Top Messina Day Trips

Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

4.8

(659)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $114

Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion

(240)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $144

Likely to Sell Out

4.5

(295)

2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $50

4.9

(54)

Messina Private Tour Taormina - Castelmola

from $167

Exciting Jeep tour and walk on the crests of the craters in search of hornito and lava flow caves until reaching the wonderful view of the prehistoric Valle del Bove to discover the origins of the Etna volcano. The emotion that our excursion provokes is unique. You will feel like walking on the moon and going to the center of the Earth. Walking along the summit perimeter of the craters you can admire the incredible volcanic cone from where the lava came out. The pleasant excursion will take you to discover magical places where nature expresses itself simultaneously with destruction and reconstruction. Finally, the pleasant and relaxing tasting of typical Sicilian products will be the right reward for a unique and unrepeatable experience.

Etna by Jeep: Exploring Craters and Lava Caves and Etna Wines

(65)

5 hours

from $114

Taormina Island beautiful tour

(16)

from $174

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.

4 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

(206)

Taormina Castelmola tour

from $192

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.

Messina Port Private waiting to Customers

Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour from Messina Port

(28)

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.

from $191

Taormina and Castelmola from Messina Shared Group Tour

4.6

(141)

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $144

We offer an excursion service from our beloved Sicily. In particular, in these tours we propose a visit to our hometown, Messina, going to visit the Sanctuary of Christ the King, one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the city from where you can see the Strait of Messina. Subsequently it will also be possible to visit the Cathedral of Messina with the largest astronomical clock in the world while also tasting Sicilian sweets and specialties. Another stage of the tour includes the arrival in Taormina, the most famous city in Sicily, with a walk along Corso Umberto, characterized by Gothic and Baroque influences. You will also go to see the "balcony", a panoramic place of the city of Taormina from where you can see the wonderful Isola Bella. The last stop of the tour, however, includes a visit to the village of Castelmola, one of the most evocative villages in Sicily, also influenced by Arab and Norman traditions and styles.

Half Day Private Tour to Messina Taormina and Castelmola

4.9

(33)

from $191

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.

Special Offer

Etna and Wine an experience between nature and aromas with taste.

(16)

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$179

$191

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.

Messina Private Excursion Savoca Taormina and Castelmola

(48)

from $203

(10)

Taormina Boat Tour

from $222

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.

Wine Experience & Taormina Tour From Messina with Luxury Van

465

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $192

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.

Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape

4.5

(13)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $144

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 to Taormina, Savoca and Messina starting from Messina

(29)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $126

This tour is suitable for cruisers who have little time but who want to see the main attractions of Eastern 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 : 6 - 8 hours * Worry free shore excursion * Money back if your ship does not dock * Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina

(18)

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $228

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!

Private Godfather Tour with Sicilian Cannoli Tasting

(2)

from $215

From the port of Messina we will reach Giardini Naxos in about 50 minutes, where a boat will await us for a wonderful excursion along the coast. The boat tour lasts about 2 hours and includes a visit to Isola Bella and its caves: Grotta delle Sirene, Grotta dell’Amore and Grotta Azzurra, with a stop for a swim in the crystal clear waters. During navigation will be offered almond pastries and prosecco. At the end we will arrive at Porta Catania with about 2 hours of free time to walk on Corso Umberto, visit the Greek Theatre, Shopping or taste local products. During the return there will be panoramic stops at the Belvedere of Isola Bella and Christ the King, overlooking the Strait of Messina. In Messina, if desired, we will offer a typical tasting before ending the tour at the Duomo with the famous astronomical clock. Mini-fridge with water included. Total duration: about 6.5–7 hours.

Taormina and Isola Bella Boat Tour from Messina

159

from $215

We offer a service with friendly and pleasant staff who will guide you to discover the most evocative places in Sicily such as TAORMINA, the wonderful city where you can admire the GREEK ROMAN THEATER. SAVOCA famous city where they filmed the scenes of the film THE GODFATHER with a visit to BAR VITELLI, and I will let you taste our gastronomic specialties such as arancini, Messina granita, our Sicilian cannoli etc. All this at an extremely affordable price for families and more.

Private Tour of Savoca, Castelmola, Taormina and Messina

4.9

(74)

from $203

Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina - Shared

4.2

(30)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $121

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.

