Excursion Description
The Private Jeep Tour is an exclusive excursion that will allow you to discover the wonders of Etna through a complete route combining geology, nature, eruptive history, and local food and wine traditions.
The first stop is a visit to the most advanced lava front of Etna's last major eruption, the 2002 lava flow, reached by Jeep along an off-road section surrounded by suggestive chestnut and oak forests. The 2002 eruption lasted from October 27 to January 29 of the following year and is considered one of the most explosive eruptions of the last 100 years.
Continuing, we will reach the Ragabo pine forest, where we will discover, hidden among pines and broom, a lava tube cave: the Corruccio Cave (1350 m a.s.l.). These natural formations are the result of the differentiated cooling of lava during eruptions and represent one of the most fascinating aspects of volcanic geology.
Afterwards, ascending along the Mareneve road, we will reach Piano Provenzana (1800 m a.s.l.), a ski resort that was the scene of the great 2002 eruption. After a coffee break, we will take a short walk to visit the remains of the Le Betulle hotel, where you can immediately realize the great destructive force of volcanic nature.
Our excursion continues with a short walk to discover some extinct lateral craters, the Sartorius Mountains (1700 m a.s.l.), originating in 1865 and characterized by the alignment of seven eruptive cones ("buttonhole"). The path, of great geological and botanical interest, winds through clearings rich in endemic species, volcanic bombs, and forest formations dominated by the Birch (Betula aetnensis), a unique species in the world present only on Etna. Halfway along the path, on top of one of the craters, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast, from Riposto to Taormina, and the Calabrian coast.
At the end of the nature part of the excursion, traveling along one of Sicily's wine roads and crossing vast expanses of Etna DOC vineyards, we will reach a winery or farmhouse, an ideal place to spend moments immersed in the nature of Etna, savoring good local flavors, enjoying Sicilian cheerfulness, and tasting the excellent volcanic wine.
What the tour includes
- Transport by 4x4 jeep with English-speaking driver
- Water on board the vehicle
- Guided visit to the 2002 lava front
- Exploration of the Corruccio Cave
- Visit to Piano Provenzana and the remains of the Le Betulle hotel
- Nature walk to the Sartorius Mountains
- Transfer to a winery or farmhouse for lunch and tasting (cost of lunch not included)
Book your private tour on Etna
Don't miss the opportunity to live this exclusive and complete experience discovering Etna. A private tour will allow you to fully enjoy the wonders of the volcano, at your own pace and according to your interests, accompanied by an expert guide who will reveal all the secrets of this extraordinary territory.
Although the excursion is easy level, it is necessary to wear adequate hiking boots or trekking shoes to move safely on volcanic terrain. The excursion is not recommended for people with significant mobility difficulties.