Old Sicily and Etna wine tasting tour from Taormina

Experience the rugged charm of Sicily on this Old Sicily and Etna wine tasting tour from Taormina. For just under $68, you’ll spend about eight hours exploring some of the island’s most striking sights—like the Alcantara Gorges, the lava-constructed town of Randazzo, and a top winery famous for its local products. Guided by friendly experts, you’ll get a taste of Sicily’s volcanic landscapes, traditional towns, and authentic wines.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the scenic drive around Mount Etna’s foothills, which offers spectacular views, and the opportunity to wander freely through Randazzo, a town built entirely from lava stone. These moments give you a real sense of how Sicily’s landscape and history are intertwined.

A potential drawback is the slow pace of the wine tasting, as some reviews mention the service can be sluggish, and the coach might feel cramped or less comfortable. Also, note that entry to Alcantara Gorges isn’t included, so plan for an extra fee if you want to see this natural wonder up close.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and wine, especially those interested in authentic Sicilian towns and scenic drives. It’s perfect if you prefer a well-organized day with a knowledgeable guide to enhance your experience.

Key Points

• Diverse Highlights: Visit Alcantara Gorges, Randazzo, and a renowned winery, offering a well-rounded taste of Sicily’s landscapes and culture.
• Scenic Drive: The route around Mount Etna provides stunning views and memorable photo opportunities.
• Authentic Towns: Wander through Randazzo, a town built from lava stone, with free time to explore its main cathedral and market.
• Wine Tasting: Enjoy local wines paired with traditional Sicilian products at a famous winery.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides help bring the landscape and history to life.
• Value for Money: For $67.97, you get a full day of sightseeing, tastings, and expert guidance, making it a good value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Sicilian Landscape and Culture

This tour from Taormina offers a wonderful glimpse into Sicily’s volcanic origins and traditional life. Starting with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride, you’ll head toward the Alcantara Gorges—a natural marvel carved by ancient lava flows. While the entrance fee isn’t included, the chance to stand amidst these towering basalt walls is well worth it.

Afterward, the tour proceeds to Randazzo, a charming town that reflects Sicily’s volcanic history. The main cathedral and the surrounding streets are made from lava stone, giving the town a distinctive appearance. Here, you can take a guided walk or simply soak in the atmosphere during free time. Some visitors enjoy exploring the Sunday market, which offers local crafts, food, and souvenirs—an authentic slice of Sicilian daily life.

A highlight for many is the wine tasting at a well-known local winery. For about an hour and a quarter, you’ll sample regional wines paired with typical local products. The setting is picturesque, and the tasting provides a nice break from the sightseeing. However, some reviews note that the service can be slow, and that the coach’s air conditioning isn’t the best, which might affect some travelers’ comfort.

Finally, the trip wraps up with a scenic drive through Castiglione di Sicilia, another charming town where local wine and food are celebrated. You’ll return to Taormina in the early afternoon, making this a full but manageable day out.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Terminal Interbus Taormina
Your day begins here, with a quick safety briefing and boarding the comfortable bus. Expect a small group, which helps the guide manage the details better and keep the experience intimate.

Scenic Drive to Alcantara Gorges
The one-hour bus ride takes you along the foot of Mount Etna, providing sweeping views of the volcanic landscape. While the entry fee to the Gorges isn’t included, the photo opportunities are plentiful. We loved the way the basalt walls tower above and the way the water twists through the canyon—ideal for photos or simply soaking in nature’s raw power.

Randazzo Exploration
Once in Randazzo, you get about an hour to go on a guided tour of the historic center. The main cathedral is a highlight, with its lava stone façade and interior reflecting Sicily’s volcanic roots. If you’re there on a Sunday, the market is a lively place to browse local produce and crafts. Several reviews mention the distracting nature of the multilingual guide, but most agree that Randazzo’s unique architecture and history are worth the visit.

Wine Tasting at Castiglione di Sicilia
The highlight for many is the wine tasting session—typically lasting around 75 minutes. Here, you’ll sample local wines paired with typical products, making for a relaxed and tasty experience. The setting is usually set in a vineyard or winery with picturesque views. Some visitors, however, found the service slow, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule.

Return to Taormina
After the tasting, the group departs for the scenic drive back, arriving at the original starting point in the early afternoon. It’s a full day, but the sights and tastes often stick with travelers long after the trip ends.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking around Randazzo and the gorge area.
• A jacket might be handy, especially if the weather turns cooler or windy.
• Entry to Alcantara Gorges is optional and costs extra, so plan accordingly.
• The group size is generally small, fostering a more personalized experience.
• Timing is important—check the starting times and arrive early to ensure a smooth start.
• This tour operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.
• If you want to spend more time exploring Randazzo or the gorge, consider arriving early or staying later on your own.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Reviews

From our reading, the tour’s guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more engaging. Christine’s review highlights a guide who was friendly and helpful, which greatly enhances the value. Conversely, Kenneth’s experience points to some disappointing moments—like slow service at the winery and a less comfortable coach—reminding us that some parts of the experience may not meet everyone’s expectations.

While the price of about $68 offers good value for a full day of sightseeing and tasting, the quality of service can vary depending on the group and timing. Still, for those keen to see Sicily’s volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and sample local wines, this tour hits many of the right notes without breaking the bank.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and food, and are looking for a cost-effective way to cover several highlights in one day. It suits those who appreciate guided insights but also want some free time to explore on their own. If you’re comfortable with a small group setting and don’t mind the chance of slower service during tastings, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. Beginners or those with limited time in Sicily will appreciate the convenience and variety packed into this day.

Final Thoughts

This Old Sicily and Etna wine tasting tour from Taormina offers a balanced blend of scenic landscapes, authentic towns, and local flavors. The scenic drive around Mount Etna, combined with the unique architecture of Randazzo and a delicious wine experience, makes it a memorable way to spend a day in Sicily. While some aspects like the service speed and additional costs might not be perfect, most travelers find the guides knowledgeable and friendly, and the sights worth the effort.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, value-driven tour that provides a taste of Sicily’s volcanic beauty and local culture, this trip is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those eager to learn about Sicily’s volcanic heritage while enjoying its delicious wines and charming towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a roundtrip bus journey, a guided visit to Randazzo, a wine tasting with local products, and the guide service. Entry to Alcantara Gorges is not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with specific starting times available depending on the day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended, especially for walking around Randazzo and the gorge area.

Does the trip operate rain or shine?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Is there free time at any stops?
Yes, you’ll have free time in Randazzo, which you can use to explore the cathedral or visit the market.

What about the wine tasting?
The tasting lasts about 75 minutes at a renowned winery, where you sample local wines paired with traditional products.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, the entry fee for Alcantara Gorges is not included, so you may wish to visit if you’re interested.

What language do guides speak?
Guides speak English, German, and Italian, accommodating a diverse group.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who would enjoy this tour most?
Travelers interested in Sicily’s landscapes, history, and wine, who enjoy guided small-group experiences, will find this tour particularly satisfying.

This tour balances scenic beauty, cultural insight, and local flavors in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re after stunning views, authentic towns, or a sip of Sicilian wine, it offers a memorable slice of Sicily’s volcanic soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: