11 Shore Excursions Tours in Sicily 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 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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4.Catania Shore Excursion: Catania to Taormina and Castelmola

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $156

Spend about six hours touring Taormina and Castelmola from Catania, with port pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a driver-guide such as Michele or Michael. Expect guided history, free time on Corso Umberto, views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos, plus a quick look at Catania’s cathedral.

“This was an amazing trip. Taormina was a lovely town. There were spectacular view of Mount Etna. Castelmola has a very interesting pub where we sampled almond wine. Our driver was fantastic Michael. Would definitely do this again.”

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5.Messina Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · from $126

Spend three hours exploring Messina by Segway, starting near the cruise port with a 30-minute lesson. A local guide leads you past Piazza Cairoli, the University, Piazza Duomo, Catalani Church, San Francesco, and the Fountain of Neptune, with stories of the 1908 earthquake and Don Juan of Austria.

“Little bit of trouble finding the meeting spot, However once found, the Guide & his father were terrific ! Segways were fairly easy to operate. Our Young Guide was really good, knowledgeable about the History. And we were introduced to Granadas and brioche!”

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6.Palermo Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · from $144

Spend about three hours riding a Segway through central Palermo with a local guide. After a 30-minute lesson, visit sights such as Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, the Fountain of Shame, the Palace of the Normans, Capo Market, and Villa a Mare. Groups are limited to eight people.

“We initially had a group of six, but some of our group was afraid to go. They came with us to see and we got to the meeting site about 20 minutes early. Leo was already there waiting. He patiently let everyone test ride, so those who had backed out could reconsider. They ultiRead more”

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7.Private Shore Excursion from Messina Port: The Godfather Country

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $507

Leave Messina port with a private English-speaking driver and visit Taormina and Savoca, two Sicilian towns linked to ancient sites, grand views, and The Godfather films. Luca is noted for his local insight and restaurant advice. Lunch is extra, and the day lasts about eight hours.

“We have used Rome in Limo before and have loved every minute of our tours. Luca was our driver at this location snd was amazing. He was so knowledgeable about the area and answered all of our questions. He was so proud of his home and excited to share all he could with us. We asked him to recommend a local restaurant. He took us to the most wonderful restaurant with the most authentic food. I had something that I had never tried and it was delicious. The owner was gracious and treated us like family. It was such a great tour and we were sad when it was over.…”

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8.Syracuse Private Shore Excursion: Archaeological Park and Ortigia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Spend four hours with a private English-speaking guide exploring Syracuse’s Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortigia. See the Greek theater, Roman amphitheater, Dionysius’ Ear, and more, then stroll the old town with an optional cathedral visit. Port pickup and air-conditioned transport are included.

“Very informative. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. We enjoyed her company and her expertise”

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9.Messina Shore Excursion: Private Trip to Taormina & Etna

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · from $519

Meet your English or Italian-speaking private driver beside your ship in Messina, then visit Mount Etna at 1,800 meters and Taormina’s Greek-Roman theatre. You’ll walk among the Silvestri Craters, enjoy Ionian Sea views, and return to port after eight hours.

“Very nice driver with lots of information about the country and its people. Individual requests were also fulfilled. The 5th star 🌟 would have been given if the meeting point had been specified more precisely. E.g. for people who do not arrive by ship. This led to unnecessary queries and I lost half an hour as a result.”

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10.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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11.Taormina Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $127

Join a local guide for a three-hour Taormina Segway tour capped at eight people. After a 30-minute lesson, glide through Borgo Medievale, Villa Comunale, Piazza del Duomo, San Domenico Palace, and viewpoints near Teatro Greco. The guide supplies a helmet and rain poncho if needed.

“Our guides took the time to be sure we were comfortable using the Segways before heading off. We covered a lot of area that would have been difficult on a walking tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and our small group made the experience very personal. I recommend you try it!”

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