Day Trips from Sicily to Messina

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.

Visit two highlights of eastern Sicily without the hassle of arranging transportation and lunch with this all-inclusive tour of Taormina and Castelmola. Enjoy convenient port pickup in Messina or Giardini Naxos and a guided walk through Taormina’s old town to admire the Greek Theater and other highlights. Stop for a traditional Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to the postcard-perfect hill town of Castelmola to take in the views.

Dedicate a day to two of Sicily’s must-discover towns: Messina and Taormina. After leaving Messina, you’ll travel to Taormina with a driver and a guide to seek out the viewpoints that sweep over both Mt. Etna and the coast, and hear the stories behind its historical piazzas. Back in Messina, monuments, churches, and the lookout point of Capo Peloro are among the highlights. A typical Sicilian treat of “cannoli” or “arancini” are extra perks.

Go beyond Messina on this guided trip to Taormina and Savoca. Skip the hassle of public transit and head out from the city in a private vehicle, stopping to visit attractions such as filming locations from 'The Godfather' and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Isola Bella. Ideal for travelers, especially cruisers, looking to explore more of Italy but have limited time to do so.

Our Messina photo tour is the best if you are a photographer or if you simply want to enjoy the best photo spots with a local guide. Embark on a guided photo tour discovering the historical city center that will take you to the best locations for your pictures and selfies. After visiting the Catalani Church, one of the few buildings that survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, our photo tour will take you to Piazza Duomo, to visit the impressive Bell Tower. Climb up to the panoramic terrace with amazing 360° views over the city, the port, and the Strait. The tour continues with a panoramic walk to discover the church of the Madonna di Montalto and the shrine of Christ the King with beautiful views of the Strait of Messina and mainland Italy and will finish with a visit to the huge church of San Francesco all Immaculata, the second largest church after the Cathedral and the waterfront with the beautiful Neptune fountain.

This Messina city tour is the best opportunity to live and explore the city at 360°, from 3 different points of view and off-the-beaten-path locations. At the beginning of the tour, we will drive you to the northernmost point of Sicily, Cape Peloro. Here you are going to have a detailed and “deep” meeting with the Strait of Messina and will understand more about the distinctive characteristics of an area of outstanding natural beauty. After having explored the Cape, this Messina city tour will get you to know the city center and its historical monuments; the city is mainly known for the astronomical clock in the Cathedral Square, which every day at noon charms visitor, and even the busy citizens stop for 10 minutes to enjoy the movement of the statues, listening to the Ave Maria. After lunch, we will continue with the visit of Mt Dinnammare, at 3300 ft asl. Here, the Sanctuary of Madonna di Dinnammare will welcome you.

Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily’s heart with an unforgettable tour of Randazzo, a charming town on the slopes of Mount Etna. This experience blends history, stunning landscapes, and world-class wines, offering an intimate glimpse into the island’s winemaking legacy. Begin your adventure in Randazzo, nestled between Mount Etna and the serene Alcantara Valley. Known for its resilience, the town has endured centuries of volcanic eruptions while preserving its medieval charm. Its cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and views of the towering Etna make it a dream for photographers. The next part of the tour takes you to a renowned local winery, where generations of winemakers have cultivated grapes in Etna’s rich volcanic soil. Enjoy a curated selection of four exceptional wines, paired with traditional Sicilian delicacies. This experience immerses you in Sicily’s authentic culinary and vinous traditions, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Immerse in the stunning medieval locations of the Godfather Saga: Savoca and Forza d’Agrò are the Sicilian destinations for the best Godfather tour from Taormina. In Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, each visitor would be fascinated by the authentic medieval atmosphere, recalling the timeless scenes from the movies filmed between the 1970s and 1990s. Walking around the tiny streets as Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), you will discover the pretty churches and monuments that appear in the movies. Not so far from the Mother Church in Forza d’Agrò, a beautiful testimony of baroque style, you will walk upstairs to reach the house where Don Vito Corleone was born. Savoca is where the most iconic scenes from The Godfather I were filmed, just outside Bar Vitelli (it still works as a café) and Michael and Apollonia’s wedding scene at the uphill Church of Saint Lucy.

If you are a series lover, you cannot miss our White Lotus tour in Taormina. The director, Mike White, chose to film Season II of this multi-award-winning series in the wonderful Taormina and surroundings. The first step of this tour is Castelmola, from where you can enjoy a stunning view overlooking the most famous Taormina and the majestic Mount Etna. This beautiful village offers the opportunity to taste one of the most typical almond wines, a liqueur wine that Sicilians usually enjoy after lunch or dinner. An important stop is the sanctuary, Madonna Rocca. In an episode of the series, you can recognize the panoramic terrace where Ethan Spiller, personified by Will Sharpe, goes to run in the early morning. The last part of this tour will be Taormina: a charming town and the main location of the White Louts Season II. You will admire the courtyard of the Four Seasons, the main boulevard, the wonderful view from April IX Square, and the scenic structure of the Greek-Roman Theatre.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Sicily on this exclusive tour from Taormina. Enjoy a thrilling 2-hour boat ride around Isola Bella’s sparkling waters, exploring externally, hidden sea caves like Grotta Azzurra, and soaking up the stunning coastal views. After your adventure at sea, venture to the hilltop village of Castelmola, where picturesque stone streets and artisan shops await. Savor a glass of the famed almond wine at the historic Caffe Antico San Giorgio before soaking in breathtaking vistas of the Ionian Sea. - 2-hour boat adventure around Isola Bella with swimming stops - Explore scenic caves and coastal cliffs from a unique perspective - Visit charming Castelmola and enjoy its artisan shops and cafes - Try the original almond wine at Caffe Antico San Giorgio

