Messina

Architecture

Pre-book your entry ticket to the Ancient Theater of Taormina and enjoy the added perk of skip-the-line entry privileges. Take a stirring journey through the archaeological ruins and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. After the one of Syracusa, the Ancient Theater of Taormina is the largest building for shows in the Italian Peninsula. The archaeological site offers the opportunity to step back into the past as well as enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes. The Greek building, built in a dominant position, dates back, by layout, to the III-II century B.C., but the monument you can admire today appears in the forms acquired in the roman imperial age under the emperor Trajan or Hadrian. It becomes an amphitheater under the emperor Caracalla and, in the same period, the orchestra was converted into an arena to host gladiator fights. After centuries of neglect, in 1465, part of the monument was used as a palace of residence of the Zumbo family.

Boat excursion to Taormina aboard a typical Sicilian boat guided by expert skippers. We will take you on a boat trip to Taormina to visit one of the most beautiful bays in all of Sicily that will make you fall in love. Boat excursions in Taormina include the Blue Grotto of Taormina and all the bays of the marine reserve. We will sail along the entire bay of Giardini Naxos to try to meet the dolphins that have always populated this stretch of sea. You can admire the Taormina coast from the Bay of Naxos and then off towards the tip of Capo Taormina, to head to the bay of Mazzaró inside the protected marine park. During this journey we will stop in the bay of the sirens. You will enter the blue grotto of Taormina with the whole boat, famous for the seabed illuminated by the sun's rays that manage to penetrate through spaces in the submerged rock, giving an intense fluorescent blue backdrop. To round off our boat tour in Taormina, we will stop at the beautiful island. Famous rocky islet close to the coast with a piece of beach characterized by unique views in the world. Here you can dive and refresh yourself in these crystal clear waters among seabeds full of local colors and corals. This fantastic boat ride in Taormina will be framed by an aperitif and enriched by typical local fruit and drinks. Our goal will be to capture the time spent in these heavenly places in your memories.

Discover the fascinating landscapes of Etna’s northern slope on a guided tour. Enjoy the impressive views of Etna’s foothills, see up close and touch ancient lava flows, admire craters still in activity, and appreciate a typical Sicilian landscape with its crops and rural villages. Stop for a lunch break at a local etnean restaurant and take a more relaxing turn with a visit to the refreshing Alcantara Gorges lava canyon. Start your tour with pickup from an arranged meeting point in locations such as Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Catania, and Linguaglossa. Travel by SUV or minivan (up to 8 passengers per vehicle) to the first stop of your tour, an off-road route to the massive 2002 eruption lava front, the largest eruption of recent times which destroyed the Piano Provenzana ski facilities and part of the Ragabo Pine Forest. Pass through the Ragabo Forest, following the Mareneve road, and reach the starting point of the trek to the Monti Sartorius craters near Rifugio Citelli. Enjoy a hike of easy difficulty, suitable for everyone, on a route about 3 km long, starting from an altitude of 1665 m and arriving at an altitude of about 1775 m. Hike along a characteristic Etnean path, among white birch trees and "button" side crater (“bottoniera”), the Sartorius Craters, on the northeastern slope of Etna. Reach several vantage points with unique and spectacular views of Calabria and the Aeolian Islands. Explore an Etna volcanic cave after your trek to the Sartorius, the Grotta dei Ladroni (also called Grotta delle Nevi). Equip yourself with the helmet and flashlight we will provide and venture inside this lava flow tunnel to discover its formation and history. Admire an original lava flow tunnel that has been partially excavated by man, as evidenced by the date engraved on a stone at the top of the entrance: 1776. Learn how Etna’s inhabitants used this cave in centuries past to store snow in the winter months, later reselling it in the warmer months. Stop at an Etnean restaurant to rest and enjoy a delicious meal: the first course dish, drink, and coffee are included in the price of the tour. Continue to the Alcantara Valley, passing through Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, with features similar to a medieval village, famous today for its wineries that produce excellent Etna wines. End your tour with a visit to the Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges, located in the “Alcantara River Park”. Admire the Gorges, which are a fascinating natural lava canyon excavated by the Alcantara River through lava flows of ancient times. Descend inside the Alcantara Gorges via the municipal entrance with the entrance fee included in the price. Be free to relax by the beach or take a walk/swim in the refreshing Alcantara River. After finishing the visit of the Alcantara Gorges the tour will end by getting back to the initial meeting point.

