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Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
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Type of tour: 4x4 & Trekking
The Piano Provenzana excursion takes adventurers up Mount Etna’s majestic north side, from 1,800 meters to the Volcanological Observatory at 3,000 meters.
Highlights include ancient craters, recent lava flows, the ruins of “Le Betulle” hotel, and panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands, Ionian Coast, and Calabrian shores. The journey concludes with a trek around the 2002 eruption’s button craters, showcasing Etna’s volcanic power.
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Tour type
- 4x4 & Trekking
- Pickup
- At your hotel or at Piano Provenzana
- Catania or Taormina area
- Availability
- March to November
Highlights
- Panoramic Ascent to Volcanological Observatory at 3,000 meters, close to the the active craters.
- Visit to the Ruins of Hotel "Le Betulle": witness the remnants of the only structure visible among those engulfed by the massive lava flow on October 27, 2002.
- Short trek at Umberto and Margherita Craters, along the edges of these extinct craters at 2,380 meters.
- Stunning Views from Pizzi Deneri and, from a safe distance, marvel at the summit craters towering over the majestic Valle del Bove.
Tour details
Tour times Pickup 07:00–07:45 · back ca 15:30
Tour times
| Option | Hotel pickupdeparture → return | Meeting pointdeparture → return |
|---|---|---|
| Etna Nord Top Crater Tour | 07:00–07:45 return ca 15:30 | 08:50 or 12:00 return 11:30 or 14:30 |
You will receive the exact pick-up time via SMS and email the evening before the tour. The meeting point is at Piano Provenzana (Etna North): see the map.
Full description The programme, step by step
Full description
Experience an adventurous and awe-inspiring journey from Piano Provenzana on the north side of Mount Etna, utilizing 4×4 off-road vehicles, authorized by the Etna Park Authority. Expert mountain guides will accompany you on this excursion, ensuring both safety and an educational experience.
The journey begins at an altitude of 1,800 meters at Piano Provenzana. From here, travel along a breathtaking panoramic road that winds through ancient craters and recent lava flows, leading you to the Volcanological Observatory at an elevation of 3000 meters.
Your first stop is the historic site of “Le Betulle” hotel, a remnant of the buildings engulfed by the lava flow on 27 October 2002, offering you a striking view of nature’s relentless power.
Next, proceed towards the Umberto and Margherita craters, positioned approximately at 2380 meters. Here, embark on a brief trek around the rims of these dormant craters, fully immersing in the raw, elemental forces of creation and destruction.
Continuing, venture in the direction of the Pizzi Deneri Volcanological Observatory. Upon arrival, disembark for a short 15-minute trek, ascending to the pinnacle of the Pizzi Deneri promontory. Weather permitting, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian coastline stretching from Syracuse to Taormina, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, and the rugged Calabrian shores.
While you’re here, gaze across the distance at the formidable summit craters of Mount Etna, securely viewing them as they loom over the majestic Valle del Bove.
As the excursion continues, board the vehicles for a descent towards the legendary button craters of the 2002 eruption. Standing at an altitude of around 1900 meters, begin a fascinating trek across the lava flows and explosive deposits. This circular path offers a unique opportunity to wander along the crater rims and witness the distinct “bottoniera” formation, characteristic of Etna’s lateral eruptions.
Upon reaching the summit at roughly 2050 meters above sea level, take in the dramatic panorama of the eruptive landscape and observe the path of the lava flow that decimated the Piano Provenzana resort. Conclude the trek with a brief descent down a sandy slope before rejoining the off-road vehicles for a return journey to Piano Provenzana.
What is included 3 items
Information / Included
- Including competent English speaking alpine / vulcanological guide
- Including Unimog 4×4 ticket
- Including Pickup service: We offer the pickup and drop off service in the area around Taormina and Catania from the locations listed below. Alternatively, if you have your own car, you can reach Piano Provenzana.
Useful information Children under 12 years · Trekking shoes · Give this tour as a gift
Other information
- The tour is easy and suitable for every age.
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The excursion into the summit crater area is dangerous and prohibited for people with heart conditions, asthma, high blood pressure, and pregnant women.
You should be well-equipped and have no physical ailments, joint problems, or suffer from dizziness. -
Available for children aged 3 and over
- Children under 12 years Pay 18 euro less.
- Trekking shoes Can be rented on site
- Give this tour as a gift Place your order by phone or email ([email protected]) to get a gift voucher.
- Availability We are open all year round, except: 25.12 and 01.01
Pickup and private tour
Other pickup locations
On request, with a supplement, it is possible to request pick-up service also outside of Catania / Taormina. Other pickup examples: Syracuse, Noto, Messina and more.
- Syracuse
- Noto
- Messina
- and more
Private Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
This tour is also available in a PRIVATE version. Mount Etna Private Tours
Exclusive setup
Driver, guide and vehicle will be available exclusively for you.
Mount Etna Tours and Etna Nord Excursions
Etna Nord Tours
Etna Nord Top Crater Tour
Reviews Verified reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
Reviews in all languages: 204
Page 3 of 22 Back to the latest reviews
An Excellent Half-day Tour
VerifiedThe bus arrived before time, it was comfortable and clean and transported us to the meeting point on Mt Etna as quickly as the early morning traffic in Catania would allow. We transferred to a 4x4 bus that took us to ‘The Moon’ via a number of stops which, with the help of our guide was a really interesting journey. A great trip and worth ‘every penny’. Don’t miss it whilst you’re in Catania.
North Summit Tour
VerifiedWe booked the tour departing from Taormina. Everything went so smoothly. From the timely pick up at our hotel, the drive to the park entrance, the trek to the summit and the tour of the caves, it was fantastic. The group was small - about 10 people. The driver was polite, the volcanist was knowledgeable and the guide was excellent. At the end of the tour they gave us the option of taking us straight back to the hotel or taking us to a nearby chalet for food and refreshments first. Of course we opted for the food! We highly recommend using Go Etna if you are thinking of visiting Mount Etna.
Perfekte Tour
VerifiedAlles hat bestens funktioniert, auch das Wetter spielte mit. Freundlicher, unterhaltsamer und fachkundiger Guide, der gut erklären kann, und ein erfahrener Fahrer sorgten dafür, dass wir uns rundherum wohl gefühlt haben. Und der Ätna aus der Nähe? Das kann man nicht beschreiben, muss man erlebt haben. Allerwärmste Empfehlung für diese Tour.
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