Top Messina Day Trips

Make the most of your shore excursion with this 4-hour tour of the historic seaside resort of Taormina from Messina. See the beautiful cathedral and spectacular Greek Theater. Enjoy views over the Ionian Sea and Giardini Naxos Bay. Admire Mt. Etna looming over everything. Get a brief tour of Messina before returning to your drop-off location.

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.

Sicily is known for its postcard-worthy coastal scenery, but it can be difficult to check off must-see sights without spending days touring the island. Ideal for travelers with limited time to spare (including cruise ship passengers), this customizable private day tour takes in the highlights of Castemola and Taormina by chauffeured vehicle, handling all the logistics so you can focus on the sights.

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.

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.

Etna and Wine is a combination that is more than just an excursion, it is a journey through the most authentic flavors and volcanic landscapes of Sicily. What makes Lady Etna tour unique is the multisensory experience it offers. You will walk through lava flows and silent craters, hear millennial stories of fire and earth, and at the end you will toast with fine wines born right from the volcano. Our tour combines the strength of Etna's nature with the warmth of local wine traditions, with visits to selected wineries and tastings guided by experts. It is an authentic, intense experience, designed for those who want to experience Etna with all their senses. Our guides, are ready to make you live a unique experience. During the tasting at the winery, alcohol will be served exclusively to participants aged 21 and over. In case of presence of children, a tasting experience will be proposed with a special non-alcoholic menu.

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.

Visit two of Sicily’s most popular destinations without thinking about driving and parking on this guided tour from Messina. You’ll get driven almost all of the way up Mount Etna, stop for views, and then take an excursion the rest of the way to the summit if you choose. Next, explore Taormina, where you’ll shop near Corso Umberto I (own expense) and see the Greek Theater (Teatro Greco). Plus, finish this tour with a cannoli tasting for an extra treat.

Exciting tour by Jeep and walking on lava flows in search of hornito and lava flow caves until reaching the wonderful fracture that discovers the ancient flows that followed one another over the centuries to discover the origins of the volcano Etna. The emotion that our excursion provokes is unique. You'll feel like you're walking on the moon and going all the way to the center of the Earth. Walking along the perimeter of the great fracture you can admire the incredible succession of lava basalts. The pleasant excursion will take you to discover magical places where ETNA DOC WINES are produced where the nature of the volcanic soil mixes with the Sicilian sun. The best wineries are waiting for you to visit the vineyards grown on volcanic sand and taste the volcano wines unique in the world. Finally, a pleasant and relaxing lunch at an altitude of 6,561 ft. based on typical Sicilian products will be the right reward for a unique and unrepeatable experience.

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.

Step off your cruise ship and immerse yourself in Sicily's authentic charm on this 7-hour shore excursion to Savoca and Taormina, designed with a guaranteed on-time return to port. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Savoca, a medieval hilltop village famous as the filming location for The Godfather. Enjoy free time to sip a lemon granita at legendary Bar Vitelli, stroll cobblestone paths, and visit the Church of San Nicolò, where Michael Corleone was filmed getting married. Next, head to Taormina, the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea." Perched dramatically on a cliff with sweeping views of Mount Etna, this elegant town invites you to wander along Corso Umberto, browse local boutiques, and sample Sicilian pastries. Be sure to explore the breathtaking Ancient Greek Theatre, offering one of Europe's most spectacular panoramic vistas. After soaking in the culture and sights, relax on the smooth drive back to port, arriving well ahead of your ship's departure.

Maximize your time in Sicily by checking off multiple dispersed highlights on one trip—including Savoca, Castelmola, Taormina, and Messina. Rather than organizing a rental car, you can benefit from the luxury of having a private driver. Along the way, stop to take photos and explore notable places on foot, including Bar Vitelli from the movie "The Godfather" and the Greek Theater Taormina.

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.

