From Taormina or Messina: Private Horseback with Lunch

If you’re looking for a way to see Sicily beyond the usual tourist spots, this private horseback riding tour in the Etna Natural Park offers a peaceful, authentic glimpse of the island’s countryside. Combining a scenic ride with a hearty Sicilian lunch and local wines, it’s a balanced experience that appeals to those craving a taste of rural life and natural beauty.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: first, the small-group, private format means you get personal attention and flexibility. Second, the mix of outdoor adventure with delicious, organic food makes for a well-rounded day.

That said, be aware that this experience involves a fair amount of time in a vehicle—so if you’re not comfortable with transfers or have limited mobility, it’s worth considering.

This tour suits travelers seeking a peaceful, immersive experience that brings you closer to Sicily’s less-trodden side—ideal for those who love horses, good food, and stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Authentic Rural Experience: Visit a 19th-century farmhouse producing local wines, cheeses, and meats.
• Scenic Horseback Ride: Enjoy a guided 1-hour ride through Etna Park’s lush greenery and volcanic terrain.
• Culinary Delights: Relish a traditional Sicilian lunch featuring cheeses, salami, vegetables, and regional wines.
• Private, Flexible Tour: Personalized attention in a private group enhances the experience.
• Breathtaking Views: Admire the Sicilian countryside, the Mediterranean Sea, and Mount Etna’s slopes.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Hotel pickup, drop-off, bottled water, and professional guides included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Sicily’s Countryside on Horseback

This tour offers a rare chance to escape the crowds and see Sicily’s beautiful rural landscape on horseback. From the moment you’re picked up from your Taormina or Messina hotel, you’re transported to the countryside, where the pace slows and nature takes center stage. The drive to the farm is itself a scenic highlight, with views stretching across vineyards, Mount Etna’s slopes, and the distant Mediterranean.

Once you arrive at the family-run farmstead, you’re greeted with warmth and the promise of an authentic experience. This 19th-century farm isn’t just a scenic stop—it’s a working farm producing wines, cheeses, meats, and vegetables, giving you a taste of traditional Sicilian life. The guided tour of the vineyards and farmyard provides insight into organic farming practices and regional specialties.

The Horseback Ride Experience

After a safety briefing and horse selection, the real fun begins. The guided one-hour horseback ride takes you through the lush greenery of Etna Natural Park, where volcanic terrain meets Mediterranean flora. The horses are well cared for, and the guide ensures both beginners and experienced riders feel comfortable.

During the ride, you’ll learn about the native flora and fauna—an educational touch that enhances the connection to the landscape. Many reviews praise the professional guide’s knowledge and friendly attitude, making the ride accessible and enjoyable for all.

The Farmhouse Lunch: A Taste of Sicily

Post-ride, it’s time to relax and refuel with a traditional Sicilian lunch. The farmhouse offers a spread of locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, and seasonal vegetables, all served with homemade bread and organic olive oil. The food is hearty, flavorful, and genuinely representative of regional cuisine.

What elevates this meal is the local wines—both red and white—carefully selected from the farm’s own production, which guests consistently praise for their quality. Many reviewers mention the excellent wine selection and the delicious tapas-style offerings as highlights.

Why This Tour Works

This experience balances outdoor adventure, culinary delights, and culture, appealing especially to travelers who appreciate authenticity and personal touch. The private tour setup means you can customize your experience slightly—whether that’s taking more photos, asking questions, or enjoying a relaxed pace.

The scenic drive back to your hotel or port is a welcome chance to unwind while soaking in the views of Sicily’s volcanic and coastal scenery.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Drive: The journey starts with hotel or port pickup—either in Taormina or Messina—allowing you to avoid the hassle of organizing transport. The drive to the farm is approximately 30-40 minutes, during which you’ll get your first glimpses of Sicily’s countryside.

Farm Visit & Tour: Arriving at the farm, you’ll take a guided walk around the vineyards and farmyard. This is a great opportunity to learn about organic wine and cheese production, appreciate the rustic charm, and take plenty of photos of the picturesque surroundings.

Horse Selection & Riding: After a safety briefing, you choose your horse—something most reviewers find fun and engaging. The guide then leads you on a 1-hour horseback ride through trails that wind through forests, volcanic rocks, and open fields. The terrain varies, giving a sense of adventure without being overly challenging.

Lunch & Wine: Returning to the farmhouse, you can sit down for a hearty Sicilian meal with local wines. The food features regional specialties like caponata, parmigiana, and olives, all served in a convivial, relaxed setting. Many guests comment that the food is fresh, plentiful, and authentically Sicilian.

Return Trip: After lunch, you’ll be driven back to your hotel or port, with time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

What Past Participants Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of the food and wine—calling the lunch “delicious,” “hearty,” and “authentic.” Several mention the “beautiful scenery” and the “peaceful” ride as a highlight of their trip.

One traveler noted, “The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, which made the ride even more enjoyable.” Others appreciated the personal attention with phrases like, “It felt like a private experience, not a crowded tour at all.”

Some minor considerations include the length of transfers and the need for comfortable shoes, but overall, the consensus is that this tour offers great value for its price—particularly when considering the personalized nature and the quality of the experience.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private horseback tour is ideal for those who want to combine outdoor activity with a taste of authentic Sicilian life. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape from busy tourist spots. If you’re interested in regional cuisine, organic wines, and nature, this experience delivers on all fronts.

It’s also a good fit if you appreciate personalized service and want a flexible, intimate outing. Travelers looking for a quick, adrenaline-pumping adventure might find it a bit laid-back, but for those craving genuine connection with the land and local traditions, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making logistics one less thing to worry about.

How long is the drive? The drive to the farm typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on your starting point.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking around the farm and riding horses.

Can beginners join the horseback ride? Yes, the guide conducts a safety briefing, and the ride is suitable for most experience levels.

How long is the horseback ride? The ride lasts approximately one hour.

What is included in the lunch? The meal features cheeses, salami, prosciutto, vegetables, homemade bread, and local wines.

Are the wines organic? Yes, the farm produces organic wine, part of the authentic Sicilian experience.

Is this a private tour? Yes, it is organized for private groups, allowing a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the focus on horseback riding and farm visits suggests it’s best for older children and adults.

This tour offers a memorable blend of natural beauty, delicious food, and a taste of rural Sicily—perfect for those wanting to see the island from a different perspective. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or rider, this experience promises genuine moments and a chance to connect with Sicily’s unspoiled heart.

You can check availability for your dates here: