After a relaxing first day exploring Taormina, Claudio and Cinzia are ready for a new adventure: an excursion to Mount Etna.
The second day of their Sicilian holiday begins early, with Marco, their personal driver, greeting them warmly in front of their hotel, ready to take them to one of the island’s most fascinating natural wonders.
“Good morning! Ready for an exciting day?” asks Marco with his usual warm smile.
“Absolutely! We can’t wait to see the volcano up close,” replies Claudio, excited.
“And perhaps taste some good local wine,” adds Cinzia, smiling.
With their comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle, Claudio and Cinzia relax as Marco begins the journey towards the southern slopes of Mount Etna. Along the way, the landscape changes rapidly—from green hills to lemon groves and finally to vast stretches of black lava that bear witness to ancient volcanic eruptions.
The Comfort of a Private Driver: A Stress-Free Journey
One of the major advantages of hiring a car with a driver is the complete absence of stress related to driving and logistics. Thanks to Marco’s experience, Claudio and Cinzia can fully enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding parking.
“Look at those black rocks,” says Cinzia, pointing to a solidified lava flow.
“They’re the result of past eruptions,” explains Marco. “Each eruption adds new layers to the volcano, creating a unique landscape found nowhere else in the world.”
As they drive, Marco shares fascinating anecdotes about Mount Etna:
“Did you know that Etna is the highest volcano in Europe? Its height varies depending on eruptions, but it’s around 3,300 meters.”
“Incredible!” exclaims Claudio. “And it’s still active, right?”
“Yes, it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Fortunately, recent eruptions have been mostly effusive, meaning they’re not particularly dangerous,” replies Marco.
First Stop: Rifugio Sapienza and Cable Car to the Craters
The first stop on the excursion is Rifugio Sapienza, located at about 1,900 meters above sea level. From here, Claudio and Cinzia can choose to take the cable car, which will take them up to 2,500 meters, offering breathtaking views of Sicily’s eastern coast.
“Wow, look at the view from up here,” says Cinzia as the cable car slowly ascends.
“You can see all the way to the sea,” adds Claudio, snapping photos non-stop.
At 2,500 meters, they meet a volcanological guide who takes them on a short trek to explore the extinct craters. The landscape is surreal—vast black lava fields, oddly shaped rocks, and steam escaping from cracks in the ground.
“This place feels like another planet,” comments Claudio, fascinated.
“Yes, it’s incredible how nature can be both wild and captivating,” adds Cinzia.
The guide explains the geology of the volcano, also sharing some local legends about Etna. One of the most famous is the legend of Enceladus, the mythical giant trapped beneath the volcano, whose fiery breath is said to cause eruptions.
Wine Tasting on Etna: A Treat for the Palate
After the excursion, Marco drives them to a local winery for a tasting of Etna’s renowned wines. The vineyards on Mount Etna are famous for their unique location, spread across volcanic terraces at various altitudes.
“The volcanic soil gives Etna wines a unique character, with mineral notes and extraordinary freshness,” explains the sommelier as he pours the first glass.
Claudio and Cinzia sample a White DOC wine, followed by a full-bodied and intense Red DOC.
“This red has such a distinct flavor,” comments Claudio. “You can really taste the minerality of the soil.”
“And it pairs perfectly with the local cheeses,” adds Cinzia as she enjoys a slice of Sicilian pecorino.
The tasting continues with more local wines, accompanied by traditional delicacies like cured meats, olives, and rustic bread. Claudio and Cinzia savor the moment, toasting to the beauty of Sicily and the unique experience they’re having.
A Lunch with a View of Etna
After the tasting, it’s time for lunch. Marco takes them to a panoramic restaurant where they can enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes with a view of the volcano.
The menu includes:
- Mixed appetizer with cured meats, cheeses, and grilled vegetables.
- Pasta alla Norma, a classic Catanese dish.
- Swordfish rolls for Claudio.
- Sautéed porcini mushrooms for Cinzia.
