Pick-up (Taormina and Nearby Area)
We will pick you up outside/nearby your accommodation in Taormina or in its close vicinity (depending on the accommodation’s location, we will organize a convenient meeting point) between 8.30 and 9.00 AM. Each of our minivans can accommodate up to 8 participants.
Guided trekking at 2750 – 2900 MT
Drive to Mount Etna and start the ascent to the summit area; depending on the availability and the circumstances the ascent will be either carried out from Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South-East) by cableway and off-road vehicle or from Piano Provenzana (Etna North-East) by off-road vehicles only.
Once at the summit area, you will start an easy hike; our naturalistic guide and a volcanological guide will lead you to the base of the active craters through deserts of black ashes. The expert guides will show you extinct craters as well as introduce you to the spectacular volcanic phenomena that occurred over time. You will admire the central craters from a close distance.
Volcanic Cave
Equipped with helmets and torchlights that we will provide for free, you will be able to get in the volcanic underground and visit one of the striking volcanic caves of our volcano; during this part the guide will explain origins, characteristics and uses of the of this fascinating volcanic phenomenon.
Lunch
You will then stop for lunch in a restaurant or a winery in the area. You will taste an authentic Sicilian lunch made from fresh typical products and local wine (vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options available upon request).
Alcantara Gorges
As final step of the day, you will stop at the River Park of the Alcantara Gorges. These originated when thick lava flows reached the icy Alcantara river and formed these geometrically perfect rocks. You will have some time to walk along the watercourse and relax; the sight of this river streaming through the high walls that form the gorge will amaze you.
Drop-off
At the end of the Mount Etna Summit Area tour, at around 6.00/6.30 PM, the guide will drop you off at the starting point.
Included in the booking
Naturalistic English-speaking guide (geologists, volcanologists, forestry-experts or agronomists); pickup and transport, ascent via cable car or off-road vehicles, lunch, entrance fee to the Alcantara Gorges, insurance and equipment.
Languages
English and Italian. Spanish and French are available upon request, if informed with adeguate notice.
Requirements
This activity is suitable for people of all ages with good health conditions. We don’t recommend participation to those who are not in a good state of health, especially to those suffering from cardio-respiratory conditions.
Itinerary changes
The itinerary might be subjected to variations due to factors such as weather conditions and/or if deemed necessary. In order to offer an optimal service, the agency can decide to make use of the ascent service by either cable way and off road vehicle on the Etna South-East side, or exclusively by off-road vehicles on the Etna North-East side; both solutions guarantee to get to the summit area.