Old Sicily discovery and Etna wine tasting tour from Taormina

Exploring Old Sicily and Mount Etna with a Focus on Natural Wonders and Local Flavors

The Old Sicily discovery and Etna wine tasting tour from Taormina offers a well-rounded glimpse of Sicily’s diverse landscape, history, and gastronomy. Priced at $69.14 per person, this 7-hour guided experience brings together natural marvels like the Alcantara Gorges, historic sites such as Randazzo’s Basilica di Santa Maria, and a memorable wine tasting at a renowned Etna winery.

This tour is suitable for those interested in a full day of sightseeing, nature exploration, and tasting local wines. While weather can sometimes impact the experience—especially around Mount Etna—the tour’s flexibility and variety of stops make it a popular choice. Booking typically occurs 12 days in advance, reflecting its appeal among visitors seeking an immersive Sicilian adventure.

Key Points

• Full-day experience from Taormina combining nature, history, and gastronomy
• Visit Alcantara Gorges, famous for stunning volcanic rock formations (entry not included)
• Explore Randazzo’s historic Basilica di Santa Maria, built entirely from lava stone
• Enjoy a guided wine tasting featuring Etna wines and local delicacies
• Drive to Mount Etna’s north refuge, at 6,234 feet, with options for hiking or crater visits
• Group size limited to 49 travelers, with a multilingual guide providing insights

Starting Point: Convenient Meeting in Taormina’s City Center

The tour begins at 8:30 am from Terminal Interbus Taormina on Via Luigi Pirandello. The air-conditioned coach makes the journey comfortable, especially given the full schedule ahead. Most travelers find the meeting point easy to access, and the group size is capped at 49 people, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of attention from the guide.

Visit to Alcantara Gorges: Natural Rock Carvings and Waterfalls

The first stop is at the Gola Dell’Alcantara, a spectacular canyon carved by the Alcantara River into ancient volcanic rock. Visitors have approximately 40 minutes to explore the rock pools, caves, and waterfalls. Note that admission tickets are not included, so guests should budget for entry. The gorges are a highlight for their breathtaking scenery and geological significance, though some may find the visit limited if the weather is poor, as seen in reviews where heavy rain prevented access to parts of the gorge.

Exploring Randazzo’s Lava-Stone Basilica di Santa Maria

Next, the tour visits the historic town of Randazzo, famous for its Basilica di Santa Maria. This church is built entirely from lava stone, giving it a distinctive appearance. Visitors spend about one hour here, with an opportunity to view 18th-century paintings inside. On Sundays, there’s also time to explore the local market, offering a chance to see Sicilian crafts and fresh produce. The Basilica’s architecture and interior art make it a meaningful stop for those interested in local history and craftsmanship.

Tasting Local Wines and Delicacies at an Etna Winery

One of the tour’s highlights is the guided wine tasting at a renowned Etna winery. Guests sample Etna wines alongside local products, enjoying this culinary experience in a relaxed setting. The winery tour includes a visit to the cellar, where the winemaking process is explained, adding a layer of appreciation for Sicily’s viticultural traditions. Travelers consistently praise the quality of the wines, often describing the tasting as a delicious and educational part of the day.

Mount Etna: From the North Refuge to Crater Adventures

The journey continues to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. The coach drives up to an altitude of 6,234 feet (1,900 meters) at the north refuge. Here, visitors have free time to grab a snack from the refuge café (own expense) and choose from hiking trails recommended by the guide.

For those seeking a more in-depth experience, there’s an upgrade option allowing a jeep ascent to the summit craters at around 3,000 meters with licensed guides. However, the standard tour keeps visitors at the refuge, where stunning views and the chance to see volcanic activity from a safe distance are available. The volcanic landscape provides memorable photo opportunities, although weather conditions can sometimes restrict access to the upper craters, as reflected in reviews mentioning closure due to storms.

Practical Tips and Physical Considerations

Participants should wear good walking shoes for the Mount Etna area, especially if planning to hike or explore trails. The landscape can be challenging and uneven, and weather at altitude may vary. The tour’s pacing balances the stops, with enough time at each location, but some may find the day somewhat rushed if expecting more extensive exploration at each site.

Logistics and Group Experience

The air-conditioned coach ensures comfort during the approximately 7-hour tour. The multilingual guide enhances the experience by sharing insights into Sicily’s history, geology, and local culture. The group size, generally up to 49 travelers, strikes a good balance between social interaction and personal attention.

The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point in Taormina, making logistics straightforward for travelers staying nearby. Since most bookings are made 12 days in advance, it’s advisable to reserve early, especially during peak seasons.

Weather and Tour Flexibility

Weather can significantly influence the experience, especially around Mount Etna. Multiple reviews mention heavy rain and storms that limited access to certain sites, such as the gorges and crater zones. While the tour proceeds rain or shine, guests should be prepared with rain jackets and umbrellas, and be aware that some activities might be modified or canceled depending on conditions.

Comparing Value and Experience

At $69.14, this tour offers good value, combining natural wonders, cultural sites, and wine tasting in a single day. Some reviews note that the tour duration feels just right, though a few mention that more time in Randazzo or Alcantara Gorges could improve the experience. The inclusion of local delicacies and wine enhances the overall value, especially considering the guided explanations and cellar tour.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This experience suits travelers eager to see a mix of Sicily’s geological features, historic towns, and vineyards. It’s ideal for those who enjoy light physical activity, appreciate local wines, and want a rundown of central Sicily in a single day. However, those expecting extensive hiking or deep exploration of Mount Etna’s craters should consider the upgrade option or alternative tours.

Summing Up the Old Sicily Discovery and Etna Wine Tasting Tour

This 7-hour tour from Taormina provides an engaging look at Sicily’s volcanic landscapes, historic architecture, and culinary traditions. The stops at Alcantara Gorges and Randazzo’s lava stone basilica highlight the island’s geological and cultural richness, while the wine tasting offers a taste of local craftsmanship.

Weather can be unpredictable, but the guides’ knowledge and friendly service help make the most of each stop. For travelers seeking a well-rounded day trip that balances nature, history, and gastronomy, this tour fits the bill. It offers decent value and a chance to experience key Sicilian highlights without excessive rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes a comfortable, air-conditioned coach that transports guests between all stops.

What should I bring for Mount Etna?
Wear good walking shoes, and bring rain jackets or umbrellas if the weather forecast calls for rain. Be prepared for outdoor exploration and variable conditions.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included apart from the wine tasting and local delicacies provided during the winery visit. Guests can purchase snacks at the refuge on Mount Etna.

Can I upgrade to reach the summit craters?
Yes, there’s an upgrade option involving jeep ascent to the upper craters at about 3,000 meters, guided by licensed experts.

What if the weather is bad?
Heavy rain or storms may limit access to sites like the gorges or Mount Etna’s craters. The tour proceeds rain or shine, but weather conditions can affect the experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 12 days before the tour date, reflecting its popularity and limited availability.

This Old Sicily discovery and Etna wine tasting tour offers a practical, engaging way to experience some of Sicily’s most distinctive sights and flavors in a single day.