💫 Winter Escape on Etna

Nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, this 6-day retreat invites you to explore Sicily’s volcanic soul in winter.

This retreat is designed for independent travelers who love the freedom of the open road. With your own car, you’ll explore the slopes of Mount Etna at your own pace, from honey farms to hidden vineyards

You will rent a car of your choice, which will be at your disposal for the entire tour, providing you with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy fantastic pick-up and drop-off service from the airport to your accommodation and back, making your travel experience super convenient and hassle-free. With this exceptional service, you can focus on enjoying your adventures without worrying about transportation logistics.

The journey is simple and pleasant, with glimpses of the Ionian Sea and the profile of Mount Etna. As you approach the estate, the landscape changes: vineyards, lava stone walls, and Mediterranean woodlands accompany the final kilometer.

Enjoy a welcome drink and settle into your elegant room surrounded by vineyards and orchards.

Start your day with a self-drive journey to Rifugio Sapienza, the gateway to Etna South. The route winds through picturesque towns like Nicolosi or Zafferana Etnea, with views of lava fields and chestnut groves.

Once at Rifugio Sapienza (1,900 m), step into a surreal volcanic landscape. Here, there are few options:

Walking around the Crateri Silvestri, extinct craters formed during the 1892 eruption.

Taking the cable car + 4x4 jeep tour to reach up to 2,920 meters, where Alpine guides lead a short trek near the Barbagallo crater.

Learn about Etna’s geology, eruptions, and unique biodiversity.

During the naturalistic journey on Etna, take a delightful break to stop for a scenic picnic surrounded by the stunning landscapes, where you can enjoy delicious arancina, a traditional Sicilian rice ball filled with savory ingredients.

This moment allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while savoring local flavors, making it a memorable part of your adventure.

Return to Donna Carmela in the late afternoon for a quiet evening—perhaps with a glass of Etna Rosso by the fireplace.

After a leisurely breakfast, take a short drive to Zafferana Etnea.

It’s a gentle uphill road through lava-stone walls, citrus groves, and glimpses of the volcano.

Zafferana Etnea is a charming hill town known as the “City of Honey, nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna.

Stroll through the historic center, with its lava-stone piazza and baroque church. Visit a local honey producer or apicoltura, where you’ll learn about the unique flavors of Etna honey—chestnut, wildflower, orange blossom—and taste them paired with cheeses or warm bread.

Optional stop at a local olive oil mill or hazelnut grove, depending on the season.

Lunch at a traditional trattoria or panoramic terrace, savoring dishes like pasta alla norma or grilled meats with local herbs.

This drive showcases the changing face of Etna—from fertile eastern slopes to the rugged, high-altitude terrain of the north. It’s a perfect moment to highlight the self-drive theme: freedom, discovery, and immersion in the landscape.

Continue your enogastronomic journey with a visit to the boutique winery Planeta Sciaranuova, located on the northern slopes of Etna.

Enjoy a guided vineyard walk, learn about the challenges of cultivating vines on volcanic soil, and taste a selection of Etna DOC wines.

This peaceful and picturesque route is ideal for ending the day with volcanic landscapes and Etna forests at sunset.

Today’s drive takes you to the northern flank of Mount Etna, where the landscape shifts dramatically—dense pine forests, ancient lava flows, and quiet mountain villages await.

You’ll find a peaceful alpine setting surrounded by birch and pine trees. Depending on the season and conditions, you can:

• Take a guided nature walk or snowshoeing tour through lava fields and forest trails.

• Visit the remains of the 2002 eruption, where lava reshaped the landscape dramatically.

• Stop at a mountain refuge for a warm drink and local pastries.

Leaving the northern slopes of Etna behind, the drive to Bronte takes you through a changing volcanic landscape—where black lava fields give way to rolling hills and pistachio groves.

• Visit a local pistachio producer, where you’ll learn about the cultivation of the “green gold” of Sicily.

• Taste pistachio cream, pesto, torrone, and even pistachio liqueur.

• Optional: join a short workshop on making pistachio-based desserts or sauces.

Return to Donna Carmela for a relaxed evening.

The road opens onto views of the Ionian Sea before entering the historic heart of Catania.

• Begin at Piazza Duomo, home to the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the iconic Elephant Fountain.

• Wander through the Pescheria, Catania’s bustling fish market, where vendors shout, octopus glisten, and aromas of fresh herbs fill the air.

• Optional visit to Castello Ursino or the Roman Amphitheatre, hidden among baroque façades.

Catania is a paradise for street food lovers. Sample:

• Arancini (stuffed rice balls)

• Cipollina (puff pastry with onion, tomato, and mozzarella)

• Cartocciata (soft baked dough with various fillings)

• Fresh cannoli or granita with brioche for dessert

• Visit a local enoteca or wine shop to discover rare Etna labels.

• Explore Via Etnea for boutique shopping, ceramics, and lava-stone crafts.

• Optional stop at the Museo del Vino or a tasting room for a final sip of volcanic terroir.

Return to the Resort for a final evening of reflection and celebration.

Your final morning at Donna Carmela Reosrt is all about savoring the moment.

• Wake up to the sounds of nature and the soft light over Mount Etna.

• Enjoy a slow breakfast featuring homemade bread, fresh eggs, seasonal fruit, and jams from the estate’s orchards.

• Take a final walk through the gardens or relax on your private terrace with a last sip of Etna Bianco.

Begin your self-drive journey back to Catania Airport , carrying with you the flavors, stories, and volcanic energy of Sicily.