• Piano Provenzana - This is the Etna Nord tourist area located at Piano Provenzana. It is less crowded than the southern slope, offering a more authentic experience closely tied to the volcanic landscape. Here, visitors meet the guides for their excursion. Before setting off, they can use the restrooms, stop by the café for breakfast, and enjoy a coffee or tea with a pastry.

Next, there is a brief meeting with the guides, who provide all the necessary equipment and information for the hike.

This meeting point is situated within the 2002 lava flow. The tourist area of Piano Provenzana was destroyed by the eruption on October 27, 2002. The access road is fully drivable, allowing visitors to reach the starting point with their own vehicle. In winter, it is advisable to carry snow chains or use winter tires.

From here, participants board 4×4 vehicles with the guides for a scenic drive up the northern flank of Mount Etna. The route traverses lava fields and lateral craters, ascending to 2,960 m, where the trek to the summit begins.

• Itinerario Crateri Sommitali - Schedule
  Meeting at the Mareneve bar kiosk, at Piano Provenzana, 1800 m at: 7:45 am or at: 1:15 pm

Departures are scheduled at 8:00 am and 1:30 pm
Expected return at 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm (approximately)

Ascent with special off-road vehicles from Piano Provenzana.

Arrival at a height of 2825 m.

Start of the walking tour, totaling 4 km, up to the Summit Craters of Etna at 3300 meters

Descent on terrain composed of sand and slag to an altitude of 2825 m

Descent with special off-road vehicles from an altitude of 2825 m to Piano Provenzana at 1800 m.

Total time of the trekking trail: 4.5 hours

Total kilometers: 7.5 (may vary)

Maximum altitude reached: 3300 m.

Minimum altitude reached: 2825 m.

Total ascent: 470 m (may vary)

Total descent: 470 m (may vary)

Difficulty: E (Excursionists - For hikers accustomed to walking at high altitudes)

• Mount Etna - Schedule

Meeting at the Chiosco Bar Mareneve, at Piano Provenzana, 1800 m at: 7:45 am or at: 1:15 pm

Departures are scheduled at 8:00 am and 1:30 pm
Expected return at 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm (approximately)

Ascent with special off-road vehicles from Piano Provenzana.

Arrival at a height of 2825 m.

Start of the walking tour, totaling 4 km, up to the Summit Craters of Etna at 3300 meters

Descent on terrain composed of sand and slag to an altitude of 2825 m

Descent with special off-road vehicles from an altitude of 2825 m to Piano Provenzana at 1800 m.

Total time of the trekking trail: 4.5 hours

Total kilometers: 7.5 (may vary)

Maximum altitude reached: 3300 m.

Minimum altitude reached: 2825 m.

Total ascent: 470 m (may vary)

Total descent: 470 m (may vary)

Difficulty: E (Excursionists - For hikers accustomed to walking at high altitudes)

• Comprehensive accident insurance
• Safety with protective helmets
• Quality trekking gear included
• Expert Volcanological Guide

• Off road vehicle (from 1800mt to 2825mt round trip): 60 Euro per person to be paid on the spot
• K-way (rain jacket), hat and gloves (during autumn, winter and spring)
• Parking ticket (3 Euro full day)
• Transport service from your accomodation
• Lunch

Departures commence from Piano Provenzana on the less-traveled, wild north slope of Etna, offering smaller group sizes for a more personal experience. Off-road vehicles navigate a scenic path across ancient craters and recent lava flows, reaching an altitude of 2,825 meters. From this point, a 500-meter uphill trek meanders through volcanic bombs and scoria to the Central Crater at 3,380 meters. At the summit, enjoy the vast, distinctive volcanic landscape and the expansive views from the “roof of Sicily” (visibility is subject to weather and volcanic activity). The descent follows the same path, concluding with a gentle walk down soft scoria channels back to 2,825 meters, where 4×4 vehicles transport you back to Piano Provenzana.

• For the success of the excursion and for its correct carrying out, it’s good to know perfectly your health conditions and, if necessary, let the Guides know about them, in order to reduce the occurrence of any problem and to avoid any risks.
• We recommend not to use contact lenses, because of the exhaled volcanic gases and of ash. This last one could easily cause problems, if pushed.
• This type of itinerary, in relation to the type, is suited to people in good physical health, not suffering from particular disease (it is strongly discouraged to those who suffer from cardio-vascular problems, breathing problems or hypertension).
• The excursion is not suited for children under 12 years old
• The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force.
• The excursion could be subjected to variations at the discretion of the Guides, or it could be interrupted in case of changes of the environmental, climatic or volcanic conditions, so as to undermine the safety of the entire group.
• It is required also to be careful, since it is volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.
• The excursion requires a good preparation on a physical level. Because of it results to be a high height path, it would be easy to experience symptoms of fatigue.
• Trekking is not recommended for those who does not do physical activity regularly.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.