This Messina shore tour explores the Greek-Roman amphitheater in Taormina and then takes you up to the roughly 6,000 foot elevation of Mt. Etna, where you see the peaks, caldera and lava flows of Europe's highest active volcano.
After meeting your guide, you drive along the eastern edge of Sicily, the sea on one side and Mt. Etna looming on the other, until you reach Taormina. The town sits on a hilltop overlooking the sea and boasts some of the best scenery in Sicily. It was colonized by the Greeks in 392 BC and became a federated city of the Roman Empire in 34 BC. Today it is one of the most fashionable resorts in Sicily.
A highlight of Taormina is the Greek-Roman amphitheater, the second largest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Originally built by the Greeks and later renewed by the Romans, it still has near perfect acoustics and hosts music, film and dance festivals today. From the cavea you also get one of the best previews of the volcano you are about to visit, with Mt. Etna smoking in the distance beyond the stage. Your guide provides a walking tour covering the history of the site.
Later this morning you begin the drive up Mt. Etna's northern slope, passing through the towns of Milo and Fornazzo. There is a stop at the edge of the great Valle del Bove caldera, with sweeping views of the main crater area.
Your destination is Piano Provenzana, on Etna's north side at roughly 1,800 meters (about 6,000 feet) elevation. You have free time here for lunch and photos of the surrounding peaks, along with the chance to visit a lava flow tunnel (lights and helmets provided).
Later this afternoon 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 
