Sicilian Wine Roads

Sicily is Italy's third most important wine and food destination after Tuscany and Piedmont. The distinct flavor of Sicily's wine is due to the volcanic soil from Mt. Etna, the smoldering volcano that rises nearly 11,000 feet above the sea. Depart the pier with your guide for a brief drive through the town of Catania, founded by Greek colonizers in the 8th century BC. You will continue on to Linguaglossa, located inside Mt Etna Park over the Alcantara river. The remarkably well-preserved Linguaglossa is one of the most attractive Etna's villages built mainly of black volcanic stone.- Upon arrival, you will visit the main square and Cathedral, constructed in the early-17th century. After a stop at a famous local patisserie near the Cathedral Square for a refreshing pistachio gelato, you will continue on to the Gambino Estate. Its lands extend from the northern foothills of Mt. Etna at about 2,300 feet above sea level. The site of ancient volcanic eruptions, these lands are now extremely fertile, and continue down as far as the alluvial beds of the Alcantara River. You will tour the vineyard and cellar, then have an opportunity to taste their wines, which will be accompanied by some local delicacies.