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Terms and Conditions – Etna Excursions

Before booking

Each participant must read these conditions, ask questions if necessary, and report any equipment needs.

The number of participants may vary slightly (+1 compared to the announced number).

Updates and itinerary

The day before the excursion, I will send a weather and geodynamic update.

If conditions are unfavorable, the excursion will be postponed or canceled with a refund.

Participation requirements

Excellent physical condition required.
No asthma, pregnancy, heart, respiratory, or joint problems.
Any medical conditions, allergies, or treatments must be declared when booking.
The guide may exclude unfit or poorly equipped participants without refund.
Some excursions have age limits.

Safety and active volcano

Etna is an active volcano, and activity can change without notice.

In case of eruption, the itinerary will be adjusted for safety.

Cancellations and refunds

If you cancel: €100 fee will be retained.
Cancellation between 30 and 1 days before the excursion, or no-show: no refund.
If we cancel: full refund (within 30 days, via bank transfer).

Mandatory equipment

Provided free of charge: helmet, headlamp, trekking poles, backpack, rain jacket.

Mandatory hiking boots (high ankle):

Only high hiking boots are allowed.
If you want to use your own, send me photos at least 24h before the excursion.
If they are unsuitable, you cannot participate and no refund will be given.
Rental available: €5 per pair (must be requested at least 24h before).

Why high boots?

We walk on deep volcanic sand, sometimes up to the knees on descents.

Low shoes do not provide protection.

The guide will explain how to use them properly to avoid injuries or discomfort.

Other mandatory items:

Long socks (up to the knees) to prevent sand entering – football socks are ideal.
Scarf recommended for volcanic dust.
Trekking pants, sweater/fleece, warm windproof waterproof jacket (rain jacket provided), gloves, hat.
Jeans and sweatpants are not allowed.
Picnic + 1.5 liters of water per person.

Punctuality

Meeting point will be confirmed by e-mail.

The guide will wait a maximum of 15 minutes, then the excursion will start without you (no refund).

Group tours: itinerary and altitude not guaranteed, excellent fitness required.

Private tours: more flexibility (schedule and itinerary adapted).

Animals

Dogs and pets are not allowed (excursions, helicopter flights, or accommodations).

Terms and Conditions – Helicopter Flights

General rules

Each participant must read these conditions, ask questions if necessary, and report any needs.

Each participant, including children, must present an identity document. Without this, boarding will not be possible.

Flight experience

The flight time is counted from engine start to shutdown, for full immersion from takeoff to landing.

Meeting time

The exact meeting time (chosen or agreed) may vary depending on availability, weather, and Etna’s geodynamic conditions.

Any changes will be communicated as soon as possible, and at the latest one hour before the flight.

Getting to the heliport

GPS systems may be imprecise when approaching the heliport due to satellite coverage.

We recommend checking your route in advance and downloading maps.

Note: some Etna areas have limited or no phone and internet coverage.

The pilot will wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled time. Beyond that, the flight will be canceled without refund.

Confirmation or cancellation

The day before the flight I will contact you to check weather and volcanic conditions.

Final confirmation (or cancellation) and departure time will be sent 24h in advance by e-mail or phone.

If conditions are unfavorable, the flight may be postponed or canceled.

If we cancel: full refund (within 30 days, by bank transfer).

Weather and volcanic activity

Helicopter flights are sensitive to weather and volcanic activity.

These natural elements may change the itinerary.

The pilot will select the safest and most suitable route.

Active volcano operations

We operate on an active volcano, so gas emissions from summit craters can affect visibility unpredictably.

Weather forecasts remain forecasts and are not guaranteed 100%.

If conditions prevent reaching the summit after takeoff, the route will be modified to include Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella (Naxos), Castiglione di Sicilia Castle, Alcantara Gorges, and Calatabiano Castle.

Cancellations and refunds

If you cancel: €150 fee will be retained.
Cancellation between 30 and 1 days before the flight, or no-show: no refund.
If we cancel: full refund (within 30 days, via bank transfer).

Participation requirements

Good health required: no allergies, cardiac, respiratory, blood pressure, bone or joint issues.
You must inform us in advance (at booking) if you take medication, and specify which ones.
Flights are prohibited for pregnant women and not recommended for children under 4 years.
If the pilot deems you unfit to fly for physical or psychological reasons, boarding will be denied without refund.