Messina Shore Excursion: Etna and Taormina in Sicily

After the volcano, you'll be taken to beautiful Taormina and after a quick introduction and some local recommendations, you'll have plenty of free time to stroll through the pretty streets, enjoy the local food and wine, or even visit the nearby Greek-Roman amphitheater. Your driver will be ready to take your back to the port in time for your cruise ship departure.

Messina to Etna & Taormina Day Trip Description

Your 8-hour private shore excursion includes:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned private transportation from Messina Port (return)

• Visit to Mount Etna with time to explore or hike

• Visit to Taormina with plenty of free time to enjoy the town

• Your own friendly, English-speaking driver for the day

Private Day Trip from Messina Port

While others are lining up to join the big group tours from the cruise ship, you'll feel like a VIP as your private driver welcomes you and you get comfortable in your air-conditioned vehicle for the day. With no waiting around, you'll quickly be on the road towards Etna.

Volcanic Adventures on Mount Etna

Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Etna has inspired fear and awe for centuries. Your driver will take you as far as vehicles can go—to the platform at 1850 meters above sea level where you'll already have a spectacular view of the volcano and beautiful surrounding landscape.

From here, you can relax and enjoy the scenery, take a short hike to the nearby Sylvestri Craters, or take the cable car which goes up to 2,500 meters for an even more impressive view from the side of Etna.

Cable car tickets are not included, but can be bought locally for approx. €30 for adults and €23 for kids 5-10 years old.

Sicilian Charms of Taormina

Leaving Etna behind, your journey continue to the beautiful resort town of Taormina. Taormina is literally built into the side of a huge hill which descends to the warm inviting sea below. It's been a tourist destination since the 19th century and hosted many famous people like Oscar Wilde, Nicholas I of Russia, Goethe and Nietzsche.

Your time here is free to use as you wish, and your driver may offer some local recommendations too. Some areas of interest include the famous Greek-Roman Theater (admission fee not included), the beautiful beaches along the coast, and the Corso Umberto which is the main pedestrian street in town—excellent for taking a stroll and for window shopping. Given its compact size, all of the town's many bars, cafes and restaurants are within reach, so you can just eat, drink, and enjoy the ambiance.

At the end of the day, you may be a little tired from scaling volcanoes and a little tipsy from drinking the famous Almond Wine you can find everywhere in Sicily. Thankfully your driver will be close by to escort you back to your cruise ship in time for departure.