By 4x4 bus up to 2,900 m, with a volcanological guide

Etna by 4x4

Ride the 4x4 bus from Piano Provenzana up to 2,900 m and take a guided walk among craters and fumaroles: Etna's high altitude without a long trek.

2,900 m by 4x4 bus
Guided walk among craters and fumaroles
Family friendly

Request a booking Fact sheet

Duration: ≈ 2.5 hours
Difficulty
Price: 75 € per person
Departure: 10:00
Start altitude: 1,800 m
Max altitude: 2,900 m

The tour for those who want to experience Etna's high altitude without a demanding trek: from Piano Provenzana the 4x4 bus climbs the ash track to about 2,900 metres, at the foot of the summit craters.

At altitude the volcanological guide leads the group on an easy walk of about an hour: recent craters and vents, fumaroles, the view over the Valle del Bove and, on clear days, the Ionian coast.

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

10:00 · 1,800 m
Meeting at Piano Provenzana
Meet the guide and board the 4x4 bus.
— · 2,900 m
4x4 bus ascent
About 30 minutes along the ash track, through the 2002 lava flow and the lava desert.
— · 2,900 m
Guided walk at altitude
About an hour among craters and fumaroles, with the view over the Valle del Bove.
≈ 12:30 · 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?

About an hour at a slow pace at altitude, on easy ground with frequent stops. 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?

Around 2,900 metres, at the foot of the summit craters. From there you continue on foot with the volcanological guide for a walk among craters and fumaroles.

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.