Taormina e l'Etna da Cefalù

Pizza cookery class in Giardini Naxos

Meet your professional pizza chef Maurizio for your 2-hour pizza making lesson. Learn the tricks of the trade from the real deal, a Sicilian Pizzaiolo in a local pizzeria. Chef Maurizio will explain the magic involved in turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering pizza, and at the end of the session you will sit down to enjoy your pizza with a glass of local wine.

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.

Wine and food tasting on Mount Etna vineyard from Taormina

Discover a family-run vineyard on Mount Etna, taste exquisite wines paired with Sicilian delicacies, and explore local products.

Taormina Bay cruise with wine-tasting and Sicilian specialities

The local wines of Sicily taste that much better when you're cruising the Mediterranean Sea. You'll start your boat trip hugging the coastline and exploring the beaches and caves of Taormina and Giardini Naxos. There's time for a splash about or a snorkel in the warm waters before you climb back onboard where your skipper will guide you through a tasting of three locally produced wines plus Sicilian cold cuts and cheeses. It's the perfect pairing with Sicilian coastal views. The crew will be your guides and tell you the story of the places you see during the trip.

Taormina Bay sunset cruise with aperitif

Hop aboard this sunset boat tour, casting off from Taormina Bay to Giardini Naxos. As you glide along this stretch of the Sicilian coast, you'll pass caves and bays while your expert skipper tells you tales of this place's history. Plus, if you're lucky, you might see playful dolphins out for a swim. As the sun sets behind Mount Etna, there's time for a refreshing dip near Isola Bella, before a small bite to eat on board.

Taormina Bay cruise in Sicily with an aperitif

Feel the warm, salty breeze on your skin as you sail away on a two-hour boat tour exploring the Sicilian coast. Glide through clear waters, past towering limestone hills and discover Taormina's hidden bays and caves – plus you can cool off with a swim and snorkel in one of them. Then listen to local tales about the area from your skipper as you relax with snacks and a refreshing aperitif, and soak up the awe-inspiring coastal views.