Excursion Etna and Sea

From Catania: 00/00 to 00/00 - Every day

Description

You'll be picked up from the hotel and  you will head for Rifugio Sapienza. On the way up you can enjoy the view of the landscape from some view points. The guide will show you the old and recent eruptions of Etna, Silvestri Craters and tell you everything about the typical flora and fauna of the Volcano.

At Rifugio Sapienza (1920 mamsl), you can choose one of the two options:

• Have a walk with the guide on one of the natural paths of Etna (staying around 2000 m asl)
• Pay for the Etna high altitude option: this trip includes the cable car (going and coming) until 2500 meters and a 4x4 bus transport until 2900 m. At such a high altitude the landscape is just like the moon and you'll enjoy a stunning view of the Ionian cost and live the majesty  South East Crater and the Central Crater of Etna. Thanks to the Alpine Guides that you will meet there, you'll walk on the craters of the last important eruption of the Volcano (2002/2003). The 4x4 bus and the cable car will take you back to Sapienza Refuge.

The excursion will continue with the visit of a lava cave with helmets and torches.

On the way down you will visit an organic farm for a taste of typical products such as olive oil, honey or wine.

You will continue by visiting the beautiful lava sea beds of Aci Castello (Marine Protected Area of “Isola dei Ciclopi”) where, thanks to the snorkelling equipment, you will admire the first eruptions of the ancient volcanic complex of Etna, where nowadays the typical flora and fauna dwell. Lava ropes, columnar basalts and pillow lavas will be the unique scenery for an unforgettable excursion.

Recommended equipment

Windbreaker / Tennis shoes / Water / Hat and sunglasses / Bathing suit and towel.

Tour program (about 7 hours)

• 1
  Pick-up

  At the chosen accommodation or meeting place

• 2
  To the Volcano

  After crossing the border of the city you will start the ascent towards Etna, crossing some of the characteristic Etnean villages

• 3
  Etna 2000 m asl

  Arrival at Etna South Station

• 4
  Trekking / high altitude

  Promenade around a trail of the Etna Park or Etna high altitude option

• 5
  Lava flow cave

  Visit of a lava flow cave

• 6
  Sampling

  Sampling of typical products in a local farm

• 7
  Snorkeling

  Snorkeling in the Marine Protected Area of "Isole dei Ciclopi"

• 8
  Return

  The tour will end at the pick-up location