Etna Off-The-Beaten-Path: Volcanological Trek & 4x4 Tour
4.9
77 Ratings
Città metropolitana di Catania
Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure on Mount Etna, exploring craters, lava flows, and volcanic supply ducts. Trek and ride in a 4x4 vehicle for a complete and fascinating experience.
Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mount Etna - The route is a valid alternative to the Summit Craters, and is among the most complete and fascinating that can be offered, suitable for those who want to walk between fractures, visit lava caves and huge craters. The route of great volcanological interest, provides for a maximum altitude of 2860 meters reachable by 4x4 vehicle near Pizzi Deneri, after which the vehicle will take us to the edge of one of the craters on the north side of Etna, where the trek to the fracture of 24 February 1947 will visit volcanic chimneys entering from the effusive mouths, the path will continue among the craters of countless lateral eruptions:1914/24,1809,1874,1879,1911,1923,1974/75 and more recent in 2002 for a total of 6 km until Piano Provenzana.
What's Included
  • Entry/Admission to Mount Etna
  • Licensed Volcanological Guide
  • Trekking gear provided including poles, shoes, and helmets
  • Warm clothing provided, including extra socks and jackets
  • Complimentary extra backpack
  • Accident insurance
What's Not Included
  • windbreaker
  • Parking ticket (3€ for the whole day)
  • (50€ per person to be paid on the spot) for vehicles 4x4 from 1800m. at 2800m. from 2800m. at 2500m.
  • Transport service from your accommodation
Additional Information

The path provides a remarkable alternative to the leading craters and is one of the volcano’s comprehensive and intriguing adventures, ideal for those wanting to traverse through craters, ground crevices, lava rivers, and distinct volcanic feed conduits, where the molten magma once surged. The trek with a keen volcanological appeal involves an upward journey on dedicated 4x4 vehicles from 1800-meter to 2800-meter altitude (making a total of 8 km route), guided by a volcanological expert initiating onboard elucidations. The expedition includes visiting the Etna’s north side chasm or (Rift), stepping into an impeccably preserved volcanic cone’s shaft wearing safety helmets, exploring the apertures responsible for generating the lava streams. The voyage continues along the rim of vast craters, through downhills made of volcanic ash, visiting craters from countless ancillary blasts.

  • This type of itinerary, in relation to the type, is suited to people in good physical health, not suffering from particular disease (it is strongly discouraged to those who suffer from cardio-vascular problems, breathing problems or hypertension).
  • The route consists of the ascent and the walking along the crater edges, this may cause dizziness to susceptible individuals.
  • The excursion requires a good preparation on a physical level. Because of it results to be a high height path, it would be easy to experience symptoms of fatigue.
  • Trekking is not recommended for those who does not do physical activity regularly.
  • For the success of the excursion and for its correct carrying out, it’s good to know perfectly your health conditions and, if necessary, let the Guides know about them, in order to reduce the occurrence of any problem and to avoid any risks.
  • It is required also to be careful, since it is volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.
  • The route is also suited for children over 6 years old.
  • We recommend not to use contact lens, because of the exhaled volcanic gases and of ash. This last one could easily cause problems, if pushed.
Location
CHIOSCO BAR MARENEVE DI FERRARO
Via Provenzana
The meeting point is located in the parking lot near the active chairlift at Eta Nord in winter. The bar is the second house of the 4 present in the parking lot. Please note that our meeting point is the "Chiosco Bar Mareneve" not the "Chiosco Bar Etna Nord".
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(77 Ratings)
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682j_r_miem
Oct 26, 2023
An amazing tour on the North side of Etna - We just had an amazing time there. Our guide Linda was so knowledgeable about the volcano and all the surroundings it was marvelous! Very well organised, Breath taking views. Such a treat! Thank you to all the team.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Krist_fw2023
Jun 23, 2023
Great hike on the beautiful Etna - The view was stunning. Downhill was very exciting in the sand. Guides were very friendly. Suitable equipment were provided. Great experience! Recommended!
