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volcan etna eruption serracozzo etna3340

Excursion partly at night to see the lava

A journey through time and space, we progressively move from a centenarian forest to the recently formed volcanic desert.

The magic of leaving at night (about 2 hours before sunrise), walking on the starry sky, seeing the sun rise from the sea that illuminates the summit of Etna ... a beautiful experience without anyone around.

Highlights
  • Free excursion for children up to 12 years (excluding package with overnight stay at the Citelli Refuge and with pickup / return to the hotel).
  • Group of maximum 8 pax.
  • Departure at night with the starry sky (about 2 hours before sunrise).
  • View of the sunrise over the sea and Mount Etna at the "golden hour".
  • Visit one of the most beautiful lava galleries of Etna.
  • Excursion to see the Valle del Bove.
  • You will see the summit craters of Etna and the recent lava flows.
  • Excursion to the craters of the 1928 eruption.

Come along the most beautiful part of the "Etna Trail" of the Maxi Race circuit

If you want to get out of the usual hiking trails, being a nature lover, you will certainly have less fun than discovering the Etna volcano from a cable car or a 4x4 vehicle. You will enter a lava tunnel, walk along the ridge of the Valle del Bove and see the summit craters up close, away from the "hordes of thrill seekers and selfie hungry tourists".

We leave at night with the starry sky to see the sunrise over the Ionian Sea, see the volcano at its best and make the most of the landscapes at the time of the "golden hour". Your guide knows that starting a trek 2 hours before sunrise may seem difficult on your vacation, but this small sacrifice allows you to fully enjoy the hike without suffering the stifling heat and seeing the sun rise from the sea.

Currently the area of ​​the summit craters of Etna is off limits, by order of civil protection, due to the risk of eruption. The limit of the excursions is currently 2850 meters above sea level. The geodynamic situation is changing day by day depending on the rapid, unpredictable and random activity of the Etna volcano. Furthermore, the restrictions relating to the areas authorized for excursions change often (even during the day).

Considering the current altitude limits allowed for volcano tours, this excursion on the north side is the best choice for visiting Etna and the best alternative to climbing the summit. The excursion includes excursions in the volcanic desert area, crossing of woods, lava tunnels, ancient lava flows and craters accompanied by the English-speaking guide of Etna3340. It starts from 1741 meters above sea level to reach a maximum of 2850 meters, while the total distance on foot is about 15 km (descent on volcanic sands). The difficulty of the route, the kilometers traveled, the travel speed, the difference in height, the maximum altitude and the route will be decided by the guide during the excursion.

 

The difference between the southern and northern slopes of Etna.

On the south side you can climb a little higher, but you will see less and you will be in a crowd. This excursion, intended for a sporting public, is currently the best choice to visit Etna (and climb as high as possible).

This unique and authentic excursion is ideal for sportsmen who prefer to undertake an excursion away from the crowded tourist flows, immersed in nature, to admire the beauty of the volcano and live an unforgettable experience.

 

The particularly spectacular nature of this route justifies the choice of the Serracozzo route for the international Trail races of the Maxi Race circuit.

On the north side of Etna the "Serracozzo" path is one of the most fascinating paths of one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. This route is used by Trail races. This excursion can arrive (when the volcanic activity and the weather allow it) to Pizzi Deneri, 2847 meters above sea level, to get closer to the imposing summit craters and arrive at the foot of the north-east crater (former peak of Etna) and near the south-east crater (currently the highest).

 

Exact tour times vary depending on the season.

During the group excursion formula (max 10 participants), it is necessary to adapt your pace to that of less trained hikers. With the private excursion formula the guide takes care only of you and you can adapt pace, times and itinerary to your sporting skills.

 

Walk on the crest of the Valle del Bove, visit of the lava tunnel of Serracozzo

The path that climbs along the ridge of the Serra delle Concazze up to the Serracozzo viewpoint is very interesting because it allows you to cross a very rare birch forest at these latitudes and to visit a truly fascinating lava tunnel. In addition, you can admire, with the English-speaking guide of Etna3340, a magnificent view of the Valle del Bove, a large horseshoe-shaped depression of about 6 kilometers in diameter.