Explore the authentic flavors and stunning landscapes of Sicily on this delightful wine tour from Taormina. Begin with a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Castelmola, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and indulge in local delicacies like the famous almond wine and traditional Sicilian cannoli. From the ancient castle ruins, marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Mount Etna. Next, visit a local winery on the northern slopes of Etna, where passionate owners will guide you through the winemaking process and share tastings of exquisite Etna DOC wines. The experience concludes with a Sicilian lunch paired with five exceptional wines, all while soaking in the region's rich culinary heritage. - Scenic drive from Taormina to the charming village of Castelmola - Enjoy traditional Sicilian cannoli and almond wine in Castelmola - Visit a local winery and learn about Etna DOC wine production - Delight in a Sicilian lunch paired with five exceptional wines

Fans of “The Godfather” can save hours of research time with this tour. Get a shortcut to filming locations from the iconic movie by going on a special Godfather–themed guided adventure. Transport is included along the way to help you check off dispersed locations in Savoca and Forza d’Agro, including Bar Vitelli and the Church of San Nicolo.

These are two very suggestive medieval villages: this private tour allows you to recall many scenes from the trilogy of the masterpiece by Francis Ford Coppola, between enchanting panoramas. Between squares and sacred places, you will feel transported in an extraordinary setting.

Excursion for those who want to discover in one day the main tourist attractions of our island, Idda (so we call our volcano) and the splendid Taormina.

Discover Taormina, a jewel unique in the world with our private shore tour from Messina port. Your driver will pick you up from the cruise port at your most preferred time. On board of a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, you will reach the historical centre of Taormina, where you will have free time to explore the pearl of Mediterranean: the wonderful Greek Roman Theatre with terrific views over Mount Etna and the bay, the Cathedral of San Nicolò di Bari, the Public Gardens, the fascinating Corso Umberto with its boutiques and colorful balconies and much more. You will have the chance to take the cable car to reach the bay of Taormina and see Isola Bella, which is a protected natural site as well as a beautiful beach. The driver will pick you up from the bay or the centre at the agreed time to take you back to your cruise. Kindly note that it is also possible to add a tour guide at extra cost.

Embark on a relaxing and picturesque journey in a car reserved only for you, with your personal Driver/Guide, through lava fields and flows, witnesses of the devastating force of Etna. See and hear from your Guide how the lives of the locals have intertwined with the mountains, influencing the region's lifestyle, customs and economy. Take a short walk to admire the side craters, lava flows and exceptional volcanic phenomena of Etna. Continue your journey through the peaceful villages on the slopes and olive groves to Taormina, a secret bohemian retreat of 19th century poets and artists and a modern and romantic tourist resort. Get carried away by the atmosphere, indulge in some Shopping among famous Italian and international brands and local handicrafts.

Fans of the Godfather franchise may be disappointed to discover how tricky it is to reach the most famous filming locations. Take the guesswork out of your logistics and optimize your day to cover more ground with this private excursion from Catania. Enjoy the ease of hotel pickup and take in the views as you travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle to Savoca, Forza d'Agro, and Casalvecchio Siculo to visit iconic spots from Bar Vitelli to the church where Michael and Appolonia were wed. Take a break for lunch and relax on the Teresa di Riva beach before the drive back to Catania.

This tour takes us to discover the capital of Sicily: Palermo Departure by GT bus and, along the journey, short stop for services. Once in Palermo, our tour continues on foot to discover a city full of works of art and impressive ruins, Byzantine buildings and Baroque churches. We will visit the city passing by Palazzo dei Normanni (seat of the Sicilian Parliament), Palermo Cathedral, Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, Martorana Church, Vucciria market, Via Maqueda, Politeama Theater and finally the Teatro Massimo: the city's sumptuous opera house . During the tour, free time for lunch or, for lovers of the genre, "Street Food". Departure for Cefalù. Visit the historic center and the Norman Cathedral with the famous Christ Pantocrator illustrated in the mosaics inside. In the afternoon return to the places of origin.

Sicily’s romantic atmosphere and unconventional history have seduced visitors for millennia but are easy to miss in the bustle of modern travel. This private walking tour immerses you in rustic hill towns and the history of the Sicilian Mafia—including visits to filming sites of The Godfather movie—and the anti-Mafia fight. Includes round-trip transport from anywhere in Taormina.

Discover the iconic Sicilian villages from "The Godfather" on this private guided tour for film buffs. Visit Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, step into cinematic history at Bar Vitelli, and learn the real story of the Mafia. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch, with hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Catania for added convenience.

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.

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.

The small villages around Etna and the Taormina coastline are best experienced intimately and at a relaxed pace, so skip the hassle and crowds of group tours on this private guided tour. Reach the summit of Mount Etna and, after taking in the views, descend to the Mediterranean Sea for a group boat tour along the coast and tasting of traditional Sicilian arancini.

Wines produced on the fertile slopes of Mt. Etna are starting to garner international attention for their quality and unique terroir. Experience the best local labels on this full-day wine tour that includes stops at four local wineries for cellar visits and guided tastings paired with samples of Sicilian specialties. With private transportation, you can leave the driving to a professional and tipple to your heart’s content.