Ancient Theater of Taormina

Archaeology

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.

Embark on a fascinating cultural adventure in Sicily and discover 3 charming towns on a day trip from Catania. Marvel at the picturesque streets if Savoca, Taormina, and Castelmola, and visit their most remarkable landmarks. Enjoy a delicious brunch of typical products. Start your experience, being picked up from your local accommodation by a comfortable 8 seat air conditioned vehicle. The first stop of your Sicilian trip will be Savoca, a characteristic medieval town. Visit one of the fascinating catacombs of the Cappuccini convent which hosts the mummified bodies of monks and nobles from Savoca. Next, you can visit bar Vitelli, famously known as the bar from the film "The Godfather", where you can taste delicious Sicilian granita and look at photos which were taken during the shooting of the film. Then, we will arrive in Castelmola, a characteristic medieval suburb suspended between the sky and the sea. Enjoy a fantastic view of Etna on one side and the Ionian sea on the other, then, from Sant’Antonio square, begin your walk through the alleys. Around the small streets, it’s possible to see quaint shops that sell souvenirs, laces, and embroideries made by locals women.  Here in Castelmola, you will enjoy a delicious light lunch made of typical Sicilian products: bruschette, pasta alla norma, water and natural wine produced by Emilio Sciacca. End the tour arriving to the majestic Taormina. Visit the Greek Theatre, or one of the major ancient sites in Sicily which offers a unique panoramic view of the sea and Mount Etna. Walking along Corso Umberto, you can also visit the Cathedral and enjoy the stunning view of Capo Taormina bay.

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.

Speed across the Mediterranean Sea as you take a day trip from Malta to Sicily by catamaran. Once there, enjoy a bus tour to Mount Etna as you spend a day getting under the skin of the island's history and culture. Hop on board the catamaran at the terminal and enjoy a relaxing crossing to Italy. Once there, enjoy a guided bus trip to Mount Etna, the island's most quintessential sight. Be wowed by the largest and most active volcano in Europe on as climb to the crater through picturesque villages and an ever changing landscape. Admire the scenery as you travel through forests of chestnut trees which gradually give way to oak, beech, birch and pine. After the volcano, explore Taormina, a peaceful panoramic resort perched on a hilltop. Stroll on its main street, the elegant Corso Umberto, with its cafés, restaurants and boutiques.

For those traveling to Sicily, Syracuse is not to be missed. Once the most important city in Magna Graecia, it defeated the mighty Athens in 413 and was home to many a great Greek, including the inimitable Archimedes. At the height of its economic, political, and military power, the city had a population of 300,000 and, according to Cicero, was "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” Join a full-day guided bus tour of this great city, which includes a visit to its archaeological sites as well as the island of Ortygia. First, visit the archaeological site, which is situated in the northwest of the town and is home to a staggering number of well-preserved Greek and Roman remains. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theater, which dates back at least until the 5th Century BC. Its cavea is amongst the largest ever built, its 59 rows could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators (there will be a theater set on the archaeological site during summer). Just over the ridge from the theater, you will see the old stone quarries where today there grows a fragrant lemon orchard. Also, visit the famous Ear of Dionysius, a 20m-high, slender pointed arch cut into the rock face about 65m deep. The rock was once used by Dionysius the Tyrant as a prison for his bitterest enemies. Spend the second half of your day wandering around the beautiful island of Ortygia. It may be a small island, but it's packed with over 2,500 years of history. Architectural styles vary widely, encompassing Greek and Roman remains, Medieval Norman buildings, and a great deal of understated Baroque visible in the main cathedral. In the afternoon, take a break to relax in one of the island's many restaurants, trattorias or bars, as you take in the sights of the lagoon.

Discover the beauty of the Bay of Isola Bella and the charming old town of Taormina on a Audio-guided tour from Catania. Enjoy a swim in the bay, visit the Ancient Theatre, and explore the streets of Taormina. Start your tour from Piazza Duomo in Catania and head in the direction of Taormina. Make a stop in the Bay of Isola Bella, where you can swim in the summer. Walk through the streets of the charming old town of Taormina, where there are monuments of great artistic and cultural interest, such as the Ancient Theatre, Cathedral Fortress (Duomo), Clock Tower, Palazzo Corvaja, and Piazza IX Aprile. Finish your tour with a visit to the village of Castelmola, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Gipsy Kings world tour! Do not miss the great concert at the Ancient Theatre, Taormina, Thursday, August 8, 2025. Gipsy Kings with their pop-influenced rumba flamenco music will enchant Sicily! Rumba legend, more than 30 years of hits on stage and 60 million albums sold. André Reyes founded the legendary Gipsy Kings and now keeps alive the name of the band that popularized "Bamboleo" or "Djobi, Djoba". Their album Gipsy Kings has been a great success in several countries of Europe, especially in France, Italy, England and Spain and then have been recognized all over the world.

