- Begin 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 toward Mount Etna, the threatening and spectacular enemy of the island. Mount Etna is Sicily’s highest peak and Europe’s most active volcano. The area surrounding the volcano forms the “Etna Park,” one of Italy’s largest protected areas: you will be amazed by the great variety of vegetation and landscapes encountered along the way before arriving at the “Silvestri Craters” at about 1,900 meters.
- Get off the coach at the lower station of Rifugio Sapienza. The area is covered with hiking trails that zigzag in all directions and your guide will point you in the right direction toward the Silvestri Craters – two small but impressive craters near the lower station.
- It is time to reach the summit of the volcano by cable car, jeep, and with a mountain guide. Travel by cable car to an altitude of 2,500 meters, then cover the remaining distance by 4x4 jeep, stopping at a dizzying altitude of 3,000 meters. Follow your mountain guide (*) carefully around the craters at the top of Etna, observing the hornitos (small openings that release 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 viewpoint of Mount Etna at about 2,750 meters. You will be amazed by the beauty of this great volcanic depression dating back 64,000 years! Here you will stop to admire the landscape, take a few photos, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from which you can see Taormina, Calabria, and even Syracuse. From there you will 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, you will return to the base station by jeep and cable car to meet the rest of your group. Get on the coach and return to Taormina. Your day trip ends at the starting point.
(*) The mountain guides speak Italian and English
