Taormina Bay cruise with wine-tasting and Sicilian specialities

Castelbuono visit and Sicilian dinner in the Madonie Mountains

Swap Cefalu's buzzy seaside scene for the simple pleasures of hill-top towns and farm estates in the Madonie Mountains. The beaches and coastline blur into olive groves and rural valleys as your bus makes the scenic journey to Castelbuono in the late afternoon. Mirco, an expert local guide, explains the significance of the town, “Castelbuono has always been a crossroads between the mountains and the sea — which is why you'll see so many layers here, from Norman walls to Baroque churches, all wrapped into a living town.”You'll have around an hour and a half to wander the narrow stone streets, where every archway frames another impressive view of this Medieval town. Among the palazzos and historic churches, though, the crowning glory of Castelbuono has to be the 14th-century fortress, Castello dei Ventimiglia. It's now open as a museum, so as well as taking time to appreciate the slower pace of the town and perhaps grabbing a gelato, you can take a look around the castle's exhibits of timeworn treasures and contemporary art collection. Mirco adds, “The Ventimiglia family built this castle to control the mountain routes. Today, it tells a very different story – from ancient archaeology to modern Sicilian artists.”In the evening, you'll head to Tenuta Luogo Marcese, a rural, agritourism-style farm estate. Sit on the terracotta-tiled terrace and enjoy a relaxed three-course dinner of seasonal Sicilian dishes, all prepared with local ingredients. Best of all, dinner comes with views of the sun setting over the Madonie hills.

Mount Etna winery tour and tasting experience

You'll discover the subtle layers of Sicily's flavours with this relaxed wine-tasting experience on the scenic slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. Expert guide, Mirco, explains, “On Etna, different lava flows sit side by side, so the soil, or terroir as it's known, can change over very short distances, and that shows up in the wine. That's why tasting here isn't about labels – it's about standing on the land, feeling the volcano under your feet, and recognising it in every sip.”As views of the seaside fade in the rear-view mirror, their replaced by endless rows of vines carpeting the countryside and staggering up the hillsides. In the heart of Sicily's volcanic wine region, you'll visit a winery, known as a cantina, where centuries-old traditions are not only respected, but very much still in action. Your expert guide will lead you through the cantina, teaching you about the history, volcanic soils, and traditional wine-making techniques that give Etna's wines their signature freshness, minerality, and aromatic flare.Then comes the best part, the tasting. With the volcano anchoring your view of the rolling landscape, you'll be served four premium local wines to taste. These are matched with local cheeses, cured meats and olives, giving you a truly authentic taste of Sicily. Paired with the relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality, whether you choose the morning or afternoon visit, it's a moment to remember long after you finish your last glass.

Full-day Randazzo and Alcantara Gorge tour from Taormina

This full-day Sicilian tour begins in Randazzo, a Medieval town on Mount Etna's northern slopes. After a guided walk and some free time to wander its lava-stone streets, churches and shops, you'll head to Alcantara Gorge. Shaped by ancient lava flows and the Alcantara River that runs through it, you'll have three hours to swim in natural pools, walk the trails, snap photos or rent gear for optional extra water fun like river trekking and body rafting. After a day exploring local life and Sicily's natural beauty, you'll make your way back to your hotel.

Taormina and Mount Etna from Cefalù

Set off from Cefalù on a full-day tour to two of Sicily's must-see treasures – Mount Etna and Taormina. At Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, you can check out the Silvestri Craters, shops and cafes at 1,900 metres above sea level, or ride the cable car and 4x4 up to 2,900 metres for jaw-dropping views across the island. Then, it's off to Taormina, a charming hilltop town with winding Medieval streets, boutiques, cozy cafes and a historic Greek theatre overlooking the sea.

Mount Etna tour from Taormina

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and a true icon of Sicily. This is your chance to venture either 1,900 or 2,900 metres above sea level to check out the lunar-like landscapes of the volcano's craters. You'll be driven from Taormina to Rifugio Sapienza, where – if you've chosen to go up to 2,900 metres – you'll switch to a cable car and 4x4 vehicle to reach the main crater for a guided walk and some epic views. If you opt to stay at 1,900 metres, there's free time to explore the nature trails around the Silvestri Craters, along with souvenir shops, cafés and a small museum that tells the story of the mountain's past. Either way, you'll want your camera for this one.

Degustação de vinhos e comidas em um vinhedo no Monte Etna, saindo de Taormina

Descubra um vinhedo familiar no Monte Etna, prove vinhos requintados harmonizados com iguarias sicilianas e explore produtos locais.

Cruzeiro na Baía de Taormina com degustação de vinhos e licores na Sicília

Os vinhos e licores locais da Sicília têm um sabor ainda melhor quando você navega pelo Mar Mediterrâneo. Você começará seu passeio de barco acompanhando a costa e explorando as baías e cavernas de Taormina e Giardini Naxos. Há tempo para um mergulho ou snorkel nas águas mornas antes de voltar a bordo, onde seu experiente capitão o guiará por uma degustação de vinhos e licores produzidos localmente. É a combinação perfeita com as vistas da costa siciliana.

Cruzeiro ao pôr do sol na Baía de Taormina com aperitivo

Embarque neste passeio de barco ao pôr do sol, partindo da Baía de Taormina em direção a Giardini Naxos. Ao deslizar por este trecho da costa siciliana, você passará por cavernas e baías enquanto seu capitão experiente conta histórias da história deste lugar. Além disso, se tiver sorte, poderá avistar golfinhos brincalhões nadando. Ao pôr do sol atrás do Monte Etna, aproveite para um mergulho refrescante perto de Isola Bella, antes de um petisco a bordo.

Cruzeiro pela Baía de Taormina na Sicília com um aperitivo

Sinta a brisa morna e salgada na sua pele enquanto você navega em um passeio de barco de duas horas explorando a costa da Sicília. Deslize por águas claras, passando por imponentes colinas de calcário e descubra as baías e cavernas escondidas de Taormina – além disso, você pode se refrescar com um mergulho e snorkel em uma delas. Então ouça contos locais sobre a área do seu capitão enquanto relaxa com lanches e um aperitivo refrescante, e absorva as vistas costeiras inspiradoras.

Visita guiada à resistência da máfia de Corleone com almoço