Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, offers an exhilarating trek to its summit craters. This guided tour provides a cable car ride and Jeep/SUV transfers, leading adventurers to awe-inspiring sites like Bocca Nuova and Barbagallo. With knowledgeable guides and essential gear, participants can explore a lava tunnel on this physically demanding yet remarkable journey. However, guests must carefully consider their fitness levels before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Key Points
- The Summit Crater Trek at Mount Etna includes a cable car ride, Jeep/SUV transfer, and guided visits to various volcanic craters and a lava tunnel.
- The tour is priced from $65.12 per person and is available in multiple languages, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights of the itinerary include a safety briefing, exploration of the Bocca Nuova crater, and visits to the Cratere Centrale dell’Etna and Barbagallo Crater.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 6, individuals with certain health conditions, or participants exceeding 209 lbs, due to the physically demanding nature of the trek.
- Travelers are advised to consider their fitness level and the potential physical difficulty of the trek before booking, as some reviews mention the challenging aspects of the experience.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a Summit Crater Trek at Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.
Priced from $65.12 per person, this 5-hour excursion is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes a cable car ride, jeep/SUV transfer, and guided visits to the Bocca Nuova, Cratere Centrale dell’Etna, and Barbagallo Crater, along with a walk through a lava tunnel.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Belpasso.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting at AITNE • Escursioni Etna, near the southern Etna cableway, the tour begins with a safety briefing.
Participants then board a cable car for a 15-minute ride, followed by a 15-minute Jeep/SUV transfer.
A 15-minute cable car ride followed by a 15-minute Jeep/SUV transfer brings participants to the next stage of the tour.
The guided tour explores the Bocca Nuova crater for 2 hours, the Cratere Centrale dell’Etna for 30 minutes, and the Barbagallo Crater for 1 hour.
Trekkers walk through a lava tunnel and admire the volcanic landscapes.
Finally, the cable car descends, returning participants to the starting point.
Traveler Feedback
Positive experiences are commonly noted by travelers for the knowledgeable guides and stunning views encountered on the Mount Etna summit crater trek.
Some reviews, however, mention the physical difficulty of the trek, suggesting an easier route for less active participants.
Guides are praised for their care, entertainment, and informative nature, leading to an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 1,037 reviews.
While the majority of travelers are satisfied, certain individuals may find the trek challenging and would benefit from considering their fitness level prior to booking the tour.
Included in the Tour
The tour includes a variety of amenities and equipment to enhance the summit crater trek experience. Participants receive volcano guides, hiking boots, walking sticks, wind jackets, and helmets, all of which are provided for the duration of the tour. Plus, roundtrip cable car transportation (€52 for adults, €30 for children under 11) is included. The tour also provides insurance coverage and free parking, subject to availability.
| Included | Not Included |
| — | — |
| Volcano guides | Alcohol and drugs |
| Hiking boots, walking sticks, wind jackets, helmets | – |
| Roundtrip cable car transportation | – |
More Great Tours NearbyNot Suitable For
Although the Mount Etna Summit Crater Trek is a thrilling adventure, it may not be suitable for certain individuals.
Children under 6 years, those with heart or respiratory issues, individuals over 95 years, and people over 209 lbs (95 kg) are advised against joining this tour.
Those under 6, with heart/respiratory issues, over 95 years, or exceeding 209 lbs are advised against this Mount Etna Summit Crater Trek.
The physically demanding nature of the trek, including steep inclines and uneven terrain, may pose challenges for these groups.
For their safety and enjoyment, the tour operators recommend exploring alternative, less strenuous options that cater to a wider range of fitness levels and health conditions.
Meeting Point
To begin the tour, participants should meet at the designated meeting point, which is next to La Terrazza dell’Etna restaurant, in front of the cable car station of Etna South.
This location serves as the starting point for the Summit Crater Trek at Mount Etna. Attendees should arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour schedule is strictly followed.
From here, the group will board the cable car for the initial ascent before continuing their journey by Jeep or SUV.
Knowing the precise meeting location is crucial for a seamless start to the Mount Etna adventure.
Prohibited Items
Alcohol and drugs are prohibited items on the Mount Etna Summit Crater Trek. The tour operator takes safety seriously, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The prohibited items include:
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Alcoholic beverages
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Recreational drugs
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Items that could be used as weapons
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Anything that could potentially cause harm or disrupt the tour
These restrictions are in place to maintain a safe and controlled environment for the trek.
Safety takes priority on the Mount Etna Summit Crater Trek, maintaining a controlled environment for a responsible and enjoyable experience.
Participants are expected to follow all rules and guidelines to ensure the well-being of the group during the adventure on Mount Etna.
Volcanic Risk and Weather Conditions
The tour on Mount Etna is subject to change due to potential volcanic risk and weather conditions.
Volcanic activity and eruptions on the mountain can pose a safety hazard, leading to tour cancellations or route alterations. Similarly, inclement weather like heavy rain, snow, or high winds may force the tour operator to modify or cancel the excursion.
Participants are advised to be flexible and prepared for changes. The tour provider continuously monitors the volcano and weather to ensure the safety of all guests.
If a tour is canceled, guests will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule their visit.
Ask Away
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour overview does not explicitly mention an option to extend the duration. The provided information indicates the tour is a 5-hour fixed activity. To extend the duration, travelers would need to inquire with the tour operator about any additional options or customizations.
Are Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Group discounts are not explicitly mentioned in the tour details provided. However, it is common for tour operators to offer group pricing for bookings above a certain number of participants. Customers should inquire with the tour provider for any available group discount options.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour details, bringing your own food and drinks is not mentioned as included or prohibited. It is likely that participants can bring their own sustenance, but this should be verified with the tour operator prior to the trek.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cable Car Ride?
The tour has age restrictions for the cable car ride. Children under 11 years old are eligible for reduced-price tickets, while children under 6 years old are not permitted on the tour.
Does the Tour Operator Provide Any First Aid Equipment?
The tour operator provides safety equipment like helmets and hiking boots, and also includes insurance. While they do not explicitly mention first aid equipment, it is likely available in case of minor incidents during the trek.
Final Words
The Summit Crater Trek at Mount Etna offers an exhilarating adventure through Europe’s highest active volcano. Featuring a cable car ride, Jeep/SUV transfers, and a guided trek to stunning craters, this tour provides a remarkable opportunity to explore the volcanic landscape. While physically demanding, the trek is led by knowledgeable guides and includes essential gear, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for those with the appropriate fitness level.
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