Grade

Moderate

Duration

12 Hours

Category

Day Tour

Tour Type

Private

Season

March - November

This is a Private Tour

This is a private tour to Etna Volcano from Palermo. Only in Summer we provide a similar collective tour, small size, with weekly departures from Palermo on Monday and Friday. Please click here for more details.

Palermo > Etna Volcano > Palermo
Approximately Travel Time and Unit: Full Day  –  350 Miles (560 Kilometers)

Season: this excursion is doable from March to November. 
Dress Code: use sturdy shoes, wind jacket and do not forget sun screen
Private Vehicle and English Speaking Driver Disposal: full day from h 7:30AM

Today meet our staff and departure for the Etna Natural Park to discover a beautiful Volcano rich in sounds, perfumes, and colors. Along the scenic drive we will stop at the the 2002 lava flow reachable through a winding curvy road surrounded by chestnut and oak forests. The 2002 eruption lasted from October 27th to January 29th 2003 and it is considered one of the most explosive eruptions of the past one hundred years. Continuing our excursion we will reach Rifugio Sapienza (1800 meters above sea level), a ski resort, theater of the great eruption of 2002. Here you will have free time to enjoy an excellent espresso and take a short walk to visit the Silvester Craters and the ruins of the hotel Le Betulle destroyed by a molten lava flow.

Ascent to the top is optional, available purchasing cable car tickets (Cable Car Fee: not included) directly 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.

Later back to Palermo.

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SUMMIT CRATERS
Ascent to the TOP is optional. Ascent fees NOT included
How to Ascent to the TOP?

Ascent from Rifugio Sapienza (Funivia dell’Etna) up to 2.500 mt (Montagnola)
Our staff will drive you to Rifugio Sapienza next to the Funivia dell’Etna. From here you can catch on the first cable car ride (Cable Car fee: around eur 30,00 per person payable on the spot) who moves you 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.
Ascent to the Summit from 2.500 mt (Montagnola) up to 2.920 mt
From the Montagnola (located at around 2.500 meters) you can jump on board on the UNI-MOG (Jeep WD4X4) to reach 2.800 meters with Licensed Etna Guide (Ascent fees: eur 70,00 per person payable on the spot included of the cable car ride tickets). The jeep will stop at around 2.800 at the Torre del Filosofo. From here guided hiking around the crater to reach 2.920 meters.

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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.

TOUR CODE: PMOETNA

Included
  • Credit Card fees
  • English speaking Driver
  • Legal Invoice
  • VAT
  • Vehicle with air conditioning
  • Visit as per itinerary (independent without booking of guide)
Not Included
  • Admission fees
  • Ascent fees
  • Beverage and meal not specified
  • Gratuities and tips
  • Licensed Tourist Guide
Contact us for more information
Only in Summer we provide a similar collective tour, small size, with weekly departures from Palermo on Monday and Friday.

Please click here for more details.