14/07/2018 | Etna Excursions
The ascent of the Valle del Bove: from Serracozzo’s cave to the desert near the base of the summit craters. Unforgettable experience during eruptions for the excellent view over the lava flows
Full day. Meeting time: 08.30 am. Ending time: 06.00 pm
Difficulty: Medium. Medium technical. Actual trekking time: 5/6 h (< di 15 km) Medium/high total altitude difference
Meeting point: Milo o Zafferana Su richiesta anche da Nicolosi
Suitable for adventurous excursiunists
Price: from 39,00 € per person (*) 39 euros per person is meant for a group of 5 or more participants. We’ll do our best to combine individual requests into groups in order to ensure you the cheapest possible fare. When not possible due to lack of other requests on the chosen date, please, refer to the following table:
| 2 persons |
3 persons |
4 persons |
5+ |
| 55 Euro a persona |
49 Euro a persona |
44 Euro a persona |
39 Euro a persona |
Private tour: If you want a guide just for you, customize your timing, your trail…your adventure! Chose the private version of the tour: 199 Euro max 4 guests
The tour include:
- Accompaniment by a geologist specialized in guided hiking in the area;
- packed lunch including water and energy drinks;
- helmets and flash lights and other common materials.
Possibilità di fornire gratuitamente materiale da trekking personale (solo su richiesta preventiva)
The tour NOT include: Any transport cost to get to our meeting point or any other transfer service. we organize private transfers from Catania and the suburbs and the meeting point in collaboration with a trusted shuttle service. The shuttle service is NOT included in the quote and depend on the number of participants.
The “Valle del Bove” with the view of the summit craters of Etna represents one of the most impressive views Sicily can offer, especially in case of eruption. In this path, which is sure to be very exciting and full of satisfaction, we can climb the northern edge of the “Valle del Bove” to reach the pure lava desert and then into a breathtaking descent, sliding on volcanic ash toward ancient lateral craters. The most beautiful landscapes in a unique excursion…the perfect one!
Programma dettagliato
Meet the guides at Milo or Zafferana’s village at 8.30 am where lunch, drink and equipment will be provided for safe exploration of the lava slopes and climbs on the crest of the Bove Valley.
With the car we will reach in about 25 minutes the starting path near the Citelli Rifugio. The car will no longer be necessary, the whole experience takes place in nature. The return is scheduled for around 5:30 pm.
The walking route starts from the north-east and continues along the charming birch forest covering the ridge. This side of the volcano is very characteristic and unspoiled. little more than an hour, going through lava fields and deceitful brook, you reach a particular cave: a fascinating lava tunnel that is worth a brief visit, especially for the flashing lights that come from the openings in the ceiling. Leaving the cave the walk continues up the path for another hour and whilst watching the evolution of the landscape that slowly becomes desertic, you gain the sill of Bove Valley under the arduous climb that leads to Deneri’s peak.
The birches are dwarf and the only plants that you see are those typical of the Etna that have adapted to this hostile environment. After a short break to enjoy the unique spectacle of the Valle del Bove, you will reach where the pure volcanic desert begins at an altitude of 2300m. You’ll have lunch enjoying the Valle del Bove and finally come to an understanding of the evolution of this volcano and why it is considered an outdoor geological laboratory. During the tour the guide will propose introductions in volcanology according to his personal research carried out on behalf of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology that will accompany you in the discovery of this unique and spectacular environment.
The next climb is about 600 meters on a sandy terrain. After this difficult afternoon challenge you finally reach the top edge of the valley, Deneri’s peak. You will take the narrow road to the volcanological observatory and once crossed the pass you will arrive in the long black stretch beneath the crater of NE that brings you on a desertic black moon, so magnificent and terrible. You now on the top of Valle del Bove and based on the conditions and risks evaluated by the guide, you will stop near the plateau below the summit craters, the vertical limit allowed for the hike. From this height you can admire the great New Southeast Crater, the most active of Etna. From the same point, by just turning your head, you can see the crater of north east, the highest of Etna and the highest point of the whole southern Italy. From this height you can admire all of eastern Sicily and, with a bit of luck, even the Eolie islands and Calabria.
