Things to do in

Taormina

Relax on this 2-hour boat tour of the Taormina coastline. The tour will depart from the Giardini Naxos port before taking you out into the expansive turquoise sea, sailing past many beautiful sights along the way. The tour includes visits to some stunning places around Taormina, such as Cape Schisò, Cape Taormina, Cross Rock, Prickly Pears Rock. See the Cave of the Mermaids, Grotta Azzurra, the Coral Cave, the Ziu Innaru Rock and the Bay of Mazzaro. You have the chance to stop at the breathtaking Isola Bella bay and plunge yourself into the crystal clear waters for some swimming or snorkeling. You will enjoy a snack and a drink at the bay before returning back to the port. This is a truly unmissable way to see the natural beauty of Taormina from the sea. 

Take a tour of Stromboli and Panarea, both belonging to the Aeolian Archipelago.  Enjoy this is unique chance to see volcanic eruptions and learn the history of these ancient islands. On a private motor boat equipped with toilets and bar, you will arrive at Panarea onto Calajunco Bay and the small Zimmari Beach. Take in the quiet beauty of these stunning beaches as you explore the second smallest of the islands. Meander along its winding streets and gravel beaches, taking in the the perfect Sicilian backdrop.  Back on board again and sail around the rocks in front of Panarea and then proceed to Stromboli, home to one of Italy’s 3 active volcanoes. Constantly active, you will be able to see the eruptions from the sea and the many viewing points on the island. This spectacular phenomenon has given the island the nickname of 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean'. After looking over the small village of Ginostra from the sea, you have the chance to explore the historical center of San Vincenzo until sunset. Back on board guests sail out to sea to watch the dramatic eruptions of the Sciara del Fuoco, fire slide, against the night’s sky. 

Take advantage of an afternoon cruise stop in Messina and travel along the beautiful Sicilian coast to enjoy 3 hours exploring Taormina at your own leisure. Perfect for those who want the convenience of a round-trip transfer with the independence to explore the city at their own pace, this service provides pickup near the marina on Via Battisti and takes guests on a 1 hour and 15 minute journey to Taormina.

Following pick-up at a pre-arranged pick-up point, depart Taormina at about 08:30 and journey to the foothills of Mt. Etna. Travel in a small group of no more than 8 people for a more intimate and personalized experience. You will be accompanied by a guide trained in volcanology, biology or geology for your convenience. Upon arrival at the active volcano, hike for approximately 1.5 hours around the perimeters of some of its extinct craters. Walk through ancient woods and along paths covered with lava about 2,000 meters above sea level. Get a better appreciation of this emblem of Sicily and its surrounding landscape from a different perspective. Learn about the fascinating volcanic phenomenon, before heading underground to explore one of the lava caves. Then, head to a local café for a typical savory snack of a sandwich, wine, a dessert and a tasting of almond wine, which is a typical Sicilian sweet wine. Return to your hotel at around 14:30 at the end of the tour services.

Benefit from pickup at your accommodation in Taormina. Taste local produce at an organic farm and savor the flavors of the local honey and wine. Continue to a lava cave created during the 1792 eruption of the volcano. Enter the stunning site to learn about the lava flow and forces that created them. Then, stroll along the mountain trails to reach the Sapienza Refuge on the slopes of Mount Etna. Walk around the different lava flows created by the latest eruptions and see the ancient Silvestri craters from the eruptions of 1892. Watch the sunset from the top of the mountain before returning to your hotel after dark.