 

Serracozzo lava tunnel, Etna eruption in 1971

The Serracozzo lava tunnel is the most beautiful gallery produced by the volcano's lava due to its particular structure and the effects produced inside by the beams of light that illuminate it from the top of the vault. It is located on the north-east side of Etna, about 1900 meters above sea level.

 

The itinerary of the special sunrise excursion on Etna

The climb is steep, on a path nestled among the magnificent Aetnensis birches that can survive at more than 2000 meters of altitude. After a difference in height of about 300 meters, the Valle del Bove opens up in front of you. A peculiarity of this path is to be able to walk for several hundred meters on the edge of the Valle del Bove, towards Pizzi Deneri and the south-east crater. We leave this beautiful landscape and begin the descent until we meet the craters of 1928 on a ravine of volcanic ash that we will have to follow almost to the end, before returning to the path that leads to the esplanade in front of the Citelli Refuge.

 

Information for the excursion on Etna at dawn

We will update you via email about 24 hours before the excursion to evaluate the weather / geodynamic situation of Etna. Material provided free of charge. Helmet, flashlight, sticks, backpack and k-way. To participate in excursions on Etna, mountain boots are required. If you don't have them, you have to take them or rent them. The price for the rental of trekking shoes is 5€ per pair with Etna3340. Tell me your sizes (women and men) no later than 24 hours before the excursion.

Your guide will bring you your shoes on the day of the excursion. Equipment required but not included. Mid-calf gaiters or socks (to limit volcanic sand in shoes). Trekking pants, jersey / fleece, warm waterproof windbreaker jacket with hood, gloves, hat, cap to protect your head from the sun, sunscreen, sunglasses. Plan a picnic and water in advance (1.5 liters per person).

  • Sport version: 15km. 1200 m altitude difference + -. From 1700 m to 2850 m altitude. 5 hours of ascent (including stops and a visit to the lava tunnel). 2 hours of descent (without stops).
  • Easy version: 8km. 700 m altitude difference + -. From 1700 m to 2400 m altitude. 3 hour climb (including stops and a visit to the lava tunnel). 1 hours of descent (without stops).
  • Lava tunnel of 100 m: about 30 minutes of visit. Difficulty: easy.

 

The choice of version (sport or easy) depends on the sporting level of the participants.

In the group excursion, you have to adjust to the slowest person. Consequently, the achievement of the maximum altitude and maximum km described is not guaranteed.

In the private excursion, with the guide dedicated only to you, you can adapt the pace and walking time to your sporting abilities.

  • The Citelli refuge has free parking and is located at the beginning of the excursion.
  • It was renovated in 2012 and has 4 single rooms for 2 to 4 people (for a total of 13 seats), a dining room for 35 people and a small bar.
  • The rooms always have clean sheets and blankets, it is not necessary to bring sheets and sleeping bags.
  • In the corridor, in front of the bedrooms, the four bathrooms are shared among the guests: 2 for women and 2 for men, both with always hot showers.

 

 

 

 

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Comment rejoindre l'Etna si vous n'avez pas de voiture?

Pour accéder au refuge Sapienza, situé sur le versant sud de l'Etna, vous avez la possibilité d'emprunter le bus de l'AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti).

Ce dernier part de la gare centrale de Catane à 8h du matin et arrive au bar restaurant La Cantoniera, sur le versant Sud de l'Etna, à 10h.

C'est ici que le guide vous attendra pour débuter l'excursion.

Le retour vers Catane est prévu aux alentours de 16h, mais il est conseillé de vérifier les horaires exacts à l'avance.

Ce moyen de transport est une solution économique et pratique pour rejoindre notre guide et participer à l'excursion sur l'Etna Sud.

Situation géodynamique du volcan Etna

La situation géodynamique de l'Etna évolue en fonction de l'activité imprévisible du volcan et les restrictions concernant les zones autorisées pour les excursions évoluent aussi souvent.

