Hiking on Mt Etna - Eastern Slopes

Venture out to the discovery of the Eastern Slope of Etna following an expert nature guide! Enjoy a nature trail through the highest active volcano of Europe by the stunning landscape. In the eastern slope, as peculiarity, there are the "northern woods", very unusual in the Mediterranean area.
From Fornazzo, we'll go by minibus up the Mareneve road which leads to Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana. During the drive, we'll focus on the various kinds of woodland which vary according to altitude, paying particular attention to Etna's birch woods, which can only be found on this side of Etna (1600m. to 1760 m a.s.l.). We'll then go to Etna Nord, Piano Provenzana (1820m a.s.l.) along the road which was rebuilt after the devastating 2002 eruption.
The hike climbs off-road up the eruptive fissure up to 2000m a.s.l.. From here, we'll cross the 2002 lava flow field and then the 1923 eruptive fissure, with views over the Ionian and the Sicilian Tirrenian coasts. Going along the fissure, we'll be able to see the various hornitos (small lava scoriae cones) which follow the outline of the fissure. Then, crossing lava fields of various volcanic eruptions which leads to the Timparossa refuge (1800m a.s.l.) hidden in dense beech woods at the base of the mountain. After a break, we'll take the same trail to see a Lava bomb field and finally the 2002 craters.

Complimentary tasting of honey, olive oil and Etna wines.
Duration (time approximate): 9:00 am to 18:00
Elevation gain: 250 m
Hiking time: about 5 hours
Pick-up: included