Taormina is one of Sicily’s most charming towns, famous for its stunning views, ancient ruins, and lively street life. But what truly makes it stand out is how easy it is to indulge in authentic Sicilian food and wine experiences. Whether you’re wandering through its narrow alleys, admiring panoramic views of Mount Etna, or relaxing in a cozy winery, Taormina offers a wealth of culinary adventures. We’ve handpicked the best food tours that can turn your visit into a flavorful journey, like the Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries, which combines breathtaking scenery with family-run wineries and regional delicacies.
Some of our favorite experiences include tasting volcanic-infused wines in small, family-run wineries, exploring Sicilian street food in lively markets, and enjoying multi-day culinary journeys in Sicily’s famed cities. These tours are perfect for wine lovers, food aficionados, or travelers who want to experience Sicily beyond just sightseeing — tasting its cheeses, salami, and sweets along the way. Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each top food tour, helping you select the one that best fits your interests and schedule.
Brief overview of tour types
Our list covers a range of food-only tours, wine-focused experiences, multi-day culinary adventures, and shore excursions. Some tours like Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour focus on walking and sampling local treats in the city core, while others like the 8 Days Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily provide an immersive multi-day experience across several Sicilian cities. For those interested specifically in Mount Etna, options like the Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries or the Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour combine scenic volcano views with tastings. Shore travelers can enjoy shorter, more relaxed excursions like the Taste of Sicily: Taormina, Messina + Sicilian Street Food Tasting.
Now, let’s explore each of these fantastic tours in detail.
1. Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries with food&wine tasting
At number 1 on our list, this intimate wine tour offers a comprehensive tasting of Sicily’s volcanic terroir. Over six hours, you’ll visit three different family-run wineries on Mount Etna, where volcanic ash enriches the soil and produces wines that are unlike anywhere else. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, making it a stress-free way to explore Etna’s scenic vineyards. You’ll sample reds, whites, and rosés, all paired with regional cheeses, salami, and other gastronomic delights.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized experience in small, family-owned wineries, often inaccessible to big groups. Guests rave about the friendly guides and the quality of wines and food (“Lots of good food and snacks, and the wine was great!”). The guide Bruno or Omar, for example, is known for their accommodating and knowledgeable style, offering insights into the region’s history, culture, and winemaking techniques. The tour’s price of around $359 per person offers good value considering the three winery visits, food, drinks, and transportation included.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers who want a relaxed, immersive experience with the chance to taste volcanic wines and regional delicacies in a private setting.
2. Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group or Private)
Second on our list is this all-day culinary adventure that combines scenic drives, village visits, and tastings. For roughly $185, you’ll enjoy a small group or private tour exploring Sicily’s Etna countryside. The highlight is visiting a small family-run winery and an antique farmhouse, where you’ll sample wines, cheeses, salami, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Your guide, usually Giovanni or another expert local, shares stories about the region’s culture and traditions as you cruise through Sicilian villages filled with lava-stone houses and vineyards.
Guests consistently praise the quality of food and the informative guide: “Brilliant experience, beautiful surroundings, and very knowledgeable guide.” The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers based in Taormina. It strikes a great balance between scenic sightseeing and culinary sampling, perfect for those who want a relaxed yet engaging full-day experience.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a deeper dive into Sicilian cuisine and culture, with the flexibility of small-group or private options.
3. Etna panoramic private tour+Wine taste&food combination
Number 3 offers a luxurious half-day adventure that includes visits to Mount Etna’s silvestri craters and wine tasting at a local vineyard. Starting from your hotel, the tour takes you to Zafferana Etnea, a picturesque town famous for its honey, then to the craters at 2000 meters where you can explore and take photos. For an extra €80, you can ascend further via cable car, adding a thrill to the day. The visit then continues to Oro d’Etna, where you’ll sample honey, oil, and other local products.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of spectacular volcanic scenery and food and wine tasting. Many reviewers mention Sergio, the guide, as energetic and passionate, adding value with his extensive knowledge. The visit to Tenute Orestiadi, which offers wine, cured meats, and cheeses, adds a tasty finish. The small group size and flexible itinerary make it a personalized experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting scenic volcano views, a bit of adventure, and delicious local products in a more upscale setting.
4. Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour (Small Group or Private)
For those who love exploring a city on foot, this 2.5-hour small-group tour offers a taste of Taormina’s culinary heart. You’ll visit three food venues, sampling fresh fish, cheeses, salumi, and sweet Sicilian treats, all while strolling through the historic old town. Included are tastings of wine, Prosecco, and liqueurs, making every stop a mini celebration.
Reviewers highlight the friendly guide and the informative stories about Sicily’s food traditions. The tour price of around $105 offers great value for sampling high-quality foods in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to experience authentic local flavors.
Bottom line: A excellent short introduction to Taormina’s food scene, especially suited for those who enjoy walking and sampling in small groups.
