Etna Volcano & Vineyards

A four-night, immersive ride through Sicily’s volcanic heart

This active journey takes you deep into the living, breathing landscape of Mount Etna—Europe’s most iconic volcano. Pedal through medieval towns, pine forests, and lava fields; swim in river gorges and dine in secret vineyard kitchens. Along the way: Byzantine chapels, volcanic wines, and landscapes where fire meets forest and sea. Perfect as a stand-alone adventure or a high-energy add-on to your Sicilian grand tour.

Etna Volcano & Vineyards trip Highlights

  • Ride volcanic slopes, ancient Roman roads, and the scenic Strada del Vino dell’Etna
  • Taste rare volcanic wines at boutique estates and dine where local winemakers eat
  • Cool off in Alcantara Gorge, a dramatic lava-carved canyon with waterfalls and wild swimming
  • Explore medieval hill towns, Byzantine chapels, and panoramic castles
  • Take in the flavours of Etna—granita, pistachio pastries, and zero-kilometre meats
  • Stay at charming, sustainable hotels on Etna’s fertile flanks

need to know..

All our itineraries are suggestions and will be designed around your personal needs and requirements

Guide price

From €500 per person, per day (includes accommodation and curated experiences)

Best time

September to November – harvest time, ideal riding weather, and fewer crowds

Perfect for

Active travellers, wine lovers, and those curious to explore Sicily on two wheels

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & First Taste of Etna
Private transfer from Catania Airport to Tenuta di Fessina, a poetic, family-run wine estate rooted in volcanic terroir. Ease into the Sicilian rhythm with a private winery tour and tasting.
Evening: A relaxed dinner at a local butcher’s trattoria, pairing hyper-local meats with Etna’s earthy reds.
Stay: Tenuta di Fessina – an award-winning, sustainable wine estate steeped in passion and provenance.

Day 2

Through the Alcantara Valley
Castiglione di Sicilia to Rovittello: 46 km | 1,000m ascent
Cycle into the wild beauty of the Alcantara Gorge—past medieval Randazzo, along a Roman wine road, and through ancient lava flows. Pause at Pasticceria Musumeci for the island’s finest almond granita. Continue to Cottanera Winery for a vineyard walk and tasting. Explore the hidden Byzantine chapel by the river, then dip your feet in the cooling waterfalls. Climb to Castello Lauria for commanding views before coasting into Rovittello for a dinner beloved by local winemakers.
Stay: Tenuta di Fessina

Day 3

Climbing Mungibeddu
Rovittello to Zafferana Etnea: 45 km | 1,100m ascent
A day on Etna’s northern flank, with off-road trails across lava fields and pine forests. Reach Piano Provenzana, where black rock meets sky, and descend into Pineta Ragabo’s shaded woodlands. Lunch among the vines at Barone di Villagrande—a refined pairing of fine wines and Sicilian soul food. A short ride takes you to Monaci delle Terre Nere, your final base on the volcano’s southeastern shoulder.
Stay: Monaci delle Terre Nere – an organic wine estate and trailblazing scattered hotel grounded in nature, art, and sustainability.

Day 4

Cooking, Rest & The Good Life
Ease into the day with a garden breakfast and morning stretch. Then, a hands-on Sicilian cooking class, using ingredients grown just metres from the kitchen. Learn to prepare regional classics and gather for a long, sunlit lunch. The afternoon is yours: swim, book a massage, or head out on horseback or a scenic drive to Taormina. Aperitivi at Convivium Bar before a final dinner—at Locanda Nerello or one of our favorite countryside trattorie.
Stay: Monaci delle Terre Nere

Ready to Taste the Real Sicily?

This itinerary is just the beginning. Let Alberto and the Cognoscenti Travel team tailor your journey, moment by moment, to your passions and pace. We create adventures you’ll still be talking about long after the tan fades.

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