Venture out to the discovery of the Eastern Slope of Etna following an expert nature guide! Enjoy a nature trail through the highest active volcano of Europe by the stunning landscape. In the eastern slope, as peculiarity, there are the "northern woods", very unusual in the Mediterranean area.
From Fornazzo, we'll go by minibus up the Mareneve road which leads to Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana. During the drive, we'll focus on the various kinds of woodland which vary according to altitude, paying particular attention to Etna's birch woods, which can only be found on this side of Etna (1600m. to 1760 m a.s.l.). We'll then go to Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana (1820m a.s.l.) along the road which was rebuilt after the devastating 2002 eruption.
The hike climbs off-road up the eruptive fissure up to 2000m a.s.l.. From here, we'll cross the 2002 lava flow field and then the 1923 eruptive fissure, with views over the Ionian and the Sicilian Tirrenian coasts. Going along the fissure, we'll be able to see the various hornitos (small lava scoriae cones) which follow the outline of the fissure. Then, crossing lava fields of various volcanic eruptions which leads to the Timparossa refuge (1800m a.s.l.) hidden in dense beech woods at the base of the mountain. After a break, we'll take the same trail to see a Lava bomb field and finally the 2002 craters.

Complimentary tasting of honey, olive oil and Etna wines.
Duration (time approximate): 9:00 am to 18:00
Elevation gain: 250 m
Hiking time: about 5 hours
Pick-up: included

Guided Hiking Tour with multilingual naturalistic guide (belonging to the A.I.G.A.E., Italian Association for Professional Nature and Walking Guides)
We provide a pick-up service from your accommodation or collection point and back (for the list of places covered by the service refer to "how to reach us" field). Upon booking please note the site where you need to be picked up.
Means of transport: minibus. Rate includes a packed lunch (sandwiches).

Everything that is not specified in the "include":

We recommend layered clothing that is ideal for all weather conditions.
Optional equipment: windcheater, hiking shoes, backpack containing rain-jacket and rain-pants, water-bottle, sunscreen, hat, batteries, eventually a change of clothes that you can leave in the minibus

The pick-up service is included from all accommodations facilities in: Catania, Misterbianco, Mascalucia, Gravina di Catania, S.Giovanni La Punta, Tremestieri etneo, Aci Castello, Aci Trezza, Pedara, San Gregorio di Catania, Trecastagni, Sant'Agata Li Battiati, Zafferana Etnea, Santa Venerina, Viagrande, Valverde, Nicolosi.

To make a reservation payment of the full amount is required.

In case of bad weather conditions, if the organizer considers inappropriate/unsafe to operate the service, you will agree a new date with your guide. If it will not be possible to arrange a new date, you will be refunded.

In the case of withdrawal before 24h or on the day of the event the amount paid will not be reimbursed. In the case of withdrawal before 48h, will be reimbursed just 60% of the amount paid.