A Day in Paradise: Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina
If you are looking for a memorable shore excursion from Messina, you can’t go wrong with the Taormina and Castelmola Tour. This full-day tour will take you to two of the most beautiful and charming towns in Sicily, where you will experience the rich history, culture, and scenery of this amazing island.
Taormina: The Pearl of the Ionian Sea
Taormina is a picturesque town perched on a hill overlooking the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. It is famous for its stunning views, elegant architecture, and ancient heritage. You will have a guided tour of the town, starting from the Corso Umberto, the main street that was once an ancient Roman road. Along the way, you will see the impressive Palazzo Corvaja, the medieval Cathedral, and the lively Piazza IX Aprile, where you can admire the breathtaking panorama of the coast and the Mount Etna volcano.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Greek Theatre, one of the most remarkable monuments of antiquity. This theatre dates back to the 3rd century BC and was later renovated by the Romans. It is still used today for concerts and festivals, thanks to its excellent acoustics and location. From the theatre, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea and the snow-capped peak of Etna.
After the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore Taormina on your own. You can browse the local shops and boutiques, where you can find typical Sicilian products such as ceramics, jewelry, and sweets. You can also visit some of the other attractions of the town, such as the Villa Comunale, a beautiful public garden with exotic plants and statues, or the Isola Bella, a small island and nature reserve that is connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar.
Castelmola: A Hidden Gem Above Taormina
After Taormina, you will head to Castelmola, a small village that lies on a rocky hill above Taormina. Castelmola is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, away from the crowds and noise of the touristy areas. You will have a nice walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the village, admiring the quaint houses and the colorful flowers that decorate the balconies and windows.
The main attraction of Castelmola is the Piazza Duomo, where you will see the Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari, a Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. The church has a beautiful portal and a bell tower, and inside you can admire some frescoes and paintings. From the square, you can also access the ruins of the Norman castle that once dominated the village. The castle offers a stunning view of Taormina, the sea, and the Etna.
Another interesting place to visit in Castelmola is the Bar Turrisi, a quirky and unique establishment that is famous for its almond wine and its peculiar decoration. The bar is dedicated to the cult of fertility and displays various objects and symbols related to this theme. You can have a taste of the local specialty and enjoy the friendly and humorous atmosphere of the bar.
A Panoramic Lunch with a View
After visiting Castelmola, you will be treated to a delicious lunch at a panoramic restaurant, where you can savor the traditional Sicilian cuisine and wine. You will have a choice of dishes made with fresh and local ingredients, such as pasta, fish, meat, cheese, and vegetables. You will also have a dessert and a coffee to end your meal on a sweet note.
As you eat, you will be enchanted by the view of the surrounding landscape, with the green hills, the blue sea, and the majestic Etna. You will feel like you are in a dream, as you enjoy the food, the company, and the scenery.
A Return to Messina with a Smile
After lunch, you will return to Messina, where you will have a brief tour of the city before reaching the port. You will see some of the highlights of Messina, such as the Cathedral, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Astronomical Clock. You will also learn about the history and culture of this ancient and lively city, which has been influenced by various civilizations over the centuries.
As you say goodbye to your guide and driver, you will feel happy and satisfied with your shore excursion. You will have spent a wonderful day in two of the most enchanting places in Sicily, where you will have discovered the beauty, the charm, and the flavors of this magical island. You will have memories and photos that you will cherish for a long time, and you will want to come back again to explore more of this paradise.
Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion USD 105.92. While your ship is in Messina, see more of Sicily on a half-day trip to Taormina. Take a guided tour of this historical city, including a stroll along Corso Umberto, once an ancient Roman street, and a visit to the Greco-Roman Theater. Plus, sample Sicilian delicacies, admire views of Mt. Etna and Giardini-Naxos bay from Castelmola, and on return to Messina, check out this ancient port’s highlights. Port and Taormina pickup and drop-off included..
Review the Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion direct from DISCOVER MESSINA SICILY.
Popular this week
Messina Cruise Port Terminal Crociere di What To Know BEFORE Review now Messina Cruise Port Terminal Crociere di Messina What To Know BEFORE You Go | Viator . Discover everything you need to know about Messina Cruise Port Terminal Crociere di Messina), Messina including history, facts, how to get there and the best time to visit.. Review the Messina Cruise Port Terminal Crociere di Messina What To Know BEFORE You Go | Viator direct from .
