Villa Bellini

Discover Catania through a journey that combines story telling, traditions, and gastronomy. Start the morning with a typical Catanese breakfast, with a granita and brioche (sweet) or a cappuccino and cipollina (savory), perfect for starting the day like a true Catanese. Walk through the historic streets, starting from Piazza Duomo, the beating heart of the city, where you will hear about the Fontana dell’Elefante and the Cattedrale di Sant'Agata. Then, explore Porta Uzeda, one of the ancient city gates that once served as the main entrance for travelers. Its construction is linked to the protection of the city, a symbol of the city's strength and defense. Next, visit the Pupi Siciliani Shop, where you will hear fascinating stories about the tradition of the Sicilian puppets, marionettes that recount the deeds of the knights of Charlemagne, medieval heroes, and epic battles. Head to the Pescheria, Catania's most famous market. Here, among fresh fish stalls, hear a fun anecdote about how Catanese fishmongers are known for their fast and colorful talk, often in dialect. Reach Piazza Università, where you will uncover curiosities about the ancient University of Catania, founded in 1434, and its cultural and scientific impact. Your walk will continue towards Piazza Stesicoro, a place rich in history and archaeology, where you can admire the ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater, once the stage for spectacular events. Finally, end the tour at Villa Bellini, a park that enchants with its romantic charm. Hear a mysterious legend about the villa, which speaks of an impossible love between a young aristocrat and a soldier, whose spirit is said to still wander in its gardens. To conclude, enjoy a tasting of arancini (one of Catania’s signature dishes) and a glass of Etna wine, perhaps a Nerello Mascalese, a robust wine that tells the strong character of Mount Etna.

Join our Sicilian Desserts Food Tour! Sicilian pastries are among the most famous, loved and exported in the world. Behind every recipe lie fascinating stories and traditions, and from the skilful combination of the simplest ingredients come delicious delicacies. That is why we have created our Sicilian sweets tour. The city of Iris and Granita with Brioche "Co' tuppu" welcomes you. With our Sicilian dessert tour you will experience Catania and get to know the true Sicilian dessert tradition through an adventure of flavours, traditions and emotions. Here's a list of our possible tastings: - Iris: a preparation made of sweet fried leavened dough (similar to a krapfen or doughnut) that encloses a filling: the traditional one has sweet ricotta cream and chocolate pieces. In the Catania area, there is a variant with pistachio, chocolate and white cream as well as, of course, ricotta. Despite being sweet, it is counted among the classic street foods of Sicilian cuisine, being enjoyed hot and at all hours by locals and tourists alike. - Torta Setteveli: One only has to pronounce its name to immediately get the wonderful image of a cake covered in a shiny chocolate icing. Each slice offers a series of layers alternating between mousse and crunchy bits. A curious anecdote hides behind this cake that has become so famous on our island...curious to find out? - Sicilian Granita: perfect for relaxing and cooling down on hot summer afternoons. It is served in a glass and is ideal to end a rich meal on a high note. Fresh fruit, sugar and ice are the necessary ingredients - simple, but incredibly tasty! - Sicilian Cannoli: the wafer, traditionally moulded around a hot metal bar, is filled with a sweet and creamy preparation made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit, crunchy pistachios or dark chocolate chips. An explosion of taste and colour!

Explore Catania with a private tour that combines history, culture, and local flavors, offering an authentic and memorable experience. Begin your journey in Piazza Duomo, the beating heart of the city, dominated by the magnificent Cathedral of St. Agatha and the iconic Fountain of the Elephant, a symbol of Catania. Your expert guide will tell you fascinating stories about the city, from its Greek founding to its Baroque rebirth after the 1669 eruption and 1693 earthquake. Continue along the bustling Via Etnea, Catania's main street lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and cafes. Here you can observe typical lava stone architecture and immerse yourself in the daily life of the Catania people. The next stop is the Fish Market, known as "la Pescheria," a place full of colors, sounds and scents. Among the stalls laden with fresh fish, fruits and spices, you will discover the pulsating soul of the city and hear trivia about local culinary traditions. After the market, treat yourself to a break where you can enjoy golden arancini, crispy cannoli filled with fresh ricotta and a glass of Etna wine. Your guide will explain the origin of these delicacies and the secrets of their preparation. The tour continues with a visit to Catania's Roman Theater, an archaeological jewel hidden among the city streets. The guide will lead you through the remains of this ancient performance venue, telling you anecdotes about daily life in Roman times. Finish the tour at the lush Bellini Gardens, one of the city's most beautiful parks, where you can take in panoramic views of Mount Etna and relax among ancient trees and decorative fountains. This private tour is the perfect opportunity to experience Catania in 360 degrees, discovering its unique history, fascinating architecture, and irresistible flavors that make it a must-see destination.