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2002 Crater Excursion: A Tranquil Exploration of Etna's Northern Side
4.9
270 Ratings
Città metropolitana di Catania
Embark on a tranquil exploration of Etna’s northern side with the 2002 Crater Excursion. Discover the remains of the 2002 eruption, lunar landscapes, and explosive craters in total tranquility. Suitable for all ages.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Mount Etna - Beginning of the trek along the dirt road that leads from Piano Provenzana to the summit craters of the volcano, after the first kilometer you cross the eruptive fracture of the eruption of 27 October 2002 on the “Monte Nero - Timpa Rossa” path. visit and study the multiple volcanic morphologies relating to the eruptions that have occurred on the north side of Etna, in particular the flank eruptions of 10 September 1911 and 17 June 1923 which threatened the town of Linguaglossa. After visiting the particular volcanic morpho-structures called Hornitos from the Spanish “Small oven”, we will go up along the pyroclastic cones of the 2002 eruption until reaching the maximum altitude of 2100 meters on the edge of the craters, the route ends with the descent inside a sandy channel to the starting point.
Total height difference uphill: 300 meters (variable value)
Total length of the round trip trek: 4.5 km.
- Piano Provenzana - Beginning of the trek along the dirt road that leads from Piano Provenzana to the summit craters of the volcano, after the first kilometer you cross the eruptive fracture of the eruption of 27 October 2002 on the “Monte Nero - Timpa Rossa” path. visit and study the multiple volcanic morphologies relating to the eruptions that have occurred on the north side of Etna, in particular the flank eruptions of 10 September 1911 and 17 June 1923 which threatened the town of Linguaglossa. After visiting the particular volcanic morpho-structures called Hornitos from the Spanish “Small oven”, we will go up along the pyroclastic cones of the 2002 eruption until reaching the maximum altitude of 2100 meters on the edge of the craters, the route ends with the descent inside a sandy channel to the starting point.
Total height difference uphill: 300 meters (variable value)
Total length of the round trip trek: 4.5 km.
What's Included
- Accident insurance included.
- Expert volcanological guide authorized by law.
What's Not Included
- Bottled water
- Trekking shoes (to be rented on site at authorized rentals at a cost of € 5 per pair)
- Hat and gloves (especially in winter, spring and autumn)
- Parking ticket (€ 3 for the whole day)
- Snowshoe rental (winter period) at a cost of €15 per person to be paid on the spot (in winter)
- Trekking poles
- Pickup service from your accommodation
Additional Information
The 2002 Craters tour is a highly desired and selected destination by travelers on Etna’s northern side, away from the crowded touristy spots. The trip delivers a genuine experience of Etna’s volcanic milieu in full serenity. Guides escort our guests on a walk through the remnants of the tourist facilities ruined by the magma discharges during the major 2002 eruption, passing forests, alien-like terrains, and ultimately to the brims of explosive craters, covering a total distance of slightly over 4.5 km roundtrip.
Equipment (boots + jacket) is available for rental on-site.
Itinerary:
Assembly at Piano Provenzana (North Etna) at 9:45 a.m.
Commencement of journey from Piano Provenzana at an elevation of 1800 meters at 10:00.
Initial orientation.
Trek initiation.
Exploration of the volcanic fractures up to a peak elevation of 2100 meters.
Trekking descent back to the origin.
Entire duration: 3h
Difficulty level: T (Tourist).
Recommended for kids accustomed to walking
- Trekking is not recommended for those who usually do little motor activity.
- Without adequate shoes you are not covered by accident insurance.
- Trekking does not require large preparations on a physical level, it is easy and absent of particularly difficult passages, however attention must be paid when treating volcanic soil, which is often incoherent and unstable.
- The total duration of the trek will depend on the gait.
- The route foresees the ascent and the passage along the crater edges, this could cause problems of vertigo to the sensitive subjects.
- This itinerary, in relation to the type, is suitable for people in a state of good physical health, who do not suffer from particular pathologies (cardio vascular, respiratory or hypertension).
- The excursion may be changed at the discretion of the Guides or be interrupted should the environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change, such as to compromise the safety of the entire group.
- To ensure the success of the excursion and the correct performance of the activity, it is good practice to know your health conditions perfectly and to have them present at the Guide, to reduce the occurrence of any problems and avoid risks.
Location
Guide Vulcanologiche Etna Nord
The meeting point is located in the car park near the chairlift active at Eta Nord in winter. The bar is the second house of the 4 in the parking lot. Please note that our meeting point is the "Chiosco Bar Mareneve" not the "Chiosco Bar Etna Nord".
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(270 Ratings)
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Claireco3813kf
Jul 21, 2024
Exciting excursion - We keep an enthusiastic memory of this hike on the north face of Mount Etna. Domenico, our Guide, introduced us to the varied landscapes and geological curiosities of this area, while adapting to our pace. With the exception of the sandy soil to reach the crater, no great difficulty on the course, for adults as for children (9 years for ours). Thank you 🤩👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luukterhaak
Jul 20, 2024
Informative and interesting tour - Had a very nice tour to the craters of the 2002 eruption where our Guide, Domenico, told us a lot and with passion about the volcano and the surroundings. The surroundings were beautiful and I would definitely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
69wilmab
Jul 14, 2024
Hard climb but very rewarding! - Spicy ride for the kids! But very rewarding. Beautiful views. Nice quiet area. Nice enthusiastic, local Guide with stories about own experiences. Tip is to wear closed shoes with high socks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside54972938752
Jul 9, 2024
Passionate and attentive guide to the group. I recommend this family trek. - We made the trek to the craters of the 2002 eruption and the experience was perfect. Our guide Giuseppe was passionate about this volcano and listened to everyone. I highly recommend this accessible trek that can be done with children (9 and 11 in my case).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margarita_m
Jul 7, 2024
I learned very... - I learned very interesting things about volcanoes in general and Etna in particular. Very friendly guide with a very good knowledge of the subject.
Review provided by Viator
K2473wxchiarac
Jul 4, 2024
Great experience - Great guide (Joseph), kind and ready to answer questions. Fantastic view, experience to recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
838ralucai
Jul 1, 2024
Proper experience for families with kids - We took our tour with Giuseppe M. 6 kids on board, our guide was very kind, attentive and well prepaired. For those who are in doubt: it does make sense to choose a guided tour on Etna instead of on your own because of all the explanations and the best spots / route you get. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trail00580811351
Jun 23, 2024
Etna volcano to discover - Magnificent experience, the guide Luca was very competent and comprehensive in explanations. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sergiocm3163gb
Jun 20, 2024
To do - I did exactly what I wanted. Very satisfied !!!
Etna very beautiful, top rift tour.
Well done driving Luca M.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patriziacz888co
Jun 7, 2024
A taste of the beauty and strength of nature, crossing such different landscapes along the way. - Nice experience, certainly worth repeating by exploring other sides. Thanks to our guide Giuseppe, friendly and professional (and thanks for the suggestions on the refuge menu)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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