Messina and Taormina City Tour from Private Sicily4you Review now Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina Private tour USD 77.76. Take advantage of your cruise stop in Messina to explore the seaside resort town of Taormina and the highlights of Messina in this half-day tour. Visit the sunny beaches or charming shopping streets of Taormina before marveling at its ancient Greek Theater. Stop at the Messina Cathedral and a particularly stunning viewpoint over the port city. Immerse yourself in two beautiful Sicilian towns in one combination tour.. Review the Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina Private tour direct from Sicily4you.
Etna and Taormina Tour from Messina DISCOVER SICILY Review now Etna and Taormina Tour from Messina: A Journey Through Sicily's Natural and Cultural Wonders Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sicily with the Etna and Taormina Tour, priced at USD 122.64, a full-day excursion that showcases the best of Sicilian landscapes, architecture, and culture. This tour, commencing from Messina, is a perfect blend of nature's marvels and historical grandeur. Explore the Majestic Mount Etna The tour sets off towards Mount Etna, one of the most striking volcanic landscapes in Europe. Here, you'll witness the awe-inspiring views of the Silvestri Craters, offering a glimpse into the natural forces that have shaped this…
Best Of Messina Shore Excursion Godfather Taormina Isolabella Beach Tour Review now Best Of Messina Shore Excursion: Godfather, Taormina And Isolabella Beach Tour USD 140.43. Make the most of your time docked in Messina with this small-group shore excursion that can fit more stops in one day than a large coach tour. Explore the town of Savoca, setting of The Godfather films, before moving on to Taormina. Take in the Greek Theater, browse the shops along Corso Umberto, and soak in views overlooking the coastline before ending with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Isolabella marine reserve.. Discovering the Magic of Sicily: A Day Tour of Godfather, Taormina, and Isolabella Beach Sicily, a…
2 Hour Messina Walking Tour DISCOVER SICILY Review now 2-Hour Messina Walking Tour USD 39.02. Explore the historic city of Messina on a walking tour with a local guide that’s a great overview and orientation for first-time visitors. Learn about Sicily’s Arab-Norman heritage as you make your way from Cathedral Square to a series of churches, landmarks, and artwork, and hear stories from Messina’s fascinating past. Multiple departures are available throughout the day.. Review the 2-Hour Messina Walking Tour direct from DISCOVER MESSINA SICILY.
Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina DISCOVER SICILY Review now Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina USD 83.62. Visit Taormina and Castelmola on this tour from Messina. During a quick stop in the village of Castelmola, admire a view of the surrounding Sicilian landscape, including Mt Etna. Then head to Taormina to see sights like Isola Bella and the Greek Theatre. Browse local shops or bars, if you wish, and take a walk along Corso Umberto.. Review the Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina direct from DISCOVER MESSINA SICILY.
Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina Shared tour Sicily4you Review now Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina Shared tour USD 89.18. Make the most of your shore excursion with this 4-hour tour of the historic seaside resort of Taormina from Messina. See the beautiful cathedral and spectacular Greek Theater. Enjoy views over the Ionian Sea and Giardini Naxos Bay. Admire Mt. Etna looming over everything. Get a brief tour of Messina before returning to port.. Review the Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina Shared tour direct from Sicily4you.
The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina DISCOVER SICILY Review now The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina USD 94.77. Taking a day trip to Taormina and Savoca is a cinch on this guided tour from Messina. Skip the hassle of public transit and head out from the city in a private vehicle, stopping to visit attractions such as filming locations from 'The Godfather' and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Isola Bella.. Review the The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina direct from DISCOVER MESSINA SICILY.
Best Of Messina Shore Excursion Taormina Naxos Isolabella Castelmola Tour CRUISE Review now Best Of Messina Shore Excursion: Taormina, Naxos, Isolabella, Castelmola Tour USD 167.24. FEW HRS IN MESSINA? THAT'S THE BEST TOUR FOR YOU. A PERFECT COMBINATION OF LANSCAPES, HISTORY, ARCAEOLOGY AND SPECTACULAR SCENARIES. Review the Best Of Messina Shore Excursion: Taormina, Naxos, Isolabella, Castelmola Tour direct from MESSINA CRUISE TOUR.
