ETNA VERTICAL 3340

An incredible private tour from low to high altitude, lasting about 8 hours, will make you discover the craters at the top of the Etna volcano, starting from about 2000 meters up to 3340 meters by climbing the "vertical". From the tourist resort meeting point our magnificent trek will begin which will take place all on foot. A complete experience recommended only for experienced hikers in excellent health. The day includes several stages. In addition to the excursion that will allow us to see breathtaking and changing landscapes according to the altitude, there is a walk on the edge of the craters at the top of the volcano observing the emission of volcanic gas and the various concretions of minerals such as sulfur while listening to the sounds of the volcano's activity. The Etna Vertical 3340 is a private tour that lends itself very well to those who love full-day hiking and want to fully experience the magic of the volcano by walking along the vegetation, the recent lava flows, the lava desert conquering the summit with their own strength.

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Points of interest

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• Discovery of the various vegetation environments and incredible endemic plants

• Trekking of about 7 hours on recent lava flows, lava desert and sulfur concretions

•  Walk on the craters at the top, emission of volcanic gas at an altitude of about 3340 meters

•  Panoramic picnic lunch on half the island, the Aeolian Islands and Valle del Bove from above

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Duration: Approx. 8 hours

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Period: From mid-May to mid-November

Schedule: 09:00-17:00 approx.

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Where: Etna Sud with an appointment at Rifugio Sapienza

Etna Nord with an appointment at Rifugio Citelli or Piano Provenzana

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Difficulties:  Difficult (1300-1600 meters elevation gain and 15-18 km of distance)

Requirements: Suitable for experienced hikers in excellent health.

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Important: Tour Forbidden to Heart Patients, Respiratory Problems (Asthma), Diabetics or High Blood Pressure

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Private Tour max 4 people

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Price

4 participants 120€ per person

3 participants 150€ per person

2 participants 210€ per person

1 participant 390€ per person

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Includes: trekking shoes, sticks, RC insurance, protective helmet and flashlight, hygienic cap.

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Reservation: Send a message on whatsapp or call +39 378 0861560 (Fabrizio)

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Required equipment: sportswear, suitable for high altitude, long trousers, backpack 20-30 litres,

T-shirt, windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snack/packed lunch, hat.

Program*

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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 from low to high altitudes.

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The first step will immediately be trekking, starting vertically the climb that will lead us from an altitude of about 2000 meters up to 3330 meters. Here we could observe the change of the various vegetation environments as we climb in altitude and discover an incredible variety of endemic plants of the volcano until we reach the ridge of the immense Valle del Bove.

The second step involves progression in the summit area, until you reach the craters at the top of the volcano to be covered 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 the return route, different from that of the outward journey, which includes the progression along recent lava flows and the ascent to one of the inactive side craters with a packed lunch (not included in the price) from a panoramic point and after this stop we will proceed again in trekking over a sandy gully to reach the starting point, thus ending the guided tour.

*The program may be subject to change at the discretion of the guide, depending on weather conditions or volcanic activity.