Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Availability: All Year Round
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mount Etna : the highest volcano in Europe
- The caves of lava
- Rifugio Sapienza
- Schiena dell’Asino
- The Valle del Bove
- The Nebrodi Park
- The Peloritani Mountains
Day 1
Our adventure begins with arrival in Catania. Once we land, we check into the hotel and have some free time to start exploring the city — a walk through the historic center, stopping by Piazza del Duomo, Via Etnea, and maybe even the lively fish market. Dinner is on your own, a great chance to try some local dishes in one of the many cozy restaurants in town. Overnight stay in Catania or nearby.
Day 2
On day two, we head to the southern side of Mount Etna. After breakfast, we make our way up to Rifugio Sapienza, about 1,900 meters above sea level, and kick off our trek. We follow a path toward Schiena dell’Asino, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the volcano, then continue to Monte Serra Pizzuta Calvarina. Along the way, we visit the old “neviere,” where snow was once stored to preserve ice, and a fascinating lava tube cave. At the end of the day, we return to the hotel. Dinner is free or available at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 3
Day three takes us to Etna’s eastern slope, starting from Piano Provenzana. We hike through the Monti Sartorius, curious volcanic formations from 1865, and make our way to the 2002 lava flow. After a packed lunch, we continue in the afternoon with a panoramic walk to the Valle del Bove — a dramatic caldera offering breathtaking views. We wrap up the day back at the hotel.
Day 4
On day four, we explore the northern side of Etna. We drive to Linguaglossa and head up to Rifugio Brunek, nestled among pine trees and ancient lava flows. After the trek, there’s time for a relaxed lunch and a visit to the local Ethnographic Museum, where we learn more about Sicilian traditions, pastoral life, and rural culture. We return to the hotel for the night.
Day 5
Day five takes us away from Etna and into the Nebrodi Park. Starting from Cesarò, we climb Monte Soro, the highest peak in the area. From there, we hike on to Lago Maulazzo, a peaceful artificial lake surrounded by beech forests, and finally to Biviere di Cesarò, another beautiful mountain lake that attracts many migratory birds. After a full day immersed in nature, we return to the hotel.
Day 6
On day six, we head into the Peloritani Mountains for a hike up to Rocca Novara — often called “the Cervino of Sicily” due to its distinctive shape. From the summit, we take in incredible views of Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and the Strait of Messina. After enjoying a picnic lunch at the top, we head back for our final overnight stay.
Day 7
Finally, on the seventh day, we have breakfast and return to Catania in time for the flight home. And just like that, our amazing journey through the volcanoes, lakes, forests, and stunning landscapes of eastern Sicily comes to an end.
Good to know:
The trekking level is intermediate, ideal for those in good physical shape. Each hike lasts about 4 to 6 hours a day.
Availability: All Year Round
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mount Etna : the highest volcano in Europe
- The caves of lava
- Rifugio Sapienza
- Schiena dell’Asino
- The Valle del Bove
- The Nebrodi Park
- The Peloritani Mountains
Day 1
Our adventure begins with arrival in Catania. Once we land, we check into the hotel and have some free time to start exploring the city — a walk through the historic center, stopping by Piazza del Duomo, Via Etnea, and maybe even the lively fish market. Dinner is on your own, a great chance to try some local dishes in one of the many cozy restaurants in town. Overnight stay in Catania or nearby.
Day 2
On day two, we head to the southern side of Mount Etna. After breakfast, we make our way up to Rifugio Sapienza, about 1,900 meters above sea level, and kick off our trek. We follow a path toward Schiena dell’Asino, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the volcano, then continue to Monte Serra Pizzuta Calvarina. Along the way, we visit the old “neviere,” where snow was once stored to preserve ice, and a fascinating lava tube cave. At the end of the day, we return to the hotel. Dinner is free or available at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 3
Day three takes us to Etna’s eastern slope, starting from Piano Provenzana. We hike through the Monti Sartorius, curious volcanic formations from 1865, and make our way to the 2002 lava flow. After a packed lunch, we continue in the afternoon with a panoramic walk to the Valle del Bove — a dramatic caldera offering breathtaking views. We wrap up the day back at the hotel.
Day 4
On day four, we explore the northern side of Etna. We drive to Linguaglossa and head up to Rifugio Brunek, nestled among pine trees and ancient lava flows. After the trek, there’s time for a relaxed lunch and a visit to the local Ethnographic Museum, where we learn more about Sicilian traditions, pastoral life, and rural culture. We return to the hotel for the night.
Day 5
Day five takes us away from Etna and into the Nebrodi Park. Starting from Cesarò, we climb Monte Soro, the highest peak in the area. From there, we hike on to Lago Maulazzo, a peaceful artificial lake surrounded by beech forests, and finally to Biviere di Cesarò, another beautiful mountain lake that attracts many migratory birds. After a full day immersed in nature, we return to the hotel.
Day 6
On day six, we head into the Peloritani Mountains for a hike up to Rocca Novara — often called “the Cervino of Sicily” due to its distinctive shape. From the summit, we take in incredible views of Etna, the Aeolian Islands, and the Strait of Messina. After enjoying a picnic lunch at the top, we head back for our final overnight stay.
Day 7
Finally, on the seventh day, we have breakfast and return to Catania in time for the flight home. And just like that, our amazing journey through the volcanoes, lakes, forests, and stunning landscapes of eastern Sicily comes to an end.
Good to know:
The trekking level is intermediate, ideal for those in good physical shape. Each hike lasts about 4 to 6 hours a day.
