Is there a jeep tour with us?
Not as a product on its own. Driving across lava fields in a jeep is pleasant, but you see the volcano through a window. What our guides offer is different: the 4x4 gets you high quickly, then you get out and walk — a short stretch or a long one, depending on the excursion — while a licensed volcanological guide explains what you are standing on. Every excursion is private: your group only, one price per group.
Where the 4x4 takes you in our excursions
South side — private cable car + 4x4 tour. Meet at Rifugio Sapienza. Take the cable car from about 1,900 m to 2,500 m, then the 4x4 from 2,500 m to 2,900 m. Walk at altitude for about 1 hour 30 minutes. Return by 4x4 from 2,900 m to 2,500 m and by cable car from 2,500 m to about 1,900 m. Total duration: 3 hours. €300 total for the private guide plus €82 per person for cable car and 4x4, paid separately. Guided walk at altitude lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes. Minimum age 6. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with serious heart or respiratory conditions. The itinerary can change with volcanic activity or weather. Private guide — per group, up to 6.
North side — summit craters tour. Here the 4x4 is only the first leg: from Piano Provenzana (1,800 m) it climbs to 2,900 m, then you hike with the guide to the summit crater zone, as high as the ordinances in force allow that day. About 5 hours, from 12 years old, for people in good shape. €500 for your private group of up to 6 people, plus €50 per person for the 4x4 up and down.
The north-side 4x4 outings, honestly
Local operators sell separate 4x4 services from Piano Provenzana. Confirm their current route, stops, walking, price and operating conditions directly; do not assume an old description applies to your date. Our northern programme is the summit excursion, with 4x4 transport followed by a demanding walk.
Which excursion is for you
- Cable car and 4x4 to 2,900 m: 3 hours in total, including about 1 hour 30 minutes of guided walking at altitude.
- You are fit and want the top of the volcano: the summit craters tour, north side. The 4x4 saves your legs for the part that matters.
- You are travelling with small children: the Monti Sartorius walk, from 5 years old — an easy loop through the birch forest and the 1865 craters, at the group's pace. €250 for up to 6 people.
Practical facts and booking
For up to 6 people, choose a date on the tour calendar, enter your group size and pay online for immediate confirmation. For more than 6 people, contact us before booking. The price includes volcanological guiding. A helmet is included only on the summit craters tour. Other equipment and clothing are not included; arrange any rentals independently on site. If weather, volcanic activity, safety restrictions, cable car or 4x4 closures, or summit altitude limits prevent the booked route, you choose an alternative route where practicable, a new date or a full refund.
Still comparing options? See how the north and south sides differ, check the volcano live on our webcam, or browse all our Etna tours.