Map of Etna
Excursion Photos
Excursions
PEAK ZONE OF ETNA (an altitude of 3.300 m a.s.l.)
The excursion that we propose has as scenery the craters of Etna.
The departure is from the Rifugio Sapienza (at 1.900 m a. s. l.- South Etna). First you will take first a modern cable car and then a special off road minibus to reach 2.900 m, where, with an authorized mountain guide you will walk until 3.300 m. From this altitude you can admire the impressive summit of Etna.
During the descent it is possible to explore the flows of the eruptions of July -August 2001 and of the 2002.03 and see the huge "Bove Valley ", a large subsidence in the side of Etna. This area which was involved in older eruptions contains now the lavas of the recent eruptions.
This excursion which differs from the traditional trip, permits you to reach the top of the highest active volcano in Europe, in a unique scenery. This excursion takes place every day at about 10.30 in the morning, It lasts about 6 hours. It is quite hard.
BOVE VALLEY
This route that we propose will give you the opportunity to visit the Bove Valley, an extensive depression that opened up on the eastern side of the mountain. It formed about 100.000 years ago by a succession of collapses widened up as a result of an erosion. The Bove Valley collects inside the ancient eruptive centres of Etna such as the "Calanna", the "Trifoglietto" and the "Mongibello Antico", which are no more visible covered up by recent lava flows.
After have reached 2.900 m by cable car and a special off road minibus, have visited the places of the eruptions 2001 and 2002.03, you will go down a sandy canal up to a valley where, crossing various temporary cones and immense lava expanses, you will get near a rock called "Acqua Rocca degli Zappini", where there used to be a small waterfall among the steep sides of this site immersed in a wonderful beach-wood.
This excursion It lasts about 6 hours, It is quite hard but in the other hand It is a rout of rare beauty.
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ERUPTIVE THEATRE OF THE 2002/2003 EUPTION
The route that we propose develops on the southern side of Etna and has as scenery the craters of the recent 2002.03 eruption. The departure is from the Rifugio Sapienza (at 1.900 m a. s. l.- South Etna) first you’ll take a modern cable car afterwards a special off road minibus to reach 2.900 m, where, accompanied by an authorized mountain guide you will visit the craters born during the eruption of 2002.03, which changed this side of the volcano. From this altitude you can also observe the summit of Etna in its beauty and a suggestive scenery.
This trip takes place every day, It takes about 3 hours and It is very easy.
NATURE PATH: MONTE NERO DEGLI ZAPPINI
The path develops on the southern side of the volcano at an altitude of 1.700 m in the area between Vetore Plain, the Blach Mountain and the Forester property. This route brings together both important geological and botanical elements, in fact you can admire old eruptive centres, immense lava extensive, hornitos, some endemic plants of Etna such as broom, pioneer larch pine, the oak, the beeches and an uncontested nature at the feet of the highest volcano in Europe. Furthermore you can visit the "S. Barbara Grotto", an old "tacca", a place used to collect snow to be brought down in the valley during the summer and the botanical garden called "New Gussonea".
This characteristic route is particularly suitable for the students, It needs to be booked in advance, It takes about 2 hours and It's fairly easy.
MOUNTAIN BIKE EXCURSION "PISTA ALTOMONTANA"
The excursion by mountain bike develops along a mountainous track, inside the forest property, mostly on the western side of Etna. Departure from Vetore Plain, at an altitude of about 1.700 mt on the south side of the volcano, you will cross various eruptive cones and etudes of lava, different woody and vegetable formations, some lava grotto and several refuges where It is possible to have a rest. The route is particular interesting for the variety and the beauty of the places visited.
Equipment
for the excursions more long are of primary importance:
» trekking boots
» jackets
» knapsack
» long trousers
» some sandwich and water.
Other Info
If you need further information, please contact us on our e-mail address, we will be glad to answer your questions.
It is possible to organize some visit in the grottoes, for example in the Ice Grotto, in the Raspberry Grotto and in the Three Levels Grotto.
Sunset and Sunrise Excursions.
It is possible to organize the Crossing of Etna.
It is possible to have an individual guide, for all the people that to wish to visit Etna alone or with some friends.
Excursions with Italian or foreign schools, for the students of primary and secondary school.
Excursions during the winter season by mountaineering ski.
We have only expert and authorized mountain guides.
Mountain Bike Rental