Explore the city of Taormina on your own, at your own pace with this very affordable luxury shuttle service. Safe, reliable, and much less expensive than a taxi! And an added bonus is a complementary circuit of the Messina city sightseeing Blue Route to see some of the best sights there as well!
Spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular summer destinations, a chic resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita (sweet life). The town merits a visit for its stunning ancient theatre, people watching, and breathtaking vistas. Founded in the 4th century BC, Taormina enjoyed great prosperity under the Greeks and later the Romans, but fell into quiet obscurity after being conquered by the Normans in 1087. Its reincarnation as a tourist destination dates to the 18th century when northern European aristocrats rediscovered it on their Grand Tours.
Upon meeting your professional, English-speaking staff close to your Messina port, you will begin your 1.5-hour journey along the Sicilian coast in the comfort of a luxury, air-conditioned coach bus. You will receive a map of the city so you can plan your visit.
Once you arrive in Taormina, your driver will coordinate the meeting place and time for your return trip back. You will enjoy approximately 2-3 hours of free time to explore this picturesque city by the sea. The Ancient Theater with its spectacular view of Mount Etna and the bay of Naxos, Porta Messina, the northern entrance to the city, lined with small craft shops, antique shops, small streets, fragrant, and multicolored alleys, the Duomo di San Nicola, built in the thirteenth century, reminiscent of Norman cathedrals, and Park Giovanni Colonna, the public garden of Taormina, which once belonged to the English noblewoman Lady Florence Trevelyan, built in the late nineteenth century on the model of the English garden, are just a few of the sites to explore. Or just pull up a chair at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes to enjoy some Sicilian snacks, and a beverage and take in some people-watching!
Please note that food/beverages and entrance fees to any sights or attractions are not included.
The departure time from Taormina is at 02:30 PM, please make sure to be on time for the return. Once on board your transportation, you can relax and reminisce about your Sicilian experience in the comfort of your luxury transportation.
When you arrive back in Messina, you will have the option to enjoy a whole lap of the Blue Line on board of one of the City Sightseeing buses where you will be able to see places such as the Neptuno Fountain, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Duomo and many more!
At the end of the lap, you will return to the original meeting point where you can walk a short distance to your Messina cruise terminal.
Note: This excursion only runs when a cruise ship is in port (April to October)! A separate voucher will be emailed to you. You must print the voucher and give it to the local operator in order to do the excursion; do not give them your Shore Excursioneer e-ticket.
5
