EXCURSION TO THE SUMMIT CRATERS OF ETNA UP TO 3300M FROM THE NORTH | WITH 4×4 VEHICLES (ROUNDTRIP)

Appointment at the Mareneve bar kiosk, at Piano Provenzana,1800 mt at: 7:45am or at: 1:15pm

Departures planned at 8:00am and 1:30pm

Expected return at 1.30pm and 6.00pm (approximately)

Ascent with special 4×4 vehicles from Piano Provenzana along the magnificent panoramic road of Etna Nord

Arrival at an altitude of 2960 meters

Start of the 3km uphill trek to the Etna Summit Craters at an altitude of 3300m

Visit to the craters of the top of Etna

Beginning of the 2km downhill trek Descent on soil made up of sand and slag up to an altitude of 2825 meters

Return by off-road vehicles from an altitude of 2825 m to Piano Provenzana 1800 m

Total duration of the trek: approximately 4.5 hours

Total km : 5 km (variable value)

Maximum altitude reached on foot: 3300 meters

Minimum height reached on foot: 2825 m

Difference in altitude: 330 m (variable value)

Downhill altitude difference: 470 m (variable value)

Difficulty : For people used to moving regularly

Departures scheduled by Piano Provenzana every day by reservation at 8:00AM and at 13:00PM (if weather conditions allow).

On board special 4×4 vehicles you will climb along the panoramic road of the north side of Etna through ancient craters and recent lava flows up to an altitude of 2960 meters.

Subsequently the ascent of 3km on foot will begin on a path made up of bombs and volcanic slag. The difference in altitude to be covered uphill will be 330 meters until you reach the real Central Crater of Etna, at an altitude of 3300 meters, during the climb you will take breaks (for explanations and refreshments).

Once at the summit, we stop to admire the grandeur and uniqueness of the volcanic environment, the processes connected to it and the spectacular view from the roof of Sicily (visibility may vary depending on the weather or volcanic conditions).

The 2km descent will take place along the same route taken uphill, only the last stretch will take place inside small channels made up of soft and friable volcanic slag, on which it is possible to walk easily without major problems by adopting the necessary precautions. Returning to an altitude of 2825 meters you will board the 4×4 vehicles for the return to Piano Provenzana.

Lunch

Bottled water

Snacks

K-way (rain jacket)

Windbreaker

Parking ticket (3€ for the whole day – to be paid on the spot)

Authorized Volcanological Guide

Tickets off-road vehicles (round trip) from an altitude of 1800 m. at an altitude of 2960 m. and from an altitude of 2825 m. to an altitude of 1800 m.

Trekking poles

Trekking shoes

Extra socks

Protective helmets

Accident insurance

Winter jackets

Trekking is not recommended for those who does not do physical activity regularly.

The excursion requires a good preparation on a physical level. Because of it results to be a high height path, it would be easy to experience symptoms of fatigue.

It is required also to be careful, since it is volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.

The excursion could be subjected to variations at the discretion of the Guides, or it could be interrupted in case of changes of the environmental, climatic or volcanic conditions, so as to undermine the safety of the entire group.

The total time of the trekking trail will depends on the general pace.

The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force.

The route is also suited for children over 13 years old.

The route consists of the ascent and the walking along the crater edges, this may cause dizziness to susceptible individuals.

This type of itinerary, in relation to the type, is suited to people in good physical health, not suffering from particular disease (it is strongly discouraged to those who suffer from cardio-vascular problems, breathing problems or hypertension).

We recommend not to use contact lens, because of the exhaled volcanic gases and of ash. This last one could easily cause problems, if pushed.

Pregnant women who have passed the third month of pregnancy are not allowed to take part to any excursion activity.

For the success of the excursion and for its correct carrying out, it’s good to know perfectly your health conditions and, if necessary, let the Guides know about them, in order to reduce the occurrence of any problem and to avoid any risks.

Breakfast

Snacks

Layered outfit (short sleeved t-shirt, long sleeved or thermal t-shirt) – (it may vary according to the season)

Trekking shoes Windbreaker or quilted jacket

Hat and gloves (especially in spring and autumn)

Water – minimum 1,5 L per person 

Possibility to rent trekking shoes + jacket on site assisted by the guide who will accompany you

Trekking sticks

K-way (rainproof jacket)

Backpack 25/30 L

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Extra socks

Long pants

Rainproof jacket

Extra t-shirt

Handkerchief or bandana (to protect yourself from the dust or the volcanic gases)

• In the event of adverse weather conditions, we will advise you in order to communicate the cancellation or postponement of your excursion, at the earliest possible date.
• There is no advance payment for the reservation (except for agencies, groups or private services), after communicating your reservation to our number: +39 345 5741330 you will pay directly the guide who will be with you on the day of the excursion.
• In case of many requests, the participants will be divided into smaller groups with different guides, according to the languages in order to avoid the formation of large groups of people.