This tour allows you to quickly reach two very popular destinations in Sicily, namely Mount Etna and Taormina, to combine the spectacle of nature with history and monuments.

Sicily’s eastern coast shouldn’t be missed, between the hilltop village of Castelmola, picturesque Taormina (nicknamed the “Pearl of the Ioanian Sea”), and vibrant, coastal Messina—but checking off the highlights in limited time can be tricky. Ideal for time-pressed travelers and cruise ship passengers, this easy, half-day morning sightseeing tour whisks you between all three locations by comfortable, air-conditioned minibus and wraps up by lunchtime.

Explore Mt. Etna on a private tour with round-trip transport from your Messina port or accommodations. See the best views of the Sicilian countryside and visit secluded natural spots often missed by visitors. Enjoy a meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients paired with wines at a Messina vineyard for an authentic Italian experience.

Trying to visit multiple destinations in Sicily in a single day can be a challenge, especially without your own transportation. Leave the driving and navigation to someone else on this private, hassle-free tour, which visits panoramic Taormina, the medieval village of Savoca, and Castelmola, home to an ancient Norman fortress. Door-to-door port or hotel pickup from Messina is included for a seamless experience.

The tour departs from the cruise terminal in the direction of Savoca (approximately 40 minutes by road). Savoca is the town where the film The Godfather was filmed. We will see all the most iconic places such as the Vitelli bar and the cathedral where Michael Corleone got married. After about an hour we leave to go to Castelmola (about 30 minutes from Savoca). Castelmola is a small village on the top of Taormina with a wonderful view of Mount Etna. After about an hour we move to Taormina, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, reachable only on foot and full of shops and restaurants. After about 2 or 3 hours we return to Messina, but not before a nice panoramic tour of Isola Bella. As a last stop, we will visit the Sanctuary of Christ the King, a panoramic point over the Strait of Messina, and the Duomo cathedral, where you can admire the largest astronomical clock in Europe. The timetable is designed to make the most of your time in Sicily and to be perfectly on time with the cruise ship.

Don't waste time with the usual tourist traps! Join us by choosing one of our tours and we will overwhelm you with a whirlwind of emotions, legends, traditions and culture. You will feel part of the family, but with an extra touch of Sicilian charm.

Don't waste time with the usual tourist traps! Join us by choosing one of our tours and we will overwhelm you with a whirlwind of emotions, legends, traditions and culture. You will feel part of the family, but with an extra touch of Sicilian charm.

Mt. Etna is the most striking sight on Sicily’s Ionian coast, but climbing its volcanic peak can be a logistical hassle. With this tour, save hours with port or hotel pickup and transportation directly to the base camp. Set off with your guide through the lava fields, taking in sweeping views over the Sicilian countryside along the way. After your hike, relax at an alpine eatery to sample local gourmet specialties.

Experience the stunning beauty of Sicily on a private half-day tour to the Gole Alcantara. Explore Alcantara Park, swim in crystal-clear waters, and marvel at the incredible lava rock formations. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch featuring fresh, organic local cuisine including cheeses, prosciutto, olives, mushrooms, pasta alla norma, and local wine, all with convenient hotel or port pickup and drop-off included.

Step off your cruise ship at Messina Port and embark on a 7-hour shore excursion designed for a stress-free return to your ship. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Taormina, the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea." Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking Mount Etna, this famous town invites you to wander the pedestrian Corso Umberto, browse local artisan boutiques, savor authentic Sicilian cannoli, or visit the Ancient Greek Theatre for unmatched panoramic views. Next, descend to Giardini Naxos, Sicily's first ancient Greek settlement, celebrated for its sweeping bay and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy free time along the lively seafront promenade—take a refreshing swim in the Ionian Sea, relax on the beach, or unwind at a coastal café with a cold drink and local seafood. After soaking up the sunshine, culture, and coastal charm, sit back and enjoy a smooth, comfortable drive back to Messina Cruise Terminal, arriving well ahead of your ship's departure.