Excursion Hiking on mount etna tour at Catania

Embrace the spectacular panoramic beauty and vistas of Sicily from the tallest volcano in Europe during this scenic and invigorating, half-day hiking excursion on Mount Etna.

Catania, Mount Etna, Villages, Lemon Groves, Orchards, Vineyards, Lava Fields, Volcanic Cones

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the slopes of Etna Nord (Mount Etna), the largest active volcano in Europe. Winding your way through small villages, lemon groves, orchards, vineyards, and chestnut and pine woods, you gradually encounter the hardened lava fields scattered with volcanic cones en route to the Sartorious Mounts. Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour.

Sartorious Mounts, Ancient Craters, Citelli Refuge, Valley, Forests, Sea & Coastal Views

The Sartorius Mounts are ancient craters that originated during the 1865 lava flow. They owe their name to Sartorius Von Waltershausen, one of the first scientists who tried to catalogue Etna's eruptions. The starting point of the path is on the "Mareneve road" at a short distance from Citelli Refuge. At the end of your climb, the valley views are simply breath-taking. Down the valley, marvel at the panorama of the sea and coast, along with pine woods and ancient craters. Up the valley, take in exquisite views of the Sartorius Mounts and, behind them, the 'Frumento delle Concazze' Mount and Central Crater. The ground is often red-coloured because of the iron inclusions inside the lava rocks.

Piano Provenzana, Ionian Sea, Walking Tour, Shopping, Souvenirs

Following your walking tour, re-board your coach and head to Piano Provenzana, a ski resort located on the northern side of Mount Etna in the territory of Linguaglossa. Situated at approximately 5,938 feet (about 1,810 metres) above sea level and immersed in a large pine forest with the appearance of an alpine landscape, Piano Provenzana offers dramatic views of the Ionian Sea. This area was affected by the volcanic eruptions of 2002, and the damaged structures were reconstructed. Upon arrival, take a brief walking tour of the area and stop to browse for souvenirs. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Catania, Mount Etna, Villages, Lemon Groves, Orchards, Vineyards, Valleys, Forests, Lava Fields, Volcanic Cones, Sartorious Mounts, Piano Provenzana, Ionian Sea

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.86 miles (about three kilometres), at times over uneven and rocky natural surfaces, lava paths, and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guest with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests who suffer from vertigo, guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with sturdy, flat, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, a warm sweater or jacket, bottled water, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Restrooms stop is approximately after 3 hours from the beginning of the tour.