Private Car with Driver: The Perfect Way to Explore Etna Between Lava and Vineyards
Hiring a car with a private driver (NCC) is the ideal solution for those who want to explore Sicily in total comfort and without logistical worries.
Choosing an NCC service offers numerous advantages, especially when planning a tour of the majestic Mount Etna, including visits to renowned wineries like Planeta and Franchetti.
Benefits of a Private Car with Driver
Comfort and Relaxation:
Traveling in a private car with an experienced driver allows you to enjoy the journey without the stress of driving, traffic, or looking for parking. You can admire the landscape, relax, and focus on the planned visits.
Flexibility and Customization:
An NCC service allows you to personalize the itinerary according to your preferences, with the possibility of making unscheduled stops or modifying the route along the way.
Local Knowledge:
NCC drivers are usually very knowledgeable about the territory and can offer useful advice on places to visit, typical restaurants, and local curiosities.
Safety:
Relying on a professional driver guarantees a safe trip, especially in mountainous areas or on unfamiliar roads.
Privileged Access:
In some tourist areas, NCC vehicles have access to restricted traffic zones, allowing passengers to reach historic centers or the main attractions directly.
Etna Tour with Visits to Planeta and Franchetti Wineries
A tour of Mount Etna with a private driver offers the opportunity to discover not only the natural wonders of Europe’s highest active volcano but also to immerse yourself in Sicily’s wine tradition by visiting prestigious wineries such as Planeta and Franchetti.
Etna: A Constantly Changing Landscape
Mount Etna, standing 3,329 meters high, dominates eastern Sicily and is one of the island’s main tourist attractions. Its volcanic activity, marked by frequent eruptions, has shaped—and continues to shape—the surrounding landscape, creating a unique and fertile environment.
Etna’s volcanic soils are the result of the slow degradation of lava rock and the abundant presence of ash emitted from the crater, enriched by organic matter. These soils, rich in minerals and structure, are ideal for viticulture, giving local wines unique organoleptic characteristics.
Planeta Winery: Tradition Meets Innovation
The Planeta family has a long winemaking tradition in Sicily dating back to the 16th century. In 2008, after an extensive search for the best land for their vineyards, they chose the north side of Etna, among lava flows and the woods surrounding Passopisciaro, to plant Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grapes. In 2012, the Sciaranuova winery was born, perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape.
The Sciaranuova estate, located over 800 meters above sea level, represents the heart of Planeta's hospitality on Etna. Here, in addition to wine production, the family has invested in the cultural development of the area, transforming part of the ancient terraces into a Vineyard Theater, which every summer hosts the Sciaranuova Festival, one of the cultural productions conceived and managed by the Planeta family.
Franchetti Winery: Passion and Dedication
Andrea Franchetti was one of the pioneers of Etna’s wine renaissance. In 2001, he purchased the Passopisciaro estate on the volcano’s northern slope and restored abandoned vineyards, recognizing the potential of old vines planted at high altitudes, where intense sunlight and cool nights produce elegant and ethereal wines.
The Franchetti winery offers several types of visits, from the “Classic Vineyard Tour and Tasting” to more in-depth experiences like “Etna According to Andrea Franchetti,” which allows visitors to explore the area’s ancient winemaking traditions.
Etna’s Landscape: Between Nature and Culture
The Etna territory is characterized by extraordinary biodiversity, with terraced vineyards alternating with chestnut, walnut, and hazelnut groves. Frequent volcanic eruptions have created a constantly evolving landscape where nature displays all its power and beauty. This unique environment has given rise to what is often called “heroic viticulture,” requiring dedication and passion from local winegrowers.
Choosing an Etna tour with a private driver means enjoying a unique experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, visits to renowned wineries like Planeta and Franchetti, and the comfort of a stress-free journey. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and food and wine traditions of Sicily.
FAQ – Etna Tour with Private Driver and Visits to Planeta and Franchetti Wineries
- What’s included in the Etna tour with a private driver?
Our tour includes:
✔️ Private transfer from Taormina, Catania, or another agreed location
✔️ Scenic drive along the north slope of Mount Etna
✔️ Visit to Planeta Winery – Sciaranuova, with vineyard tour and wine tasting
✔️ Visit to Franchetti Winery – Passopisciaro, with optional guided tasting
✔️ Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints on the volcano
✔️ Informative assistance on Etna’s history, geology, and wine culture
✔️ Comfortable and stress-free return with our driver at your disposal
- How long does the Etna tour with winery visits last?
⏱ The tour lasts approximately 8–10 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the afternoon or evening.
The itinerary is fully customizable depending on your preferences and the wineries’ availability.
- Is advance booking required for the winery visits?
Yes. Tastings and tours at Planeta and Franchetti require advance reservations.
Our team will take care of all the arrangements based on availability.
- Is a professional tour guide included?
Our driver will provide information during the ride, but if you prefer a certified tour guide or a sommelier for the full experience, we can arrange that upon request.
- What makes Planeta and Franchetti wineries special?
🍇 Planeta is renowned for blending tradition with innovation, the stunning Sciaranuova estate, and its production of Carricante and Nerello Mascalese wines.
🍷 Franchetti is considered a pioneer of modern Etna viticulture, producing elegant wines shaped by the unique volcanic terroir.
- Can I buy or ship wine from the wineries?
Yes! Both wineries offer the opportunity to purchase bottles on site and, upon request, arrange international shipping.
- What local food specialties can I try during the Etna tour?
During the tour, you can enjoy:
🍝 Pasta with Etna mushrooms or Bronte pistachio
🧀 Local cheeses such as pecorino and baked ricotta
🍖 Fennel sausage
🍰 Traditional sweets like almond pastries and Modica chocolate cake
🍷 Etna DOC wines, including Carricante, Nerello Mascalese, and Nerello Cappuccio
- Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, although tastings are reserved for adults.
Walks through the vineyards and scenic stops make the tour enjoyable for kids too, especially if combined with a short nature hike.
- What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
📅 All year round!
🌸 Spring and Autumn: Ideal weather and harvest season (September–October)
☀️ Summer: Great for lava landscapes and cool mountain breezes
❄️ Winter: Magical atmosphere with snowy Etna, perfect for those who love the contrast between snow and red wine!
- How much does the Etna tour with winery visits cost?
The price depends on:
✔️ Number of participants
✔️ Type of vehicle (luxury sedan, SUV, minivan)
✔️ Winery selection and tasting type
✔️ Extras (lunch, guide, special experiences)
📞 Contact us for a personalized quote with no obligation.
- How can I book the tour?
Booking is simple and fast!
📞 Phone: +39 333 160 6317 | +39 328 481 7474
📧 Email:
🌐 Website: www.sicilycarservice.com
✨ Discover Mount Etna, Sicilian wines, and breathtaking landscapes stress-free — with maximum comfort and top-quality service. 🍷🚗🌋
