Discover the captivating charm of Acireale on this 5-hour Baroque walking and wine tasting tour. Enjoy Sicily’s rich cultural heritage as you explore the stunning Basilica of San Sebastiano and the captivating Opera dei Pupi Museum. Afterward, indulge in a delightful 2-hour wine tasting at a local winery, savoring traditional Sicilian snacks against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Etna. This experience promises to transport you through Acireale’s enchanting Baroque architecture and uncover the hidden gems that make this Sicilian city truly remarkable.

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Key Points

Guided 5-hour walking tour in Acireale, Sicily, exploring Baroque architecture, Sicilian puppet art, and the Basilica of San Sebastiano.
Includes a 2-hour tour and tasting of Etna wines at the Batia of the Archangel Gabriele winery, with Sicilian snacks.
Activity is wheelchair accessible, with guides available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish.
Showcases Acireale’s cultural heritage, including the Carnival Museum’s papier-mâché art and the traditional Sicilian puppet art.
Offers a private group option for personalized experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

This experience offers a 5-hour baroque walking and wine tasting tour in Acireale, Sicily. Priced at $141.91 per person, the tour includes a guided visit to the Basilica of San Sebastiano and the Opera dei Pupi Museum.

Guests then transfer to a local winery for a 2-hour tour and tasting of Etna wines accompanied by Sicilian snacks. The tour concludes with a return to Piazza Duomo.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without paying upfront. The tour is wheelchair accessible with guides speaking Italian, English, French, and Spanish.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Piazza Duomo, where guests embark on a guided 20-minute exploration of the Basilica of San Sebastiano, marveling at its Baroque architecture.

Next, visitors discover the Opera dei Pupi Museum, a 30-minute glimpse into the traditional Sicilian puppet art.

After, guests transfer to a nearby winery, spending 2 hours on a guided tour and wine tasting, accompanied by local snacks.

The experience concludes with a 10-minute return to Piazza Duomo, providing ample time to take in Acireale’s Baroque splendor and captivating cultural heritage.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Acireale’s Baroque architecture and cultural heritage take center stage during this immersive experience.

Explore the rich history of the region, including:

The ancient art of papier-mâché showcased at the Carnival Museum, capturing the vibrant tradition of Sicilian festivities.
The captivating Sicilian puppet art, known as Opera dei Pupi, which highlights chivalric fights from the 19th century.
The Basilica of San Sebastiano, a stunning example of Baroque architecture that offers a glimpse into the region’s artistic legacy.
The Batia’s sensory garden, where the aromatic herbs and spices evoke the essence of Sicilian culture.

Winery Experience

After exploring the rich cultural heritage of Acireale, you will be whisked away to the Batia of the Archangel Gabriele, a scenic winery nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Etna and the Sicilian coastline. Here, they’ll enjoy views from the Belvedere, discover a sensory garden with aromatic herbs, and learn about traditional Sicilian wine harvesting in the Palmento and Historical Cellar. The experience culminates with a Sicilian aperitif and Etna red wine tasting, either in the large green area or cozy cellar, depending on the weather.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Batia of the Archangel Gabriele |

| Views | Etna and the sea from the Belvedere |

| Highlights | Sensory garden, traditional wine harvesting |

| Tasting | Sicilian aperitif and Etna red wine |

| Setting | Large green area or cellar

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Baroque Art in Acireale

Exploring Baroque art is a captivating highlight of the Acireale walking tour. The tour showcases the city’s magnificent Baroque architecture, including:

The Basilica of San Sebastiano, a stunning 17th-century church with intricate marble facades and opulent interiors.
The Opera dei Pupi Museum, which preserves the traditional Sicilian puppet art, highlighting chivalric fights from the 19th century.
The Carnival Museum, where visitors can admire the ancient art of papier-mâché and historical carnival costumes and masks.
The Belvedere, offering panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the Baroque masterpieces.

The Carnival Museum and Papier-Mâché Tradition

The Carnival Museum in Acireale showcases the city’s ancient tradition of papier-mâché art.

Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of historical carnival costumes, masks, and floats. These intricate creations highlight the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans, who’ve passed down this unique form of expression for generations.

The museum offers insights into the cultural significance of the Acireale Carnival, one of the most renowned in Sicily. Visitors can learn about the evolution of the festival’s elaborate papier-mâché decorations and the meticulous techniques used to bring them to life.

The museum provides a window into Acireale’s vibrant cultural heritage.

The Art of Sicilian Puppet Theater

Visitors to Acireale can enjoy the vibrant tradition of Sicilian puppet theater at the Opera dei Pupi Museum.

This captivating exhibition showcases the ancient art of Sicilian marionettes, also known as "pupi", which depict chivalric fights from the 19th century.

Visitors can expect to:

Witness skilled puppeteers manipulating the intricate pupi figures with remarkable dexterity.
Learn about the historical significance and cultural traditions behind this unique artform.
Explore the museum’s collection of elaborately crafted pupi, dressed in ornate costumes and armor.
Gain insight into the meticulous craftsmanship and artistry that goes into creating these enchanting puppets.

Accessibility and Language Options

How accessible is this Baroque walking and wine tasting experience in Acireale?

The activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

The live tour guide is available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, ensuring a seamless experience for international travelers.

For those seeking a more personalized outing, a private group option is available.

Whether you’re exploring the Baroque art and Sicilian puppet theater or indulging in the winery’s offerings, this tour caters to diverse accessibility requirements and language preferences, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the cultural richness of Acireale.

The Sum Up

This Baroque walking and wine tasting tour in Acireale provides a captivating blend of Sicily’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. Explore the city’s stunning Baroque architecture, visit the Opera dei Pupi Museum, and indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience with traditional Sicilian snacks, all while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Etna. Whether you’re a history buff or a wine enthusiast, this tour offers an unforgettable way to learn about the charm of Acireale.

You can check availability for your dates here: