Sicily

Full description of the tour

The Unknown Etna Villages & Taormina is a different way to explore our mountain, through typical Sicilian villages on the slopes of Mt. Etna, while tasting several Sicilian products on the way.

For this Etna and Taormina tour pick you up from the port at any time of your convenience and drive through different local villages of the Alcantara Valley.

Your first stop will be the Alcantara Gorges, Millions of years ago a lava eruption covered its river bed.

The magma, cooling off, formed prism basaltic high walls and the erosion of the river transformed it in a canyon. Between the high and black lava walls, flow limpid small lakes, cascades and small beaches.

You’ll then continue the drive to Francavilla, and visit the most charming and unspoiled old Sicilian village of Castiglione di Sicilia. Land of several lemon, orange and olive groves as well as the Etna grapevines.

Take the chance to visit the famous old Greek fortress, situated on the highest part of Castiglione with a breath-taking view over the Alcantara valley.

Take the Red wine-route! literally driving through the lava from 1981, passing through the village of Linguaglossa, with its Baroque churches and delicious almond and nut pastries typical of the area.

*Upon request, we will stop for a brunch in “Gambino”  where you will enjoy a taste of the unique Etna wine, accompanied by a selection of local Sicilian products (optional).

Driving down from Mount Etna through a wonderful scenery with photo stops at the most beautiful locations, we will visit the Piazza Belvedere (Lookout square) where you will have a breath-taking view of Isolabella (Beautiful island) and the Messina coast line.

We will then take you to the historical centre of Taormina. You will have free walking time by yourself in the town where you can admire the Greek Theatre from the 2nd century A.D. – Palazzo Corvaja , the most beautiful medieval building in town – Duomo di Taormina – the San Nicolò Cathedral square and Corso Umberto where you can do some excellent shopping.

At the end of this tour, we will drive you back to the port in order to arrive in perfect time to re-board your cruiseship.