Etna 3000 m with Cable Car and/or Off-Road Vehicle
Join us for a tour to the higher parts of Mount Etna – without long hikes, but with the chance to see the summit craters up close.
This route is designed for those who want to experience the scale and power of an active volcano, but prefer a comfortable ascent over strenuous trekking. The itinerary includes a ride by cable car and/or 4×4 vehicles up to 2900 metres above sea level, followed by a short walk across the lava desert with views of the summit craters.
We’ll also stop at panoramic viewpoints at different altitudes. You’ll walk along extinct flank craters and learn about the structure of Etna – a volcano listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Meeting in Catania
You’ll meet the guide at the designated location in Catania to begin an exciting excursion to Mount Etna.
Scenic Drive Towards Etna
We’ll start with a 1.5-hour drive in a comfortable minivan, enjoying the changing volcanic landscape and picturesque villages along the way.
Ascent to 2900 m a.s.l.
From Rifugio Sapienza (South Etna) or Piano Provenzana (North Etna), we’ll take the cable car and/or 4×4 Unimog vehicles up to 2900 metres above sea level. There, accompanied by a volcano guide, we’ll take a 40-minute walk across a lava desert. We’ll view the main summit craters up close and enjoy panoramic views of the Ionian Coast and the Valle del Bove – a large natural amphitheatre covering the eastern flank of the volcano. The guide will explain the structure of the summit area, volcanic phenomena, eruption history, and current activity of Etna.
Walk Around the Flank Craters at 2000 Metres
After descending to the lower part of the volcano, we’ll take another short walk among extinct flank craters at 2000 metres above sea level. You’ll see lava flows, various types of pyroclastic material, and typical volcanic vegetation. This part of the tour offers insight into the functioning of the volcano and stories from life at its base.
Return to Catania
We’ll return to Catania around 15:00 pm, ending the tour with a deeper understanding of Etna and its landscape.
Meeting point
Choose the meeting point closest to your accommodation in Catania.
Travelling from outside the city? Contact us – we’ll help you find a convenient solution.
After booking, please let us know which meeting point you choose.
You can drive to the Etna starting point with your own car, but this does not affect the tour price. Transfer from Catania is free for our guests – if you choose not to use it, the cost remains the same.
Meeting Points:
1. 8:15 am – Piazza Giovanni Verga
2. 8:20 am – Piazza della Repubblica
3. 8:30 am – Piazza Stesicoro
4. 8:40 am – Pasticceria Savia
5. 8:45 am – Piazza Cavour
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza Stesicoro
Pasticceria Savia
Piazza Cavour
Piazza Giovanni Verga
Cancellation policy
You may cancel your reservation for any reason up to 48 hours before the tour begins and receive a full refund of your deposit.
Note
- Due to increased volcanic activity, the maximum reachable altitude may be limited.
- During peak season, the route may change - instead of the cable car, 4×4 vehicles (Unimogs) may be used, and the tour may depart from the less crowded northern side of Etna, Piano Provenzana.
- In winter, when snow covers the area above 2500 metres, snowcats may replace 4x4 vehicles. In this case, the tour price is €155 per person.
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