This curated 5-day Vespa adventure is based just outside Taormina, blending the thrill of open-road riding with the charm of Sicily’s coastlines, volcanoes, and hilltop villages. Each day invites you into a new story: cooking with nonnas, sunset aperitivos in Castelmola, vineyard tastings on the slopes of Mount Etna, hidden canyons and river trails, seaside lunches along the Riviera dei Ciclopi, and cinematic experiences such as the Godfather villages and the White Lotus hotel. With a boutique stay as your home base, you’ll enjoy scenic daily rides (never over 70 km), hands-on local experiences, and plenty of time to savor Sicilian food, culture.
Itinerary Theme: The volcano and the sea, ridden side by side. Eastern Sicily is where Etna's lava country runs straight down into the Ionian, and this route leans into it: the Greek theatre and medieval streets of Taormina, the Godfather villages of Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, the basalt gorge at Gole dell'Alcantara, and Castiglione di Sicilia on its ridge between volcano and valley. Between the culture stops there is a hands-on Sicilian cooking class a few metres from the sea, ridden on lava-stone back roads through the Etna villages and easy coastal runs down to the beach at Letojanni rather than highways. On the optional add-on days the route climbs the south side to the craters and adds a turn at the wheel in a working ceramics workshop, then crosses to the north flank for the Castagno dei Cento Cavalli, the oldest chestnut tree in the world, and a serious tasting of volcanic-soil wine at Benanti.
Riding: 3.5 to 5.5 riding days · approximately 290 to 300 km core, 480 to 490 km with both add-on days
Terrain and scenery: Volcano and sea. Etna's lava flanks, chestnut and vineyard country, and the Ionian coast
Length: 5 days + 2 (optional), 4 nights + 2 (optional)
Skill level: Intermediate
Roads: narrow, well-surfaced panoramic hill roads on Etna's flanks, lava-stone back roads through the volcano villages, and flat coastal roads at sea level.
Traffic: light and quiet on the Etna village roads. Busier along the coastal strip and on the climb up into Taormina, especially in high season.
This will be most likely Mauro the founder of Vesping Around or one of his closest associates
All nights at a High End Boutique Hotel
All breakfasts, lunches & dinners
Rental, helmet, top case (when available), insurance, fuel
Transportation service from/to accommodation. Trail truck and service vehicle.
As per itinerary.
Backpack, water canteen, rain jacket, commemorative merch.
Access to Travel Insurance, Travel Concierge
Catania Airport (CTA)
We will send you instructions on how to get this done cheaply and quickly at your local AAA.
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Required to enter EU Countries starting mid-2025
Route: Giarre → Taormina → Castelmola → Giarre
Approx Riding: ~20-30 km
Riding Time: ~1h
Pace: easy
We look forward to welcoming you to Sicily and sharing everything that makes this part of the island so special.
Set in the hills above Taormina, this region combines historic villages, winding roads, Mediterranean landscapes, and spectacular views of both Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is a place where local traditions, authentic cuisine, and everyday Sicilian life come together naturally.
Throughout the journey, we'll take you beyond the typical tourist route, introducing you to the people, places, and experiences that make Sicily one of Italy's most fascinating regions!
Settle into your boutique countryside stay with a refreshing welcome drink and warm Sicilian hospitality.
Get introduced to your Vespa for the tour, followed by a safety briefing to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Enjoy your first ride up winding roads to Castelmola for an aperitivo with sweeping views of the Ionian coast.
End the day with a relaxed welcome dinner, getting to know your fellow travelers before the adventure truly begins!
Begin the day with a traditional Italian breakfast at the Masseria, featuring local pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit.
Savor local wines and a light Sicilian lunch at a family-run vineyard nestled on Etna’s fertile soil.
Stroll through Linguaglossa for a peek into local life, with time to browse artisan bakeries or open-air markets.
Spend the evening at your leisure or join the group for a casual dinner at a traditional trattoria.
Start the day with a traditional Italian breakfast in the charming setting of a Masseria, featuring local pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit.
Glide through scenic backroads and sleepy villages as you make your way inland toward the Alcantara Valley.
Trek through the dramatic basalt formations of the Alcantara Gorges, with an option to wade into the cool waters.
Enjoy a rustic meal in the countryside or a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
Ride inland to the hilltop village of Savoca for an espresso at the iconic Bar Vitelli from The Godfather.
Roll up your sleeves and learn to make traditional Sicilian dishes in a joyful hands-on cooking session.
Wander the cobbled streets and ancient ruins of Forza d’Agrò, another cinematic gem with breathtaking views.
Indulge in handcrafted gelato and raise a glass of Malvasia for a sweet and celebratory finale.
Vespa return and final evening at leisure
Return your Vespa and enjoy your final evening at the villa, free to reflect, relax, or celebrate.
Begin the day with a traditional Italian breakfast at the Masseria, featuring local pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit.
👋🏻 Say your final goodbyes to new friends, guides, and staff, with the hope to meet again on another adventure in the future.
Safe travels and arrivederci!
🛵💨
Begin the day with a traditional Italian breakfast at the Masseria, featuring local pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit.
The cable car ride takes you from the altitude of 1,923m to the upper station at 2,500m.
An experience that offers the unique opportunity to observe from above the mythical landscape of Etna with its many craters and volcanic cones, enjoying breathtaking views over more than 100 km of coastline.
At the arrival station of the cable car, you can taste Sicilian snacks and look out onto the terrace amidst volcanic sands, admiring the summit craters on one side and the sea on the other.
Experience this local spot, where stunning sea views meet a creative menu that highlights local flavors. Enjoy expertly crafted signature cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for social gatherings. The open-air dining and artistic dish presentations elevate every meal into a memorable experience.
Begin the day with a traditional Italian breakfast at the Masseria, featuring local pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit.
Linguaglossa offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and a charming historic center filled with traditional architecture.
We are going to stop for a quick espresso and visit the Chiesa Mader SS Antonio and Vito cathedral.
Discover the Castagno dei Cento Cavalli (The Hundred-Horse Chestnut), an ancient chestnut tree believed to be over 2,000 years old.
Set in a beautiful Sicilian landscape, this magnificent tree boasts a vast canopy covering over 1,000 square meters. Rich in history and local folklore, it stands as a symbol of cultural heritage.
Benanti offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and a rich winemaking history. As a family-run vineyard, it prides itself on a personal touch and showcases unique volcanic soil that enhances its wine's flavors. Visitors will enjoy an engaging tour as well as taste a diverse range of high-quality wines and food during this privately catered lunch.
This is where we return our beloved vespa companion & accessories, and the vendor checks for (obvious) damages and finishes the paperwork!
This is the goodbye dinner nobody wants to attend, a bittersweet moment but filled with memories and new friends.
Until the next adventure!
Begin the day with a traditional Italian breakfast at the Masseria, featuring local pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit.
👋🏻 Say your final goodbyes to new friends, guides, and staff, with the hope to meet again on another adventure in the future.
Safe travels and arrivederci!
🛵💨
At Vesping Around, we craft intimate riding experiences that immerse travelers in the authentic beauty of Italy. Each journey is meticulously designed to highlight hidden gems, from charming small villages to scenic countryside routes. You'll savor local cuisine, meet local inhabitants, and explore historical landmarks, all while enjoying the thrill of riding a classic italian scooter. These personalized tours promise not just a trip, but a memorable adventure that captures the essence of Italian culture and lifestyle.