Our wine tasting tour of Eastern Sicily is the perfect combination among a unique experience in the heart of the Sicilian winemaking tradition.
This itinerary allow you to experience a perfect mix of local culture, excellent wines, food, and some of the oldest villages on Eastern Sicily, especially around the fertile slopes of Mount Etna.
Itinerary; 6 days and 5 nights, flying into Catania airport.
We suggest to book your accommodation for 5 nights between the area of Catania and Taormina to be perfectly located among the vineyards of our interests.
Day 1, Arrival to Catania airport.
Pick up from the airport in Catania and drive to your place.
Stay and overnight.
Day 2, Half day on Etna and Murgo winery.
Pick up from your place (10 am advisable), and drive to Mount Etna to spend half day.
On the way, we will also visit the charming village of Zafferana Etnea which is a small town of clear blue skies, a mild climate and healthy air.
A quick stop to the honey farm is a must.
We then continue to ascend the volcano driving through the beautiful Etna Park, where many different kinds of vegetation can be admired.
After reaching the end of the road ( 6000 ft 2000 mt),
you will have the chance to visit a group of old craters called Silvestri.
We then depart to our first wine cellar Murgo, after a brief introduction to their property,
you will enjoy their delicious wines and some lunch.
Back to your place, stay and overnight.
Day 3, Alcantara Gorges, Castiglione and Gambino winery.
Pick up from your place (10 am advisable), and drive to the beautiful Valley of Alcantara,
our first stop of the day will be at the charming Alcanta Gorges canion;
The river is 52 kilometresn long.
this gorge has a special place in the geography of Sicily,
as the river that created it is one of the very few streams on the island
that has water flowing along its course all year round.
Departing from the Gorges to Gambino, on the way we will drive through
the little picturesque village of Castiglione which enjoys a stunning view over the Valley.
From here, 10 minutes drive to reach the famous Gambino’s property, here you will spend the rest of the afternoon tasting their wines accompanied by some local Sicilian products.
Back to your place, stay and overnight.
DAY 4, Aci Trezza and Barone di Villagrande winery.
Pick up from your place (10 am advisable), and drive to the charming beach town of Aci Trezza.
This village is a popular spot for Italian vacationers in summer.
Off the coast of Aci Trezza are three tall, prominent sea stacks.
According to local legend, these were the great stones thrown at Odysseus in the epic poem The Odyssey by the monster Cyclops.
The islands are thus referred to as the “isole dei ciclopi” (islands of the Cyclops, or Cyclopean Isles) by locals.
We then continue to Barone di Villagrande winery, where you will enjoy their stunning property.
This company is one of the oldest wine maker on Etna.
Back to your place, stay and overnight.
DAY 5, Ortygia island and Planeta winery.
Pick up from your place (9 am advisable), and drive to the Southern coast of Sicily,
heading the small charming Island of Ortygia, the Heart of old Syracuse.
Being an island just off the coast, was easily transformed into a natural fortress with harbors and was big enough that it could hold a significant population in ancient times.
Therefore, the history of Ortygia is synonymous with the early history of Syracuse.
It is located at the eastern end of Syracuse and is separated by a narrow channel.
Two bridges connect the island to mainland Sicily.
A must is a visit to the colorful open air local market.
After a couple of hours here, we will depart to our last winery of this tour,
Planeta Buonivini, where you will spend the rest of the afternoon.
Back to your place, stay and overnight.
DAY 6, departure to the airport of Catania
Today we will transfer you to the airport in Catania,
we really hope you have enjoyed our wine tasting tour of Eastern Sicily.
DETAILS:
- The quotation for our wine tasting tour on Eastern Sicily includes: vehicle and English speaking driver.
- Winery Entrances fees are not included, you can pay directly at each place according to the chosen menu.
- If you wish to have a 2 hours guided tour of the Island of Ortygia we suggestto mention it in advance ( extra charge 120 euro total, not per person).
- We remind you that booking accommodations will be your responsibility.
We are completely flexible with tailored some of the above itineraries, be aware that any changes or modifications made to the initial schedule may be subject to some price’s variations.
Quotation upon request.