12 Excursions match your criteria

Nowhere does the antiquity and scenic splendor of Sicily come to life as in Taormina, whose spectacular location overlooks the Ionian Sea and has attracted visitors for more than 20 centuries. Here, bougainvillea is splashed about as if by a painter’s brush and dusty olive groves shimmer in the midday sun. Enjoy an orientation drive of Messina before arriving in Taormina, where you’ll start your walking tour. You’ll walk through the town to the impressive Greek Theater while your guide points out many other interesting sites. Enjoy some free time to wander the shops around Corso Umberto before continuing towards the slopes of Mt. Etna along the scenic winding road. Upon arrival at a wine farm, you’ll visit the wine cellars in the company of an expert and best of all, enjoy an assortment of local specialties and of course the local wines. Note: This tour contains a moderate amount of walking of approximately 1 mile. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. less

Your city drive takes you through the main squares and sites of Messina. Stop at Cristo Re Church’s viewpoint. Continue your sightseeing along the north coast, with views of Ganzirri Lakes, Messina Strait and Capo Peloro. Before returning to your ship, you’ll stop at Cathedral Square with its astronomical clock tower, and have a chance to visit the cathedral and the treasure rooms; where among other historical and artistic works can be seen such as the golden “Manta” of the Madonna of the letter. Note: Since you’ll be visiting religious venues, please dress respectfully; no bare shoulders or shorts allowed. less

Europe’s largest active volcano and man made works of art are available for you to enjoy this morning. Start with a short orientation drive through Messina, passing by Piazza Duomo with the Cathedral and its astronomic clock, Corso Cavour and Via Boccetta, as you head to Mount Etna, 62 miles away. Enjoy the views of the coast before reaching the scenic road which winds around the slopes of the mountain, passing the town of Giarre and the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana. Mount Etna, Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain, soaring to over 10,800 feet; a volcano that has been active for over 2,500,000 years. It covers an area of approximately 600 square miles, with a circumference of about 93 miles at its base, and its flanks are covered with cones and craters. You’ll stop at Cratere Silvestri, at about 6,397 feet above sea level. From here you can gaze out across the Catania Gulf and see the woods, orchards and vineyards from this vantage point. But of course the major attraction is the crater and the remnants of the awe inspiring streams of lava. Leaving Mount Etna, you’ll continue to the town of Giarre, to visit GI VAL’s historic jewelry workshop, located in an exquisitely decorated mansion set among beautifully landscaped gardens. Your gracious hosts will treat you to tasty Sicilian specialties and refreshments before you head down to the workshop to see how expert goldsmiths and jewelry makers create unique pieces of jewelry. A visit to the exhibition room allows you time to shop before heading back to Messina. Note: The uphill walk is approximately 650 feet from the coach parking to the crater area. We recommend you bring a windbreaker or light jacket as it can be windy and chilly at the top of the volcano. less

After an orientation tour of Messina’s highlights, proceed to Tindari, via the Autostrada that runs along the Tyrrhenian Coast. On the way, you’ll be able to admire the magnificent views of the Eolian Islands. In Tindari, a small town founded by the Greeks and then rebuilt by the Romans, you’ll visit the Greek-Roman Theater and the Roman Villa. The defensive walls are well preserved and date back to the III Century BC. The Basilica from later time still has some intact columns and vaults preserved on the first floor. The thermal building has precious flooring and mosaics. You’ll also stop at the 'Santuario della Madonna Nera' and enjoy some free time for shopping. Note: This tour consists of approximately 1 1/2 miles of walking during this tour. Inside the Archeological grounds uneven grounds and steps will need to be negotiated. less

This touring option allows you complete freedom to maximize your time and explore the places that really interest you. Discover in comfort and at your own pace with the convenience of a private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide (other languages available on request) at your disposal. You set your pace and itinerary, just tell us where you want to go! Note: Entrance, parking fees and meals are not included, in order to allow you complete freedom of choice. Bring local currency, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. Extra hours available at an additional cost. Guests, who are planning to visit the religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. The level of exertion on this tour is completely up to you. Prices are per vehicle and not per person, so only one person in the party needs to book this tour. less