This Messina shore tour is a streamlined version of our full day "Best of Messina and Taormina" excursion, built for guests whose ship is not in port long enough for the complete tour.
After meeting your guide, you drive into Messina's city center for a short orientation drive along the Via Garibaldi, passing the Vittorio Emanuele Theater, the Town Hall, the church of Catalani, the Court and the University, with a stop at the Church of Cristo Re for a view over Messina and the Straits.
From there your guide leads a focused walking visit to the Norman Cathedral, dedicated in 1197 and rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake based on historical records. You will see the astronomical clock, the bell tower and the Orion Fountain, the essential landmarks of central Messina, before continuing on to Taormina.
The drive to Taormina follows the eastern coast of Sicily, with Mt. Etna visible in the distance. Taormina was colonized by the Greeks in 392 BC and later became a federated city of the Roman Empire. Its Greek-Roman amphitheater, the second largest in Sicily, is the highlight of the stop, still used today for concerts and festivals thanks to its near perfect acoustics.
After visiting Taormina, you return to Messina.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Messina shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Messina shore tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
Review Location- Messina 