Departed from the Black Desert the descend will begin: specifically you will reach the valley’s border, going forward until the intersection with a sandy ridge. The scenic impact of the descend is great but the soft and sandy nature of the ground ensures a quick and secure descent, just like going down a snowy mountain. Walking through the ridge you will arrive at the base of Monte Frumento, the largest side crater of Etna. From there the fracture caused by an eruption in 1928 will bring everyone to the refuge.
The travel back to the city is scheduled around 6:00 pm.
14/07/2018 | Etna Excursions, Special Tours
Etna and beyond the infinite: a starry night on the volcano
The unique experience of the sunset on the lava desert, the magic of getting lost in the deep space between stars and planets.
Excursion: Evening & Night. Meeting time: 4.00 PM. Ending time: 01.00 AM
Difficulty: Medium. Rather Technical. Actual trekking time: 3 h (>12 km) Total Altitude Drop: < 300 mMeeting Point: Nicolosi
Suitable for All.
Price: da 49,00 € a persona (*) 59 euros per person is meant for a group of 5 or more participants. We’ll do our best to combine individual requests into groups in order to ensure you the cheapest possible fare. When not possible due to lack of other requests on the chosen date, please, refer to the following table:
| 2 persone |
3 persone |
4 persone |
5+ persone |
| 64 Euro a persona |
59 Euro a persona |
55 Euro a persona |
49 Euro a persona |
Periodo: From April to October
The excursion includes:
- Accompagnamento escursionistico guidato da parte di un geologo – guida Gae per tutto il percorso
- Assistenza da parte di un tecnico esperto nella parte di osservazione astronomica
- Noleggio condiviso dell’attrezzatura per l’osservazione (Telescopio rifrattore)
- Cena in modalità da concordare
- Materiale tecnico comune: caschi, torce, bastoncini e altro se servisse.
Possibilità di fornire gratuitamente materiale da trekking (solo su richiesta preventiva)
The tour NOT include: Any transport cost to get to our meeting point or any other transfer service. we organize private transfers from Catania and the suburbs and the meeting point in collaboration with a trusted shuttle service. The shuttle service is NOT included in the quote and depend on the number of participants.
A special excursion that combines the magnetic charm of the volcano with the great mystery of the universe. The characteristic Etna landscape is colored by the warm tones of the sun that dies beyond the horizon and projects the traveler into a surreal, alien world. The sounds and the smells of the night in the forest take him in a unique and intense sensorial experience that is a prelude to a journey to discover the celestial vault.
DETAILE SCHEDULE
Meeting with the guides at the village of Nicolosi. Here you will be provided with the necessary material for the night excursion. By car, in about 30 minutes, you reach the gate of the trail: Piano Fiera, access point of the paths of the West of the Etna Park, the most remote and wild. The trekking route starts at an altitude of 1550m.
The first part of the trail climbs gently northwards, crossing the pine forest of Monte Nespole. The forest suddenly leaves space to the lava field of 1974, a lava flow of AA type of modest size that lies on the slope to the west. The guides tell the salient features of the eruption by explaining the eruptive dynamics and the geological-naturalistic characteristics of the area.
At this point the trail gains its inclination and climbs over the pyroclastic cone of Monte De Fiore I, a panoramic point of rare beauty on the west side and on the summit area. From here we wait for the sunset, a spectacle of rare beauty from one of the best observation points of the whole Etna area.
After sunset, we set off towards Piano Fiera, a simple and relaxing trek lit by twilight lights, an ideal moment for sighting the timid local fauna
At the arrival at Piano Fiera you can enjoy a typical Sicilian corroborating dinner waiting for the ideal lighting conditions for the observation of the celestial vault. At this point our Technical astronomer, with the help of a Dobsonian telescope, accompanies the hiker in a “trekking among the stars” to discover the celestial bodies that participate in the great waltz of space.
