- Mount Etna - Schedule
Appointment at the Chiosco Bar Mareneve, 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 off-road vehicles from Piano Provenzana.
Arrival at a height of 2825 mt.
Start of the walking tour in total 4 km up to the Summit Craters of Etna at 3300 meters
Descent on terrain made up of sand and slag to an altitude of 2825m
Downhill with special off-road vehicles from an altitude of 2825 mt to Piano Provenzana at 1800 mt.
Total time of the trekking trail: 4,5 hours
Total kilometres: 7,5 (it may vary)
Maximum altitude reached: 3300 mt.
Minimum altitude reached: 2825 mt.
Total climb uphill: 470 mt (it may vary)
Total climb downhill: 470 mt (it may vary)
Difficulty: E (Excursionists- For hikers used to walking at high altitudes)
- Comprehensive accident insurance
- Safety with protective helmets
- Quality trekking gear included
- Expert Volcanological Guide
- Off road vehicle (from 1800mt to 2825mt round trip): 70 Euro per person to be paid on the spot
- K-way (rain jacket), hat and gloves (during autumn, winter and spring)
- Parking ticket (3 Euro full day)
- Transport service from your accomodation
- Lunch
Departures from Piano Provenzana are scheduled with off-road transportations, taking the scenic route up to the northern face of Mt. Etna, traversing old craters and fresh lava streams to reach up to the 2825 mt mark. From here, a foot journey commences (covering a 470mt positive altitude difference), walking through a trail surrounded by volcanic debris and cinders until reaching the Central Crater at an altitude of 3300 mt, where a pause will be taken to marvel at the majestic, unique, and ongoing phenomena of this unique volcanic landscape, along with the breathtaking view from Sicily’s apex (the visibility is subject to change based on weather or volcanic conditions). The descent retraces the same route, with the final stretch navigated inside small channels created by soft and crumbly volcanic cinders, which provide an easy footing provided that necessary precautions are taken, until reaching a point at 2825 mt where off road vehicles will bring us back to Piano Provenzana.
- 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.
- We recommend not to use contact lenses, because of the exhaled volcanic gases and of ash. This last one could easily cause problems, if pushed.
- 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).
- The excursion is not suited for children under 12 years old
- The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force.
- 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.
- It is required also to be careful, since it is volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.
- 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.
- Trekking is not recommended for those who does not do physical activity regularly.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
