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.

Description

Departures scheduled from Piano Provenzana, north side of Etna, with special latest generation 4x4 off-road vehicles, environmental class euro 5 and euro 6 duly authorized by the Etna Park Authority and will be assisted by mountain or volcanological guides authorized pursuant to law.

The excursion to the summit area starts at an altitude of 1.800 meters (Piano Provenzana) and continues along the panoramic road which, between ancient craters and recent lava flows, will allow us to reach the Volcanological Observatory located at an altitude of 3.000 meters.

Once the ascent has begun, the first stop will allow you to observe the ruins of the hotel“Le Betulle”, the only visible structure among those destroyed by the lava flow of 27 October 2002.

Continue in the direction of the Umberto and Margherita craters, at an altitude of about 2.380 meters, where it is possible to make a small trek on the edge of the two extinct craters, from where you can feel all the strength of a nature that creates and destroys.

After the visit, we leave again in the direction of the volcanological observatory located in Pizzi Deneri.

After leaving the off-road vehicle, accompanied by our guides, a short trek of about 15 minutes begins that will take us to the top of the Pizzi Deneri promontory where, weather conditions permitting, it is possible to admire the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian Coast from Syracuse to Taormina, the gulf of Giardini Naxos and the Calabrian coasts.

It is also possible to observe, from a distance and in absolute safety, the summit craters that dominate the majestic Valle del Bove, which many times has been an important protection barrier for the villages located down stream from the summit craters, during the countless lava flows. Back on the vehicles, the descent towards the valley begins with the destination of the button craters of the 2002 Eruption. Once arrived at their destination at an altitude of about 1.900 meters, the trekking on the flows and explosive products begins. The circular route will allow you to walk along the edges of the craters and admire the morphology called "bottoniera" typical of the lateral eruptions of the volcano. After

reaching the summit (about 2.050 meters above sea level), it will be possible to enjoy the spectacular view of the eruptive theatre and the lava flow that destroyed the tourist resort of Piano Provenzana. A short descent will follow along a sandy slope to the off-road vehicles available for the return to Piano Provenzana.

NOTES

The maximum altitude reached is 3.000 meters; the maximum duration of the excursion is 2,5 hours

Difficulty: Tourist, so the excursion is also possible for children over 3 years old

The excursion may have variations at the discretion of the guides, if the environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change.

This itinerary is not recommended for people suffering from particular pathologies (cardiovascular, respiratory or hypertension).

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Private Etna Tour

Reccomended private Tour on Etna

The exclusive Volcanological Guide service includes customized Etna Tours based on your needs and desire to live an experience or spend a unique day taking advantage of being able to break the rules dictated by a group Etna Tour.

Customized Etna Tours are tailor-made travel experiences, to satisfy your specific interests.

The service offered all year round with discounted rates is available not only on Etna but also for customized Excursions on the Stromboli Volcano and the Island of Vulcano our active volcanoes in the Aeolian Islands.

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Etna Winter Trekking Tour at 3000 M

 50,00 +  50 CABLE CAR BOOK NOW

Duration
about 5 h

Uphill
500 m

Downhill
500 m

Distance
8 km

Difficulty

 Etna Winter Tour Photo and Video

Winter trekking on Etna is a unique and spectacular experience, it offers the opportunity to explore the highest active volcano in Europe immersed in a snowy landscape, perfect for those looking for a first winter experience on the volcano. The excursion requires good physical condition, adequate equipment and, preferably, an expert guide.

Meeting point Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, at Bar “La Terrazza dell’Etna”

By cable car you reach an altitude of 2500 meters. The ascent will take us through the Crater dating back to the 2001 Eruption and a lava flow channel, until reaching the Barbagallo Craters at an altitude of 3000 meters, scene of the Perfect Eruption of 2002. The view of the Summit Craters, the Barbagallo Craters, the eastern coast of Sicily and the Valle del Bove will be the backdrop to our Tour on the highest active volcano in Europe.

Itinerary and technical data

• Trekking with the same starting and ending point

• Meeting at Bar Terrazza dell’Etna

• Departure at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza

o Cable car from 1900 to 2500 meters above sea level

o Start of Trekking from 2500 meters above sea level

o Crater Eruption 2001

o Craters Barbagallo Eruption 2002

o Effusive vent Eruption 2002

o Belvedere with view of Valle del Bove

o Return cable car at 2500 meters

• Difference in altitude uphill: + 550,

• Difference in altitude downhill: - 500

• Total distance: About 7 km

• Difficulty level: moderate

Equipment:

Trekking boots, Long pants, Sweatshirt, Windbreaker, gloves and hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Water, snacks.

