10-Hour Private Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina from Palermo

Taormina , Italy

10-Hour Private Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina from Palermo

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8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

With our tour we will discover the imposing Etna Volcano and Taormina, an unmissable tourist destination in eastern Sicily.
The luxuriant places, the bright colors, the scents of Zagara and the sunny landscapes, will make you discover the essence of Sicily for unforgettable moments.

We reach the slopes of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, to climb up to the Sapienza refuge, the starting point for reaching the crater.

We continue to Taormina. Defined as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, it is a highly coveted set, chosen for many fashion, art and culture events.
Its famous Greek theater is evidence of the passage of the Hellenistic population in the places, offers an enchanting view of Etna looking south and the Strait of Messina to the north.
Isola Bella, also a symbol of Taormina, is a delightful islet that houses the Regional Naturalistic Museum.

Available options

10-Hour Private Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina from Palermo

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Bilingual Italian-English driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

First stop of the tour: Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe immersed in the enchanting landscape of one of the most beautiful places in Sicily, a World Heritage Site since 2013. Departing from Palermo you will reach the famous Rifugio Sapienza located at 1920m above sea level, the place of arrival for each car. The Refuge houses a well-stocked bar and shopping area available to guests and a large panoramic terrace, where it is possible to enjoy a splendid view.

The tour then continues with a visit to Taormina, one of the most visited cities on the island.

Along Corso Umberto I you will reach the Church of S. Agostino and Palazzo Ciampoli, not far away are the Church of S. Caterina d'Alessandria, built from the remains of an ancient Roman theater around the middle of the seventeenth century, the Cathedral of S. Nicolò from the 13th century and the Palazzo dei Duchi di S. Stefano from the Norman era.

An obligatory destination is certainly that of the Greek Theater or Ancient Theater which is located in a privileged position from which it is possible to admire Etna and the sea. The building dates back to the 3rd century BC. and in its heyday and could accommodate up to 4000 spectators who sat on the steps of an arena whose diameter measures 109 meters.

Note: the remaining time is for the round trip.

What's not included

Cable car ticket € 30 adults - € 23 children between 5 and 10 years

Entrance to the Ancient Theater of Taormina € 10 full price - € 5 EU citizens aged between 18-25 years

Tour guide (bookable on request)

Reviews breakdown

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Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Note: Our driver is not a specialized guide, he only provides background information about the tour.

About Taormina

Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town in Sicily, known for its stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It combines ancient Greek and Roman history with charming medieval streets, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

This well-preserved Greek theatre dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is still used for performances and events.

Historical 1-2 hours €10.50 for the combined ticket with the Odeon

Isola Bella

A small, picturesque island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It is a nature reserve with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to visit, €5 for the nature reserve

Corso Umberto

The main street of Taormina, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the town's atmosphere.

Shopping 1-2 hours Varies by shop

Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale)

Beautiful public gardens with panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. They are a peaceful retreat from the bustling town center.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Castelmola

A charming medieval village perched above Taormina, offering breathtaking views of the coast and Mount Etna. It is known for its narrow streets, historic churches, and local wine.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, €5-€10 for wine tastings

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pasta alla Norma

A traditional Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, coated in breadcrumbs.

Appetizer Contains cheese and gluten

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors like lemon, almond, or coffee.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Mount Etna Snorkeling and diving in Isola Bella Jeep and cable car tours of Mount Etna Sunbathing and swimming at Mazzarò Beach Enjoying a granita at Bar Turrisi Strolling through the Public Gardens Exploring the Ancient Theatre of Taormina Visiting the historic churches and museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit Taormina, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is ideal for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Sicilian dialect
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Taormina is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare in advance.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 50 km from Taormina

By train

Taormina-Giardini Station

By bus

Taormina Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The funicular is efficient and frequent, offering a quick and scenic way to get around the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Taormina Mazzarò Castelmola

Day trips

Mount Etna

40 km from Taormina • Full day

Mount Etna is Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique geological features.

Aeolian Islands

Varies by island, approximately 50-100 km from Taormina • Full day or overnight

The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and stunning beaches.

Syracuse (Siracusa)

100 km from Taormina • Full day

Syracuse is a historic city with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, a charming old town, and beautiful beaches.

Festivals

Taormina Arte • July to August Taormina Film Festival • June Festa di San Pancrazio • May 12th

Pro tips

Visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina for stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Try local specialties like pasta alla Norma, arancini, and cannoli at traditional Sicilian restaurants.
Explore the charming streets and shops of Corso Umberto and Via Naumachia.
Take a day trip to Mount Etna for hiking, jeep tours, and wine tasting.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.