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Sicily Driver Syracuse

Etna Premium Escape

What you'll experience

Etna is a world of its own. We pick you up from Syracuse, Catania or Taormina and drive you up to 1,900 meters, where the Silvestri craters tell the story of the last eruption in 1892.

From there we descend through vineyards growing on lava — the most extreme "terroir" in Europe — to stop at one of the historic Etna wineries, Benanti or Palmeri.

Etna tour with private driver, quad ride on the craters, tasting of local wines, lunch at the winery. One day, sunrise to sunset.

The tour, by numbers

  • Duration

    full day

  • Max party

    up to 7

  • Driver languages

    IT / EN

  • Price (incl. quad and tasting)

    from €580

Partners for this tour

The places we chose

Cantina Benanti

One of Etna’s historic wineries. Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grown on lava soil.

Cantina Palmeri

South-eastern Etna, lesser-known terroir wines with a precise family story.

Stop by stop

How we climb

Stop by stop

01/ 04

01 · 40 min

Meeting & ascent

Departure at 7:30 from Syracuse (or 8:30 Catania, 9:00 Taormina). We climb toward Zafferana Etnea through the ancient pine forest. Temperature drops 15 degrees in 40 minutes — bring a jacket even in summer. Arrival at Rifugio Sapienza, 1,900 m.

02 · 1h

Quad on Silvestri craters

Quads depart from the refuge square. One hour on black lava sand, around the Silvestri crater cones — those formed in the 1892 eruption, perfectly preserved. The guide-driver leads on the vehicle ahead, no experience required.

03 · 2h

Lunch & winery

We descend to one of the partner wineries. Sicilian lunch in the winery refuge: cured meats, local cheeses, pasta alla Norma, house desserts. 4-5 wine tasting guided by the winery sommelier, in Italian or English.

04 · 1h 30min

Panoramic return

Return along the southern Etna panoramic road. If the light is right, brief stop in Catania for a coffee in Piazza Duomo. Back in Syracuse by 19.

What’s included, what’s not

Included

  • Luxury van with driver
  • Quad on Silvestri craters (1h, guide included)
  • Sicilian lunch at the winery (4 courses)
  • 4-5 wines tasting with sommelier
  • Water on board

Not included

  • Cable car to 3,000m summit (optional, additional cost)
  • Optional tips for driver and winery

FAQ

Frequent questions

  • Can you reach the top of Etna?

    Our standard program reaches 1,900 m (Silvestri craters). For 3,000 m (Torre del Filosofo / summit craters) you need cable car + jeep + alpine guide, additional cost arranged in the quote.

  • Is the quad mandatory?

    No, alternative: guided crater walk (1h 30min, easy terrain). Same price.

  • What to wear?

    Closed comfortable shoes (no flip-flops), sweater/fleece even in summer (it’s cool at 1,900m), windbreaker, sunglasses.

  • Are children welcome?

    Yes, from age 6. Quad rides require adult companion. Wineries can prepare a children’s menu on request.

From those who’ve ridden

The words that matter most come from those who chose us

4,9
  • We used Sicily Driver Syracuse this week for all of our travel needs and were blown away by Alberto's punctuality and hospitality. He always arrived earlier than he said he would for pickups, in a pristinely clean vehicle, and was extremely helpful. He was very patient when we were late getting back to the car one day and was also patient with our teething infant. Whether you are doing tours or simply need transfers, I would definitely recommend them for all of your needs.
    Evan Long · May 2026
  • Excellent service and good price, very helpful and easy to communicate and arrange a driver. Highly recommend and would use them again. The van was very nice and new and clean and driver was kind and explain some facts about Sicily on the way.
    Selina Mok · May 2026
  • Vincenzo was prompt, courteous, and professional. The vehicles are spotless, and he speaks impeccable English. We plan to be in Syracuse again and will definitely hire Sicily Driver Siracusa.
    Jenni Wilson · February 2026
  • I use Vincenzo's services regularly and am very satisfied. He's very punctual, professional, and great company! The vehicle was very comfortable, clean, and had all the necessary options. Top-notch! I recommend him without hesitation!
    Diane Paumier · April 2026
  • We booked Vincenzo on a short notice to drive guests back from our wedding venue to their accommodations. He was very helpful and had great communication, I recommend his services!
    Raphaël Bismut · September 2025
  • We had a great experience with this driver — reliable, punctual, and very professional. We arranged the ride a day in advance, and he responded immediately. The car was in excellent condition, the price was fair, and he speaks good English, which made communication easy and pleasant. Highly recommended!
    Marina Karaklic · May 2025
  • Vincenzo went out of his way to accommodate us. He went above and beyond and was reliable. He made us feel comfortable, and we wish he was our driver all the time. Excellent experience overall.
    Nick C. · June 2025
  • If you need a ride to and from the airport or a day tour, do yourself a favor and contact Vincenzo. He is punctual, his car is clean, he is a great driver, communicative on WhatsApp and will go out of his way to make you happy! He is reasonably priced and you'll be very comfortable in his Mercedes. He speaks English and is so personable that you'll be able to communicate no matter what language. You will be so happy you followed this advice!
    Jenny Samaan · May 2025
  • Vincenzo was amazing. Very attentive and informative. Planning on continuing to use Vincenzo throughout our trip for tours and for a ride back to the airport. Thank you again Vincenzo!
    Jason Ostby · May 2025
  • The driver was punctual and professional and our transfers to the hotel was super easy. Thank you Enzo!
    Anne-Marie Napolitano · May 2025

Ready?

We pick you up at the hotel.

Tell us when and how many: we organise the climb for the right day.