ETNA CENTRAL CRATERS
A high-altitude group tour lasting about 5 hours will let you discover the craters at the top of Mount Etna, up to 3330 meters. By taking a special 4x4 vehicle and/or a cable car from 2000 meters, we will reach 2900 meters where our magnificent trek will begin. This complete experience is recommended for couples or groups of friends or sporty people who hike or trek regularly and are in excellent health. The day includes several stops. In addition to the excursion that will allow us to see breathtaking landscapes, there will be a walk along the edge of the craters at the top of the volcano, observing the emission of volcanic gases and the various mineral formations like sulfur, while listening to the sounds of the volcano's activity. The Etna Central Craters is a group tour that is perfect for those who love half-day hiking and want to experience the magic of the volcano by walking on recent lava flows, across the volcanic desert, and who enjoy reaching the summits without long walks.
Points of interest
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Walk on the craters at the top, emission of volcanic gas at an altitude of about 3330 meters
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Trek of about 3 hours on recent lava flows, lava desert and sulfur concretions
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Panorama of half the island, the Aeolian Islands and Valle del Bove from above
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Period: From May to November
Schedule: da definire (08:00-14:30 approx.)
Where: Etna South/North meeting point at Rifugio Sapienza/Piano Provenzana
Difficulty SOUTH: High (600 meters elevation gain and 10 km of distance)
Difficulty NORTH: Medium (400 meters elevation gain and 5 km distance)
Requirements: Suitable for sporty people who walk or trek habitually and in excellent health.
Important: Tour Forbidden to Heart Patients, Respiratory Problems (Asthma), Diabetics or High Blood Pressure
Group Tours
Cost SOUTH: 140€ (75€ per person + 65€ Cable Car and Bus 4x4)
Cost NORTH: 125€ (75€ per person + 50€ Bus 4x4 round trip)
Includes: hiking shoes, sticks, RC insurance, protective helmet, hygiene cap.
Reservation: Send a message on whatsapp or call +39 378 0861560 (Fabrizio)
Required equipment: sportswear suitable for the season and high altitude, long trousers, 20 litre backpack,
T-shirt, windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snack/packed lunch, hat.
Program*
With the meeting with the volcanological guide (travel NOT included, possible Pick up at the accommodation with car/jeep is to be organized), begins the tour that will lead you to discover Etna at high altitudes.
The first step will be the purchase of tickets for the cable car and/or Bus4x4 vehicles and the climb that will lead us from an altitude of 2000 meters up to 2950 meters. During the bus ride it will be possible to admire the eruptive scenery of 2002 and the entire volcanic landscape up to high altitudes.
The second step It starts once you get out of the vehicle; On the trek, the guide will take you to visit the craters at the top of the volcano to be walked on the crater rim with protective helmets, material that will be provided by the guide. Here we will observe the emission of volcanic gas, the sulfur crystals and the sounds of the volcano, a beautiful and exclusive experience that can hardly be repeated in other volcanoes in the world. During the excursion the local guide will introduce you to the geological characteristics and eruptive history of our volcano and you will be able to admire unique landscapes in the world with a splendid panoramic view of the entire Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.
The third step will be on the return and will involve a view of the Valle del Bove from a panoramic point. Here, a packed lunch will be consumed (not included in the price) and after this stop, we will proceed again with trekking, overcoming sandy canyons and lava flows to reach the means of returning to the starting point, thus concluding the guided tour.
*The program may be subject to change at the discretion of the guide, depending on weather conditions or volcanic activity.
