Top Messina Cultural Tours

Skip the hassle of navigating Sicily’s hill towns on your own and make the most of limited time in port. This tour connects two of the region’s most scenic spots, pairing Castelmola’s sweeping views of Mt. Etna with Taormina’s lively streets and coastal panoramas. Enjoy a smooth, guided experience that lets you explore, shop, and take in the highlights without the stress of planning.

Meet your private driver right at the port of Messina and begin a scenic journey south along the coast toward the enchanting hilltop town of Taormina. Upon arrival, spend the morning exploring on your own its charming cobblestone streets, elegant boutiques, and stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Don’t miss a visit to the ancient Greek Theatre, one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks. Around lunchtime, enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional trattoria with a terrace overlooking the sea, savoring local specialties like pasta alla norma and fresh seafood. After lunch, your driver will take you further uphill to the picturesque village of Castelmola, perched even higher above Taormina, where you can wander quiet lanes, sip a glass of almond wine, and take in breathtaking panoramic views. You'll have time to relax, explore at your own pace, and soak in the Sicilian charm before your return drive to Messina in the late afternoon.

Get ready to choose one of my tours, I am a driver who speaks English, Spanish French and Arabic. The seriousness, professionalism and that touch of Sicilianness that characterizes my activities and my tours will make your experience memorable and your memories unique.

The tour will be a private tour, so you will decide the customization of the tour, such as the possibility of having lunch at a restaurant without any problem of time, which will make your experience unique. In fact, the driver will wait for you if you want to extend the time for some stops programmed. You will also receive information about the places you visit on board the minivan. You will see 2 of the most beautiful locations in Sicily not as tourists but as locals.

The tour will be carried out only for you who will choose to live and taste the flavors of Sicily by calmly living a day first immersed in the greenery of one of the most famous wineries in Sicily and then experiencing some Greek Roman history by visiting Taormina in full autonomy spending a couple of hours between monuments and shops that attract the attention of tourists from all over the world.

Take the guesswork out of visiting Taormina while docked at Messina's cruise ship port with this hassle-free shore excursion. Enjoy free time in Taormina to visit its famed Greek theater and other sights in the old town at your own pace. Stop for photos at Isola Bella and Messina's most famous scenic overlook, plus take in the Messina cathedral and astronomical clock before returning to port.

Starting from Messina we will visit one of the most beautiful villages in Italy (Savoca), famous for the film The Godfather (Frank Coppola), where you can visit the catacombs, the mother church and the historic Vitelli bar for 2 hours. Then we continue to discover Taormina, passing by the Ionian coast where beautiful views surround us, once in Taormina you will be waited for 2 hours where you can visit the historic centre, the Greek-Roman theatre, the shops with the best designer labels and taste the typical products Sicilians. Before returning to Messina, we will stop for 15 minutes to admire the view of Isola Bella (Taormina sea) and take enchanting photos. Upon returning to the city of Messina, there will be a small tour of the city of the Strait of Messina.

Private tour by a comfortable car with a personal tour leader to the must-see Sicilian hill towns world-known thanks to F.F. Coppola, who filmed his legendary "The Godfather" here. Get the friendly and informative insight into the filming process and interesting trivia, learn the real Sicilian Mafia story, its structure, rise and development. Discover the history and culture of the movie locations and feel the romantically rustic atmosphere of old Sicily. Walk along the authentic streets of Savoca and Forza d’Agro remained unchanged since the movie was made, visit ancient churches, Bar Vitelli where Michael spoke to Apollonia’s father, and other locations. At the end of the tour you will have lunch in traditional restaurant with an authentic Pizza. You can choose your favourite type of pizza prepared with organic, local ingredients. Along with the pizza you will have a chance to try local wine or beer.

While your ship is in port, see more of Sicily on a full-day to Taormina. Take a guided tour of this historical city, including a stroll along Corso Umberto, once an ancient Roman street, and a visit to the Greco-Roman Theater. Plus, admire views of Mt. Etna and Giardini-Naxos bay from Castelmola. Pickup and drop-off from the ports of Messina and Giardini Naxos are included.

Make the most of your time in Sicily on this immersive, small-group shore excursion. Over the course of just half a day, you’ll venture to Taormina (and will discover top landmarks like its Greek amphitheater), will visit the hilltop village of Castelmola (renowned for its impeccable scenery), and will finish with a walking tour of Messina’s historical city center. Port pickup and drop-off, and round-trip minivan transit, make logistics seamless and stress-free.

Explore the historic city of Messina on a walking tour with a local guide that’s a great overview and orientation for first-time visitors. Learn about Sicily’s Arab-Norman heritage as you make your way from Cathedral Square to a series of churches, landmarks, and artwork, and hear stories from Messina’s fascinating past. Multiple departures are available throughout the day.

The tour will be a private tour you will live the experience of knowing the most representative places of the Godfather Film, having in addition the possibility to visit Taormina the pearl of the Ionian coast of Sicily, all receiving information on the places you will visit in edge of a comfortable and elegant mini van.

TOUR DESIGNED FOR CRUISERS WHO WANT TO VISIT IN ONE DAY 2 OF THE MOST CHARACTERISTIC PLACES OF THE SICILIAN IONIAN COAST, ARRIVING ON THE LARGEST ACTIVE VOLCANO IN EUROPE UNESCO HERITAGE SITE. YOU WILL ALSO SEE TAORMINA A HISTORIC CITY BUT AT THE SAME TIME RICH IN SHOPS WHERE YOU CAN SHOP OR VISIT THE FAMOUS GREEK ROMAN THEATRE. * Personal pick-up from next to your ship * Personal drop-off at the end of the tour – 100% on time * Touring in a mini-van for minimal walking and access to sites * Touring with an English speaking driver-guide * Guiding services in one language only * High quality and personal experience * Tour duration : 6 - 8 hours * Worry free shore excursion * Money back if your ship does not dock * Satisfaction Guaranteed!