Private tour from Messina Etna Volcano and Winery Visit with Food Wine Review now Private tour from Messina: Etna Volcano and Winery Visit with Food and Wine Tasting USD 390.23. Book 48h in advance and Explore Mt. Etna without the hassle of navigating on a private tour with round–trip transport from your Messina port or accommodations. Going with a guide ensures you see the best views of the Sicilian countryside, as well as visit secluded natural locations often missed by visitors. Enjoy a meal prepared with locally–sourced ingredients with wine pairings at a Messina vineyard to round out your authentic Italian experience.. Review the Private tour from Messina: Etna Volcano and Winery Visit with…
Messina musement Review now Messina | musement . Find out what’s happening in Messina and book your tickets for the best attractions and tours in advance. Skip the line, make your trip more enjoyable.. Review the Messina | musement direct from .
Classes & workshops in Messina musement Review now Classes & workshops in Messina | musement . Get tickets for Classes & workshops in Messina with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support.. Review the Classes & workshops in Messina | musement direct from .
20 reviews for Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion SICILY
Rated 5 out of 5
Yvette_F –
We arrived on a cruise ship in Messina and the bus were waiting for us already. Beautiful panoramic views, unexpected boutiques stores and amazing restaurants. Our tour guy was great, he made us feel like family and we felt free to talk as if we were old friends. Although a lot of time is lost in the bus, was extremely comfortable and we were able to enjoy the panoramic views. It was one of my best days in this trip.
Rated 5 out of 5
Erin_T –
We really enjoyed our tour with Katya. She was a great guide and we saw some beautiful sights! Group was small enough but the AC on the bus is not sufficient in such a heat wave… They call it European AC. That said, it was worth going on for the guide and the views.
Rated 5 out of 5
Antony_M –
Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion was great, waited about 10mns after disembarking, about 20 of us altogether. Sabrina was our guide, really friendly and informative. Loved the free tasters of almond sicilian cake and wine, we did purchase some wine to take home, but no hard sell. We opted to do the amphitheatre and we were so glad we did, was amazing to see with incredible views, we enjoyed sampling cannoli and arancini from the cafe/bar at the top, stunning & so peaceful. We also had bit of free time to wander back through the town. Would recommend tour.
Rated 5 out of 5
John_G –
We set off in a dreadful thunderstorm with torrential rain. Our guides Mariarita and Sara were happy to continue with the trip, this was a great decision as the weather cleared and we had a brilliant day. Castelmola is a really pretty village from which we had a superb view of Etna, without too much cloud. We then went to Taormina another lovely place with interesting buildings, shops and re. We opted to visit the amphitheatre and were glad we had as it is superb again with a great view of Etna. I cannot praise our two guides highly enough. They were knowledgeable, enthusiastic about the area and really very funny. All in all this is a trip I would highly recommend.
Rated 5 out of 5
Cara_W –
We loved this tour. Our tour guide was very attentive to everyone in the tour. She did a GREAT job of guiding the tour and providing us with a very rich cultural experience. We really enjoyed the information she shared with us and the sites in both places. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in visiting the area! It was an added bonus to be able to sample some local cookies too!
Rated 3 out of 5
MikeA_S –
The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly, I would rate her a 5. The time to shop & eat was top long especially in the heat. The driver was very skilled and professional.
Rated 5 out of 5
Genevieve_M –
This tour was one of the highlights of the entire vacation! Mariaeta was a great guide and gave us a wonderful tour of Sicily. We loved seeing CASTELMOLA and Taormina and felt we had lots of time to explore and enjoy the towns. Five+ stars all around!!!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Glen_T –
We had a fantastic tour of Castelmola and Taormina with Katia…both villages are breathtaking and Katia’s knowledge of each was fantastic. We sampled Almond Wine in Castelmola and learned of (and purchased!!) Pistachio Pesto in Taormina. We also had the most delicious Canolis ever! What a great shore excursion, don’t miss it or Katia as your guide!
Rated 5 out of 5
Tim_P –
Absolutely fantastic tour! Our guide, Sara, was knowledgeable, friendly and organized. She provided a ton of historical content about all the areas we visited from Messina to Taormina and Castelmora. The tour company itself was on time for pickup and dropoff to the cruise port. The entire tour operated seemlessly.
Rated 5 out of 5
Thomas_P –
I arrived in a cruise in Messina port and Marianita guided us through this amazing tour through Castelmola and Taormina.
Mariarita was incredible and shared with us lots of details about Sicily what added a lot of value to the visit. The places are all astonishing, the Greek Theater in special was a must.
