Hike Mount Etna in Winter

At Catania Airport, jump in the transfer bus and get whisked off towards Etna Nord to begin your adventure. This wild and quiet side of the volcano is the perfect spot to avoid the crowds. Your home for the weekend is a cosy, locally-run chalet, located in the endemic Ragabo pine forest at 1500m above sea level – get comfy and enjoy a hot drink, followed by a briefing with your guide. Time allowing, you'll head out on a short hike or snowshoe excursion around the chalet, immersed in the ancient pine forest and a wonderful landscape of snow, extinct craters and ancient lava flows. Tonight you'll enjoy your first Sicilian feast, tasting local seasonal products and typical mountain dishes that will warm your heart and soul. Buon appetito!

Kickstart your winter hiking and snowshoeing experience on the eastern flank of Etna. Take a short transfer to Rifugio Citelli at 1740m, then set off on a trail through birch forest. Past the forest belt, the path opens up to a small valley where you can observe an interesting lava-formed phenomenon known as the Grotto del Serracozzo, an impressive tunnel formed by lava flow following the 1971 eruption. The route then takes a steep ascent to reach the panoramic viewpoint of the Valle del Bove, at an altitude of 2095m. In the distance it is possible to spot a series of magmatic dykes: lava walls which formed during the ascent of the magma towards the craters. Continue along the ridge of the valley in the direction of the Pizzi Deneri and take in the majestic vista of Monte Frumento delle Concazze, one of the largest secondary craters on Etna. Tuck into a deserved picnic lunch while admiring the breathtaking volcanic landscape, then descend back to Rifugio Citelli for a transfer back to your warm chalet.

Continue your exploration of Europe's largest volcano with a snowshoe or hike along the 'Pista Altomontana' – a circular path that goes around Mount Etna, at an average altitude of 1800m. On today's route you'll cross a dramatic landscape of lava flows and old eruptive fractures, and you'll get a glimpse of old volcanic cones as you approach the Timparossa Refuge. Snow conditions permitting, venture into one of the longest underground lava tunnels on Etna: the 'Grotto of Raspberries'. Continue on until reaching Ragabo Hut and then back to Piano Provenzana, where your transfer awaits. Back at the chalet, enjoy an evening of Sicilian wine tasting and tuck into a final tasty dinner with your group.

After an early breakfast this morning you'll drive for about an hour around the volcano to reach the southern side of Mount Etna, where there is a mid-mountain visitors area at 1800m. From there, your guide will take you along the trails on the southern flanks of the volcano to gain a different perspective – there are plenty of cinder cones and extinct craters across this desolate side of Etna*. Following your hike, have lunch while taking in those fantastic views of Sicily's Ionian coastline one last time. After saying 'ciao' to Etna, you'll be driven back down the mountain and on to Catania, where your trip ends. Check in to your hotel and freshen up, then celebrate your epic volcanic adventure with one last group meal at a local restaurant.

*Subject to favourable weather conditions and volcanic activity, on this day there is the option to climb to the summit area of Mount Etna, guided by a specialist volcano guide. This hike can take 4-5 hours, and includes a cable car journey and a short drive in a 4WD vehicle to ascend from 1800m to 2900m. With the guide, you will hike up 450m to the central craters at 3350m. This option replaces the standard hiking route (described above) included in the itinerary. Due to the requirement for a specialist volcano guide, there is an additional supplement for this option which is payable locally (See Optional Extras for pricing). Please indicate at the time of booking if this is of interest to you; but do note that given the variability of conditions on Mount Etna, it cannot be guaranteed in advance. Your host will reconfirm if it is possible just before/at the start of your trip.

Your winter volcano adventure on Sicily comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you were lucky, you may have even had the unique chance to observe a live volcanic eruption from a safe distance – a once in a lifetime opportunity!

For those travelling home, Catania Airport is a short taxi ride or public bus journey from the hotel. Alternatively, you can also opt to extend your winter adventure in Sicily with some extra days in Catania or Taormina – it's the perfect time of year to explore these cities without the crowds.