Je vous tiendrai au courant à temps pour vous informer des conditions météorologiques et de l'activité volcanique.

Comment serai-je informé des conditions de l'excursion ?

 Je vous enverrai une mise à jour par mail la veille de votre excursion, concernant les conditions météorologiques et géodynamiques de l’Etna. Veuillez lire attentivement ce mail et toutes mes communications.

Quelle est la différence entre l'excursion en groupe et l'excursion privée ?

Dans l'excursion en groupe, il faut s'adapter au rythme de la personne la plus lente, donc l'atteinte de l'altitude et des kilomètres maximaux n'est pas garantie. En revanche, avec l'excursion privée, vous pouvez ajuster le rythme selon vos capacités sportives.

Le guide peut-il modifier l'itinéraire de l'excursion ?

Oui, le guide se réserve le droit de modifier entièrement l'itinéraire, l'altitude maximale et d'autres aspects en fonction des conditions météorologiques, géodynamiques et du niveau des participants.

Quel matériel est fourni gratuitement ?

Nous fournissons un casque, une lampe torche, des bâtons, un sac à dos et un k-way gratuitement.

Les chaussures de randonnée sont-elles obligatoires ?

Oui, les chaussures de randonnée montantes sont obligatoires. Si vous n'en avez pas, elles sont disponibles à la location pour 5€ la paire. Veuillez indiquer vos pointures 24 heures avant l'excursion.

Quel équipement dois-je apporter ?

Outre les chaussures de randonnée, vous devez avoir des guêtres ou chaussettes hautes, un pantalon de randonnée, un pull/polaire, une veste chaude imperméable, des gants, un bonnet, une casquette, de la crème solaire, des lunettes de soleil et un piquenique avec 1 litre d'eau par personne.

Quelles sont les conditions pour participer à l'excursion ?

Il est essentiel d'être en parfaite santé sans problèmes de santé majeurs. Les personnes asthmatiques ou enceintes ne peuvent pas participer. Veuillez nous informer à l'avance de toute condition médicale ou allergie.

Que se passe-t-il en cas d'annulation de l'excursion ?

En cas de conditions défavorables, l'excursion peut être annulée ou reportée. Si vous ne pouvez pas déplacer la date, vous serez intégralement remboursé.

Y a-t-il des frais d'annulation ?

Oui, les frais d'annulation varient selon le type d'excursion et le délai d'annulation. Les détails sont spécifiés dans nos conditions de vente.

Dois-je réserver mon excursion à l'avance ?

Oui, il est recommandé de réserver votre excursion à l'avance. Ceci assure la disponibilité de votre place et permet une organisation optimale, surtout pendant la haute saison touristique.

De plus, la réservation préalable nous permet de vous fournir toutes les informations nécessaires et de préparer l'équipement adéquat pour votre aventure sur le volcan.

Que se passe-t-il si l'Etna entre en éruption ? L'excursion sera-t-elle annulée ?

Si l'Etna entre en éruption, la sécurité de nos participants reste notre priorité absolue. Le jour précédant votre excursion, je vous fournirai une mise à jour complète sur les conditions météorologiques et géodynamiques de l'Etna.

En cas d'activité éruptive, je m'efforcerai de proposer un itinéraire et des horaires adaptés pour essayer d'observer l'éruption à une distance de sécurité.

Cette adaptation sera effectuée en tenant compte de toutes les mesures de sécurité nécessaires.

En cas d'impossibilité d'assurer une observation sûre ou si les conditions l'exigent, l'excursion pourrait être annulée.

Vous serez informés en temps utile pour prendre les mesures appropriées.

Réservez Votre Expérience : Appelle +393334591618

Prêts pour l'aventure ?

Contactez Antonio par WhatsApp pour organiser votre escapade sur l'Etna.

 

Contactez-Nous : info@etna3340.com

Antonio, votre spécialiste francophone, est là pour vous accompagner dans cette aventure exceptionnelle au cœur de la Sicile.

