Best of Sicily Taormina & Savoca Tour from Messina Cruise Port
Description
Are you a cruise traveler docking in Messina, eager to immerse yourself in Sicily’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and undeniable charm? Join us on an unforgettable shore excursion that will leave you completely mesmerized! Step into cinematic history in Savoca, the picturesque village made famous by The Godfather, before journeying to the timeless beauty of Taormina. Stroll through the enchanting Corso Umberto, marvel at the stunning Quattro Fontane di Taormina, and soak in breathtaking panoramic views from Chiesa di Santa Caterina, one of the island’s most spectacular vantage points. With our expert local guides, every moment of your adventure is curated to be extraordinary. Enjoy comfortable transportation and a guaranteed on-time return to your ship—so you can explore with confidence and ease. Book now with a 24-hour risk-free cancellation and let us introduce you to the hidden treasures of Sicily, just as the locals cherish them!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome right at the cruise terminal, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey. Your friendly and knowledgeable guide, along with a professional and experienced driver, will ensure a comfortable and safe transition to the picturesque Savoca. As you travel, take in the serene beauty of the landscapes, offering the perfect prelude to your adventure. The journey to Savoca, which takes approximately 40 minutes, promises to be just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Discover Savoca, the charming Sicilian town where scenes from The Godfather were filmed. Walk in the footsteps of Michael Corleone as you visit some of the movie’s most iconic locations, including the legendary Bar Vitelli and the historic cathedral where his wedding took place. Immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of this picturesque village, capture stunning photos, and bring home unforgettable memories that will impress your friends and family
Wander along Corso Umberto, the vibrant main street of Taormina, where history meets elegance. Lined with boutique shops, charming cafés, and stunning architecture, this picturesque promenade invites you to soak in the atmosphere of Sicily’s most enchanting town. Enjoy your free time exploring its hidden gems, indulging in authentic Sicilian treats, or simply relaxing with a gelato in hand, while taking in breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
Discover the charm of Piazza Duomo in Taormina. Nestled in the heart of the historic center, Piazza Duomo is a true architectural gem waiting to be explored. Admire its charming baroque fountain, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and take in the stunning blend of history, culture, and Sicilian elegance.
Get ready to snap some incredible photos at a stunning Baroque-style fountain that is as enchanting as the town itself. This elegant masterpiece gets its name, "Four Fountains," from the four intricately designed columns at each corner of its central structure. Adorning these columns are majestic seahorses, once spouting water into the basins below, creating a truly picturesque and timeless scene.A perfect spot to immerse yourself in history, soak in the charming Sicilian atmosphere
As we pass by Palazzo Ciampoli, admire this stunning Catalan-style noble residence, a true architectural gem that whispers stories of Taormina’s aristocratic past. Once a stately home, this historic palace stands as a testament to Sicily’s rich cultural heritage.
Prepare to be amazed by the Cathedral Fortress of Taormina, a stunning medieval masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Built around 1400 on the ruins of an ancient church, this awe-inspiring cathedral is dedicated to San Nicola di Bari and embodies the rich history and architectural grandeur of Sicily.
Pass by Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina’s most elegant and lively "living room", where history, charm, and breathtaking views come together. Let Piazza IX Aprile enchant you with its irresistible beauty and timeless charm
Marvel at one of Sicily’s most breathtaking landmarks, the Chiesa di Santa Caterina. This stunning church stands atop the ancient ruins of the Odeon, which itself was built over the remnants of a Greek theater dedicated to Aphrodite—a true layered masterpiece of local history and culture.
After reveling in a delightful day, retreat in comfort to your awaiting ship aboard our comfortable vehicle. Reflect on the enchanting memories that will forever resonate in your heart. Trust in our two decades of expertise in orchestrating seamless shore excursions, meticulously aligned with your ship's itinerary. With us, you're invited to explore with abandon, assured of a punctual and stress-free return to your ship, your spirit alight with the magic of your explorations.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will be waiting for you at the pier holding a J A T sign for easy identification. Please note, that THE PICKUP TIME STATED IN YOUR BOOKING CONFIRMATION IS APPROXIMATE AND MAY BE ADJUSTED in accordance with your cruise ship's arrival time. The precise meeting time will be communicated to you via a subsequent email and message as your tour date approaches.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that the start time displayed on our website is a general estimate for the activity’s commencement and may not correspond to your specific pick-up time. We recommend checking your email the day before the scheduled activity to receive detailed pick-up information, including the exact pick-up time. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email, WhatsApp, or phone.
