Etna & Taormina Day Tour from Catania with Wine Tasting

Summary

Walk ancient Etna trails, taste Sicilian wine, explore Taormina

You’ll hike Mount Etna’s wild slopes with a local guide, explore a lava cave with helmet and torch, enjoy Sicilian lunch with wine tasting at a farmhouse, then stroll through Taormina’s lively streets before heading back to Catania — a day full of flavors, stories, and moments you’ll remember long after the dust washes off your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch — that sharp, gritty sound of volcanic gravel under my boots as we stepped out near the Sartorius craters. Our guide, Paolo (he’s a geologist but also just really into stories), pointed at a patch of wildflowers pushing through black rock. “Etna always surprises us,” he said, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there with clouds drifting low and the air smelling faintly of pine and something almost metallic. It was colder than I thought it’d be — good thing Paolo had extra jackets in the jeep for those of us who underestimated Sicilian mountain weather.

We ducked into a lava cave next — helmets on, torches flickering against rough walls. The silence inside felt thick. Someone behind me whispered about how thieves used to hide here (the name means “robbers’ cave”), and I tried not to imagine getting lost in the dark. When we came out blinking into daylight again, Paolo handed around little arancini balls still warm from his backpack — not part of the official lunch but apparently he can’t help himself. The main meal came later at a farmhouse: pasta alla norma and two glasses of local wine that tasted like smoke and cherries. I probably could’ve stayed there all afternoon.

But Taormina was waiting. We got dropped off just outside the old town gates with maps in hand (“Don’t lose this or you’ll end up in Messina,” Paolo joked). Wandering those narrow lanes between Porta Catania and Porta Messina felt like stepping onto an old movie set — except there were real people everywhere: shopkeepers chatting in Sicilian dialect, teenagers laughing by the gelato stand, sunlight bouncing off stone walls. I found myself lingering by a balcony overlooking the sea longer than planned. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mount Etna and Taormina

• Walk through volcanic woods and craters
• Explore volcanic cave with equipment
• Enjoy typical Sicilian snack or indoor lunch
• Visit Taormina's medieval city and main street

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Etna & Taormina tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or meeting points in Catania.

Does this day trip include lunch and wine tasting?

Yes, you’ll have lunch at a mountain farmhouse with two typical Sicilian wines.

How difficult is the hiking on Mount Etna?

The walk is suitable for most fitness levels but closed shoes are required.

Can children join this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 10 years old.

What should I wear for the Mount Etna hike?

Wear closed sports or trekking shoes with socks and bring a jacket; it’s much colder on Etna than in Catania.

Is equipment provided for exploring the lava cave?

Yes, helmets and torches are provided for the cave visit if conditions allow.

Will we have free time in Taormina?

You’ll have time to explore Taormina independently using a provided map before meeting your guide for return transport.

Is this tour available from cruise ships docking in Catania?

No, it’s not available for cruise ship passengers due to timing issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by jeep or minibus from Catania hotels or meeting points, all necessary equipment like helmets and torches for the lava cave (if needed), guidance from passionate local experts (think geologists or volcanologists), insurance coverage throughout the trip, plus a traditional Sicilian lunch with two regional wines before heading back in comfort at day’s end.