Warning:

• -At the discretion of the guide, the excursion may be subject to changes due to bad weather conditions or environmental causes and/or volcanic risk.

• The excursion will take place within the limits set by the ordinances in force.

For subjects affected by these pathologies, it is not recommended to undertake any type of hiking activity, and to inform the guide at the meeting point.

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PHOTOS ABOUT TOUR ETNA WINTER TREKKING

VIDEO ABOUT TOUR ETNA WINTER TREKKING

ETNA NORD TOUR AT 3000 AND NORTH-EAST RIFT

 40,00 +  50 Jeep 4x4 BOOK NOW

Duration
about 5 h

Uphill
550 m

Downhill
900 m

Distance
9/10 km

Difficulty

Foto e video

Etna Nord Tour in the Summit Area, an exclusive trek in a unique context and far from the usual tourist trips of Etna. The unique scenery of the Summit Craters, the Valle del Bove, the Aeolian Islands, the Gulf of Taormina and Northern Sicily will be the backdrop to your tour.

Equipment check and briefing with our guides. In a 4×4 Jeep up to 2800 meters. Trekking up to the maximum altitude allowed at the base of the summit craters. The trek continues along the North-East Rift with passage through lateral craters, Hornitos with small lava flow caves, up to the craters dating back to the perfect eruption of 2002. In a 4×4 Jeep return to Piano Provenzana.

Itinerary and technical data

• Trekking with the same starting and end point of the excursion.

• Meeting at Piano Provenzana Bar kiosk Mareneve

• Departure in special Jeep 4x4

o In Jeep from 1800 to 2800 meters above sea level

o Start of Trekking from 2800 meters above sea level

o Pizzi Deneri altitude 2847 meters

o View of the Summit Craters and Valle del Bove

o Trekking up to the maximum altitude allowed and view of the Summit craters

o Trekking along the north-east rift to the 2002 Eruption Craters

o Return to Piano Provenzana in Jeep 4x4

• Difference in altitude uphill: + 550

• Difference in altitude downhill: - 900

• Total distance: About 9/10 km

• Degree of difficulty: moderate

Equipment

Trekking boots, Long trousers, Sweatshirt, Windbreaker, gloves and hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Water, snacks.

Warning

• The Tour may be subject to changes due to bad weather conditions or environmental causes and/or volcanic risk.

• The route passes through impervious areas. Due to the high altitude and physical effort required, the excursion is NOT permitted to people with heart or respiratory problems or any other physical condition not suitable for hiking.

• The excursion will take place within the limits set by the ordinances in force.

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ETNA NORD TOUR AT 3000 AND NORTH-EAST RIFT PHOTOS

ETNA NORD TOUR AT 3000 AND NORTH-EAST RIFT VIDEO

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.

 Prenota ora / Book now

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.

 TOUR ETNA CRATERS BARBAGALLO THE PERFECT ERUPTION 2002 - 2003

 50,00 +  50 cable car BOOK NOW

Duration
about 5 h

Uphill
550 m

Downhill
500 m

Distance
7 km

Difficulty

Our tour of Etna at Crateri Barbagallo represents the opportunity to explore the highest active volcano of Europe, immersing itself in a unique landscape, perfect for having a first experience of a volcano. The excursion has good conditions, adequate equipment and, preferably an expert guide.

Meeting point Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, at Bar “La Terrazza dell’Etna”

By cable car you reach an altitude of 2500 meters. The ascent will take us through the Crater dating back to the 2001 Eruption and a lava flow channel, until reaching the Barbagallo Craters at an altitude of 3000 meters, scene of the Perfect Eruption of 2002. The view of the Summit Craters, the Barbagallo Craters, the eastern coast of Sicily and the Valle del Bove will be the backdrop to our Tour on the highest active volcano in Europe.

Itinerary and technical data

• Trekking with the same starting and ending point

• Meeting at Bar Terrazza dell’Etna

• Departure at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza

o Cable car from 1900 to 2500 meters above sea level

o Start of Trekking from 2500 meters above sea level

o Crater Eruption 2001

o Craters Barbagallo Eruption 2002

o Effusive vent Eruption 2002

o Belvedere with view of Valle del Bove

o Return cable car at 2500 meters

• Difference in altitude uphill: + 550,

• Difference in altitude downhill: - 500

• Total distance: About 7 km

• Difficulty level: moderate

Equipment

Trekking boots, Long pants, Sweatshirt, Windbreaker, gloves and hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Water, snacks.

Warning

• At the discretion of the guide, the excursion may be subject to changes due to bad weather conditions or environmental causes and/or volcanic risk.

• The excursion will take place within the limits set by the ordinances in force.

Asthma and cardiovascular problems

For subjects affected by these pathologies, it is not recommended to undertake any type of hiking activity, and to inform the guide at the meeting point.

BOOK NOW

PHOTO TOUR ETNA CRATERI BARBAGALLO

VIDEO TOUR ETNA CRATERI BARBAGALLO

Tour Etna North Summit Craters Trekking

 50,00 +  60 Jeep 4x4 BOOK NOW

Etna Tour Photo and Video

Duration
about 5 h

Uphill
500 m

Downhill
500 m

Distance
8 km

Difficulty

Tour to the Summit Craters of Etna is an extraordinary experience for those who love nature and adventure. The most sought-after excursion by volcano lovers will take you to the top of the highest and largest active volcano in Europe, in a lunar landscape unique in the world.

Itinerary and technical data

• Trekking with the same starting and ending point

• Meeting at Piano Provenzana and equipment check

• Departure At the service center in Piano Provenzana

o In a 4x4 jeep from 1800 to 2900 meters above sea level

o Start of trekking from an altitude of 2900 meters

o In 2 hours of trekking access to the summit area

o The length of stay varies depending on the volcanic activity

o Descent along the sands up to 2800 meters

o View of the Valle del Bove

o Return by 4x4 Jeep to Piano Provenzana

• Difference in altitude uphill: + 500,

• Difference in altitude downhill: - 500

• Total distance: About 8 km

• Difficulty level: Difficult

In a 4x4 Jeep you reach an altitude of 2900 meters. The tour includes crossing extensive lava fields up to an altitude of 3326 meters, the access point to the summit area of ​​Etna. The tour includes a descent along fun sandy beaches and overlooking the Valle del Bove. Return to the starting point in a 4x4 jeep.

• Medium difficulty excursion, aimed at people with average training and accustomed to excursions lasting several hours. It requires physical effort given the type of terrain, altitude and difference in altitude.

• Aimed at adults and children over 10 years old.

The excursion may be subject to changes due to adverse weather conditions or environmental causes and/or volcanic risk.

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TOUR ETNA SUMMIT CRATERS PHOTO

TOUR ETNA SUMMIT CRATERS VIDEO

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.

TOUR ETNA IN VALLE DEL BOVE

 50,00 +  50 cable car BOOK NOW

Duration
about 5 h

Uphill
500 m

Downhill
900 m

Distance
10 km

Difficulty

Foto e video

Valle del Bove is a large horseshoe-shaped depression located on the eastern side of Etna. It is one of the most spectacular and geologically interesting places on Etna, a natural wonder that allows volcanologists to analyze the eruptive history of Etna so as to monitor its current activity.

The Tour Etna in Valle del Bove begins with a cable car up to 2500 meters and continues towards a lava flow channel at an altitude of 2750 meters from where you access the steep sandy slope of the Canalone della Riina. Skirting the southern wall of the Valle del Bove carved by vertical walls in which the stratifications of the ancient eruptive centers and lava dykes are visible, the path will lead us to the exit point. Return to Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza.

Itinerary and technical data

• Technically high difficulty

• Meeting at Bar Terrazza dell’Etna

• Departure at Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza

o Cable car from 1900 to 2500 meters above sea level

o Start of trekking from 2500 meters above sea level

o Lava flow channel at 2750 meters above sea level

o Crater Eruption 2001

o Entrance and descent inside a canyon

o Traverse in the Valley and visit to the Pitagora cave

o Return to Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza

• Difference in altitude uphill: + 500,

• Difference in altitude downhill: - 900

• Total distance: About 10 km

• Duration 5/6 hours

• Difficulty: difficult

Equipment

Trekking boots, Long trousers, spare shirt, sweatshirt, Windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, Water 1.5 L per person, snack or packed lunch.

Warning

At the discretion of the guide, the excursion may be subject to changes due to bad weather conditions or environmental causes and/or volcanic risk.

Medium difficulty excursion, aimed at people with average training and accustomed to excursions lasting several hours. It requires physical effort given the type of terrain, altitude and difference in altitude.

For subjects suffering from cardiovascular diseases, it is not recommended to undertake any type of hiking activity, and to inform the guide at the meeting point.

BOOK NOW

FOTO TOUR ETNA IN VALLE DEL BOVE

VIDEO TOUR ETNA IN VALLE DEL BOVE

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.