Following your collection from the meeting point, your tour starts with a visit of Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily. After enjoying the beauty of Giardini Naxos, continue on driving to the enchanting village of Castelmola. From Castelmola you can enjoy amazing views of both Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. After this viewpoint, travel on to the beautiful town of Taormina where you stop in one of the most famous Sicilian Locations. Following a brief visit to the town and the visit to the “Beautiful Island” Natural Park Beach, your guide returns you back to Catania.

By choosing this shore excursion, you will have a private roundtrip transfer to the chosen destinations, where you will have free time in order to enjoy the visit in full autonomy and flexibility. Kindly note that it is possible to request a tour guide at extra cost. Our driver will pick you up from your cruise port at your most preferred time. On board of a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, you will reach the historical centre of Taormina, where you will have free time to explore the pearl of Mediterranean: the wonderful Greek Roman Theatre with terrific views over Mount Etna and the bay, the Cathedral of San Nicolò di Bari, the Public Gardens, the fascinating Corso Umberto with its boutiques and colorful balconies and much more. At the agreed time, the driver will pick you up and drive you to Savoca, a charming medieval village set in the rock of a hill, where you can still recognize the places of don Vito Corleone. You will walk along the typical medieval streets and you will reach the Church of Santa Lucia, where the wedding scene between Michal and Apollonia was filmed. Unmissable stop is at Bar Vitelli, here time seems to have stopped years ago. Inside you can admire not only pictures and scenes related to the saga of Don Vito Corleone, but also ancient objects related to Sicilian tradition, making this bar a small museum. The driver will pick you up at the agreed time to take you back to your cruise ship.

By choosing this day trip, you will have a private round-trip transfer to visit some of the most fascinating places in Sicily in complete autonomy. First stop: The tour will take you to discover Castelmola, passing first through the Belvedere square to admire the splendid Isola Bella, the bay of Giardini Naxos, and Mount Etna. Nestled like a gem among the rocks is another treasure. A charming village, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," it deserves to be explored at a leisurely pace, allowing yourself to be amazed by its panoramic views and authenticity. Perched a few kilometers from Taormina, Castelmola is an ancient village dating back to the pre-Hellenic period. Its name derives from the Sicilian "a mola," referring to the rock on which it stands, similar in shape to a tooth. You will walk along characteristic streets offering fantastic views of Mount Etna on one side and the Ionian coast on the other. You will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the castle, the magnificent Piazza Sant'Antonio with its lava stone mosaic floor, the Piazza del Duomo with its ancient Mother Church, and the small church of San Giorgio Padrone di Castelmola. In the streets of the town center, you will see small shops selling lace and embroidery made by local women. You can also stop at the "Bar Turrisi," a unique local bar with a phallic theme where you can enjoy a good coffee and taste almond wine, a typical dessert wine from Castelmola. After visiting the small village of Castelmola, the tour will take you to the historic center of Taormina. Described by many as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea," Taormina is one of the most fascinating places in Italy. Its Ancient Theater, one of the most evocative in the world, is suspended between the sky and the sea, with Mount Etna in the background, making the scenery unique. Strolling through its narrow streets, artisan shops, and lush gardens is an unforgettable experience that combines relaxation and culture. Starting from Porta Catania and walking along Corso Umberto, you can visit the Duomo with its splendid view of a Baroque fountain called 4 Fontane, the clock tower, or Porta di Mezzo. From Piazza IX Aprile, you will have an enchanting view of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, with a splendid view of Capo di Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos. Continuing along Corso Umberto towards Porta Messina, you will reach Palazzo Corvaja and the church of Santa Caterina, which stands above the ruins of the Odeon and a Greek temple. You can then visit the Greek Theater (ticket not included in the price), one of the most important ancient sites in Sicily. If you prefer, you will have free time to enjoy lunch in one of the many typical restaurants. After visiting Taormina, the tour will end in Messina, passing through one of the most beautiful and unique places in the city, the Cathedral of Messina, to admire the largest astronomical and astrological clock in the world.