Our driver and tour guide were great. We learned much about Sicily and the history lesson was fantastic. They were very kind and customized our experience. Although our local lunch was very good and we enjoyed it, I wish there had been a nicer place for lunch with a beautiful view. All in all a great time.
Shore Excursion from Messina: Mt. Etna and Taormina
From a fiery volcano to a stunning cliffside gem, discover Sicily's breathtaking beauty.
Imagine stepping off your ship and into a world of dramatic landscapes and ancient stories. Sicily is an island of pure magic, and we want to share its most breathtaking treasures with you.
Your private driver will greet you at the Messina port, ready to begin your Private Shore Excursion from Messina to Mt. Etna and Taormina, a day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences.
Our journey first takes us to the mighty Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Feel the thrill as a cable car carries you up to an altitude of 2,700 meters, with the world unfolding in breathtaking views below. Standing on this legendary volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a moment of pure wonder.
After descending from the volcano's powerful heights, we will travel to one of the most magical towns in all of Italy. Taormina is a cliffside jewel with a rich history, having been shaped by Greeks, Romans, and Arabs over the centuries.
The heart of the town is its beautifully preserved Ancient Greek Theatre.
You will stroll through this historic site, sharing stories of the past and pointing out vantage points that look out over the brilliant blue sea below—a view people have cherished since the third century BC.
We will stop in Taormina's main square, allowing you a moment to soak in the enchanting atmosphere before your comfortable return to the port of Messina.
What's Included
- Private Driver at your disposal throughout the tour
- Roundtrip transfer from Messina port
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Entrance tickets to any desired sites
Highlights
- Dedicated English-speaking driver with you from pickup to port drop-off.
- Flexible itinerary uncouples you from the clock, savoring Sicilian charm.
- Seamless round-trip logistics keep sight-seeing effortless and luxurious.
- Thrilling cable car ascent grants panoramas from Europe's highest volcano.
Itinerary
Port of Messina
Pass ByYour private driver greets you at the Port of Messina, and as you leave the harbor behind, the Sicilian coastline opens before you. The road sets the rhythm of a day dedicated to nature, history, and beauty.
Volcano Etna
3 hoursThe journey leads up the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Amid lunar landscapes, craters, and lava fields, your private guide explains the force of nature that has shaped Sicily for millennia, offering you time to explore at your own pace.
Ancient Greek Theatre
45 minutesArriving in Taormina, the Ancient Greek Theatre crowns the hill with sweeping views of the sea and Etna in the distance. Walking through its stone tiers, you sense both the grandeur of classical performances and the timeless beauty of its setting.
Taormina
2 hoursThe day concludes in the streets of Taormina, where elegant boutiques, flowered balconies, and sunlit piazzas create an atmosphere of Sicilian charm. With your guide, the town unfolds in layers of history and refinement before your return to Messina.
FAQ
- Is entry to the sites included?
- Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users?
- Is there a specific dress code I should follow?
- Do I need to bring an official ID with me?
- How will I recognize the meeting point?
- Are transfers to and from Messina included, as well as transportation within the cities?