This tour will allow you to discover the beauties of the city of Taormina and Messina and taste the flavors of Sicilian confectionery tradition through the tasting of the famous Sicilian cannolo. All accompanied by one of our drivers or hostess who will give you information on board the vehicle on what you visit, without invading your free time in Taormina where you can independently dedicate yourself to do what you like most shopping, photographs, visits to historical and cultural attractions.

The tour will start with the pick up of customers at the agreed point. In about 50 minutes we will arrive in Savoca, a small village in the province of Messina famous for its characteristic landscapes but above all for the realization of the film "The Godfather" by director Francis Ford Coppola. Afterwards we will go to Taormina one of the most beautiful villages in Italy where customers can stop for two hours in complete freedom by turning between shops and restaurants. Upon returning to Messina we will make a panoramic tour of the city.

Experience the landscapes of the largest active Volcano in Europe recognized as Unesco heritage, taste the flavors of typical Sicilian products and be fascinated by the Greek Roman history that Taormina offers us.

The tour will allow you to visit Savoca , Taormina and Messina without time limits you will decide the stops with your driver or hostess who will accompany you giving information on board the means of transport , plus at the end of the tour you can enjoy in a famous Pastry shop in Messina the real Sicilian cannoli made at the time while sipping a glass of almond wine typical of Sicily . * Personal pick-up from next to your ship * Personal drop-off at the end of the tour – 100% on time * Touring in a mini-van for minimal walking and access to sites * Touring with an English speaking driver-guide * Guiding services in one language only * High quality and personal experience * Tour duration : 4 - 8 hours * Worry free shore excursion * Money back if your ship does not dock * Satisfaction Guaranteed!

This tour will give you the chance to understand the past and present of this island. We will start with a walking tour of Messina, a city conquered by many and reconstructed after being devastated by several earthquakes in the past, it will show its intriguing history in every corner. Savoca, will let you into the world of Mafia, and how important it was in the history of this island. Past and present under one tour. In Top Private Tours we want you to have an amazing experience, that is why our tours can be customised to you liking! Hope to see you soon!

Departure from the Hotel We will start our Godfather tour with a pick up from your hotel, this is a private tour just for you. Arrival in Savoca After a short journey we will reach the picturesque village of Savoca, famous for being one of the main locations of the film "The Godfather". During the visit to Savoca we will explore the locations linked to the film, such as the Bar Vitelli and the Church of Santa Lucia. Transfer to the Schiavi Castle After Savoca we will head to Castello Schiavi in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, another iconic location from the film. Visit to the Slave Castle At Castello Schiavi you can explore the rooms and gardens used in the film. You will discover the unique atmosphere of this historic residence and admire the panoramic view of the Sicilian coast. End of the tour, optional lunch and return to the hotel After the visit to the Schiavi Castle, we will head to a local restaurant (optional) where you can enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch. Return transfer to your hotel.

Visit with us the largest active volcano in Europe recognized Unesco heritage, and taste typical Sicilian products in one of the most famous farms on the slopes of Etna. You will also have the opportunity to see the main attractions of the historic center of Messina and the pearl of the Ionian Coast Taormina in full autonomy for 2 hours. * Personal pick-up from next to your ship * Personal drop-off at the end of the tour – 100% on time * Touring in a mini-van for minimal walking and access to sites * Touring with an English speaking driver-guide * Guiding services in one language only * High quality and personal experience * Tour duration : 4 - 8 hours * Worry free shore excursion * Money back if your ship does not dock * Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Godfather lovers, we have the right tour for you! During this amazing experience you will visit the enchanting places where Francis Ford Coppola shot "The Godfather". Your private driver will escort you to Savoca, where you will have the chance to visit the famous “Bar Vitelli” and the church of St. Lucia, where the wedding between Michael and Apollonia took place. You will reach Forza d’ Agrò, a pretty little medieval town, where you will surely recognize many of the locations where village life scenes were shot. Taormina will offer you spectacular views and a lot of history. This resort town is famous for its mild climate and the world's best known ancient Greek ampitheatre, the second largest in Sicily, which continues to host performances today.

Welcome to the city of 2 seas, welcome to Messina. This city, where the tyrrhenian and the Ionian sea meet, has much more to offer than a beautiful view of its neighbor, Reggio Calabria, and an amazing port. A city conquered by many and reconstructed after being devastated by several earthquakes in the past, it will show its intriguing history in every corner. Let yourself be captivated by one of the most important cities this Island has to offer. In Top Private Tours we want you to have an amazing experience, that is why our tours can be customised to you liking! Hope to see you soon!

Welcome to Sicily, from the vibrant port city of Messina to the pearl of the Ionian Sea, Taormina. This full-day private tour gives you the chance to explore the highlights of Messina—its historic streets, the stunning Duomo with its astronomical clock, and the lively waterfront—before heading to Taormina, one of the island’s most beautiful towns where you will be able to visit the famous Greek Theater of Taormina. Discover the perfect balance of nature, history, and breathtaking views. We want your experience to be unforgettable, which is why every tour can be customized to your liking. We hope to see you soon!