Catania, Etna Wine & Views
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Port
Catania, Sicily, Italy
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All,61
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Nothing in Catania and its surroundings is unaffected by Mt Etna volcano. Etna seldom sleeps and, even when she does, it is with one eye open.
Set out on a scenic drive to Oro d'Etna -- one of the famous wine estates of the Etna region. Frigid winters, temperate summers, and abundant rainfall conditions here contrast sharply with those of the rest of Sicily, influencing the maturation of the grapes and imparting a unique terroir for wines featuring primary bouquets and total acidity from lava soil rich in potassium and mineral salts. The Costa family owns Oro d'Etna wonderful vineyard in Zafferana at 550 m asl, all planted in Nerello Mascalese with spurred cordon pruning. Explore small terraces made with dry stone walls in the oldest part of the vineyard and taste the excellent wines produced under the prestigious Etna DOC appellation.
Stop to visit Etna's 1992 lava flows en route back to Catania and admire its many historical monuments. A panoramic drive through Sicily's second-largest city showcases how its growth has been affected by its relationship with the mighty Mount Etna. On several occasions, Catania has been decimated by lava flow and in 1693, the city was leveled by a terrible earthquake. Rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style, it offers some rather lovely architecture. From Piazza Roma, view the beautiful Bellini Gardens, the University, and Stesicoro Square. Follow your guide along the main street on a walk to Cathedral Square, with its beautiful Baroque palaces and famous Elephant Fountain.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Mt Etna is an active volcano and erupts on a regular basis; participate at your own risk.