Etna Private Tour From Messina Cruise Terminal + Lunch at Winery

Exploring the rugged beauty of Mount Etna from Messina Cruise Terminal is a must-do for visitors to Sicily. This private tour provides a chance to ascend the iconic volcano, marvel at the Sartorius Craters, and indulge in the region’s culinary delights. Guests will experience a guided winery visit, savor local wines paired with traditional Sicilian fare, and discover the rich flavors of artisanal honey and olive oils. Whether you’re a nature lover or a foodie, this excursion promises to be a highlight of your Sicilian adventure. With so much to see and taste, the only question that remains is – where do you begin?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Catania.

Good To Know

• The private tour starts from the Messina cruise terminal or guests’ accommodations and includes a visit to the Sartorius Craters for panoramic views at 1700 meters.
• Guests will have the opportunity to sample local honey, olive oils, and liquors at a honey shop, providing an insight into Sicily’s culinary traditions.
• The tour includes a visit to a family-run winery, where guests can experience wine production and enjoy a Sicilian lunch with cheeses, salami, and regional specialties.
• The experience is led by a private local tour guide and driver, ensuring a seamless and personalized exploration of the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
• The tour includes a cable car ride to 3000 meters on Mount Etna, offering stunning volcanic views and access to the Sartorius Craters.

Overview of the Private Tour

This private tour from Messina cruise terminal or accommodations offers travelers a chance to experience the grandeur of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.

The day begins with round-trip transport, followed by a visit to the Sartorius Craters at an elevation of 1700 meters for breathtaking panoramas.

Guests then explore a local honey shop, indulging in tastings of honey, olive oils, and liquors.

The highlight is a tour of a family-run winery, where visitors learn about wine production and enjoy pairings of locally produced cheeses, salami, and more.

With a private local tour leader and driver/guide, this experience provides a personalized and immersive look at Sicily’s natural wonders and culinary delights.

Highlights of the Etna Experience

The Etna experience starts with a visit to the Sartorius Craters, where travelers can take in breathtaking panoramic views at an elevation of 1700 meters.

Next, the tour includes a stop at a local honey shop, where guests can sample a variety of honey, olive oils, and liquors.

The highlight of the day is a visit to a family-run winery, where travelers can learn about wine production and enjoy tastings of locally produced cheeses, salami, and more.

The tour offers a chance to explore the secluded locations and picturesque views of the Sicilian countryside, providing a truly immersive and authentic experience.

Inclusions and Logistics

The private tour includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup available from accommodations, the Messina cruise terminal, or the train station.

A private local tour leader and driver/guide will lead the experience. The tour includes a cable car ride to an altitude of 3000 meters on Mount Etna.

Gratuities are included in the price. The minimum group size is 2 people, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Pickup and Transport

A private vehicle with an air-conditioned interior awaits guests at their accommodations, the Messina cruise terminal, or the train station for pickup and transportation throughout the tour.

The private local tour leader and driver/guide ensure a seamless experience, catering to the group’s needs.

The tour’s logistics include:

1. Pickups from the specified locations, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free start to the day.
2. A minimum group size of 2 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate exploration of Mount Etna and the surrounding Sicilian countryside.
3. Moderate physical fitness recommended, as the tour includes activities that may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Cable Car Ride to Sartorius Craters

After being transported to the base of Mount Etna, guests embark on a thrilling cable car ride that whisks them up to an altitude of 3000 meters. This 10-minute journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Once at the top, visitors can explore the Sartorius Craters, a series of small cones formed during the 2002-2003 eruption. This vantage point provides panoramic vistas of the towering volcano and the rugged Sicilian countryside.

Perspective	Elevation	Geology	Scenery
From the cable car	3000 m	Sartorius Craters	Volcanic landscape, Sicilian countryside

This stunning vista is a highlight of the Etna Private Tour, allowing guests to enjoy the raw power and beauty of one of Europe’s most active volcanoes.

Honey Shop Tastings

Upon departing the cable car, the tour continues with a stop at a local honey shop where guests can indulge in tastings of the region’s finest honey, olive oils, and liquors.

This segment offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the local culinary traditions.

Visitors can:

1. Sample a variety of honey flavors, from the delicate floral notes to the robust, earthy varieties.
2. Discover the nuances of Sicilian olive oils, learning about the production methods and flavor profiles.
3. Delight their palates with artisanal liquors, showcasing the versatility of locally sourced ingredients.

The honey shop visit provides a delightful interlude, allowing guests to appreciate the depth and diversity of Sicily’s gastronomic heritage.

Winery Tour and Lunch

Following the visit to the honey shop, the tour continues with a stop at a family-run winery.

Here, guests will learn about the winemaking process and enjoy tastings of the locally produced wines. The winery tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the passion and traditions behind Sicily’s renowned viticulture.

Alongside the wine, guests will savor a delightful Sicilian lunch featuring a selection of cheeses, salami, and other regional specialties.

This culinary experience perfectly complements the stunning countryside views, offering a well-rounded taste of Sicily’s rich gastronomic and cultural heritage.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Etna Private Tour from Messina Cruise Terminal has been highly acclaimed by past participants, with an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 20 reviews.

Highlights of the customer feedback include:

1. Personalized experiences that allowed guests to explore secluded locations and enjoy exceptional food and wine pairings.

2. Knowledgeable and engaging tour leaders who provided valuable insights about Mt. Etna, the local culture, and Sicilian wine production.

3. Flexibility in the itinerary that would allow for more time at Mt. Etna, based on individual interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit individual preferences. The private nature of the experience allows flexibility in the itinerary, enabling travelers to focus on their specific interests and make the most of their Sicilian adventure.

Is the Vehicle Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it requires moderate physical fitness. The itinerary includes hiking and a cable car ride, which may not be suitable for all travelers with mobility challenges.

What Is the Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no age requirement for this tour. However, it is recommended that participants have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves some walking and exploring uneven terrain. Children are welcome.

Can I Book the Tour for Just One Person?

The minimum booking requirement for this tour is 2 people. Solo travelers cannot book this private tour. However, the tour can accommodate a small group, so a solo traveler may be able to join an existing booking.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun protection are recommended. The tour provider will provide any necessary gear, such as the cable car ride to the higher altitudes.

The Sum Up

The Etna private tour from Messina Cruise Terminal offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Mount Etna and take in the region’s rich culinary heritage. From the breathtaking views at the Sartorius Craters to the wine tastings and traditional Sicilian lunch at the family-run winery, this tour provides a well-rounded and unforgettable experience for all visitors.