The 6 Shore Excursions in Sicily Most Worth the Money

1.Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 237 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $145Our pick

Ride from Messina to hilltop Castelmola and Taormina on a seven-hour guided shore excursion. Walk Corso Umberto, visit the Greek-Roman theater with admission included, then enjoy free time for food and shopping. Guides may include Sabrina, Katia, Mariarita, or Sara. Port pickup and air-conditioned transport are provided.

“The sites in Taormino and Castlemola were lovely. Shopping is better in Taormino. There isn’t much to do in Castlemola after you see the sights.”

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2.Best Shore Excursion Etna, Taormina, Messina With Tasting Of Sicilian Products

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $227Top rated

From Messina, a private air-conditioned vehicle takes your group to Mount Etna, Taormina, and two Messina photo stops, with a tasting of honey, olives, wine, liqueurs, and olive oil. You get two hours to explore Taormina on your own. No guide names are provided, but your driver-host speaks the language you choose.

“The tour we received did not cover most of the items from the tour description on Viator website (see below for summary), so this misrepresentation is very disappointing. We contacted Viator to no avail. We will be disputing this charge with our credit card company immediately. From Tour Description on Website: Mount Etna Walk on the sylvan craters with a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast of Sicily. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Free 2 Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re Short stop for souvenir photos from the panoramic balcony of Messina 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free NOT PROVIDED 3 Duomo di Messina Stop to visit the famous Piazza del…”

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3.Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina – Shared

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 30 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $118Best value

Ride from Messina to cliff-top Taormina in an air-conditioned shared vehicle, with a driver-guide, about two hours to explore on your own, and a short Messina city tour on the return. Look for views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos Bay. Guides named Michael, Michele, Erika, and Sam have led trips.

“Michael did a great job explaining about what life is like in Sicily while we were driving to Taormina. Told us about a cathedral and a park we should visit and we did and were very happy. On the way back, he showed us a beautiful vista where the ferrys go back-and-forth between the mainland and Sicily. And also told us where to get the best cannolis in Sicily. Would definitely recommend”

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4.Catania Shore Excursion: Catania to Taormina and Castelmola

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $156

Leave Catania’s port with a driver-guide for Taormina and hilltop Castelmola, with time for the Greek theater, Corso Umberto and views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos. Past tours have been led by guides named Michael or Michele, but your guide may differ. Theater admission and food are extra.

“This was brilliant! Our guide...Michele....was interesting, friendly and entertaining. He was there to pick us up from the port when the ship docked and was very flexible in how long we could stay at places, which made for an excellent personalized trip. Taormina was gorgeous and Michele even took us for a quick drive past some of Catania's main sights at the end of the trip.”

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5.Messina Shore Excursion: Private Trip to Taormina & Etna

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · from $519

Meet your private driver beside your ship in Messina, ride up Mount Etna to 1,800 meters, and walk around the Silvestri Craters before continuing to Taormina. You’ll have time to see its Greek-Roman theatre and explore town on your own. The driver speaks Italian and English; admissions, food, and drinks are extra.

“Very nice driver with lots of information about the country and its people. Individual requests were also fulfilled. The 5th star 🌟 would have been given if the meeting point had been specified more precisely. E.g. for people who do not arrive by ship. This led to unnecessary queries and I lost half an hour as a result.”

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6.Messina Shore Excursion: Private Tour Tindari, Milazzo And Messina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $213

Visit Messina’s cathedral and astronomical clock, then head to Tindari’s sanctuary and archaeological park, Milazzo Castle and Capo Milazzo’s Belvedere. You get private transport, bottled water and pickup from the port, train station or a Messina hotel. Guide arrangements need checking: an authorized guide is listed as not included, though guide experiences have varied.

“Lillo was our guide!! He did amazing job and took us to all the best sports!! This is one of the best excursions and experiences!! Would highly recommend!”

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