Our excursion will begin with a convenient pick-up directly from your accommodation on board our off-road vehicle at a pre-arranged time. On this day we will touch with our hands the past and the present of our "Mamma Etna". We will visit some mysterious and unique places on the northeast side, such as "Lo Zappinazzu" the oldest pine on the mountain, the mountains of Sartorius the old "buttonhole" volcano from the 1800s, and last but not least a lava flow cave used in the last centuries for various activities.
We will conclude our tour in a local Vineyard where we will enjoy the "typical produce" of Etna.
Italiano, English, Español, Swedish
Daily
At your Accommodation
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Full refund up to 72 hours before of the experience
The day will begin with the collection from your accommodation at a pre-arranged time.
Our journey begins in the direction of the north-eastern side of Etna, crossing the small mountain villages "Piedimonte Etneo" and "Linguaglossa", theatres of various eruptions in the past centuries, signs of these are still tangible in the area today.
During our climb we will start to notice how the view changes around us, for example the vegetation changing from citrus trees at sea level to the olive groves of "Nocellara Etnea", up to the most important areas of wine production with D.O.C. and D.O.C.G.
At an altitude of 1300 metres above sea level we will finally arrive at our secular pine tree, ZAPPINAZZU, called this way by locals because the branches of this species remind them of a farmer's hoe. This 350 year old tree measures 40 metres in height and has a circumference of 6 metres.
Our tour continues with a light trek which can be carried out by all ages due to its low difficulty level. This experience will last approximately 1 hour, we will walk a distance of less than 3 km on various levels in altitude not exceeding 150 metres.
his will lead us to the discovery of the "Bottoniera" from 1865 which opened at a low altitude - under 2000 metres - and gave rise to a spectacular formation in succession of 7 craters, which the Sicilians call "bottoniera" because seen from above, they look like buttons resting on a solidified lava flow. The name is given by the geologist "Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen" who dedicated part of his life to studying the evolution of this volcanic event.
After our trek we will make our way to a refuge for refreshments and use of restrooms. We will reach the refuge via the old road which was interrupted by the lava front in the 2002 eruption, causing the total destruction of "Piano Provenzana" and definitively changing the current tourist centre.
Arriving in front of the most famous snow cave, "NIVIERA" or also legendary called "CAVE OF THIEVES". The visit will be carried out with full precaution and health and safety in mind. We will cross an underground cave of approximately 25 metres long and 10 metres deep. For this adventure we will provide you with protective helmets and torches.
In history this cave was used to store the snow in the winter to then be sold in summer to noble houses and local businesses. Legends say that thieves used to hide their stolen goods within some of the hidden niches of the cave.
The final part of your adventure will be approximately a 1 hour stop at a local Vineyard where you will immerse in an experience combining local food for example cheeses, cured meats and vegetables prepared in a traditional manner and pairing of fine wines by your expert sommelier.
All this will be served directly to your table where you will enjoy spectacular views surrounding the winery. It will be possible to choose directly in the vineyard the type of tasting you would prefer, from basic to full. They will also cater for celiacs, vegans and vegetarians.
The tasting will be chosen and paid for directly within the vineyard. On leaving this experience we will return to your accommodation.
Order of the events will be communicated directly by your guide on the day • All activities will be carried out by jeep or on foot • Wine Tasting and refreshments are excluded, wine tasting has a minimum cost of Euro 20 and a maximum of Euro 35
| 1-3 pax | 340€ |
| 4-6 pax | 400€ |
| 7-8 | 480€ |
We will collect you from your accommodation at a previously agreed time between:
Your guide will be an experienced driver that speaks Italian, English and Spanish with a deep knowledge of the local area.
We recommend booking this excursion in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during days of festivities. We require at least 2 days notice and bookings are subject to availability.
To make a reservation, follow the link at the bottom of the page. You will be contacted within 24 hours by our booking team who will confirm your booking and assist you in preparing for your excursion.
You may cancel this excursion free of charge up to 72 hours before the date of activity. No refunds will be given for cancellations within the 72 hour period, arriving late or no shows.