Sicily: Mount Etna 4×4 Jeep Tour with Lava Caves & Forests – Sicily, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

2002 Lava front

The first visit is the 2002 lava flow, reachable by jeep through a winding dirt road surrounded by chestnut and oak forests. The 2002 eruption lasted from October 27th to January 29th, 2003 and it is considered one of the most explosive eruptions of the past one hundred years

Corruccio Cave’s

Continuing our excursion you’ll reach the Ragabo pine forest where hidden among pines and brooms, you’ll discover the cave of Corruccio (1350 meters above sea level) a cave formed by flowing lava.

Piano Provenzana

Later, drive along the Mareneve road to reach Piano Provenzana (1800 meters above sea level), a ski resort, and theater of the great eruption of 2002. Enjoy an espresso, then take a short walk to visit the ruins of the hotel Le Betulle destroyed by a molten lava flow.

Monti Sartorius

Your tour continues with a short walk to some of the side craters, the Sartorius Mountains (1700 meters above sea level), formed in the year 1865 and characterized by seven small, aligned eruptive cones (or “buttonholes”). 

This area holds great geological and botanical treasures, and your tour winds along clearings rich in endemic species, large volcanic “bombs” and woodlands dominated by birch trees (Betula Aetnensis). 

Halfway down from the top of one of the craters, marvel at breathtaking views of the Ionian coast, from Riposto to Taormina, the Calabrian coast, the North-East Crater (3350 meters above sea level), the lava formations from 2002, and the eruptive mouths near the tourist resort of Piano Provenzana.

Traveling through one of the wine roads of Sicily and crossing large expanses of vineyards (Etna D.O.C.), arrive at a local restaurant. This is the ideal place to enjoy relaxing moments surrounded by nature while sampling local cuisine and excellent wines. (Lunch not included)

Alcantara River

In the afternoon discover a unique canyon comprised of basaltic lava (the “Alcantara” Gorges) and shaped by the waters of the Alcantara river. The Alcantara’s vertical cliffs reach 30 meters in height and its structures have been forged by high-intensity geological and geothermal events.

In prehistoric times, a river flowed here over clay sediments until a massive volcanic eruption channeled magma into the river bed forming the current canyons. After this stop, end your memorable day and return to town.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit of the lava front of the 2002 eruption (1100mt asl)
Visit of a lava flow cave (1350 mt asl)
Trekking (duration 60min.) To discover extinct lateral craters (1700mt asl)
Alcantara Gorges
This trip is not just for those interested in geology: anyone who loves nature and breathtaking landscapes should join us on this special excursion.

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