Etna3340, bien plus qu'une randonnée, une expérience qui marque l'esprit et le cœur.

 

Satisfaction Garantie :

Chez Etna3340, votre satisfaction est notre priorité.

Si l'expérience ne répond pas à vos attentes, nous vous proposons une alternative ou un remboursement partiel.

 

Restez Informés :

Pour suivre les dernières actualités de l'Etna ou poser des questions, rejoignez notre groupe WhatsApp Etna3340 News et découvrez si le géant sicilien s'éveille.

Terms and Conditions. Etna Excursions

1. Purpose

These terms and conditions apply to the excursions organised by Etna3340 on Mount Etna, in Sicily.

Any booking implies full and unconditional acceptance of these terms by the client and by each registered participant.

 

2. Booking and payment

The booking becomes effective only after written confirmation from Etna3340 and receipt of full payment, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

The client undertakes to provide accurate and complete information regarding all participants (identity, health, physical level, equipment).

 

3. Prices and included services

Prices, included and excluded services, as well as the detailed description of each excursion, are stated on the website etna3340.com or in the quote sent by e-mail.

Only the services explicitly described as “included” in the programme or in the quote form part of the service.

Any additional element constitutes an optional or extra service.

 

4. Medical fitness and client responsibility

The client warrants that all participants are in good general health and are physically and psychologically fit to take part in a mountain hike on an active volcano, at altitude and on unstable terrain.

Etna excursions are not suitable for people who suffer, even mildly or in the past, from heart or respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, neurological disorders, significant bone, ligament or joint problems, a tendency to cramps, psychological or psychiatric disorders, nor for pregnant women.

Any medical condition, medication, physical limitation or psychological disorder must be disclosed to Etna3340 before booking. In case of doubt, the client must seek medical advice before confirming participation.

 

5. Mandatory equipment

For safety reasons, appropriate technical equipment is mandatory.

High-cut hiking boots are required.

Low shoes and sneakers are not permitted.

The volcanic terrain features deep ash, sharp rocks, steep slopes and unstable areas.

If the equipment does not comply, the guide may refuse access to the excursion, without refund.

The client undertakes to comply with the list of mandatory equipment indicated in the excursion description (suitable footwear, high socks, technical clothing, protection against cold, humidity and wind, water and food, etc.).

 

6. Safety, active volcano and itinerary changes

Dates, times and itineraries may be changed depending on availability, weather conditions, volcanic activity and organisational needs.

Etna is an active volcano.

Volcanic activity, weather, wind and trail conditions may change quickly and without notice.

Safety takes precedence over any other objective (altitude, distance, craters to reach, duration).

The guide reserves the right to modify, shorten, postpone or cancel the excursion, to change side, itinerary, altitude or schedule at any time if weather, geodynamic conditions or the participants’ real level require it.

These decisions are discretionary and non-negotiable.

No compensation is due if the planned route cannot be completed for safety reasons or due to external conditions beyond the control of Etna3340.

 

7. Cancellation by the client. Etna Excursions

Any request for cancellation must be sent by e-mail from the address used for the booking.

The date on which the e-mail is received shall be binding.

If the cancellation occurs more than 30 days before the excursion date, the amounts paid will be refunded, minus a flat fee of €100 per booking, corresponding to administrative, management and seat-blocking costs.

If the cancellation occurs 30 days or less before the excursion date, or in the event of a no-show at the meeting point, no refund is due, regardless of the reason (unless mandatory legal provisions provide otherwise).

Any request to change the date is treated as a cancellation followed by a new booking, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Etna3340.

 

8. Cancellation or changes by Etna3340

Etna3340 may cancel or postpone an excursion in case of adverse weather conditions, volcanic activity deemed incompatible with safety, restrictions by the authorities, technical problems or any other safety-related reason or force majeure.

In case of cancellation by Etna3340 without a rescheduling solution accepted by the client, the amounts paid for the excursion will be refunded within a maximum of 30 days by bank transfer.

This refund constitutes the only possible compensation.

