Drive to the UNESCO-listed Mount Etna area near Catania. Ascend by car, partially off-road, over cold lava-flows and through pine, beech and birch forests. With your local guide, hike to Mt. Fontana to reach the horseshoe-shaped Bove Valley, an ancient caldera, and visit a lava cave. Learn about the extensive plant and animal life supported by this unique environment, ultra-fertile from continuous eruptions for the past half million (!) years. Continue to the cold lava streams at Piano Provenzana, a ski area, and stop for lunch. Later visit the spectacular Alcantara Gorges, lava canyons carved by the Alcantara River. Wade its cool waters or go for a swim!
Note 1: This tour can also be booked as a half-day excursion (5 hours), omitting lunch and the Alcantara Gorges.
Note 2: Recommended equipment: hiking/walking shoes, clothing layers to suit the weather and the altitude, bathing suit, bottled water
*NOTE: Tour does not approach active volcanic areas
