Etna Summit Area – Top Easy Tour from Taormina
One day dedicated to the beauty of Etna's Summit Area, good food and the stunning Alcantara Gorges.
Etna Summit Area – Top Easy Tour from Taormina
Departure
For our Etna Summit Area – Top Easy tour, we will pick you up outside/nearby your accommodation in Taormina or in its close vicinity. Depending on the accommodation’s location, we will organize a convenient meeting point.
First stop: Guided light trekking at the Etna Summit (2750-2900 mt.)
Once you will get to Mount Etna you will start the ascent to the summit. Depending on the current availability and conditions, you will either perform the ascent by cableway and off-road vehicles (from Rifugio Sapienza on the South-East side of Etna) or by off-road vehicles only (from Piano Provenzana on the North-East side of Etna).
Once completed the ascent, you will start a light trekking around the base of the summit area of Mount Etna; our naturalistic guide and a volcanological guide will walk you through deserts of black ashes and extinct craters. The view of the craters from a close distance will amaze you!
Second stop: Volcanic cave
After lunch, equipped with helmets and torchlights that we will provide for free, you will be able to get in the volcanic underground and visit one of the striking volcanic caves of our volcano. During this part, the guide will explain origins, characteristics and uses of the of this fascinating volcanic phenomenon.
Lunch break
Once back at the basis of the cableway, you will stop by a restaurant or a winery in the area. There, you will taste an authentic typical Sicilian lunch made from fresh typical products and local wine (vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options available upon request).
Third stop: Visit of the Alcantara Gorges
Subsequently, as the final step of the day, you will stop at the River Park of the Alcantara Gorges. These were created when thick lava flows reached the icy Alcantara river and formed these geometrically perfect rocks. You will be amazed at the sight of this river streaming through the high walls that form the gorge, and will be able to walk along the watercourse.
Return
Finally, at the end of the trip, the guide will drop you off at the starting point.
Important Information
Recommended equipment
We remind you to wear sneakers (trainers or trekking shoes) with socks as well as a winter jacket since the temperature at that altitude is generally 10-15 ° C lower than Taormina. In case of snow, we also recommend bringing with you a second pair of socks. We can provide snowshoes and walking sticks. If you think you are not well equipped, please let us know when booking: we will provide the proper footwear and outerwear.
We also suggest bringing a bottle of water for the trekking as well as a towel and swimwear for the stop Alcantara Gorges (summer only).
Itinerary variation
The itinerary might be subjected to variations due to factors such as weather conditions and/or if deemed necessary.
In order to offer an optimal experience, depending on the current conditions and circumstances, the company can decide to either make the ascent by the cableway/off-road vehicles (on the South-East side of Etna) or by off-road vehicles exclusively (on the Northside of the Etna); both services guarantees to get to the summit area of Mount Etna.
Please note that, in any case, the maximum reachable altitude may vary due to volcanic activity and weather conditions, and the contingent municipal laws restricting the maximal height. The agency – in agreement with the guides – can, at any time, modify or cancel the excursion if deemed necessary for the safety of the group.
In case of bad weather, the guide may change the itinerary for safety reasons. In some cases, the itinerary may be converted into a 2000-meters trekking tour.
Included in the price
- Naturalistic English-speaking guide (geologists, volcanologists, forestry-experts or agronomists)
- Pick-up in a jeep or minibus from Taormina;
- Vulcanological Guide;
- Ascent vehicles fees;
- Alcantara Gorges entrance fees;
- Lunch;
- Insurance;
- Equipment, if requested during the booking phase.
Not included in the price
- Any extra cost not included in the list above
Suitable for
Anyone in good shape used to walking. The participation is not recommended to those who are not in a good state of health, suffer from any cardio-respiratory pathology or have reduced mobility.