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Catania Educational activities

Our most recommended Catania Educational activities

Etna: Wine Tasting and Food Tour

1. Etna: Wine Tasting and Food Tour

First stop will be Zafferana Etnea, where the guide will help you discover the beauty of the town, passing through areas lapped by different lava fronts. Zafferana is considered the honey capital of Sicily. Enjoy the opportunity to taste honey and other typical products, including extra virgin olive oil with a tasting tour to appreciate their qualities. Next, you will move on to an Etna winery where you will meet an expert sommelier who will introduce you to some local wines. Learn the story behind the production of each bottle, from pruning to harvesting. Finally, led by the sommelier, you will have the opportunity to taste six different wines, not only from Mount Etna. At lunchtime, you will then visit the second winery, where you will enjoy a full lunch with antipasto, primo, and secondo, expertly paired with 3 Etna Doc wines (one white and two reds). After lunch you will visit the vineyards. Expert oenologists and/or sommeliers will take you behind the scenes of Etna's wine world, before returning to Catania in the early evening.

Palermo: Private Mount Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola Tour

2. Palermo: Private Mount Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola Tour

Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation in Palermo, Cefalù, or the Port of Palermo and embark on an exploration of the region's stunning attractions. First, visit the slopes of Mount Etna to experience the lava fields and the incredible landscape view from Europe's highest and most active volcano.   The Etna volcano is one of Sicily's main tourist attractions with thousands of visitors every year. The most common route is through the road leading to Sapienza Refuge, lying at the south of the crater at elevation of 1,910m. It hosts a large parking area, several bars, a hotel, and is a starting point for the cable car. From the refuge, you can take the cable car uphill to an elevation of 2,500m. From there, you can take a drive with special terrain vehicles, or enjoy a long walk to the designated crater area at 2,920m.   The next stop will be in Taormina where you’ll have leisure time for an independent tour of the town, ideal for strolling and window-shopping. The core of the town is pedestrianized and walking through its streets will indulge you in the Taormina atmosphere. You’ll have time to relax in a café and taste a granita (semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings). You can also enjoy an independent visit to the famed Greek theater or the several minor sites to be discovered around Taormina.   The last stop will be at Castelmola which offers a balcony over Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos framed by the mysterious and beautiful active volcano, Mount Etna. Marvel at the spectacular panoramas, narrow winding streets, and old-world charm of this fascinating comune before being dropped back at your accommodation or at the port.

Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

3. Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.

From Catania: Day Trip to Mount Etna and Taormina

4. From Catania: Day Trip to Mount Etna and Taormina

Hike to the highest active volcano in Europe, Mt Etna, and continue to the characteristic town of Taormina on a guided day trip from Catania with return hotel transfers. Visit old craters and lava flow caves and sit down for a picnic lunch in nature with a glass of wine. Start with a pickup from your accommodation in Catania and make your way to Etna. Get introduced to the fascinating world of volcanic phenomena by your guide. Gear up in hiking equipment and walk through ancient woods, extinct craters and past lava flows on Etna. Explore a volcanic cave and the surrounding landscape of Etna. After working up an appetite, enjoy a packed lunch with some typical street food products in an open area. In case of bad weather, go to a refuge to munch on sandwiches.  Next, head to the historical center of Taormina for a self-guided visit. Admire the Ionian coast on one side and Mount Etna on the other, immersed in a picturesque atmosphere. Visit the elegant avenue that separates the medieval city gates, Porta Catania and Porta Messina, walk down the alleys, and see the Greek theater. After your visit to Taormina, jump back on board for the return trip to Catania.

Catania: Valley of the Temples & Piazza Armerina with Brunch

5. Catania: Valley of the Temples & Piazza Armerina with Brunch

Drive to the southern coast of Sicily in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle to explore and learn about the history, culture, and art found in Sicily in the Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale.  Begin with a visit to the majestic archaeological area of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pindar, the Greek poet, and writer described it as “one of the most beautiful cities of those inhabited by mortals”. Famous for its seven well-preserved temples, the Valley of the Temples is dedicated to various divinities including Juno, Hercules, Hephaestus, and Athena. The visit to the Valley of the Temples is a wonderfully memorable experience that allows you to delve into the Greek culture and history that has been woven into Sicily.  After strolling through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, you will stop to enjoy a delicious brunch, made of Sicilian street food, water, and wine before traveling to Piazza Armerina. Found in the heart of Sicily, Piazza Armerina is home to the splendid Villa Romana del Casale a majestic imperial villa originally the property of a powerful Roman family. At the villa, you will find the best conserved in-situ Roman mosaics in the world.

Etna: Craters of the 2002 Eruption Trekking Experience

6. Etna: Craters of the 2002 Eruption Trekking Experience

Embark on a guided trek along Mount Etna's north side. Discover the craters at the summit, wander through the forests, stare in awe at the lava streams, and admire the eruptive fractures. Begin the trekking route along the dirt road that leads from Piano Provenzana to the summit craters of the volcano. Make a stop to see the ruins of the Hotel dell Betulle, the only visible structure that stands from the lava flow that occurred in 2002. Along the route, take the time to visit and study several volcanic morphologies, all related to a series of eruptions that have occurred overtimef on the north side of Etna. In particular, the flank eruptions have left the most evidence, especially the last one, which threatened the city of Linguaglossa. See the structures called Hornitos, which means, small over, and go up along the cinder cones. Once at the summit, look over the edge of the craters and go down inside a sandy channel to get back to the starting point.