Discover the beautiful coastline of Taormina at sunset on a boat tour. Try to spot bottlenose dolphins, explore spectacular caves like Grotta del Giorno and Grotta delle Sirene, followed by a snorkeling stop in the crystal clear waters of Taormina Bay. Depart from the Giardini Naxos port and will give you the opportunity to explore the beautiful coast between Giardini Naxos and Taormina. During the trip, visit also some spectacular caves like Grotta del Giorno, Grotta delle Sirene, Grotta Azzurra, and Grotta del Corallo. Admire the wonderful views of Cape Schisò, Cape Taormina, Scoglio della Croce, Scoglio dei Fichi d’India, Isola Bella, Mazzaro Bay, San Nicola Bay, and Scoglio dello “Ziu Innaru”. Search for wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Be amazed as they frolic in the waters and admire their grace and beauty. Enjoy a stop for a dip or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Taormina Bay, followed by some fruit, snacks, and drinks, before heading back to port.

Meet your local guide at the port of Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily. Hop aboard a comfortable boat that is equipped with life jackets and an external shower. Take a moment to admire the wonderful bay before setting off on your journey. Visit the Cave of Love and Isola Bella, which boasts a long and fascinating history and is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a dip in the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. Bring along your snorkeling gear to see the flora and fauna that thrive in these protected waters. Relax with a crisp glass of bubby prosecco while enjoying a local snack like almond paste or arancini (breaded and fried rice ball). Weather permitting, set sail out to sea in search of dolphins in their natural habitat. Observe them as they jump and play near the boat. Return to land while watching the sunset over Etna.

Commence your adventurous outing by meeting your local guide at the port of Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily. Take a moment to admire the wonderful bay before setting off on your journey. Visit the cave of love, the Blue cave, and the Isola Bella, which boasts a long and fascinating history and is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a dip in the blue waters of the Ionian Sea with its beautiful aquatic flora and fauna. Taste local foods like arancini, a typical Sicilian rotisserie, and accompany it with quality Italian Prosecco. Weather permitting, set sail out to sea in search of dolphins in their natural habitat. Observe them as they jump and play near the boat. Return to land whilst marvelling at beautiful views of the sunset over Etna.

Embark on a 2-hour boat tour as you explore the coast of Giardini Naxos, and Taormina. See some of the shooting locations of the White Lotus television show and visit several local hot spots. Start your tour at the port of Giardini Naxos. Set-off on your adventure as you explore the beautiful coast toward Taormina. Visit spectacular caves like Grotta del Giorno, Baia delle Sirene, Grotta Azzurra and Grotta del Corallo. Enjoy a stop for a swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Taormina bay, followed by refreshments of fruit, snacks, and drinks.

You will discover the Catania coast and some typical Etnean villages such as Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Piedimonte Etneo and Linguaglossa while enjoying the picturesque scenery surrounding Mount Etna. The excursion begins with a short stop in Linguaglossa and then on to a renowned winery. You will admire Etna from a different perspective and learn all about the production process of the regional wine produced by the winery on Etna's slope. You will taste four different wines and a small aperitif consisting of preserved vegetables, a selection of Sicilian cheeses, local cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, bread, and local olive oil. Return to Taormina in the late afternoon.

Visit the Ancient Theater of Taormina with this guided tour and enjoy the added perk of skip-the-line entry privileges. Take a journey through the archaeological ruins and learn the history. Step back into the past with a visit to the Ancient Theater of Taormina. After the one of Syracusa, the Ancient Theater of Taormina is the largest building for shows in the Italian Peninsula. Learn about the Greek building that dates back to the 3rd-2nd century BCE. See how the Romans under Emperor Trajan and Hadrian changed the monument/ Discover the amphitheatre and orchestra, converted under Emperor Caracalla and hear tales of gladiator fights during this period.

Take advantage of an afternoon cruise stop in Messina and travel along the beautiful Sicilian coast to enjoy 3 hours exploring Taormina at your own leisure. Perfect for those who want the convenience of a round-trip transfer with the independence to explore the city at their own pace, this service provides pickup near the marina on Via Battisti and takes guests on a 1 hour and 15 minute journey to Taormina.