Etna Sunset at 3000m + craters 2002 with 4×4 bus

The trekking itinerary

We meet at Piano Provenzana (1800m) about 2.5 hours before sunset time (with the reservation we give you the meeting and departure time). We leave still in daylight, aboard the 4×4 bus, together with a volcanological guide. We make an initial stop to visit the 2002 craters. With a small trek of about 30 minutes in total we reach the edges of the craters where the guide explains everything about this great eruption that destroyed the tourist resort in 2002. After this visit, we return aboard the 4×4 bus to climb up to an altitude of about 3000m to the Pizzi Deneri observatory. Together with the guide, we exit the bus to admire the smoking summit craters, the unique moonscape, and to overlook the Bove Valley. Then we get ready to watch the magical sunset. We will watch the sunset from the Pizzi Deneri observatory, or from Punto Santa Lucia. This depends on the period, volcano activity, restrictions and the best location where you can see the sunset. After the sunset we will return to the off-road vehicles and then drive back to Piano Provenzana, to the starting point.

Details Etna Sunset at 3000m + craters 2002 with 4x4 bus

The hike starts from Piano Provenzana. We recommend always arriving at least 30 minutes before the start of the tour so you can get used to the altitude, have time to park your car, go to the bathroom and to take 2 photos of Piano Provenzana. The hike takes about 2.5 to 3 hours in total between the bus ride, small treks and the guide’s explanation during the hike. The walking trek is easy and suitable for everyone. To reach the 2002 craters there is about 10 minutes of easy trekking. Then on the rim the guide explains the history of the 2002 eruption and you have time to take some photos. Then you return to the 4×4 bus to continue the ascent to 3000 mt. The elevation difference of the walk is about 20 to 30 meters. When you get to the top the walk to 3000m elevation is also very easy and almost flat. Here you stay about 15 to 20 minutes outside to admire it together with the guide. And then we stay another 15 minutes outside the bus to admire the magical sunset. The bus transfer is about 75 minutes total, between round trip, you will make stops on the way up.

Indicative times:

• April: meeting 4:30 p.m., departure 5 p.m.
• May: meeting 5 p.m., departure 5:30 p.m.
• June: meeting 5:30 p.m., departure 6 p.m.
• July: meeting 5:30 p.m., departure 6 p.m.
• August: meeting 5:15 p.m., departure 5:45 p.m.
• September: meeting 4:30 p.m., departure 5 p.m.
• October: meeting 3:30 p.m., departure 4 p.m.

• Starting point: Provenzana Plan
• Total duration: About 2.5-3 hours
• Departure time: Between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Height difference: about 1200m
• Meeting time: Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Distance: About 1 km total walking distance
• Return time: Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Difficulty: Route suitable for all
• Duration by 4x4 bus: About 75 minutes in total
• Duration walking trek: About 20 min + 20 min

Price and availability excursion

Etna Sunset at 3000m + craters 2002 by 4×4 bus costs €75.00 per person. Included in the price is the ride with the 4×4 bus round trip and the accompanying guide. Children from 5 to 12 years old pay € 60.00 per person. Children ages 3 and 4 can come for free, but they have to sit with their parents and therefore do not have a seat on the 4×4 bus.

• Adults: €75.00 per person
• Children 5-12 years old: €60.00 per person
• Children 3 and 4 years old: free

For customized tour is private, price is on request. For groups (8+ people) and/or school groups, the price is upon request.

Payment

We work on the basis of trust. This means that we do not ask for any advance payment. You can pay the same day directly to the guide. It is possible to pay by cash, ATM or credit card.

Availability

The hike is available from April to October, by reservation only! A minimum number of participants is required for the excursion. In case of bad weather, or that the minimum number of participants has not been reached, the tour is moved to another day. In this case we are the ones to inform you.

Including and excluding

Clothing, shoes & what to bring

For a good hiking trip, proper preparation is essential. We always recommend dressing in layers. How many and what layers depend on the season. But the higher you climb Mount Etna volcano, the colder it gets. In addition, wind can often make the weather seem even colder. A windbreaker and a hat are therefore not a luxury. It is possible to rent hiking shoes and a jacket by contacting rental stores in Piano Provenzana. We recommend bringing a backpack or bag with at least 1.5 L of water per person. It is also recommended to bring some sweet and/or salty snacks. In total, the hike takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, so always bring something extra to eat! Also don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses! In brief:

With the reservation we send you our packing list, with the things we recommend you to bring!

FAQ