Mount Etna Tour from Catania

Today you are greeted at Catania hotel and driven to the Etna Natural Park-South Side (Rifugio Sapienza) a beautiful Volcano rich in sounds, perfumes, and colors. On arrival, those interested in experiencing the Etna craters will have the opportunity to explore the Silvestri Craters and also the option to ascent to the top (by Funivia dell’Etna Cable car company) purchasing cable car tickets (Cable Car Fee: not included) on the spot (weather and volcanic conditions permitting) to experience the lava fields and incredible landscape view from Europe’s highest and most active volcano.

How to Ascent to the TOP?
You can ascent to the top in two ways: up to 2.500 meters or you can continue the trip up to 2.920 meters:
AAA: how to ascent to the top up to 2.500 meters
from Rifugio Sapienza we can catch on the first cable car ride (Cable Car fee: around eur 30,00 per person payable on the spot) up to 2.500 meters (Montagnola). Upon arrival at 2.500 meters you can walk around or hiking or just take a cappuccino at the bar overlooking the area.
BBB: how to ascent to the top from 2.500 meters up to 2.920 meters
from the Montagnola (located at around 2.500 meters) you can jump on board on the UNI-MOG (mini-coach WD4X4) to reach 2.800 meters with Licensed Etna Guide (Ascent fees: around eur 66,00 per person payable on the spot). Hiking to reach 2.920 meters.

Later we drive back to Catania hotel.

This tour is operated with English speaking Driver.

TOUR DETAILS & BOOKING INFORMATION

DRESS CODE:
-from March to May & from October to November: pack winter coat and dress sturdy shoes or hiking boots;
-from June to September: pack a waterproof shell and dress in layers. Dress comfortable shoes or sneakers; do not forget you sun screen, sun glasses and sun hat.

AS REGARDS THE VISIT TO MT. ETNA
Mount Etna is an important Sicilian highlights and it is an active volcano located on the east cost of Sicily. It is the largest volcano in Europe, reaching a height of approximately 3,326m (10,910 ft) above sea level. Etna covers an area of 1190 sq km (460 sq miles), which the base circumference of about 140km. This makes it the largest active volcano in Italy.
The ancient Greeks believed it to be the home of Vulcan, the god of fire – to them, Mount Etna erupting merely meant Vulcan was forging weapons for Mars, the god of war.
The fertile volcanic soil supports extensive agriculture. Vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south side of Sicily. In this side there are a multitude of vineyards and olive groves. As you climb higher, the lowlands evolve into dense woods sheltering a surprisingly large number of animal species that call the mountainside home, until you are left at the third tier of the mountain, a spartan wasteland of historic lava flows and volcanic ash. Dotted with snow most of the year, some of the lava is dated at 300,000 years old.
Mount Etna does not represent a great attraction exclusively for the presence of its eruptions. It’s also a wonderful natural park with evocative landscapes. The are forests green of the vineyards and beautiful walking paths for excursions on Etna. It’s easy to walk in the park and fell the nature renaissance into the destructive scenery of the past eruptions hear voices of animals and enjoy the peace. The vegetation of the Etna-North is subject to continuous changes due to the several eruptions that have changed its landscapes. At lower altitudes there nut forests apple forests and chestnut trees; At 2000 meters there are the faggio and the birch; between the 2500 meters and the 3000 meters there is the volcanic desert.