Among the black soils of this amazing volcano, we’ll follow an uncommon path amid myth and history, fire and passion, where nature and human events intertwine in a perfect symbiosis.
The path will begin from “Rifugio Citelli”, where there is a wonderful view of the Sicilian coast. The route climbs through a lovely birch forest, among torrents of lava stone and endemic Etna vegetation, and the extraordinary Serracozzo cave. After a short exploration of the cave, where we’ll try to learn how its formation occurred, we’ll climb up again up to the immense volcanic depression: the so-called “Valle del Bove”. Here we will admire the volcano's grandeur. The trekking will keep along the crest of the valley. The private excursion will finish back down on a path of sandy lava.
We will then enjoy our day at the feet of the northern slope of Mount Etna, where centenary “Nerello Mascalese” or “Cappuccio” grapevines root in rich in minerals soils. Among Randazzo, Passopisciaro and Linguaglossa, where one produces the most refined red wine of Sicily, we’ll visit a winery in which they have been able to blend the old tradition of Sicilian farmers with the wine transalpine experiences. After the visit to the vineyards and the wine cellar, we’ll sit around a table to taste wines and delicacies from Etna.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: The excursion does not present any particular difficulties. It is graded easy to medium – on the condition that participants do not present any respiratory condition or other significant health problems like high blood pressure. The altitude reached is around 2400 meters.