Really would love to have more time to explore more, hope to return one day 🙂
Rated 5 out of 5
nancywilson4807 –
Would recommend this excursion. Our guide Sarah, did an excellent job. She shared lots of information about the area. She was very pleasant and helpful. The scenery and history of this area is well worth the trip. The size of the group and the type of van used made the trip enjoyable.
Rated 5 out of 5
Peter_M –
This was one of our favorite tour during our Italy and Greece cruise, very little waiting, very organized, very efficient, the coach was comfortable, the driver was a little speedy down the highway but not overly concerning, the tour was great, had a clear and beautiful day to view Casteloma and Mount Etna, Taormina was also great (not what I was expecting), lots of time at all locations, the tour guide was informative, I would like to return and spend a few days in Sicily,
Rated 5 out of 5
Clarice_T –
Loved this tour!!! We are so glad we did this tour! Taormina has become one of amazing surprise trip!! We would not have seen this beautiful place had we not booked this tour! Our guides and transportation were amazing!! Definitely recommend this company!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Gary_O –
The guide was very knowledgeable and the excursion very good. I’d recommend it It never ceases to amaze me the beautiful sites in this world. And yet more to explore
Rated 5 out of 5
Cjet –
Both places were fun to explore. The areas had so much history and the buildings were interesting. Great tour guide.
Rated 4 out of 5
Dennis_P –
Katia was very knowledgeable and fluent in English. Loved having the mini bus take us to the top of the hill so we had a less up hill climb and more time to visit this quaint little villages
Rated 5 out of 5
Charles_W –
Castemola was rich in tradition and the views were spectacular. Taormina has beautiful shops, great restaurants and breathtaking views.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nick_B –
Customer service at Discover Massina was exceptional. After a scheduling mix up on my part Catia rearranged for us to travel an another date. The tour was canceled due to heavy rains . Thank you Catia for all your efforts. We will tour Taoramina with you
In the future. Great support and help
Rated 5 out of 5
RobertB_F –
Our tour guide, Sabrina nd her assistant Manuella, did a great job of telling us about this area of Sicily. She shared a lot of history and information and showed us the key highlights of both the towns we visited We had lots of time for shopping and walking through the towns and although Castelmola is very tiny, it is worth it to take the walk up to the castle for the views of the surrounding area. We also enjoyed the Italian pastry that we were given and the taste of the almond wine. A good tour and good guides! We have one suggestion. It would be helpful to have audio guides both in the bus and while walking around.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jesse_S –
Sabrina was excellent! She was professional, fun, and has great knowledge of Taormina! It was a Sunday when we went on our tour and we attended Catholic Mass service in Taormina and had to give up the tour of the Roman Stadium in order not to hold the rest of the group. Well, when we exited the church one hour later, she was right outside waiting for us to give my wife and I the tour of the stadium which we thought we were not going to see. What an awesome tour guide! Thank you Sabrina!
Yvette_F –
We arrived on a cruise ship in Messina and the bus were waiting for us already. Beautiful panoramic views, unexpected boutiques stores and amazing restaurants. Our tour guy was great, he made us feel like family and we felt free to talk as if we were old friends. Although a lot of time is lost in the bus, was extremely comfortable and we were able to enjoy the panoramic views. It was one of my best days in this trip.
Erin_T –
We really enjoyed our tour with Katya. She was a great guide and we saw some beautiful sights! Group was small enough but the AC on the bus is not sufficient in such a heat wave… They call it European AC. That said, it was worth going on for the guide and the views.
Antony_M –
Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion was great, waited about 10mns after disembarking, about 20 of us altogether. Sabrina was our guide, really friendly and informative. Loved the free tasters of almond sicilian cake and wine, we did purchase some wine to take home, but no hard sell. We opted to do the amphitheatre and we were so glad we did, was amazing to see with incredible views, we enjoyed sampling cannoli and arancini from the cafe/bar at the top, stunning & so peaceful. We also had bit of free time to wander back through the town. Would recommend tour.
John_G –
We set off in a dreadful thunderstorm with torrential rain. Our guides Mariarita and Sara were happy to continue with the trip, this was a great decision as the weather cleared and we had a brilliant day. Castelmola is a really pretty village from which we had a superb view of Etna, without too much cloud. We then went to Taormina another lovely place with interesting buildings, shops and re. We opted to visit the amphitheatre and were glad we had as it is superb again with a great view of Etna. I cannot praise our two guides highly enough. They were knowledgeable, enthusiastic about the area and really very funny. All in all this is a trip I would highly recommend.
