Etna Summit tour with 4x4 bus (round trip) itinerary

The Etna Summit tour excursion starts from Piano Provenzana – Etna Nord. Here you get on the 4×4 unimog bus that takes you from 1800 meters altitude to 2900 meters altitude to Piano delle Concazze. From here the trekking to the summit of Etna volcano begins. This is a trekking with 500 meters difference in altitude that takes about 2 hours. In total, the distance to cover to the summit is about 4.5 km.

Once at the summit of Mount Etna, we will enjoy breathtaking views. We will walk along the rim of the great Central Crater where we will look at the active mouths inside. Then we will look down into the vertiginous North-East Crater. We will also admire the famous South-East Crater, testimony to the last powerful eruptions. In addition to seeing these active summit craters, you will be able to admire a landscape of yellow and white sulphites, the gases they emit and the solidified black lava that surrounds them. It is an exciting and breathtaking experience that will leave you speechless!

After exploring the summit, the return path will be a scenic journey through fine volcanic ash and scoriae. You will enjoy stunning views of the Sicilian coastline all along the way. Once back at an altitude of around 2825 metres, we will take the 4×4 bus back to Piano Provenzana, the starting and finishing point of this extraordinary adventure in Sicily.

During the Etna Summit tour with 4×4 bus we will take pleasant breaks to discover the history, formation and unique features of the volcano. It is a perfect way to learn while enjoying the scenery!

Details:

The Etna Summit tour with 4×4 bus (round trip) excursion starts daily by reservation. An excursion to the summit crater is only possible via Etna Nord due to the activity of the volcano (this is already the case since July 2021!). We have different starting times. The starttime depends on the available guide that day. This is an indication of the starting times:

• Present: 07.45 hour, start around 08.00 hour
• Present: 08.30 hour, start around 09.00 hour
• Present 13.15 hour, start around 13.30 hour*
• Present 14.00 hour, start around 14.15 hour*

! Departure only on reservation! A minimum number of participants is required to start the excursion.

The total excursion takes about 5/6 hours. This means you will be back around 2:00 pm if you do the morning excursion, or around 6:00 – 7.00 pm if you do the afternoon excursion.

*The afternoon excursion is only available in high season (July and August normally).

• Start Point Piano Provenzana - Etna Nord
• Departure 8 And 9 am, or 1.30 pm
• Difficulty For excursionists with walking experience
• Duration by bus 50 Minutes 1800m to 2900m a/r
• Meeting time 7.45 Or 8.30 am or 1 pm
• Return time Around 2 pm
• Total duration: 5/6 Hours
• Total elevation gain 1500 Meters
• Trekking duration on foot: 3,5 Hours total
• Walking distance Around 6 km

Price and availability

This excursion is available by reservation only. Be sure to book in advance as places are limited! This is because each volcano guide can have a maximum of 10-12 people in his group. It is possible that you will be divided by language for the explanations, so there may be some more or less in your group. But there is always 1 volcano guide per 10/12 people!

Etna Summit tour with 4×4 bus price

• € 120,00 per person (adults)
• € 110,00 children (10-12 years)

You can pay the guide on the day of the excursion by presenting your reservation (the voucher we send you). We do not ask for any advance payment, because we work on a trust basis. You can pay for the excursion on the day itself, in cash, by debit card or credit card.

Payment and booking confirmation:

We do not ask for advance payment, we work on a trust base! You can pay on the day of the tour, directly to the guide. You can pay by cash, pin or credit card. Upon booking you will receive a confirmation with all the details and the booking voucher by email.

Including and excluding

Clothing & what to bring tips

👟 Footwear
Good hiking boots are obligatory. The terrain is uneven and the lava can be sharp. In some areas, you’ll walk on loose volcanic sand, which can easily get into your shoes. High hikingshoes – or at least high socks – are helpful to protect your ankles. Keep in mind your shoes may get dusty from the volcanic ash!
→ If needed, hiking shoes can be borrowed free of charge from the guide.

🧥 Clothing
We suggest dressing in layers. At 3400 meters altitude, it can feel significantly cooler than at lower elevations. The wind is often strong on the volcano.
👉 Personally, I find wind on the ears annoying, so I often recommend bringing a sweater or jacket with a hood. Or think about a hat or scarf to cover up.

💡 Photo tip: Wear bright colors (yellow, red…) – they stand out beautifully in photos with the black lava and blue sky!

🧢 Other tips
Keep in mind that your phone battery may drain faster at higher altitudes → bring a power bank or charging cable for the ride back.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, as the sun can be strong and it’s easier to get sunburned in the mountains.

Don’t forget sunscreen! ☀️

• Good hiking shoes
• Scarf or bandana
• Water
• High socks
• Sunglasses
• Energy snacks
• (Wind) jacket
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Layered clothes

You want to book?

Would you like to book the Etna Summit tour with 4×4 bus to 3347m? Fill in the request form and we will contact you within 1 hour. If you have a time preference, please indicate the desired time.
Please note that our e-mails (especially with hotmail and live addresses) sometimes end up in the spam folder. So please check your spam folder if you do not see a message from us, or write us a message via WhatsApp.

Meetingpoint Etna Summit tour with 4×4 bus

With the booking, you will receive a voucher from us with all the information. You will also receive a handy flyer showing the exact location of the meeting point (with a photo for recognition), a link to Google Maps and information on how to get there and where to park.

• Meetingpoint: Piano Provenzana – Etna Nord (1800m)

FAQ