
Countryside in Sicily
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.
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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.
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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.
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Mount Etna and Taormina tour from Syracuse
Perched on a clifftop overlooking sweeping bays, Taormina is home to some of the best-preserved historic landmarks in the world. And on this tour, you'll not only see the famed ‘pearl of Sicily', but you'll also see the highest active volcano in Europe. Journey up to 1,900 metres for the grandstand views atop Mount Etna, before spending free time in Taormina and tasting the local Sicilian Arancino.
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Sicily tour with Randazzo Market and wine-tasting by Mount Etna
With the popularity of TV shows like White Lotus, Sicily has upped the ante as a must-see destination for set-jetters – that's people inspired by TV and film set locations to me and you. You'll find plenty of sights to capture for yourself on this full-day tour that takes in the town of Randazzo, just north of Mount Etna, and a winery where you'll get to taste the fruits of the volcanic landscape. Francesca, a local guide, says “I love the start of this tour, as we drive through one of Sicily's best kept secrets – the Alcantara Valley. You'll see hillside villages, gorges and the mountainous panoramas that Sicily is famed for.”The bustling town of Randazzo is your first stop, sitting on the north-west fringe of Etna National Park. It's one of the only towns to remain untouched by Etna's historic eruptions, so a lot of the classic Sicilian architecture of the churches and houses is still in its original form. Every Sunday is about one thing here – the local market, which you'll get free time to explore. Seek out regional specialities here, like sweet cannoli and local olives and mushrooms, or snack on arancini rice balls as your browse delicate ceramics on the stalls. Round off your experience with a trip to a top-tier vineyard for a tasting session on the slopes of Mount Etna. The volcanic soil is super fertile here and delivers crisp, citrusy whites and earthy, cherry reds. You can buy a few bottles to take home as a reminder of the taste of Sicily.
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Panarea & Stromboli Boat Tour from Taormina
The volcanic islands of Stromboli and Panarea are the stars of the show on this full day excursion. You'll explore these island beauties just off the coast of Sicily with plenty of free time to sightsee at your own pace and witness the famous active lava flow by night.
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Lipari and Vulcano Boat Tour from Taormina
On this trip, you'll discover the best of the Aeolian Islands. A cluster of picturesque isles off Sicily's northeast coast, you'll visit the waterfront buildings of Lipari before sailing to Vulcano for its natural mud baths and smoking peaks.
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'We're going to make you an offer you can't refuse'. Well, this used to be Mafia country, after all. In fact, Hollywood descended on this part of the world to film scenes for the Godfather trilogy, so this tour will take in two Sicilian mountain villages that made it onto the silver screen and to relive some of the the most famous scenes.
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Guided tour through the alleys of Modica and Ragusa Ibla from Syacuse
Starting with a scenic journey, this tour takes you to the baroque heart of Sicily. Discover Ragusa Ibla and Modica, two towns famed for their layered beauty, from humble homes to aristocratic palaces and ornate churches. In Ragusa Ibla, marvel at the Gothic-Catalan portal of the ancient Church of San Giorgio. Continue to Modica, a town best explored on foot, with its maze of steps leading past historical houses to the majestic Cathedral of San Giorgio, a World Heritage Site.
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