Exploring Mt. Etna
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Port
Giardini Naxos (Taormina), Italy
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$200
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Mount Etna
"Mount Etna is an iconic site encompassing 19,237 uninhabited hectares on the highest part of Mount Etna, on the eastern coast of Sicily. Mount Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world. The eruptive history of the volcano can be traced back 500,000 years and at least 2,700 years of this activity has been documented. The volcano also supports important terrestrial ecosystems including endemic flora and fauna and its activity makes it a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes."
Mt Etna is a highly active volcano, with scientific value combined with incredible historical and cultural significance.
Your adventure starts from the pier with a drive that takes you through the ancient town of Naxos. Climbing a scenic road up Mt Etna, you'll travel through small villages, lemon groves and pine woods.
At the Crateri Silvestri area, approximately 6,500 feet above sea level, the highlight of your excursion will be a thrilling cable-car ride up the slopes of Europe's largest active volcano. The cable car takes you up part-way; then, you will transfer to a 4x4 van for the remainder of the ride to an elevation of 9,500 feet.
A professional alpine guide and qualified vulcanologist meets you here. (S)he accompanies you on your walk among the expansive lava fields, which afford sweeping vistas across the Catania Gulf.
Enjoy 30 minutes of free time to explore the remnants of awe-inspiring streams of lava before beginning your descent from this surreal landscape.
Please note: Tour operates dependent upon accessibility of Mt Etna. Participants must be in good physical condition. Wear non-skid, closed-toe shoes. Bring a windbreaker or sweater for the high elevation. Please note that the portion of the Cable car, UNIMOG and hiking exploration is not exclusive to SBN guests.