Alcantara Gorge, wine and fun exploring the Sicilian black Grand Canyon

Alcantara Gorge, wine and fun exploring the Sicilian black Grand Canyon 2017-04-01T09:05:57+02:00

Project Description

Alcantara Gorge, wine and fun exploring the Sicilian black Grand Canyon

From Catania or Taormina | Half Day

Taormina and Alcantara Gorges

  • Alcantara gorges

  • Local food tasting

  • Wine roads


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Taormina and Alcantara Gorges

Today a unique lava canyon is waiting for your discovery. Alcantara gorges is a national park located on the northern slopes of Mt Etna, not too far away from Taormina. Basaltic formations and a river flowing through will be the perfect location for a walk along its ridge and down to the cold water of the river Al-Kantar, which means “the muddy river” in ancient Arabic. After some free time to taste the local honey, liquers, olive oil and other local natural products, it’s time to drive up along the slopes of the Volcano to enjoy a nice wine tasting experience and learn about the local vineyards and their grapes, used to produce the famous Nerello Mascalese wine. The drive back down runs across a pristine forest, one of the most impressive in Sicily.

Taormina
Taormina is one of the top and most beautiful destinations in Sicily.
The town has a rich history, prestigious writers, artists and important personalities have travelled or stayed here.
Among them: Goethe, D.H. Lawrence, Guy de Maupassant, Oscaf Wilde, Brahms, Liz Taylor and more recently many movie stars due to the Film Festival which takes place every year in town.
Stunning cityscape, public gardens, theatre, aristocratic buildings, piazzas and side streets, beaches and seascapes attract you and offer uncountable itineraries if you just choose to stay in town or visit the surroundings for a day trip.
The town is divided in two parts: the upper part good for visits anytime of the year on the slopes of a mountain and the beach side, great for the good season time.
A stroll along the main street “Corso Umberto” is a must for shopping lovers, while food and wine conosserurs will be captivated by the many gourmet or family style restaurants. Luxury hotels, among the best in Sicily, the vicinity of Mt Etna and the good connection with Catania and Siracusa, makes Taormina one of the most convenient places to stay if you want to explore the eastern side in Sicily.
The town dates back to the Greek time thanks to a group of refugees from the nearby Greek colony of Naxos which build the base of the world famous Greek-Roman theatre today. Several cultural experiences through its invaders, later on, will make the place a beautiful blend of monuments, buildings, palaces and churches which today are quite evident anywhere in town.
The nice weather all the year round, the great views and stunning landscape and the fame spread by the prestigious many visitors make Taormina one of the most popular destination for wealthy people starting from the mid fifties until today.
The main square and the many little medieval backdrops are framed between the shape of Mt Etna and the blue water of the Ionian sea.
The Greek theatre is one of the iconic attractions in town as well as Palazzo Corvaja, Piazza IX Aprile, the Duomo and the public gardens. Isolabella bay and the other beaches of Mazzarò and Mazzeo down below along the coast. These places are a must if you like swimming or just enjoy heavenly views.


Alcantara Gorges
The Alcantara Gorge can be defined as a unique lava canyon. They are part of a national park and are located along the northern slopes of Mount Etna and not far from Taormina. Its basalt formations and the river that flows through the canyon also have a walk along its high margins and house a botanical garden with endemic species.
The river’s name is Al Kantar which means the muddy river, according to its meaning in Arabic. Here you can ‘walk along its waters often clear in the summer and go up to the height of small waterfalls.

  • Private Sedan car or Mercedes Viano up to seven seats
  • Private driver speaking your language
  • Fuel, motorway toll and parking fee
  • Half day service with private driver and car UP TO 4 HOURS
  • Full day service with private car and driver UP TO 8 HOURS
  • Water bottle onboard
  • Visits, stops and panoramic driving tours described on the itinerary

     NOT INCLUDED:

  • Archeological sites, monuments and churches entrance fees
  • Local products and wine tasting or culinary experiences unless included
  • Driver and local guides gratuities (we suggest 10% if services meets or exceeds your expectations)
  • Local Sicilian regional licensed guide
  • Meals, wine tasting or culinary experiences if not already included in the itinerary
  • Yachts, helicopter or private plane rental linked to our ground transportation service

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