- Start your day trip by boarding your air-conditioned coach from the hotel or a meeting point and then relax during the 1-hour journey inland towards Etna, the island’s threatening and spectacular nemesis. Mt. Etna is the highest peak in Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The area surrounding the volcano forms the “Etna Park,” one of the largest protected areas in Italy: You will be amazed by the great variety of vegetation and landscapes encountered along the route before arriving at the “Silvestri Craters” at about 1,900 meters.
- Get off your coach at the lower station of Rifugio Sapienza. The area is covered by hiking trails zigzagging in all directions, and your guide will point you in the right direction towards the Silvestri Craters – two small but impressive craters near the lower station.
- It’s time to reach the summit of the volcano by cable car, jeep, and alpine guide. Travel by cable car up to an altitude of 2,500 meters, then cover the remaining distance by 4×4 jeep, stopping at a dizzying altitude of 3,000 meters. Carefully follow your alpine guide (*) around the craters at the top of Etna, observing the hornitos (small openings releasing lava) and learning all about volcanic activity in Sicily.
Your excursion begins with the discovery of the crater from the 2001 eruption, surrounded by an almost lunar landscape. This was one of the strongest eruptions of the third millennium with activity felt as far as the island of Stromboli! You will continue to the Belvedere of the Valle del Bove, the most beautiful panoramic point of Mount Etna at about 2,750 meters. You will be amazed by the beauty of this large volcanic depression dating back 64,000 years! Here you will stop to admire the landscape, take some photos, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from which you can see Taormina, Calabria, and even Syracuse. From there you also have a privileged view of the Summit Craters, where you can see the endless column of gas and steam. You will then visit a crater depression called Cisternazza and finally return to 2,500 meters to take the cable car back to Rifugio Sapienza with your guide. At the end of the walk, return to the base station by jeep and cable car to meet the rest of your group. Board your coach and return to Taormina. Your day trip ends at the starting point.
(*) The alpine guides speak Italian and English
