• Piano Provenzana - Located on the northern side of Mount Etna, Piano Provenzana is easily accessible by private or rental vehicles via fully paved public roads. This area, surrounded by pine forests and dramatic lava fields, was transformed by the October 2002 eruption, which destroyed the original facilities and left behind a remarkable volcanic landscape of historical significance. Visitors can find souvenir shops, cafés, and bars offering breakfast, lunch, or coffee, as well as places to refill water bottles. In winter, it operates as a ski resort, while in summer, it serves as the starting point for guided hikes and excursions. Blue-lined parking areas accommodate cars and camper vans. Tour participants can meet their volcanological guide at designated on-site meeting points. Piano Provenzana, being less crowded than other Etna stations, provides a peaceful and authentic experience of Europe’s highest active volcano.

• Mount Etna - The trek begins along the dirt road from Piano Provenzana to the summit craters of the volcano. After the first kilometer, trekkers cross the eruptive fracture from the eruption on 27 October 2002 on the “Monte Nero - Timpa Rossa” path. This route offers the opportunity to explore and study the various volcanic formations related to eruptions on Etna’s north side, particularly the flank eruptions of 10 September 1911 and 17 June 1923, which posed a threat to the town of Linguaglossa. After examining the unique volcanic structures known as Hornitos, derived from the Spanish term “Small oven,” the trek continues up the pyroclastic cones of the 2002 eruption, reaching a maximum altitude of 2100 meters at the crater’s edge. The journey concludes with a descent through a sandy channel back to the starting point.

Total elevation gain uphill: 300 meters (variable value)
Total length of the round trip trek: 4.5 km.

• Accident insurance included.
• Expert volcanological guide authorized by law.

• 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

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.

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