07/07/2018 | Etna Excursions, Special Tours
Two days of Adventure to discover the wild side of the Gentle Giant!
Two days (2 days+1 night)
Difficulty: Medium-high
Adatto alle famiglie con bambini.
Punto di incontro: Milo or Zafferana
Price from: da 169,00 € per person (*)
The tour includes: Insurance, supervision / company of a Geologist and Environmental Guide; drinks & food: Two Lunches, One Dinner, One Breakfast. Common technical material (helmets and flashlights).
The tour does NOT include: any transport cost to reach Milo. Private transfers, souvenirs. If you are not going to rent a car, only upon your request, we can arrange a private transfert from Catania (airport, port or city center) to the North East side of Etna, in the area of Piano Provenzana. The transfert is not included in the quotation, and the price will also depend on the number of passengers. Ask for more details.
Need for a break? Do you wanna discover your wild side? This is the tour for you! Two days of pure adventure to discover the most beautiful caves of Etna and the majestic Valle del Bove, celebrate our return to nature with a barbecue under the stars (even for vegans!) and one night in a rustic camp the peaceful Etna woods. Test your spirit and your muscles, follow us to the conquer the top of the volcano!
DETAILE SCHEDULE
Meet the guide/s at the village of Milo at 9 am. There you will be provided with packed lunch, water and the necessary equipment for the exploration of lava caves in full safety. Then you reach the area of Piano Provenzana by car and start hiking at around 10.00 am.
Route day ONE: Piano Provenzana – Cave of raspberries (Grotta dei lamponi) – Ice Cave (Grotta del Gelo) – Timpa Rossa Refuge
We start the walking path from Piano Provenzana in the direction of Montenero, at an altitude of approximately 1800m. At first we cross the end of the buttonhole of 1928, along the path that leads to the forest of Monte Nero, passing spectacular lava fields and familiarizing with volcanic materials: from the smallest parts like lapilli and scoriaceous materials to massive lavas and lavas rope. Along the way the guide will propose an introduction of volcanology in accordance with his personal research, carried out on behalf of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. We proceed to the Cave of Raspberries, after approximately 6.5 kilometers and 250 meters in altitude. It is a lava tunnel of about 700m and is one of the longest tunnels among the one discovered. The opening of the cave was created by a split in the roof; this entry divides the gallery into two parts, the downstream portion and the upstream one. With helmets and proper equipment you will visit the entire cavity. Then we will continue to the Cave of ice, which is located after 3,5km uphill. We will climb the Dammusi’s laves and Mount of the Dead, a huge and impressive lavic rock, so called because of its unique shape. We will reach 2100m, where the Cave of Ice stands. Lunch break. After refreshments we will proceed to explore the most beautiful cave of Etna, characterized by ice stalactites and incredible views. It is the only cave on Mount Etna where you can find ice during the whole year; for this reason it is thought that it is some sort of “glacier”, the southernmost of Europe and it is one of the most beautiful wonders of Sicily. After enjoying the sight we will descend to the valley, and reach the refuge were another guide is still there to prepare a nice barbecue dinner in to the Nature. The Romantics can admire the spectacle of the starry sky Etna.
Route day TWO: Timpa Rossa – Craters of the lateral eruption of 2002-2003 – Bove Valley (valle del Bove) – ETNA 3000
The day starts early in the morning, a good breakfast and you are off for an entire day of pure wild trekking! Walking the path of Monte Nero you will visit the majestic “bottoniera” of 2002/2003, which is called the perfect eruption, a landscape of wonder and destruction. After walking in the scenographic eruptive fracture we’ll go back to the cars, load up in water and supplies and move to the area of Rifugio Citelli. We will then enter the Serracozzo Nord slope and the fracture of ’79. This side of the volcano is very typical and untouched. In a little more than an hour you will reach the Bove’s Valley terrace, just below the impervious slope that leads to Pizzi Deneri. The birches become small and the only plants that can be seen are the ones typical of Etna, that have adapted in this hostile environment. After a short break to admire the unique view of the Bove Valley we will go ahead untill we reach the front of Mount Simone, where the pure volcanic desert starts at 2300m. We will then have lunch enjoying the wonderful Bove Valley.