Mount Etna: Morning Etna Experience

7. Mount Etna: Morning Etna Experience

After being collected from your Catania accommodation, you will make your way with your guide to the base of Mount Etna. Once here an expert guide will lead you along a beautiful natural path, most probably on the south slope of Etna, while explaining the origins of the volcano to you. You will visit some eccentric craters (such as the Monti Silvestri) at 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), which are surrounded by an evocative lunar landscape. You will then visit a volcanic cave using the equipment provided for you (helmets and torches). Following this, you will have a snack consisting of typical Sicilian street food (Tavola Calda), complete with water and a glass of wine. It is possible to arrange, upon request, a suitable dish to vegetarians and coeliacs. Once having completed this snack break, you will make your way back down the mountain before re-boarding your vehicle and returning back to your point of origin.

From Catania: Caltagirone & Piazza Armerina Tour with brunch

8. From Catania: Caltagirone & Piazza Armerina Tour with brunch

Start your tour with a visit to Caltagirone UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its production of pottery, dating back to Arab dominations, with characteristic colors.  Visit the historical center, the famous Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, and the culture of pottery in the city. See the excellent colored glazes that adorn the streets, staircases, balconies, squares, fountains, churches, and palaces. In Caltagirone we will offer you a brunch made of typical Sicilian products, Etna's red wine, and water (included in the price). In the afternoon, head to Piazza Armerina to see the huge UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale, originally belonging to a powerful Roman family. Find the best conserved in-site Roman mosaics in the world, including the mosaic flooring, wall mosaics, columns, statues, capitals, and coins. Return to the starting point around 6:30 PM to complete your tour.

Catania: Mount Etna Trekking and Summit Craters

9. Catania: Mount Etna Trekking and Summit Craters

From the meeting point at Funivia dell'Etna, you’ll start the day by catching the cable car and bus to the trailhead. After trekking for about 2 kilometers, you will reach the western portion of the summit crater terrace where it is possible to admire the stateliness of the Central Crater. The trekking will continue along the crater wall before starting downhill on the steep path constituted by ash and volcanic scoria along the southern portion of the summit. Complete the extraordinary journey back to Rifugio Sapienza by cable car.

Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour

10. Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour

Following a convenient pickup at a time of your choosing, enjoy a quick observation of Messina’s main streets as your head for the highway. Taormina is where you’ll focus first, with a stop at a glorious balcony from which to admire the view of the cliffs and Isola Bella island. Embrace the views and take some beautiful photos to remember the moment.   Next, arrive in the heart of Taormina, passing through the famous Corso Umberto street before reaching the main attractions including the Greek theater, shops, delicious restaurants, and monuments. After 1 or 2 hours spent here, head for Castelmola at 450 meters above sea level offering splendid views over the bay of Giardini Naxos and a unique view of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. For those who want to have lunch while admiring the beautiful view of the volcano, there are typical restaurants where you can taste local specialties of fish or meat, or simply sip the region's excellent almond wine. After this, take in views of Messina and see the Sanctuary of Christ the King church and Messina Cathedral containing the biggest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. End the day by tasting an excellent Sicilian cannoli at one of the most famous pastry shops in Messina before returning to the starting point of the tour.

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Frequently asked questions about Catania

What are the best day trips and excursions from Catania?

The best day trips and excursions from Catania are:

Mount Etna

Other Sightseeing Options in Catania

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What people are saying about Catania

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 226 reviews

If you want to enjoy Mount Etna and avoid tourist groups then you must book the Private Tour! Giovanni was an amazing guide who was so passionate. We arrived at Mount Etna before the buses and he took us through less traditional paths to walk us through the various craters and talk about the history of the eruptions. Perfect if you want explanations and a bit of adventure. The drive to the winery was a lot of fun full of stories, the food and wine there was excellent and my partner and I didn't feel one second this was a tourist trap. We finished at Taormina which was a lovely city full of lovely spots for pictures, maybe a bit touristic but we were lucky to visit off season to appreciate it.

It was a great trip with 5 other travelers and our guide Floriana who was friendly, helpful and full of joy. We had a short walk to the refugio and the Silvestri craters followed by simple lunch with schiacciata and wine. Then we had off to Taormina where we had 2 hours to wonder around.

We were the only two people on our tour. Our guide knew a lot about Catania and Etna and shared a lot of information about the area. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The wineries were excellent choices and the experience was superior. We had a wonderful time.

Great tour! Everything ran smoothly and on time. Great picnic lunch with local food and wine. Both Unesco sites are a must see!

We only had two days in Catania. We did this tour on the first day and learned a lot from our guide. It was a great experience