During this excursion, we will visit the southeast area of Etna, driving the roads of the highest volcano in Europe, we will have the opportunity to visit towns and villages around the Etna region which have been the scene of various eruptions. It is still possible today to see the power of the unstoppable Etna Volcano. Thanks to past events, today these towns and villages are rich in native production such as "Santa Venerina" wine and liqueurs and "Zafferana" honey and olive oil. During our day we will stop for a brief tasting session before reaching “Rifugio Giovanni Sapienza” at an altitude of 2000 metres.
Dopo una visita alla casa cantoniera, e dopo avere ammirato e passeggiato sui Crateri Silvesti faremo infine una sosta presso una cantina vinicola locale.
Italiano, English, Español
Daily
At your Accommodation
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Full refund if cancelled prior to 48 hours of the experience
The day will begin with the collection from your accommodation at a pre-arranged time.
Following our initial presentation and daily briefing we will begin our excursion, travelling towards Giarre on the A18 motorway reaching the southern slope of the Etna volcano. We will cross the town of Santa Venerina, admiring the famous vineyards mainly of Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mascalese, these contribute to the D.O.C. certification production.
Passing Santa Venerina we approach Zafferana, the last village before the 17 kilometre climb towards Rifugio Sapienza. Zafferana is located approximately 550 metres above sea level and was almost entirely destroyed by the longest Etna eruption ever recorded in 1792. The signs of this eruption are still visible on the side of the walls of the Valle del Bove.
In the town of Zafferana we will pass by a local honey production house for a short tasting of honey, olive oil, wine and local produce. THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR.
We leave Zafferana in the direction of Rifugio Sapienza. Just outside the town we will see the old lava flow from the other devastating and recent eruption of 1991, which lasted more than a year. We will drive 17 kilometres of hairpin bends that will alternate between lava flow, chestnut trees, oaks and pine trees up to the square of Rifugio Giovanni Sapienza reaching a height of 1980 metres above sea level.
Here the scenery changes completely, the vegetation thins out and you will feel like you are experiencing a moon like view with black being the predominant colour.
From the terrace of the Casa Cantoniera which was destroyed in July 1983 and rebuilt a few years later, you can see the south-east summit crater and again the Silvestri craters formed as a buttonhole due to the eruption of 1892 which lasted around 170 days. Finally the eruptive vent of 2001 drastically changed the area in front of the cable car. Here we will spend approximately 1 hour visiting various craters on foot.
Our day continues gently descending to what is known as “The Wine Road”. We will drive towards Zafferana Etnea making our way to our last stop, one of the many local renowned Vineyards of Etna
Once you arrive you will be greeted and continuously pampered by expert sommeliers who will be able to enhance the flavours of the wine combined with local produce such as: Cheeses, cured meats, olive oil and vegetables in a lunch tasting experience. You will enjoy this in a relaxing environment immersed in the natural beauty of the Etna vineyards.
We will then return to your accommodation.
Order of events will be communicated directly by your guide on the day • All activities will be carried out by car, minivan or on foot • The tasting at the local honey production house is included in the tour • Refreshments taken at the bar are charged locally • Lunch and tasting at the vineyard vary from 25 euro to 35 euro
| 1-3 pax | 260€ |
| 4-6 pax | 330€ |
| 7-8 pax | 410€ |
We will collect you from your accommodation at a previously agreed time between 8.30am and 9am 8.30am and 9am
Your guide will be an experienced driver that speaks: Italian, English, Spanish , with a deep knowledge of the local area.
We recommend booking this excursion in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during days of festivities. We require at least 2 days notice and bookings are subject to availability.
To make a reservation, follow the link at the bottom of the page. You will be contacted within 24 hours by our booking team who will confirm your booking and assist you in preparing for your excursion.
Tour cancellation is free up to 48 hours before the start of the activity. We remind you that if you cancel your reservation with less time, arrive late or do not show up, the refund will not be made.