5. 8 Days Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily
Number 5 is a true culinary immersion over eight days, covering Sicily’s most renowned food destinations. Based in charming hotels in Taormina, Syracuse, and Palermo, the tour includes visits to wineries, farms, markets, pastry shops, and street food stalls. You’ll enjoy five lunches, two dinners, and seven culinary experiences, all guided by a local food expert. Key sites include Mount Etna, Ortigia, and Noto.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want an in-depth experience, with the chance to taste everything from street snacks to fine wines. Guests love the personalized approach and the variety of food offerings, which showcase Sicily’s diverse culinary landscape.
Bottom line: Best for foodies ready for a multi-day, all-inclusive taste of Sicily’s cuisine, culture, and scenery—worth considering if you have the time and budget.
6. 3 Days Tours Offer: Etna Wine; Taormina Food & Wine; Godfather
Number 6 combines three popular experiences into a convenient package. First, you explore Taormina’s culinary traditions, sampling seafood and local delicacies (see details here). Then you visit the famous filming locations from “The Godfather” and learn about Sicily’s mafia history, adding a cultural twist. Finally, you venture to Mount Etna for wine and farm visits, including tastings at local wineries.
This package offers great value for travelers who want a mix of food, film history, and wine in a compact itinerary. The tours are small-group and include transportation, making it easy to enjoy each experience without stress. Reviewers mention the personalized guides and the well-organized logistics.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting an efficient way to cover diverse Sicilian highlights in three days, combining culinary, cinematic, and volcanic adventures.
7. Taste of Sicily: Taormina, Messina + Sicilian Street Food Tasting
Number 7 offers a port-side culinary escape suitable for cruise passengers or short stays. You’ll visit Messina to sample arancini and cannoli, then enjoy free time in Taormina to explore, shop, and dine independently. The tour includes transportation from the cruise port and two stops for tastings.
Guests appreciate the hassle-free logistics and the chance to sample authentic street foods in two iconic cities. The tour is flexible, allowing you to soak in local culture at your own pace.
Bottom line: Best for cruise travelers or those short on time who want a quick taste of Sicilian street food and city highlights.
8. Taormina: Sicilian Full Meal & Drinks Walking Food Tour
This 3-hour walking tour takes you through Taormina’s lively streets, sampling traditional Sicilian dishes with wine and liqueurs. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy the city’s food scene, visiting at least four stops for savory and sweet treats. The guided experience emphasizes local cuisine and culture, making it perfect for an evening activity.
Reviewers mention the friendly atmosphere and delicious food, with many noting it as a great value for the price. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, authentic taste of Taormina’s food and drink culture without a long time commitment.
Bottom line: Great for an evening out, this tour offers a flavorful introduction to Taormina’s culinary traditions.
9. Body Rafting Alcantara gorges with Traditional food and local wine
Number 9 combines adventure with gastronomy. After body rafting through the Alcantara Gorges, you’ll enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch with local wine in Giardini Naxos. The spectacular limestone formations make this a memorable outdoor activity, and the food tour afterward offers a delicious conclusion to a day of exploring.
Guests praise the professional guides and the thrilling river descent, as well as the authentic Sicilian meal. The tour costs around $304, including all necessary equipment and transfers.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers seeking a mix of adventure and authentic local cuisine in a scenic setting.
10. Private Etna tour with lunch in traditional “Trattoria” with organic food
Finally, this private tour offers a half-day escape into Sicily’s countryside, combining scenic drives, Mount Etna views, and a lunch at a traditional trattoria. The experience includes a visit to Zafferana Etnea for honey tasting, exploring lava-stone villages, and sampling organic Sicilian foods paired with regional wines.
Guests mention the expertise of the guide and the authenticity of the organic meal, made from local ingredients. The tour, priced at $314, is ideal for travelers seeking a personalized experience with a focus on Sicilian gastronomy and volcanic scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a private, tailored experience combining scenic views, local food, and wine.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Taormina
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. For a shorter city experience, the Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour offers a quick but tasty glimpse. If you’re eager for a full immersion in Sicilian cuisine, the 8 Days Small Group Food & Wine Tour might be your best bet. For wine lovers, the Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries provides an in-depth volcanic wine experience.
Travelers on a cruise or short visit may find the Taste of Sicily: Taormina, Messina + Sicilian Street Food Tasting ideal, while adventure seekers might prefer the Body Rafting Alcantara Gorges. Booking early is recommended, especially for guided tours with limited group sizes.
Final thoughts
From scenic vineyard visits to street food walks, Taormina offers a wide variety of culinary experiences tailored for every taste. For travelers seeking an authentic taste of Sicily, tours like the Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers or the 8 Days Sicily Food Tour provide unforgettable multi-day adventures. Meanwhile, shorter options like the Taormina Food and Wine Walking Tour or Taste of Sicily are perfect for quick bites and local flavor.
No matter your preference, remember to book early and pick a tour that matches your pace, interests, and budget. Sicily’s flavors are waiting—ready for you to taste.