- Please note that the sequence of the tour itinerary and the time spent at each location might be adjusted in response to variables like traffic conditions, crowd sizes, and unforeseen events. However, we will our best to cover all the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- Please be advised that this tour is not wheelchair or scooter accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility.
Reviews(24)
Elizabeth and Anna were excellent. We were on a cruise and docked at Messina. We saw three towns, Savoca, Taormina, and Caselmola. Our tour guide, Elizabeth went out of her way to ensure we saw everything with timely insight into the history and significance of each town.
We enjoyed seeing each town, and the pick up and transport was convenient and comfortable. The tour itself focused more heavily on the guides favorite shops and restaurants, and less on the history and other features of the places. While I appreciate guidance on where to eat or shop from our guides, I would prefer to ask for it when and where I want it than have my tour time eaten up by it. By the time our Taormina tour was over, we were all so annoyed with the guide that we declined her assistance in getting to the amphitheater in favor of getting there on our own. (She did give us directions which were good.) Taormina is a busy tourist trap of a town - worth a visit, with something for everyone - but I do not think that my money was well spent on having this guided tour.
Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of all of the locations. The locations gave a great view of Sicily. This was my favorite tour on our trip.
Savoca was absolutely beautiful! Very steep hike up to the church, which was under construction and cost additional money. Taramino was pretty, but it was mostly shopping. Lots of people. Or opinion, 2 hours was too long. Our guide was great! Very friendly, helpful, and informative.
Anna was the best tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and made it quite fun. She made our trip extra special at the church. Restaurant she suggested was excellent. We would highly recommend Anna
This is an amazing experience! Your tour guide Simon was amazing and was so knowledgeable! Highly recommended this tour if you want to see multiple places in a short amount of time!
We were dropped off at both Savoca and Taoromina and left to wander on our own - no guided tour. We got very little information (history, significance) about Taoromina, despite it having Roman ruins - rather, we were dropped off at a viewing site at the beginning of the shopping district, given a simple map of the town and told when we should be back. Shopping = very expensive designer shops, souvenir shops, various restaurants (pricing corresponding to view of waterfront).
Thank you for your feedback. We regret to hear that our services did not meet your expectations. Please note that, after the guided portion of the tour, we provide free time for our guests on this bestselling tour from Messina. Based on our 27 years of experience serving cruise passengers, most guests prefer a balanced experience that includes historical information, local life, free time, shopping opportunities, and time to enjoy Italian food. For this reason, our guides are instructed to balance historical commentary with information about local culture and daily life, as very detailed historical explanations are not the preference of the majority of cruise passengers on standard sightseeing tours. Your feedback is certainly noted, although it is unusual for us to receive a complaint about too much free time, as most guests usually request more of it. For future bookings, we would recommend considering a private, specialized historical tour in each port, as standard sightseeing tours may not fully meet your personal expectations or level of interest in ancient history. Safe travels !
Rosado is tremendous. Ask for her. This tour was absolutely amazing. There was an accident on the highway, we detoured and took the trolley up to the Godfather village. Great spot, then on through the tour as planned. Great sites, excellent photo ops, informative but not ridiculous trivia. Delicious food stops. This was easily one of the best tours we’ve ever experienced.
Got stuck in a 9 passenger mini van. Couldn't hear a word the driver said. People in the front said don't worry, you didn't miss anything. I thought this tour was a total waste of time. We should have just gone straight to Tanamusi. That area had good shopping and was enjoyable.
We regret to hear about your disappointment. Please allow us to briefly address the concerns raised: 1. Please note that, by European standards, a modern 9-seater Mercedes-Benz Vito van is considered a comfortable and high-quality vehicle for all kin of small group and private tours. 2. Please note that guide services are not provided during port transfers. The guide joins the tour upon arrival in the city, while the driver is responsible for safe driving only. 3. The location “Tanamusi” does not appear to exist in Sicily or anywhere in Italy. Could you please clarify which location you are referring to and confirm whether your review was intended for the correct business?
Very knowledgeable guide in Rosablin. Interesting history throughout so many cultural and political changes.
