Private tour of Taormina and the Etna vulcano

Taormina is one of Sicily’s most picturesque towns and its best-known resort. One of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, the amphitheater built by the ancient Greeks and expanded by the Romans is an attraction not to be missed in Taormina. Even if you don’t care about ruins you will be wowed by the stunning coastal view with Mount Etna rising the distance. Palazzo Corvaja is another interesting architectural point of interest.  The most important medieval mansion in the city is a mixture of Arab, Gothic and Norman influences, and houses a museum of Sicilian arts and crafts.

If you prefer shopping for architecture and ancient history, take a stroll on Corso Umberto, where the shopping is complemented by the handsome buildings and vine-covered balconies. You’ll want to save some energy for Piazza IX Aprile, the giant checkerboard terrace that is Taormina’s main square.

For to the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Hephaestus, god of fire, Vulcan to the Romans.  Towering above the island of Sicily at almost 11,000 feet, Etna is Europe’s highest vulcano and one of the world’s most active, being pretty much in a constant state of activity. Like any fashionable vulcano, she is noted for her wide variety of eruption styles.

Taormina is one of Sicily’s most picturesque towns and its best-known resort.

The Greeks were here almost 8 centuries before Christ and their flair for building public structures in locations of breathtaking beauty can still be seen, particularly at the Greek theatre.  In more modern times, Taormina has become a world-famous international resort thanks to its charming atmosphere, natural beauty, great climate, rich culture, varied architecture, and ancient history.

One of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, the amphitheater built by the ancient Greeks and expanded by the Romans is an attraction not to be missed in Taormina.  Even if you don’t care about ruins you will be wowed by the stunning coastal view with Mount Etna rising the distance. Palazzo Corvaja is another interesting architectural point of interest.  The most important medieval mansion in the city is a mixture of Arab, Gothic and Norman influences, and houses a museum of Sicilian arts and crafts.

If you prefer shopping for architecture and ancient history, take a stroll on Corso Umberto, where the shopping is complemented by the handsome buildings and vine-covered balconies.  But don’t shop until you drop; you’ll want to save some energy for Pia.

The Etna growing zone produces some of the most focused, fascinating wines in Italy, thanks to its ancient vines, high-altitude vineyards, volcanic soils, proximity to the sea and Continental climate. They’re loaded with finesse and energy.

Made predominantly with native grape Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rossos range from lithe and accessible offerings to more complex versions. The finest examples are fragrant, elegant, vibrant and precise, with taut, glossy tannins and mineral sensations.

Top expressions are delicious and distinguished, even when young. They also age well eight to 10 years after the vintage, while a few of the most structured can age a little longer.

Reds get most of the spotlight, but Etna’s whites are equally beguiling. Made primarily with native grape Carricante, these racy, mineral-driven wines are savory and pristine. Often with whiffs of petrol even in their youth, the best promise surprising aging potential. Top bottlings age well for five to 15 years or more.

Winemaking on Etna goes back thousands of years, but it peaked in the late 1800s before being largely abandoned in the mid-1900s. From the 1980s to the early 2000s.