The next climb is about 600 meters on a sandy terrain. After this difficult afternoon challenge you finally reach the top edge of the valley, Deneri’s peak. You will take the narrow road to the volcanological observatory and once crossed the pass you will arrive in the long black stretch beneath the crater of NE that brings you on a desertic black moon, so magnificent and terrible. You now about 3000 meters of altitude and based on the conditions and risks evaluated by the guide, you will stop near the plateau below the summit craters, the vertical limit allowed for the hike. From this height you can admire the great New Southeast Crater, the most active of Etna. From the same point, by just turning your head, you can see the crater of north east, the highest of Etna and the highest point of the whole southern Italy. From this height you can admire all of eastern Sicily and, with a bit of luck, even the Eolie islands and Calabria.
The achievement of the 3000 meters depends on the availability of volcanologist guide, the weather and especially the ability of the participants.
Departed from the Black Desert the descend will begin: specifically you will reach the valley’s border, going forward until the intersection with a sandy ridge. The scenic impact of the descend is great but the soft and sandy nature of the ground ensures a quick and secure descent, just like going down a snowy mountain. Walking through the ridge you will arrive at the base of Monte Frumento, the largest side crater of Etna. From there the fracture caused by an eruption in 1928 will bring everyone to the refuge. The travel back to the city is scheduled around 7:00 pm.
07/07/2018 | Etna Excursions
The conquest of Mount Etna: a trek designed for experienced hikers who want to experience the thrill of climbing in toto the highest active volcano in Europe!
Half day. Meeting time: 08.00. Ending time: 19.30
Difficulty: High. Quite Technical. Actual trekking time: 10 h (>15 km) Total Altitude Drop: more than +1600 m
Meeting Point: to be agreed
Prezzo: From 99,00 € per person (*)
The tour include: Accompaniment by a geologist specialized in guided hiking in the area and a Mountain Guide for the active Creater; packed lunch including water and energy drinks; helmets and flash lights and other common materials. If you need backpacks, trekking shoes, walking sticks etc.. contact us to book it in advance!
NO EXTRA CHARHES FOR THE EXCURSION
The tour NOT include: Any transport cost to get to our meeting point or any other transfer service. we organize private transfers from Catania and the suburbs and the meeting point in collaboration with a trusted shuttle service. The shuttle service is NOT included in the quote and depend on the number of participants.
This trek is considered among the most difficult of southern Italy and is made with an authorized Mountain-Volcanological Guide. The aim is to offer the possibility to the brave adventurers to conquer the summit of the volcano without using jeeps or cable car: an authentic contact between man and the power of the volcano.
DETAILE SCHEDULE
Time and place of the meeting will be agreed upon booking. The walking route starts from the north-east side of the volcano, fascinating theater of lateral eruptions and following the sharp ridge north of the Valle del Bove to the seductive and desert forms of “pizzi Deneri”. During the tour the guide will also propose introduction of Volcanology in accordance with its personal knowledge not to forget that every Sicily Wild Trekking experience also means teaching and passion. Following the paths of blacks desert of volcanic ash, in a difficult terrain and in a surreal scenario, we will go to the summit crater of the North East, the highest point in the real aim of the expedition. Once overrun the saddle at the base of the summit craters, we safely face the actual climb to the crater and we will be able to perceive and put gas constant hum that are emitted from the top. After a challenging ascent here finally the crater rim, a steaming pit overlooking the whole Sicily. The show from the top will be worth every effort made and can be said to have successfully completed a route reserved for a chosen few. A spectacular trekking with a gain in elevation more than 1,600 meters and a path between lava and ash over 16 km, the view from Europe’s highest active crater smoking gases and water vapor and then finish the adventure with a downhill breakneck speed by couloirs of volcanic ash
27/06/2018 | Etna Excursions
The big craters of the last lateral eruption, the Dammusi’s Lava and the Lava Tube (cave) of Raspberries
Full day. Meeting time: 08.30 am. Ending time: 06.00 pm
Difficulty: Medium. Not technical. Actual trekking time: 5 h (< di 10 km) Low total altitude difference
Meeting point: Milo or Zafferana
Suitable for adventurous families.
