By 4x4 bus up to 2,800 m, with a volcanological guide

Etna by 4x4

Ride the 4x4 bus from Piano Provenzana up to 2,800 m and take a guided walk among craters and fumaroles: Etna's high altitude without a long trek.

2,800 m by 4x4 bus
Guided walk among craters and fumaroles
Family friendly

Request a booking Fact sheet

Duration: ≈ 2.5 hours
Difficulty
Price: 69 € per personChildren: 55 € (under 12)
Departure: 9:00 · 10:30 · 12:00 · 13:30
Start altitude: 1,800 m
Max altitude: 2,800 m

About halfway up, at 2,000 m, there is a short walk of about 10 minutes along the rim of the last four craters of 2002, the same ones that destroyed Piano Provenzana during the eruption.

After the walk the 4x4 bus continues up to 2,800 m. Here there is a 15–20 minute stop to admire three of Etna's four summit craters, with the guide's explanations. The tour then returns to the car park.

Ideal for families and for those short on time: in just over two hours you are back at Piano Provenzana with a complete reading of the volcano, told by someone who walks it every day.

Itinerary

1,800 m
Meeting at Piano Provenzana
Meet the guide and board the 4x4 bus.
4x4 bus ascent
About 30 minutes along the ash track, through the 2002 lava flow and the lava desert.
2,000 m
Stop at the 2002 craters
A short walk of about 10 minutes along the rim of the last four craters of 2002.
2,800 m
Stop at altitude with the guide
Three of Etna's four summit craters, with the guide's explanations.
1,800 m
Descent and return
Back down by 4x4 bus to Piano Provenzana.

The guide reserves the right to change, postpone or cancel the tour if weather or volcanic activity endanger participants' safety. If cancelled: refund or reschedule.

Photos from the tours

Questions about this tour

How much walking is there?

Very little: a short walk of about 10 minutes at 2,000 m along the rim of the 2002 craters and a stop at 2,800 m with the guide. The rest is by 4x4 bus. Ideal for those who do not want, or cannot manage, a long trek.

Is the 4x4 bus safe? I get car sick.

The buses are authorised vehicles that drive the ash track every day; the climb takes about 30 minutes on a dirt road. If you get car sick, sit at the front and tell the guide.

How high do you go?

Up to 2,800 metres, at the foot of the summit craters: from there the volcanological guide points out three of Etna's four summit craters.

Is it fine for children and people with reduced mobility?

For children, yes. For significant mobility issues write to us before booking: the bus ride is accessible and the walk at altitude can be shortened or adapted.