Ethical business
We are an idea born and made in Sicily with two ingredients, passion for nature and love for this country.
Local guides
We are a team of guides and outdoor experts with the mission to enhance Sicily
Green mind
We are deeply aware of environmental challenges and fully dedicated to driving impactful sustainability initiatives.
Valuable experiences
We only select activities with high naturalistic and experiential value
Why pick us?
What is the starting point?
To take part you will have to reach the meeting point marked below on your own. We remind you this is an approximate point, after confirmation you will receive an email with detailed instructions to partecipate.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Outdoor activities are always affected by weather conditions. Last-minute cancellations are possible. Cancellations by our organization always entitle you to a full refund of the deposit. To know the policy about bad weather visit the "Assistance" page, "Reservations" section.
What happens in case of an eruption?
Etna's eruptions are frequent and often unpredictable. To ensure the safety of our visitors, we are in constant contact with autority that's monitoring volcano, such as the Civil Protection and the INGV of Catania (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), which provide us with updates on volcanic activity. In the event of an eruption that involves the closure of the summit areas of Etna, we will promptly inform partecipants about. In case of cancellation every partecipant can choose whether to receive a refund of the deposit or move the booking to a new date.
What 4x4 vehicles are used for the ascent?
Two types of vehicles are used for the ascent: the Torsus, with a maximum capacity of 34 people, and the Mercedes Sprinter, which can accommodate up to 20 people. Both vehicles are equipped to tackle volcanic dirt roads with steep slopes. The choice of vehicle is made based on the number of participants, to optimize consumption and reduce emissions. The Mercedes Sprinter, with lower consumption, is used for smaller groups, while the Torsus is used when the number of participants exceeds 20 people, to ensure optimal efficiency.
Does this tour reach the highest point of Etna?
Yes, this tour reaches the top of Etna at an altitude of 3,340 meters above sea level. If you do not feel prepared to face an high altitude trek but still want to reach the summit areas of Etna you can opt for the Etna 3k Tour, you can take a look at this itinerary by clicking on the button below.
Faq
€ 120,00
Price per person. Online deposit of € 10 per person; Balance on site of € 110 per person.
It includes: Guide, 4x4 vehicles tickets (go an back), trekking shoes, poles, helmet, spare socks, insurence, jacket. It not includes: Lunch box, water, snacks, pick-up and drop-off, parking fee.
Pricing & Included stuffs
The ascent trail from the north side offers unique landscapes and panoramic views. Geological forces and nature coexist in a unique and unrepeatable symbiosis, giving rise to woods, green oasis, volcanic canal dominated by pioneer plants, craters, rift. The high-altitude trekking will lead you to discover immense volcanic valleys, pyroclastic deposits, lava fields immersed in the so-called lunar landscape up to the hugeness of the central crater, from whose edge we will discover the processes and the titanic forces that have shaped the highest active volcano in Europe.
Ascension steps
Meeting Point at 7:45am at the base camp in Piano Provenzana station (Look start point);
Ascent* by 4x4 vehicles up to the Volcanological Observatory of Pizzi Deneri at 2850 meters
Start of the high altitude trek up to the central crater at an altitude of 3340 meters (470 meters of difference in level);
Lunch break;
Descent trek down to 2.850 meters;
On boar 4x4 vehicles descent down to the Starting Station at 1800 meters above see level. Return time around 3.00pm.
*This activity may be subject to modifications, even while in progress, due to safety of participants. Please note that this is the north-side ascent, and the cable car will not be used.
Activity description
📅 Availability
From April to October by reservation.
🤔 Who can do it?
Everybody welcome with a base fitness level.
🔓 Refund policy
Cancellation within 4 days: full refund. Within 24 hours: refund via voucher. In the previous 24 hours: no refund.
🚨 Warnings
This activity is not suitable for pregnant or those with cardiovascular conditions, respiratory disorders, or hypertension. It is also not recommended for individuals who do not engage in regular physical activity or hiking, or for those has vertigo. Please note that this activity takes place at high altitude, which may cause symptoms of fatigue or altitude-related discomfort. It is essential to be aware of your physical condition and inform the guide of any relevant medical or psychological issues. The use of contact lenses is discouraged due to potential exposure to volcanic gases and ash, which may cause irritation or discomfort.
🧭 Hike details
Length: 5 km; Elevation gain +350 metres; Max altitude: 3.340 metres
🕒 How long does it last?
This experience lasts 5-hours and start in the Morning at 8:00am.
🗣️ Languages
Italian, English.
🥾 Recommended clothing
Layered trekking clothing, long pants, trekking shoes, sunglasses, windbreaker. In the backpack (10/15 liters): hat and gloves, sunscreen, spare socks, gaiters, spare t-shirt, bandana to protect yourself from dust and volcanic gases (we remind trekking shoes and poles are provided for free).
🥖 🥛 Food & Water
For this activity you can bring a lunch box according to your needs with snacks, bars, and at least 2 liters of water (not included).
📋 Required skills
To get part to this excursion it is necessary to be in good physical and mental health and not suffer of hypertension, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, obesity. Minimum age 12 years old.
🅿️ Parcheggio
Parking for a fee available on site (3€ full day).
Activity features
Ascent to the top crater of Etna an altitude of 3.340 meters above sea level. A mixed tour with 4x4 vehicles up to the volcanological observatory and high-altitude trek through volcanic deserts, fumaroles and pyroclastic debris, to conquer the summit with the view of the 3 summit craters.
Environmental impact assessment
Mid
Sustainability
Grafico alta sostenibilita
Thanks to the use of latest generation vehicles with limited consumption and low emissions, this tour estimates 0.35 kg of CO2 and water vapor emissions into the atmosphere per participant. There is no soil pollution or excessive noise pollution, thanks to the low noise of the engines. Furthermore, the tour does not cause damage to the flora, the ascent follow the road with no off-track. The trek does not have any type of environmental impact, neither in terms of emissions nor on flora and fauna.
* All environmental assessments are the result of internal analyses of The Island of Wonders. These have no scientific value, but represent assessments of professionals people who collaborate on sustainability projects of The island of Wonders. Therefore, although carefully drafted, they may contain errors and/or estimation that do not correspond to reality.
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How it works
1
Make a reservation
Reservation doesn't involve any payment. The deposit will be pre-authorized and charged only after confirmation.
2
Receive response
Your reservation can be confirmed, rejected or you will receive a modification proposal you could accept or decline. In case of reject or decline the deposit will be released on your payment method. Check always your email including spam to get all updates.
3
Get ready for adventure
After confirmation you will receive an email with detailed instructions to get activity.
Etna summit tour
The experience was amazing. Especially Vincenzo, our guide had incredible knowledge about the vulcano and gave us great insight in the background of Etna.
Due to the restricted climb on top we were not allowed to go to the summit, but we did not have the feeling like we were missing something at the trip.
Great experience.
May 5, 2022
Gregor Sirec
Etna
Esperienza davvero bella, viste incredibili, trekking in discesa molto divertente e per nulla proibitivo dal punto di vista fisico. Decisamente consigliato!
August 28, 2021
Rinaldo
Bellissima esperienza
Una bella escursione con una guida preparata, disponibile e simpatica.
August 12, 2021
Fabrizio Spucches
What people say
Reviews 331
Score 5
Best review 5
Worst revies 5