Price: from 39,00 € per person (*)
39 euros per person is meant for a group of 5 or more participants. We’ll do our best to combine individual requests into groups in order to ensure you the cheapest possible fare. When not possible due to lack of other requests on the chosen date, please, refer to the following table:
| 2 persons |
3 persons |
4 persons |
5+ |
| 55 Euro per person |
49 Euro per person |
44 Euro per person |
39 Euro per person |
Private Tour: If you want a guide just for you, customize your timing, your trail…your adventure! Chose the private version of the tour: 199 Euro max 4 guests
The tour include: Accompaniment by a geologist specialized in guided hiking in the area; packed lunch including water and energy drinks; helmets and flash lights and other common materials. If you need backpacks, trekking shoes, walking sticks etc.. contact us to book it in advance!
NO EXTRA CHARHES FOR THE EXCURSION
The tour NOT include: Any transport cost to get to our meeting point or any other transfer service. we organize private transfers from Catania and the suburbs and the meeting point in collaboration with a trusted shuttle service. The shuttle service is NOT included in the quote and depend on the number of participants.
Etna is not only the highest active volcano in Europe, it is also a precious treasure chest guarding incomparable views, hundreds of impressive craters, dozens of lava caves and extraordinary naturalistic varieties. Thanks to these features, Etna is well-placed to be explored regardless of the altitude you reach. Our guides have made for you an authentic trekking itinerary, not difficult but complete and original, in order to , make you enjoy your adventure.
A perfectly balanced excursion between adventure and effort, walking on the edge of the craters of the last side eruption, the incredible lava desert of Etna and discovering the most suggestive caves.
A brilliant combination of the most beautiful features to see on Etna.
DETAILE SCHEDULE
Meet the guide/s at the village of Milo at 9 am. There you will be provided with packed lunch, water and the necessary equipment for the exploration of lava caves in full safety. Then you reach the area of Piano Provenzana by car and start hiking at around 10.00 am. The return to Piano Provenzana is scheduled for around 6 pm.
If you are not going to rent a car, only upon your request, we can arrange a private transfert from Catania (airport, port or city center) to the North East side of Etna, in the area of Piano Provenzana. The transfert is not included in the quotation, and the price will also depend on the number of passengers. Ask for more details.
We start the walking path from Piano Provenzana in the direction of Montenero – Timparossa, at an altitude of approximately 1800m. At first we cross the end of the buttonhole of 1928, along the path that leads to the forest of Monte Nero, passing spectacular lava fields and familiarizing with volcanic materials: from the smallest parts like lapilli and scoriaceous materials to massive lavas and lavas rope. From here we climp up the scenographic craters of the 2002/2003 eruption, the so called “perfect one”, theater of such wonder and destruction. Along the way the guide will propose an introduction of volcanology in accordance with his personal research, carried out on behalf of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, accompanying you in the discovery of this unique and spectacular environment. Without lingering we proceed towards the lava field known as Lave dei Dammusi, a unique succession of “ropes” imprisoned in the rock that set free the visitors’ fantasy. After enjoying the sight we head back to the valley towards the Raspberries Cave.
It is a lava tunnel of about 700m and is one of the longest tunnels among the ones discovered. The opening of the cave was created by a split in the roof; this entry divides the gallery into two parts, the downstream portion and the upstream one. With helmets and proper equipment you will visit the entire cavity. Then we will start the gentle descent until we reach again the magical Ragabo pinewood, where its secular trees will greet our walk. The return is scheduled at approximately 6 pm.