“This lunch is a true celebration of flavors,” says Cinzia, satisfied.
“And the view makes it even more special,” adds Claudio, raising his glass for a toast.
Return to Taormina
On the way back to Taormina, Claudio and Cinzia reflect on the day’s experience.
“Today was simply perfect. We saw incredible landscapes, tasted delicious wines, and learned so much about Etna,” says Claudio.
“And all without the stress of driving or worrying about logistics,” adds Cinzia. “Hiring a car with a driver was definitely the best choice.”
Marco smiles in the rearview mirror. “I’m glad you enjoyed the day. Sicily has so much more to offer, and I’ll be here to take you wherever you want to go.”
Discover Mount Etna with Sicily Car Service – Private Chauffeur Tours
Thanks to Sicily Car Service’s private chauffeur service, Claudio and Cinzia experienced an unforgettable day on Mount Etna, in total comfort and without a care. If you too want to explore the wonders of Sicily with a personalized and stress-free tour, contact us to create a custom itinerary.
✨ Book your tour today and let yourself be captivated by the magic of Mount Etna with Sicily Car Service!
☎ Contact us now to plan your next Sicilian adventure! 🌋🍷
FAQ - Tour of Mount Etna with Chauffeur-Driven Car Rental
- What does the Mount Etna tour offered by Sicily Car Service include?
Our tour includes:- Private transfer from Taormina or other locations in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle.
- Stop at Rifugio Sapienza with the option to take the cable car up to 2,500 meters.
- Guided trekking on the extinct craters with a volcanological guide.
- Wine tasting at a local winery on Etna, accompanied by typical regional products.
- Lunch at a panoramic restaurant serving Sicilian specialties.
- How long does the Mount Etna tour last?
The tour typically lasts 8–9 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the afternoon. However, the duration can be customized according to the clients' needs. - Can the itinerary be changed during the tour?
Yes, our service offers maximum flexibility. You can modify the itinerary at any time by discussing it with the driver. - Is a volcanological guide required for the excursion?
Yes, a volcanological guide is necessary for trekking on the extinct craters to ensure safety and provide detailed explanations about the volcano’s geology and history. - Is a lunch break included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch break at a panoramic restaurant, where you can enjoy typical Sicilian cuisine. - What are the typical wines tasted during the tour?
During the wine tasting, you can enjoy:- Etna White DOC, fresh and aromatic.
- Etna Red DOC, intense and full-bodied.
- Other local wines, paired with cheeses, cured meats, and rustic bread.
- What is the best time of year to visit Mount Etna?
Mount Etna is fascinating year-round:- Spring and autumn: Mild weather and stunning landscapes.
- Summer: Perfect for enjoying outdoor wine tastings and admiring the volcano.
- Winter: A unique opportunity to see snow-capped Etna and experience a different atmosphere.
- How should I dress for the Mount Etna tour?
We recommend:- Comfortable or hiking shoes for walking on lava surfaces.
- Layered clothing, as the temperature can vary with altitude.
- Hat and sunscreen during the summer months.
- How much does the Mount Etna tour with Sicily Car Service cost?
The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of participants, duration, and optional activities such as the cable car ride and wine tasting. Contact us for a detailed and no-obligation quote. - How can I book the Mount Etna tour with Sicily Car Service?
You can easily book by contacting us at the following numbers:
📞 +39 333 160 6317
📞 +39 328 481 7474
🌐 Or visit our website: www.sicilycarservice.com - Can I buy wines and local products during the tour?
Yes, during the visit to the winery, you will have the opportunity to purchase wines and local products directly on-site. - Is it possible to combine the Mount Etna tour with other destinations?
Absolutely! Upon request, we can combine the tour with nearby stops, such as:- Zafferana Etnea, famous for its honey.
- Linguaglossa, a picturesque village on the slopes of Mount Etna.
- Etna Park, for a nature-immersed excursion.
✨ Discover the magic of Mount Etna and enjoy a unique experience in total comfort with Sicily Car Service! 🌋🍷
