Castelmola and Etna Winery

Tour Details

After arriving to beautiful Messina, you will meet your local, professional and knowledgeable tour guide and together start a full-day adventure that includes culture, art, food and wine, the perfect mix for a relaxed and educational experience.

Starting from Messina, learn of the importance of Sicily's third largest city as you begin your comfortable drive out of town listening to your guide. After approximately 1-hour of driving you will discover your first destination for the day, enchanting Castelmola.

This village with deep roots in the ancient past resides 500 meters above sea level and will immediately overwhelm you with its spectacular position located on a huge rock, watching over nearby Taormina with breathtaking views and ancient buildings. Start your guided walk by first discovering the main square of Piazza Sant'Antonio and Saint Giorgio's Church. Follow the narrow and medieval streets that will lead to the wonderful terrace in front of the Church of Saint Niccolo di Bari as you browse the shops and boutiques for possible souvenirs. From here you can admire the splendor of Mt. Etna and the bay of Giardini Naxos.

After your visit here, continue towards the northern side of the most active volcano in Europe, Mt. Etna. Stop in a small local winery and immerse yourself in the estate's relaxed atmosphere and soak in the panoramic views. Learn how volcanic soil helps create wines with intense flavors as you taste a variety of wines paired with delicious local snacks. Wine production in Sicily dates to 800 BC, longer than France and even the rest of Italy.

Leaving the winery, you will make your way back to Messina where before reaching the pier area you will make one last stop for a delectable and traditional "sweet" moment at one of the best patisseries in the city. Taste the real Sicilian cannoli with fresh ricotta cream and flavored with lemon or orange, what could be better to round out this day's adventure?