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Grahamc56
Jun 17, 2023
Breathtaking experience on Mount Etna - The whole experience was amazing. Communication was exceptional from the moment we booked the trek. The original date was cancelled due to thunderstorms but was easily rescheduled for 2 days later Arriving at the meeting point was so easy and Poldo was there to greet us and provide all the equipment needed. The drive up in the off road bus was brilliant. Then the trek began which was breathtaking. Words or even pictures cannot do it justice. It has to be experienced. Poldo’s explanation of the science behind volcanoes was gripping and inspiring. Just at the right level with the right detail. The walk was not difficult and anyone with a reasonable level of fitness could do it. We were so lucky with the weather. Clouds inevitably rolled over from time to time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R3233ooaimees
Jul 29, 2022
Amazing experience - Really nice hike with a great guide. Beautiful views of many different craters and very educational.
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Mayorgac
Jul 19, 2022
Amazing excursion! - A friend of ours recommended visiting the Etna through guide vulcanologiche Etna nord, what a good recommendation! We did the wild side tour where we saw plenty of volcanic craters (old and new), old lava rivers, caves, and breathtaking views! The guides were all really prepared and organized, they were providing boots, jackets, trekking poles, helmets, etc., and they were checking everyone and making sure we were ready. We were just a small group of four with our guide Poldo. He was very knowledgeable and explained to us every single thing we saw, plus how the volcano works and a bit of history too. You could tell he really liked what he was doing. The advantage of the north side of the volcano is the lack of tourists. We were the only people on the volcano and we could enjoy the tour and the amazing views almost by ourselves. Totally recommended!
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W6494nbsaram
Jun 29, 2022
Unique experience - Beautiful view of the wildest area of Etna, little known and therefore completely intact from a natural point of view. You get to understand the essence of the vulcano in the absolute quiet of o small group of people. Vincenzo was more than an exceptional guide; he is a volcanologist with scientific knowledge and spoke fluent Italian, French and English. You need to be equipped with good trekking shoes as you will go deep in the volcanic dust, bring plenty of water and a hat (no shade available on mount Etna, but we went during very hot days in June). The guides will provide you with some additional bits or with whatever you need. We always felt completely safe. In summary fascinating experience; hard walking but incredibly rewarding, and unique in terms of the Etna you will see.
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Eleonorepv
Sep 22, 2021
Magique 💛 le souvenir d'une vie - Perfect excursion, amazing professionnal guide, Domenico, who speaks perfectly Italiano, English and French. He's funny and will answer all your questions about volcanos 🌋. We had the privilege to observe an eruption, so that was quite an experience. This tour is not expensive compared to all the others your can find at the south, and the view from North is amazing. Less tourist, more green, we loved it 🥰
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Dieter10us
Sep 18, 2021
A clear recomment for this tour - excellent and informative tour to Etna Nord. Very good explanations from the tourguide about the vulcano and the different activities. Uphill to about 2900 m (higher was not alowed by law this year) was done by a offroad car - magnificent view up to 3300 m. 7 km walk through lava fields, craters and watching a cave mostly downhill. Only a basic trekking condition is needed. Beside vulcano trekking and Informations we had a lot off fun as well a clear recommendation from us to do this tour.
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Trek20107053707
Aug 16, 2021
Ferragosto on Etna - We enjoyed our hike with Daniele very much, he was very knowledgeable and explained the geological and historical details in a very accessible way, answering all our questions 😅 unfortunately it was not possible to get to the top due to recent eruptions but the tour was very special anyway. Not as crowded as the southern access to the Etna, a “real” experience immersed in stunning nature. Highly recommended!
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Clairem-play
Aug 10, 2021
Great experience - We had a fabulous time. Vincenzo was a great interesting guide. We are a family of 4, with a 12 and a 14 y.o. and it all went very well. I recommend this trekking (eventhough I can't compare it with others in the area) I am so glad I picked this one. They were also very helpful and well equipped. Thank you to them for this great time.
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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