 

9. Informed consent and acceptance of risks. Etna Excursions

By booking an Etna excursion with Etna3340, the client and each participant declare that they have read and understood the full description of the activity, including duration, difficulty, terms of sale, included and excluded services, required equipment and safety warnings.

Participants confirm that they are physically and technically able to take part in the excursion, that they are in good health, without allergies of any kind, without heart, respiratory or blood pressure problems, and without significant bone, joint, muscle, diabetic, cramp-related or neurological issues.

They confirm that the information provided to Etna3340 regarding their health, equipment and physical condition is accurate and complete.

They acknowledge that they have been informed of the risks associated with activities on an active volcano, including the possibility of injury, material damage and, in extreme cases, death.

They declare that they have received sufficient explanations from Etna3340 or its guides, have been able to ask all desired questions and have obtained clear and understandable answers.

They undertake to follow the safety instructions, to respect the group and not to take individual initiatives without first informing Etna3340 or its guides.

They accept that Etna3340 and its guides may modify or cancel the programme for safety reasons, weather conditions, volcanic activity or in light of the health, capacities or equipment of the participants.

They acknowledge that Etna3340 and its guides cannot be held liable for accidents, except in cases of duly proven gross negligence.

By taking part, they voluntarily accept all risks inherent in a mountain activity on an active volcano.

A separate consent and risk acceptance form may be presented and signed on site before departure, in addition to these terms.

 

10. Punctuality

The meeting time and place are confirmed by e-mail.

The guide will wait a maximum of 15 minutes after the agreed time, after which the excursion will start.

In case of late arrival or absence of the client, no refund is due.

 

11. Animals

Animals (dogs and others) are not allowed on Etna excursions, unless expressly agreed in writing.

 

12. Personal data and payments

Etna3340 respects the confidentiality of personal data.

The information provided by the client (identity, contact details, data necessary to organise the activity) is used solely for booking management, invoicing, customer relations and compliance with legal obligations.

This data is neither sold nor transferred to unauthorised third parties.

Online payments are made via secure systems using SSL or equivalent encryption protocols.

 

13. Applicable law

These terms and conditions are governed by Italian law.

Any dispute will, in the absence of an amicable settlement, be submitted to the competent courts of the place where the agency has its registered office.

 

Legal notice and contact details

Etna3340.Voyage di Isabella Francesca Anastasi
Travel Agency & Tour Operator
VAT IT05705930872
Tax Code NSTSLL66R44E017U
SCIA No. 202201051028-2391190 of 05/01/2022 – SUAP Municipality of Ferrara
Civil liability insurance: Lloyd’s DY087999-LB
Guarantee fund “Vacanze Garantite” 2021121121AT
REA FE 225682 – ATECO 79.11.00 Travel agency – ATECO 79.12.00 Tour operator
Registered office: Via Del Commercio 48 (interno 13), 44121 Ferrara (Italy), by appointment only
Agency affiliated to the “Gruppo Info Vacanze” network
Technical director: Dr. Daniela Vecchiato

Our formulas
200€ 60€ children -12
RIFUGIO CITELLI PACKAGE

Dinner + Overnight stay + Breakfast + Picnic + Equipment loan + Excursion + Guide

230€ per person
PICK-UP/DROP-OFF AT HOTEL

Min 2 pax

Customer reviews
5 étoiles 5/5
Expérience inoubliable !

Expérience inoubliable !
Paysages magnifiques et improbables, levé de soleil au cours de la randonnée, explications très complètes et intéressantes de notre guide Antonio, qui a été adorable, professionnel et prévenant.
Merci pour ce beau moment.

5 étoiles 5/5
Exceptionnel Etna tour

Tip top, amazing and passionate guide Antonio really was great all in French we were with my son 13 Y and many good explanations.
Vraiment un moment exceptionnel la randonnée adaptée et beaucoup d’explications claires en Français matériel fournit parfait.
Je ne peux que le recommandé aux familles.
Nous avons fait la randonnée à l’aube avec lever de soleil super.