Volcano Adventure
DT06
Individual Guided Hiking Tour
private day trip
Mount Etna is the second most active volcano on earth and there’s no better place on earth to witness and understand the forces and the power of volcanoes. It dominates the skyline of Catania at the highest point of 3,350 meters and its summit is visible from anywhere on Sicily’s east side. The hike is hosted by an expert alpine guide.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Live the unique experience to walk on the highest active volcano in Europe
- Climb the top of the volcano and look inside its smoking craters
- Enjoy breathtaking views on the whole eastern Sicily seaboard, up to the Eolie Islands
- Take advantage of the personal expertise and deep knowledge of your qualified alpine guide
– from Catania or Taormina areas: 2 hrs.
Our tour starts from the Rifugio Sapienza, at 1,910 meters above sea level, on the southern access point of Mount Etna. Should you need some equipment, you can rent here from some local shops. We begin first on board of the cable car and then board a four wheel drive jeep, up to 2,900 meters high. From here starts the climb to the top. It is challenging, but it’s worth the effort. When you reach the upper slopes at 3,350 meters, the air is considerably cooler. It smells like a chemistry laboratory, but the lunar ground beneath your feet is still warm from the lava. It is so impressive to be close to the active craters; nothing grows so far up. The views are superb and we can see at close quarters, the active vents, the fumaroles area, the eruptive fractures and the awesome cinder cones that were opened, on the upper volcano’s flanks, during the spectacular eruptions of 2001 and 2002-03. On our way back, we head south on foot, towards the impressive craters passing around the Cisternazza crater. Here, the amazing view of the the Valle del Bove, a
site of layers upon layers of lava flows, vie for our attention. Finally, we come back down on the soft sandy slopes along the southern face of the “Montagnola”.
PRICE
It is calculated per person according to the number of participants and pick up place, as follows:
2 pax – 3 pax – 4 pax – 5 pax – 6 pax – 7 pax – 8 pax.
With more participants than two people the price lowers gradually. Over 14 years old, same price as adults. (it is applied a 20% off to guys aged 12-14, who travel with at least two full paying adults).
For exact price calculation, please, send us inquiry via e-mail
Inclusions:
– Private pickups in your convenient point in Catania or Taormina areas;
– Alpine guide/driver
– Private car service.
Exclusions:
– Rental equipment, if you need it.
-One way ticket for cable car and 4WD vehicle, payable on site directly
– Packed lunch (meal and drinks are not included in this tour)
– Personal expenses
– Tips and gratuities
– Optional activities cost
Please note
– Participants must not suffer from asthma, blood pressure problems, heart ailments and other respiratory problems.
– Take into account the high mountain conditions (strong wind, cold and snow sometimes even in summer) so, please, wear different layers of clothing so you can adapt to the many sudden changes in the weather that you could meet on mount Etna, even in Summer. Proper shoes for rugged terrain and a wind-proof jacket are recommended.
– The guide can modify the expected route because of a high level of volcanic hazard, in the summit area, or for bad weather conditions .[/su_note]
Privately, a booking form – which incorporates all terms and conditions (deposit, payment, cancellation and responsibility) – will be sent you, to be signed for acceptance. If the booking is made within 30 days before the tour’s start date, the full amount is required at the time of reservation. The deposit will be treated as part payment of the total amount due. Inquiry