Tour to Etna Volcano and Taormina from Messina

(16)

Tour suitable for cruise passengers arriving at the ports of the Ionian coast, allows you to visit the most interesting places from a landscape and cultural point of view, you will be picked up at the place of departure indicated by you and brought back within the time you set, you can ask your driver the possibility of a longer stop in one of the places you visited for a possible lunch in a restaurant, our staff will be happy to advise you and satisfy your every need.

from $297

Giardini Naxos, Isola Bella, Taormina, castelmola The Best Of Ionian Coast

(27)

from $203

Private Tour Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola. Departure from Messina

4.8

(18)

Taormina and Castelmola from Messina Shared Group Tour

from $156

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What are people saying about Messina

Andrea_P, Dec 2025

Best tour on Sicily

10/13/25 - This tour was fabulous! Castelmola and Taormina were incredibly beautiful! Our tour guide, Sam, was fun and knowledgeable. He even stayed around after returning to Messina to take those of us that wanted to go to the main square and told us all about the astronomical clock and cathedral. I would definitely go back and would do this tour again! Thank you for an incredible day on the island of Sicily!

2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour

DavidSimpson, Nov 2025

Chaira gave us a very...

Chaira gave us a very good tour despite the pouring rain! Throughout the tour she shared a lot of information about Messinas history. We saw the Cathedral, Town Square with Astological clock and animated figures strike noon, a working hand carved puppet business and a family bakery to eat a delicious Cannoli….highly recommend this tour!

Savoca Taormina Castelmola tour

John_H, Nov 2025

Best guides!

My husband previously wrote a great review but I wanted to add something. We traveled with my dad in an electric wheelchair and Alessandro and Marisa made sure we took accessible routes. We got to see so much and learned a lot of history while having so much fun!

Etna Private tour from Messina Cruise Terminal + Lunch at Winery

Wade_R, Oct 2025

Hands down one of the best tour guides in Sicily

We definitely had one of the best experiences of our lives! Thank you so much Omar!! we went a little bit off of the grid because we didn’t want to freeze our butts off and 0° weather so you were quick to think on your feet. You knew this area very well as it’s your hometown. Thank goodness for that I know that there’s a lot of tour guys that are definitely not from that area and I really appreciated that. You were also super witty and fun you made the day very enjoyable!! Thank you for taking us to all of the hidden gems in that area:) You treated us like family! We had so many laughs. I also found it to be very nice that I could understand your English very well. Some people don’t have the best broken English and I appreciated that as well. We had the best day we went up to Savoca and saw the area where the godfather was filmed, and you helped us do a little reenactment of walking down the street as if we were to have just gotten married from the church. It was super cute! Thank you for taking some of the best pictures and videos while also handling our personal belongings at times. You also took us to one of the best wineries in the area and we had lunch while a little wine tasting. We were also able to do a little walk-through of the winery. We will definitely cherish these moments for the rest of our lives!! Please keep in touch!!

Taormina Castelmola tour

Kathleen_R, Oct 2025

Marisa and Alessandro...

Marisa and Alessandro were fantastic tour guides. We were able to see many different locations and Marisa was great at explaining what we were seeing. She also joined us for lunch, and we listened to her tell us about growing up in Sicily and answered all of our questions. We also enjoyed the stop at a bar and ate a delicious cannoli. We would highly recommend using them for a tour guide.

Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion

Anonymous, Aug 2025

Gabriella is the BEST tour guide ever!

Lots of walking yet worth every penny as wll as every step! The bus driver handled the crazy narrow mountain roads with ease. From the moment we approached this group of guides when we got off of our ship, the first thing we noticed was that every employee was smiling genuinely. They absolutely love their job.And it shows. Gabriella was our guide, her English was impeccable and her knowledge about the island of Sicily, the city of Messina, Castlemola, and Taormina was endless. She welcomed questions and encouraged exploration while making sure to point out anything that we absolutely should not miss as well as understanding its significance. We took many tours during our sixteen days in Europe, and this was by far the best tour we had. Thank you, Gabriella!!

Half Day Private Tour to Messina Taormina and Castelmola

shinnjoyce, Jul 2025

Great experience

The trip to Messina, Taormina, and Castelmola was a major highlight of our vacation, thanks in part to our guide, Kimberly, who was truly exceptional. From the beginning, she was friendly, lively, personable, and well-informed. She epitomized what you would hope for in a tour guide. Although this tour was one of the most expensive for our family of seven (compared to the other tours we did on our 7-day cruise), it was certainly worth every penny. Don't hesitate to book with this company, and if possible, ask for Kimberly.

Private Tour of Savoca, Castelmola, Taormina and Messina

Kevin_K, Jun 2025

What a great time and great team!

WOW! What fun! Nicola Copola and his tour guide Yana did an excellent Job of showing us around Sicily and keeping us entertained. My wife and two children were driven around and given a great personal experience by the Copola team. The tour lasted a good long time and was very educational. I would highly recommend this tour!