienza 1800m ) by cable car.

Duration Excursion:approx. 5/6 hours.

Difference in altitude: 600 mt.

Price: 45,00 € per person + cable car

EQUIPMENT:  Trousers, high trekking boots, sweatshirts, goggles, gore-tex jacket, bandana, gloves, hat, sack lunch, 2 lt water, hiking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses.

DIFFICULTY: The excursion to the Summit Craters does not present great difficulties, requires good physical condition and determination. Furthermore is always better to start with a suitable equipment for any sudden changes in weather. The excursion is absolutely prohibited to people with cardiovascular problem.

EXCURSIONS VALLEY DEL BOVE

The Bove Valley is a unique place, and partly of geological interest. We are inside a caldera, an horseshoe-shaped amphitheater, a place of continuous transformations caused by continuous erosions, and center for the pouring of the recent lava flow of Etna.
The departure takes place from the square of Rifugio Sapienza at 1800 mt. Once  reached the 2500 mt by cable car we climb up the Montagnola 2640 mt from where we take the fun and charming  downhill path of the Canalone della Riina.

Once down we walk through the lava flows of 1991/93, within a unique scenery. Following the southern ridge base of the valley  we reach the Canalone dei Faggi. After a short ascent of the southern ridge of the valley del Bove the excursion end in  Piano del Vescovo.

EQUIPMENT
Trousers, hiking boots, sweatshirt, long sleeve vest, short sleeve jersey, goretex jacket, leggings, bandana, gloves, cap, lunch bag, 2 lt water, hiking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen.
DIFFICULTY
Easy and enjoyable the excursion does not have any particular difficulty but it requires good physical condition because of the duration of the trek. 

EXCURSION DURATION: 5/6 Hours 

ASCENT: 450 mt

DOWNHILL GRADIENT: 1100 mt

COST: 45,00 € : price per person for groups of 6 people (cable car not included)

Stromboli offers one of the most unique and spectacular scenery in Sicily. A unique place, made even more fascinating by "Iddu", one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.
Starting point Piazza San Vincenzo. Departure time of the hike depends on the season but ussually 3 hours before sunset. The ascent take about 2/3 hours. The summit area is reached at sunset, and the duration of stay depends on the activity of the volcano and weather conditions. The descent is made along the canyon of the big rein which in about 2 hours leads to the starting point

EQUIPMENT.

Short trousers for climbing, long trousers for downhill, ***Trekking boots, ***torch, 2 T-Shirts, Sweatshirt, Jacket, Leggings, Bandana, gloves, cap, ***Trekking poles, lunch, water 2lt.
** Possibility to rent on site

DIFFICULTY
Stromboli is 916 m high and requires determination and good physical condition. The biggest enemy is the heat especially in June, July and August, but a good step and frequent stops can represent the right solution. Futhermore climb with light equipment and cover your self on top is a good deal. is absolutely not recommend the climb for those who suffer of heart or serious physical problems.