Hiking on Mt Etna - Southern Slopes

If you want to enjoy Mt. Etna - the highest active volcano in Europe - in the wake of an expert nature guide, this tour is designed just for you. The trekking on the South side of Etna will give you a complete perception of the volcano, with all its contrasting landscapes.
Excursion tour which combines Etna's southern flank's volcanic history and its natural catastrophies. From Nicolosi, the town thought to be the doorway to Etna, going up to Stazione sud (1995m a.s.l) crossing Monti Rossi, the eruptive fissure which led to the important 1669 eruption, which covered the towns on Etna's southern flank, even reaching Catania.
Going across the plateau where the 2001 lava stopped and a series of switchbacks crossing the evocative 1983 lava flow, with fabulous photo-taking opportunities.
The first hike will be from Piano Vettore (1735m a.s.l.) along the 'Monte Nero degli Zappini' nature trail, a first chance to know Etna's most important volcanic and botanic features, amid various lava flows, hornitos, lava caves and Etna's endemic plants. Going by minibus to Stazione Sud, a place which has often been marked by recent eruptions.
The second hike will be along all the 1892 eruptive fissure, which the Silvestri craters(2000m a.s.l.) originated from. Going down by minibus towards the town of Zafferana Etnea, where we will stop to visit the Cassone Cave, a perfect example of a lava tunnel.
Then, before getting to Zafferana Etnea, another stop to see the effects of the 1991-93 eruption, which seriously threatened the town. The second trekking will cross the entire eruptive fracture from 1892, which formed the so called "bottoniera" of the Sylvester Craters at 2000 m.a.s.l. During the trip by minibus to the town of Zafferana Entea, we will stop again to visit the inside of the Grotta Cassone, an example of lava tunnel. Before arriving at Zafferana Etnea, you will stop again to observe the effects of the eruption occurred in 1991-93, which seriously threaten the town below.

Complimentary tasting of honey, olive oil and Etna wines.
Duration: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Elevation gain: 100 m.
Hiking time: about 4 hours.
Pick-up: included