9 Shore Excursions in Messina Worth the Day

1.Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 237 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $145Our pick

Travel from Messina or Giardini Naxos port to hilltop Castelmola and Taormina with guides such as Sabrina, Katia, Sara, or Mariarita. Walk Corso Umberto, enter the Greek-Roman Theater, enjoy Etna views, and have free time for food and shopping.

“This was a great private excursion off of the cruise ship. We were picked up the cruise terminal as planned and on time. Our guide Katia and driver Peppe were very friendly and we started our journey to Castleloma. We knew at the start of the day that rain was imminent and throughout the day they were to receive about 2” of rain. We were prepared for it and so was Katia and she provided full size umbrellas for our group of four. Casteloma was stunning, but heavy fog severely limited visibility which was a shame. We proceeded to Taormina and toured the area including the Greek/Roman theater. We had…”

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2.Best Shore Excursion Etna, Taormina, Messina With Tasting Of Sicilian Products

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $227Top rated

From Messina’s port, a private driver and hostess take you to Mount Etna, Taormina, and Messina’s cathedral square. You’ll have time for crater views, independent exploring, and a tasting of honey, olives, wines, liqueurs, and olive oil. Museum and theater tickets cost extra.

“The tour we received did not cover most of the items from the tour description on Viator website (see below for summary), so this misrepresentation is very disappointing. We contacted Viator to no avail. We will be disputing this charge with our credit card company immediately. From Tour Description on Website: Mount Etna Walk on the sylvan craters with a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast of Sicily. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Free 2 Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re Short stop for souvenir photos from the panoramic balcony of Messina 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free NOT PROVIDED 3 Duomo di Messina Stop to visit the famous Piazza del…”

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3.Taormina Private Tour from Hotel or Cruise Terminal of Messina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $156

Travel by private air-conditioned van from Messina’s cruise port or your hotel to Taormina. You get two hours on your own in the old town, with photo stops at Isola Bella and the Votive Temple of Christ the King. Filippo may also provide useful commentary along the route.

“Excellent tour and well worth the expense! Filippo was an excellent tour guide and driver. He told us so many interesting facts along the way while pointing out unique things in and around the cities of Messina and Taormina. Would definitely recommend!”

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4.Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina – Shared

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 30 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $118Best value

Ride from Messina’s cruise port to Taormina in an air-conditioned vehicle, see the Greek Theater and town sights, then enjoy about two hours on your own. Guides such as Michael, Michele, Erika, Sam, and Chris have led past departures. The return includes Messina sights and port drop-off.

“Our tour guide was very good. She had a true passion for her work. Each stop was well worth seeing Thanks!”

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5.From Messina Cruise Terminal: Private Godfather tour + Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 5 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $355

Meet your English-speaking guide at Messina port, hotel, or station for a private drive to Savoca and Forza d’Agro. Visit Bar Vitelli, Michael and Apollonia’s wedding church, Norman castle ruins, and other film sites, then enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch with a sea view.

“Pepito and Marco were absolutely the best guides we could have asked for. Went above and beyond expectations. Pepito even gifted us with fruit from his own garden. Such a gentleman! Will forever remember the kindness of Pepito!!”

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6.Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $228

Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Messina, Catania, or Giardini Naxos to Mount Etna, Castelmola, Taormina, and Messina Cathedral. Sonia, Filippo, Erika, and Juan Carlo may guide your day, with time to adjust plans when weather changes.

“Philipo and Erika are a get team and look after your every need. They are both very knowledgeable, passionate, and proud Sicilians which makes for an excellent tour. They are also very adaptable if you would like to change. When we arrived at Mt Etna it was all fogged in so rather than spend a whole day there in the fog they took us around showing us many other sites we would have never seen otherwise.”

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7.Research Your Ancestors in Sicily from Cruise Terminal of Messina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 to 8 hours (approx.)

Meet Erika and Filippo at Messina’s cruise terminal for a private, custom-built search through your Sicilian roots. Visit municipal offices, ancestral towns, churches, family homes, and possibly distant relatives, with translation and optional food, artisan, or winery stops.

“My husband and I have traveled extensively. Taken many excursions; both through cruise ships and privately. Going to see the town where my mother was born in Sicily was always on my bucket list. When I found this excursion on Viator I was excited to give it a try. Our guides, Erika and Filippo, were the most knowledgeable, intelligent, accommodating, guides we’ve EVER had. The entire experience was nothing short of a magical bucket list experience. Highly recommend you ask for Erika and Filippo on your next visit to Sicily.”

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8.From Messina Cruise Terminal: Etna -Taormina-Godfather with food

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $522

Travel by private air-conditioned car from Messina Port or your hotel to Mount Etna, Taormina, and Savoca. Guides such as Marco, Elena, Omar, and Maurizio bring local stories to the day. Expect volcano views, Bar Vitelli, a traditional lunch, and a tightly packed schedule.

“We had an amazing tour with Omar. He was informative, friendlly and made our all day tour an unforgettable experience.”

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9.Messina Shore Excursion: Private Tour Tindari, Milazzo And Messina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $213

You’ll travel privately from Messina to the cathedral and astronomical clock, Tindari’s sanctuary and archaeological park, then Milazzo Castle and Capo Milazzo. Sonia, Lillo, and Antonio have led past departures, while the driver provides an air-conditioned vehicle, private transport, and bottled water.

“Amazing tour. Sonia was our tour guide and she went over and above our expectations. Also our driver was excellent. He again was a great driver. Even surprised us with a couple extra places. Very organized. Highly recommend them”

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