Your personal guide will pick you up from your hotel/ port and you will start your wonderful private tour around the top Etna wineries. Driving by comfortable, air-conditioned car through the small authentic mountain villages, you will admire unforgettable picturesque views of the Sicilian countryside full of oranges and lemon plantations, olives and almond trees, houses and churches built of lava stone. The Mount Etna eruptions feed the soil, and that is why this region is considered to be one of the best in the world for growing grapes and wine production. You will visit the three best wineries at the Etna slopes. Wines from these wineries are on the top lists of premium international wine associations. The first venue will be a family run winery, world-famous with its outstanding wines. Here, you will be welcomed by the owner with a glass of an awesome white wine aperitif. Sipping refreshing wine, you will have a guided tour around the estate, after which you will visit the cellars where the owner or your private sommelier will explain to you the wine production process. Finally, you will sit at a wonderful terrace with a breathtaking view of mountains and Ionian coastline, and with your personal sommelier, start your food and wine tasting. You will taste 4 or 5 excellent white, red and rose Etna D.O.C. wines with locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, sausages, couscous, vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, domestic olive oil and fresh homemade bread. Enjoy the panoramic view and the unique atmosphere of the Sicilian countryside. You will be driven to the second venue – another outstanding Etna winery, where the owner will give you a tour around the estate. With a professional sommelier, you will taste 4 brilliant red, rose and white wines of the region. You will continue the tour driving to the next venue, an ancient family run winery with authentic charm. After your guided visit to the cellars, you will taste 3 premium red and white wines accompanied by fresh domestic appetizers: locally produced cheeses, meat delicacies, olives, olive oil and fresh bread. After the tour, your personal guide will bring you back to your accommodation.

Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation and journey with an authorized local guide through the typical villages of Sicily's west coast. Pass houses made from lava stone and marvel at groves of orange, olive and almond trees. Listen to tales of local traditions and learn about the food and wines produced in the volcanic landscape of Mount Etna. Stop at a family-run winery and get a glass of rosé prosecco as a welcome. Visit the cellars before a wine tasting with cold appetizers in a lava stone open-air amphitheater. Sample a glass of white and red wine with locally produced cheeses, salamis, artichokes and more. Continue to a farmhouse to savor more food and wine on an open-air terrace overlooking the vineyards. Try various dishes, including ricotta cheese with marmalade and 2 different pastas made with seasonal ingredients, such as black pork sauce.  Finish your tour, tasting a home made Limoncello and be dropped off at your accommodation.

No trip to Sicily would be complete without a visit to the tempestuous territories of Mount Etna. Just jump in the shuttle bus and head out into the lunar landscape of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. At over 6,500 ft (1,981 meters), this majestic mountain dominates the coastline, concealing plenty of treasures within its lair. Starting at Rifugio Sapienza, follow the line of the old Sivestri craters down into a cave of lava formed during the eruption of 1792. From here, head to the province of Zafferana, where you'll visit a local organic farm and sample honey and wine, cultivated in the fertile soils of the region. En route to Taormina, look at the spectacular wildlife reserve of Isola Bella from above. Upon arrival, spend lunch at your leisure, then re-group to check out the highlights of this unique historical town. From the old-world charm of the ancient Greek theater to the breathtaking views of the Bay of Nexus and the striking architecture of Palazza Corvaja, this town steals the heart of every visitor.

You will be picked up from your accommodation or agreed upon meeting point in Catania by your guide around 9:00 AM and you will be on your way to Etna. Your guide will introduce you to the fascinating world of volcanic phenomena, walking through ancient woods, extinct craters and past lava flows on Etna. You will get to explore a volcanic cave and the surrounding landscape of Edna with your guide. Enjoy a packed lunch with some typical street food products in a nice area on Etna. In case of bad weather you will go to a refuge to have lunch of sandwiches. Then, in the afternoon, you will have a self-guided visit to the historical center of Taormina, where you will admire the Ionian coast from one side and Mount Etna on the other, immersed in a picturesque and unforgettable atmosphere. You will have the chance to visit the elegant avenue that separates the medieval city gates, Porta Catania and Porta Messina, explore the beautiful view down the alleys and to admire the extraordinary Greek theater. After your visit to Taormina, you will make your way back to Catania arriving around 6:30 PM.

Begin your Sicilian adventure with pickup from your hotel at 9 AM. Sit back and relax as you’re transported in comfort to a truly unique location, Mount Etna. Positioned above the convergent plate margin between the cities of Messina and Catania, Mount Etna is the highest-located active volcano in all of Europe. Learn about this fascinating volcano  from your expert guide, and explore its ancient craters and lava caves with helmets and torches. Then move on to explore Taormina at your leisure without a guide. Discover one of the most pristine areas of Sicily, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, marine beauty, baroque and medieval monuments, and its quaint Greek theater.