Cara_W –
We loved this tour. Our tour guide was very attentive to everyone in the tour. She did a GREAT job of guiding the tour and providing us with a very rich cultural experience. We really enjoyed the information she shared with us and the sites in both places. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in visiting the area! It was an added bonus to be able to sample some local cookies too!
MikeA_S –
The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly, I would rate her a 5. The time to shop & eat was top long especially in the heat. The driver was very skilled and professional.
Genevieve_M –
This tour was one of the highlights of the entire vacation! Mariaeta was a great guide and gave us a wonderful tour of Sicily. We loved seeing CASTELMOLA and Taormina and felt we had lots of time to explore and enjoy the towns. Five+ stars all around!!!!
Glen_T –
We had a fantastic tour of Castelmola and Taormina with Katia…both villages are breathtaking and Katia’s knowledge of each was fantastic. We sampled Almond Wine in Castelmola and learned of (and purchased!!) Pistachio Pesto in Taormina. We also had the most delicious Canolis ever! What a great shore excursion, don’t miss it or Katia as your guide!
Tim_P –
Absolutely fantastic tour! Our guide, Sara, was knowledgeable, friendly and organized. She provided a ton of historical content about all the areas we visited from Messina to Taormina and Castelmora. The tour company itself was on time for pickup and dropoff to the cruise port. The entire tour operated seemlessly.
Thomas_P –
I arrived in a cruise in Messina port and Marianita guided us through this amazing tour through Castelmola and Taormina.
Mariarita was incredible and shared with us lots of details about Sicily what added a lot of value to the visit. The places are all astonishing, the Greek Theater in special was a must.
Really would love to have more time to explore more, hope to return one day 🙂
nancywilson4807 –
Would recommend this excursion. Our guide Sarah, did an excellent job. She shared lots of information about the area. She was very pleasant and helpful. The scenery and history of this area is well worth the trip. The size of the group and the type of van used made the trip enjoyable.
Peter_M –
This was one of our favorite tour during our Italy and Greece cruise, very little waiting, very organized, very efficient, the coach was comfortable, the driver was a little speedy down the highway but not overly concerning, the tour was great, had a clear and beautiful day to view Casteloma and Mount Etna, Taormina was also great (not what I was expecting), lots of time at all locations, the tour guide was informative, I would like to return and spend a few days in Sicily,
Clarice_T –
Loved this tour!!! We are so glad we did this tour! Taormina has become one of amazing surprise trip!! We would not have seen this beautiful place had we not booked this tour! Our guides and transportation were amazing!! Definitely recommend this company!!
Gary_O –
The guide was very knowledgeable and the excursion very good. I’d recommend it It never ceases to amaze me the beautiful sites in this world. And yet more to explore
Cjet –
Both places were fun to explore. The areas had so much history and the buildings were interesting. Great tour guide.
Dennis_P –
Katia was very knowledgeable and fluent in English. Loved having the mini bus take us to the top of the hill so we had a less up hill climb and more time to visit this quaint little villages
Charles_W –
Castemola was rich in tradition and the views were spectacular. Taormina has beautiful shops, great restaurants and breathtaking views.
Nick_B –
Customer service at Discover Massina was exceptional. After a scheduling mix up on my part Catia rearranged for us to travel an another date. The tour was canceled due to heavy rains . Thank you Catia for all your efforts. We will tour Taoramina with you
In the future. Great support and help
RobertB_F –
Our tour guide, Sabrina nd her assistant Manuella, did a great job of telling us about this area of Sicily. She shared a lot of history and information and showed us the key highlights of both the towns we visited We had lots of time for shopping and walking through the towns and although Castelmola is very tiny, it is worth it to take the walk up to the castle for the views of the surrounding area. We also enjoyed the Italian pastry that we were given and the taste of the almond wine. A good tour and good guides! We have one suggestion. It would be helpful to have audio guides both in the bus and while walking around.
Jesse_S –
Sabrina was excellent! She was professional, fun, and has great knowledge of Taormina! It was a Sunday when we went on our tour and we attended Catholic Mass service in Taormina and had to give up the tour of the Roman Stadium in order not to hold the rest of the group. Well, when we exited the church one hour later, she was right outside waiting for us to give my wife and I the tour of the stadium which we thought we were not going to see. What an awesome tour guide! Thank you Sabrina!