Messina Shore Excursion - This tour provides the visitor with an orientation to the city of Messina. Included is a short driving tour, a walking tour and visit to the Messina Regional Museum, allowing you to see all the city's major monuments.

After meeting your guide, you drive into Messina's beautiful city center. You start with a short orientation drive through Messina's main street, the Via Garibaldi. You will see the Vittorio Emanuele Theater, the Town Hall, the church of Catalani, the Court and the University. Plus you enjoy a panoramic drive to the Church of Cristo Re where you will stop to enjoy the breathtaking view of Messina and its Straits.

Next you enjoy a walking tour which highlights the Norman Cathedral. The church was originally built in Norman times, but not dedicated to the Virgin Mary until 1197. None of the Norman construction remains today except the general layout and the overall exterior appearance which, after the 1908 earthquake, the architect Valenti reconstructed based on ancient documents. Other highlights include the world's largest Astronomical clock, with its 33,000 gears, the bell tower and the Orion Fountain.

Later you visit the Messina Regional Museum which has preserved precious artistic productions from the city. Its collections include both civic and religious works including many pieces which were saved from buildings destroyed by the catastrophic earthquake in 1908. The exhibits are arranged in chronological order from the 12th to the 18th centuries. You'll see important architectural fragments, mosaics, sculpture and examples of decorative arts.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)