Explore the peak region of the volcano. Hike through paths formed by volcanic bombs and slag leading up to the edges of Etna’s craters. Marvel at the phenomena, enveloped in the gasses from the warm fumaroles and the hues of the crystalized rocks caused by the sublimation process. All of this is enhanced by detailed commentary from our certified volcanological guides.

Itinerary:
• 08:30 meet up at the Esagonal Bar’s parking lot
• 09:00 intended start time
• Initial overview
• Purchase transport service tickets with the guidance of your guide.
• Arrival at 2500 meters altitude via the cable car
• Start of the 5km walk up to the Summit Craters
• 5km downhill trek until the cable car’s landing place at 2500mt
• Journey back to Rifugio Sapienza 1900mt
• Total duration: 5 hours
• Total distance: 9.5 km
• Difficulty: suited for seasoned hikers

Suggested gear:
• K-way or Hat and gloves (depending on the season) and long pants.

• This type of itinerary, in relation to the type, is suited to people in good physical health, not suffering from particular diseases (breathing ones, or hypertension)
• The excursion could be subjected to variations at the discretion of the Guides, or it could be interrupted in case of changes of the environmental, climatic or volcanic conditions, so as to undermine the safety of the entire group.
• The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force.
• 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 Guide know about them, in order to reduce the occurrence of any problems and to avoid any risks.
• The route consists of the ascent and the walking along the crater edges, this may cause dizziness to susceptible individuals.
• 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.
• The trekking requires a discrete preparation on a physical level. Being a path that develops at high altitude, it will be easy to accuse symptoms of fatigue. It is required attention, since it is a volcanic active area, subjected to constant gaseous exhalations and composed by a soil constituted by inconsistent and unstable rocks.
• Without adequate shoes you are not covered by insurance.
• Pregnant women who have passed the third month of pregnancy are not allowed to take part to any excursion activity.
• Because of the continuous and unpredictable evolution of the volcanic activity, the excursions could undergo variations, or, in extreme cases, be cancelled, at the discretion of the guide for safety reasons.