Daytrip from Messina Port to Mount Etna & Taormina: Explore Sicily's Wonders
5.0
7 Ratings
Taormina
Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Messina Port to Mount Etna and Taormina. Explore the majestic volcano and discover the historic city with its ancient ruins and breathtaking views.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
-
Taormina - Spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most popular summer destinations, a chic resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita.
Founded in the 4th century BC, Taormina enjoyed great prosperity under the Greek ruler Gelon II and later under the Romans, but fell into quiet obscurity after being conquered by the Normans in 1087. Its reincarnation as a tourist destination dates to the 18th century, when northern Europeans discovered it on the Grand Tour. Among its fans was DH Lawrence, who lived here between 1920 and 1923. -
Mount Etna - Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe, and one of most active of the world. It’s impressive size ( more than 3327 meters high with an average basal diameter of 40 km) overlooks the whole region. Its spectacular eruptions and its fiery lava flows, has always aroused the interest of scientists along with the curiosity of visitors from all over the world.
Since 2013 Mount Etna is in the Unesco’s World Heritage List for its geological peculiarities of planetary relevance. - Ancient Theatre of Taormina - The ancient theatre (the teatro greco, or “Greek theatre”) is built for the most part of brick, and is therefore probably of Roman date, though the plan and arrangement are in accordance with those of Greek, rather than Roman, theatres; whence it is supposed that the present structure was rebuilt upon the foundations of an older theatre of the Greek period. With a diameter of 120 metres (390 ft) (after an expansion in the 2nd century), this theatre is the second largest of its kind in Sicily (after that of Syracuse); it is frequently used for operatic and theatrical performances and for concerts. The greater part of the original seats have disappeared, but the wall which surrounded the whole cavea is preserved, and the proscenium with the back wall of the scena and its appendages, of which only traces remain in most ancient theatres, are here preserved in singular integrity, and contribute much to the picturesque effect, as well as to the interest, of the ruin. From the fragments of architectural decorations still extant we learn that it was of the Corinthian order, and richly ornamented. Some portions of a temple are also visible, converted into the church of San Pancrazio, but the edifice is of small size.
What's Included
- Private tour
- Round-trip private transfer
- Driver/guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
This thrilling day trip is tailored for those seeking to experience the finest of Sicily, the stunning Taormina, and the scenic views from Mt. Etna.
Take pleasure in a drive up to Etna, where your journey will commence. In the afternoon, venture through Taormina, an historic city renowned for its Greek temple, aged amphitheater, and unmatched scenic view of the sea.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Location
Taormina
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(7 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
73meganr
Sep 13, 2023
Great Private Tour that Made Us Excited to Return to Sicily Someday - Last week, we had a fantastic tour with Lucca from the cruise port in Messina. Lucca was waiting for us in the port in a comfortable Mercedes car. He easily accommodated my husband's needs as a person with limited mobility who uses a walker/rollator. At my request, he change our tour to take us to a winery on Mt. Etna since my husband would not be able to walk around on the mountain and see things. He also got us to Taormina before the crowds so we could see the beautiful city without so many people. It was the perfect combination of talking/explaining the history of the island, and leaving us alone. He also took us to some amazing viewpoints that you wouldn't get to see on a larger tour. It was really a fantastic day and made us both want to return to Sicily again so we could spend more time and really enjoy this beautiful place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandman012
Aug 9, 2023
Messina, Sicily - We had a great driver and an excellent day visiting Mount Etna and having a wonderful lunch in Taormina.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_c
Jul 11, 2022
Great day in Sicily! - Lucca was awesome! He knew just about everyone we met and knew all the best places to visit! He was a joy to have as a tour guide!
Review provided by Viator
Krsdolphins
Sep 22, 2019
The best tours in Italy! - You cannot beat Rome in Limo for the best tours in Italy. The drivers are fantastic and as a Travel Agent I know I can depend on Rome in Limo for excellent tours for my clients. Book them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin
Jun 16, 2019
OUTSTANDING - Mt.Etna & Surroundings - I was the organizer of our 8 person group, and having used "Rome In Limo" in the past, I had no doubt that we were in store for another fabulous tour. Our Tour Guide Luca, picked us up at the port right on time as expected. He was extremely knowledgeable and polite, and he was very accommodating to everyones needs. He took us to more of the small surrounding towns than i had expected, and in each one walked us through the history and highlights of each. He made sure that were all safe and comfortable during the entire tour.
I feel that his outgoing personality is certainly reflective of the "Quality" tour guides that Rome In Limo employs for all of their tours. Having been on many other cruise tours over the years, I truly feel that Rome In Limo is the "Cadillac" of the tour providers. A rating of AAA+++ is not enough for this tour guide and his company. Well done Luca!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pam
Oct 28, 2018
Taormina and Wine tasting! - Our driver picked us up from the Port and showed us around Taormina! Absolutely Gorgeous! He knew all the right spots to stop and/or pick us up which we conveniently located and didn't waste time. Our stop at the Winery was awesome. We had a great view looking out to the mountains, the wine and charcuterie plates were pleasing to the eye and the palate. Roberto helped us make the most of our time at our stop in Messina.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
