Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting

Discover the Escape to Mount Etna and a Scenic Winery in Catania

This full-day tour offers an engaging way to experience Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, along with a visit to a charming local honey farm and a vineyard lunch with wine tasting. Priced at $290.27 per person, it combines private transportation, guided exploration, and culinary delights into a seamless adventure, ideal for those who prefer comfort and expert insights.

Departing from Catania, the tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, with most travelers booking it 76 days in advance. The tour’s standout feature is the private driver who guides you through Etna’s highlights, enabling a personalized experience with stops at iconic volcanic sites, scenic viewpoints, and regional food and wine producers. Notably, the tour includes pickup, WiFi onboard, and lunch — making it a convenient and enriching day out.

Key Points

• Private driver ensures a smooth and personalized exploration of Mount Etna
• Up to 2,000 meters altitude at the Silvestri Craters for panoramic vistas
• Stops at Zafferana Etnea for tasting organic honey and olive oil
• Gambino Winery visit with a guided tour, wine tasting, and traditional lunch
• The tour is highly rated with a 5.0/5 score from 85 reviews
• Most bookings happen well in advance, highlighting its popularity

Exploring Mount Etna with a Private Driver

This tour stands out thanks to the private transportation offered, which eliminates the stress of navigating winding mountain roads. The driver expertly guides you from Catania directly to Etna, ensuring comfort and flexibility throughout the day. The focus is on personalized sightseeing, with ample time at each site to enjoy the views and take photos.

The journey begins with an ascent up the southern slope of Mount Etna, where you cross the lava flows from eruptions in 1983 and 2002. These geological features give a tangible sense of Etna’s volcanic power. The viewpoint at 6,500 feet (around 2,000 meters) is the highlight, offering breathtaking vistas of the Silvestri Craters formed during the 1892 eruption. Visitors can choose to walk along the crater edge or simply enjoy the panoramic landscape from the top, making it suitable for various activity levels.

Visit to the Silvestri Craters at 2,000 Meters

The visit to the Silvestri Craters is a core part of this tour. Located at 2,000 meters altitude, these craters are easily accessible and offer a close-up look at recent volcanic activity. The craters are the result of eruptions from the 1892 event, and the terrain is marked by black lava flows that have cooled over time.

Guests can walk along the crater edges or explore the area along an easy path, with plenty of opportunities for photos and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The stop lasts around two hours, giving enough time to appreciate the volcanic landscape without feeling rushed. The site is admission free, so the focus remains on the views and geological features.

Zafferana Etnea and the Honey Farm Stop

On the way to the Scenic Vineyards, the tour makes a half-hour stop at Zafferana Etnea, a charming town known for its organic honey. At the Honey Farm, visitors witness the production process firsthand, gaining insight into local apiculture.

The honey tasting includes several organic varieties, complemented by olive oil, wine, liquors, olives, and dried tomatoes. This stop provides a delicious taste of regional specialties and a chance to purchase authentic products directly from the producers. The informative and friendly staff make the experience particularly engaging.

Scenic Drive and Volcano Views on the Way to Taormina

As the bus heads towards Gambino Winery, it passes through Zafferana Etnea and scenic mountain roads. The drive itself offers spectacular views of the volcanic landscape, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops along the way.

The route takes you through regions shaped by past eruptions, providing a dynamic backdrop for the day’s activities. The driver ensures a relaxed pace, with stops to appreciate the volcanic terrain and lush vineyards that thrive on fertile volcanic soil.

Gambino Winery: Vineyard Tour and Lunch

The Gambino Winery on the north slopes of Mount Etna is a highlight of the tour. Here, visitors are led through the vineyards and winemaking facilities, learning about local traditions and volcanic soil influence on grape varieties.

The wine tasting features five different wines, expertly paired with a lunch based on local products. The meal is prepared in the traditional Sicilian style, showcasing regional ingredients like olive oil, cheeses, and cured meats. Guests can enjoy the scenic views from the winery’s outdoor terrace while sampling the aromas and flavors of the land.

Guided Wine and Food Tasting Experience

The wine tasting at Gambino Winery is praised for its generous pours and the expertise of the staff. The pairings highlight the land’s richness, with wines selected to complement each dish. The lunch offers a delicious taste of Sicily’s culinary heritage while providing a relaxing break in the day.

Several reviews mention the warm hospitality of the staff and the beautiful setting of the winery, making it a memorable conclusion to the tour. Guests have the option to purchase bottles to take home, with many expressing enthusiasm for the quality of the wines.

The Role of Knowledgeable Guides and Drivers

Throughout the tour, the driver and guides impress with their knowledge and friendly demeanor. The driver often stops for photo opportunities and explains the geology, history, and culture of each site, making the experience both informative and personalized.

Notably, reviews highlight Martino, Riccardo, and Giuseppe as exceptional guides who combine expertise with warmth. Their ability to engage and share stories enhances the overall enjoyment, especially given the scenic stops and wine tastings.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Accessibility

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport with WiFi onboard for convenience. Start time is at 8:30 am, with the day structured to balance sightseeing and relaxation. The duration of the stops varies, with approximately two hours at Etna, half an hour at the honey farm, and three hours at the winery.

Most travelers find the pace comfortable, though the walking involved at the Silvestri Craters is easy and suitable for most physical levels. The tour is private, meaning your group experiences personalized attention from the guide, and group discounts are available.

Pricing and What’s Included

At $290.27 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the private transport, multiple stops, lunch, and wine tasting included. The package also covers WiFi on the vehicle, making it easier to share your experience.

The only thing not included is a guide in Taormina, but the focus remains on the volcanic and regional highlights during the main attractions. The tour is fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for changing plans.

Final Thoughts on the Etna and Winery Experience

This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded day exploring Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes, tasting regional honey and olive oils, and enjoying Sicilian wines and cuisine. The private driver ensures a relaxed experience, and the guides’ knowledge adds depth to each stop.

It’s especially suitable for those who want a direct, comfortable, and informative way to see Etna without the hassle of navigating alone. The scenic views, delicious food, and warm hospitality make it a worthwhile option for visitors to Catania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the walk along the crater edges at the Silvestri Craters is easy and accessible for most.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $290.27 per person, including transport, stops, lunch, and wine tasting.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts 7 to 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

What are the main stops on the tour?
The key stops include Mount Etna’s Silvestri Craters, a honey farm in Zafferana Etnea, and the Gambino Winery.

Are there any additional costs?
An additional $15 per person fee in cash to the driver may apply for certain services or pick-up arrangements, which is clearly communicated.

Is transportation included?
Yes, air-conditioned private transportation with WiFi is included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Is food and drink included?
Yes, lunch and alcoholic beverages during the tasting are included in the price.

Are guides provided at every stop?
Guides are available during the wine tasting and at the farm, but no guide in Taormina is included.

What makes this tour stand out?
The personalized experience, expert guides, and scenic stops make this tour a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive day exploring Etna and its surroundings.