Top Messina Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

Follow in the footsteps of “The White Lotus” cast—and discover the Taormina locations where the series was filmed—on this full-day, private tour. Pick from several convenient start times, and set off directly from your area hotel. You can look forward to seeing the San Domenico Palace Four Seasons Hotel (which doubled as The White Lotus), admiring Taormina’s ancient amphitheater, embarking on a boat trip near Isola Bella, and finishing with an Aperol spritz.

Escape the tourist track and embark on an exclusive, private dining experience in a real-life local home. Taste hard-to-find, home-cooked delicacies, passed down in family cookbooks over generations. Dinners or lunches include four gourmet courses, plus a selection of regional red and white wines. You’ll also have a chance to watch a cooking demonstration to learn time-tested cooking secrets.

Experience Sicily’s culture, history, and cuisine in a single day with this all-inclusive shore excursion. Save time with port pickup and head straight to Mt. Etna to explore its volcanic slopes and sample local delicacies. Then stop in Savoca, the village where The Godfather was set, for a food and wine tasting with a view.