Day Trips from Messina to Castelmola

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.

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!

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.

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.

The Castelmola and Taormina tour takes place in modern Mercedes-Benz 8 pax minivans, ensuring comfort, safety and quality of service. Professionalism, punctuality, courtesy, flexibility and knowledge of the territory characterize the experience. The departure is from the Port of Messina. After about 45 minutes you reach Castelmola, a charming village above Taormina, from which you can admire beautiful views of the historic center, the Ionian coast and Mount Etna. Here it will be possible to walk through the characteristic streets and taste the famous almond wine in the iconic Bar Turrisi. The tour continues towards Taormina, after a brief explanatory introduction you will have about three hours free to visit the historic center and its main attractions: Greek-Roman Theater, panoramic squares, Villa Comunale, craft shops and boutiques. Before returning to the Port of Messina there is a short panoramic stop for a souvenir photo. An experience between culture, landscapes and Sicilian traditions.

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 is the ideal way to check off multiple dispersed Sicilian highlights in a day. Rather than traveling by local bus, enjoy the upgraded option of having a private driver to take you around. During the trip, visit the hilltop village of Castelmola, stop at the Greek Theater of Taormina, and have a chance to discover the ancient astronomical clock at Messina Cathedral.

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.

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.

Instead of crowded bus tours, explore Sicily in style with a private adventure in an air-conditioned vehicle. To help you get the most out of the day, the driver-guide takes you on a special route to tick off the highlights and hidden gems of Savoca, Taormina, and Castelmola. Along the way, enjoy in-depth insights about Sicilian history and culture to ensure you don’t waste a moment.

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.

Estimated arrival in Savoca, the famous village where the film "The Godfather" was filmed. In Savoca we will visit the Bar Vitelli, present in various scenes of the film, and the ancient cathedral where the wedding scene between Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) and Apollonia was filmed. Subsequently we reach the ancient village of Castelmola. During the tour of Castelmola you can visit the famous Turrisi bar, characterized by the presence of phallic shapes, where it will be possible to taste the famous almond wine. You can also taste excellent Sicilian cannoli or other typical products, offered by Zancle Sicily tour. The third stage of the tour is the arrival in Taormina, with a stop at "Porta Catania". Once in Taormina it will be possible to visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater and the beautiful Corso Umberto, the ancient street of Taormina. After visiting the city of Taormina we move to admire the famous panorama of Isola Bella from one of the most characteristic panoramic points of our land.

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.

Are you ready to experience a stress-free trip? With our service you can count on comfort, safety and punctuality. Our professional drivers will welcome you with a smile offering you a comfortable and worry-free journey. Book now and let yourself be transported to your destination in peace and style!

Discover the charm and elegance of Sicily with a private & Luxury tour to Taormina, Castelmola, and the famous Bar Turrisi. Your journey begins with breathtaking coastal views as you travel from Messina to Taormina, where you'll explore the iconic Greek Theatre, stroll along the lively Corso Umberto, and admire panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Next, head up to the hilltop village of Castelmola, known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning vistas. Here, you’ll visit the legendary Bar Turrisi, a one-of-a-kind spot famous for its quirky décor and locally made almond wine. This private experience offers the perfect mix of history, scenery, and Sicilian culture, all at your own pace with personal attention from your guide. Ideal for cruise passengers, couples, or small groups looking for an authentic and memorable day in Sicily.

With its Roman amphitheater and views over Mt. Etna, Taormina is a highlight of eastern Sicily. On this full-day tour, enjoy round-trip transportation from Messina to visit both Taormina and the picturesque village of Castelmola overlooking the Bay of Giardini Naxos. Take in Messina’s top sights, including the cathedral and astronomical clock, before drop-off.