Taormina Castelmola : private cruise tour from Messina
Description
Don't waste time with the usual tourist traps! Join us by choosing one of our tours and we will overwhelm you with a whirlwind of emotions, legends, traditions and culture. You will feel part of the family, but with an extra touch of Sicilian charm.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience! Our tour will start from Messina, the ancient "gateway to Sicily", where history and modernity, legends and traditions, resilience and beauty come together. After our meeting, along the panoramic road that runs along the port in the shape of a sickle, you will be able to admire the statue of the Madonna della Lettera, patron saint of Messina that welcomes anyone arriving from the sea. From here will begin our tour to two jewels of our territory: Castelmola and Taormina.
Our first stop will be the charming medieval village of Castelmola, perched on a hill overlooking the landscape! Castelmola, which was once the site of an ancient Norman castle, is now known to host one of the most particular bars in the world: the Bar Turrisi! An authentic Sicilian landmark known for its unique furnishings. Here we will take a break to explore the cultural significance of the iconic phallic shapes used as bar decorations. Far from being vulgar, they are a vivid tribute to ancient Greek culture, symbolising the very essence of freedom, fertility and life. This is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of the famous almond wine along with delicious Sicilian cannoli.
Our journey will continue with the descent to the renowned "pearl of the Mediterranean": Taormina. Entering through the historic arch of Porta Catania. Immerse yourself in the city's rich past, exploring the spectacular Greco-Roman amphitheatre (ticket price not included in the tour), a masterpiece of ancient engineering with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea, and then head to the beautiful and magical Lady Florece Trevelyan Public Garden. Afterwards, strolling along Corso Umberto, the bustling main street and ancient decumanus, you will be surrounded by elegant boutiques, lively cafes, picturesque alleys and historic buildings that guard the true essence of the city. Finally, we will reach by car a strategic and unique vantage point to admire and photograph the breathtaking view of the iconic Isola Bella, leaving you with an indelible and unforgettable memory of our beautiful land.
After our visit to Taormina, we will return to Messina, where time and energy permitting you can be fascinated by the historic center of the city and especially by the bell tower of the Duomo, which houses one of the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clocks in Europe. At the end of the day we will take you back to the starting point with the hope of having given you a day full of emotions in our company.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Arrived at the port of Messina the meeting with travelers will take place at the exit of gate 5. One of our drivers will be there to welcome them with a sign with their name on it. The start and end time of the tour is to be agreed at least 24h in advance based on the arrival and departure of the cruise ship.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(261)
Peria ,our guide and Fulvio our driver were excellent. Peria was full of information about the history and the historical places that we visited. Her knowledge base was extraordinary. She made it fun as well as gastronomically fulfilling.
Great day!! We visited a few different cities. Taormina was amazing and we finished the day at Tao beach club!
Fantastic tour with Fulvio and Kimberley, highly recommend our time in Taormina and Castemola ❤️
Have just had the most amazing day with Marisa as our guide. Her knowledge and passion for her home town shines. Marisa worked with our group so well and the food places we went to were so delicious. This company was very easy to book with and lots of contact with me in the booking process. Absolutely recommend Thank you.
We had the most wonderful day in Sicily with Alessandro and Marissa, visiting Castelmola, Taormina and Messina. From the very beginning, it was clear that they weren't just there to give us a tour - they wanted to give us a truly memorable experience. We started in beautiful Castelmola, where they took us to what must be the best bar in town. The story behind it is absolutely hilarious - ask Marissa to tell you the story! We had a lovely drink there, tried the original cannoli and, most importantly, had a lot of laughs together. Taormina was another highlight. It is absolutely beautiful, and Marissa brought the history to life with all the stories and details she shared with us. And then, on the way back, Alessandro and Marissa somehow transformed our tour van into a driving karaoke bus! J'& We sang along to some of the most famous Italian songs, which was such a fun and unexpected part of the day. And as if that wasn't enough, they took us for gelato after the tour - the perfect finishing touch to an already perfect day. If you're looking for a day in Sicily that feels personal, fun and full of genuine local experiences, I would 100% recommend Alessandro and Marissa. They have different tours available, so definitely check them out and find the experience that's perfect for you. Thank you both for such a fantastic day - we will remember it for a long time! And when we're back in Sicily, we will definitely book another tour with you!
We had the most wonderful day in Sicily with Alessandro and Marissa, visiting Castelmola, Taormina and Messina. From the very beginning, it was clear that they weren’t just there to give us a tour — they wanted to give us a truly memorable experience. We started in beautiful Castelmola, where they took us to what must be the best bar in town. The story behind it is absolutely hilarious — ask Marissa to tell you the story! 😂 We had a lovely drink there, tried the original cannoli and, most importantly, had a lot of laughs together. Taormina was another highlight. It is absolutely beautiful, and Marissa brought the history to life with all the stories and details she shared with us. And then, on the way back, Alessandro and Marissa somehow transformed our tour van into a driving karaoke bus! 🎶😂 We sang along to some of the most famous Italian songs, which was such a fun and unexpected part of the day. And as if that wasn’t enough, they took us for gelato after the tour — the perfect finishing touch to an already perfect day. 🍦 If you’re looking for a day in Sicily that feels personal, fun and full of genuine local experiences, I would 100% recommend Alessandro and Marissa. They have different tours available, so definitely check them out and find the experience that’s perfect for you. Thank you both for such a fantastic day — we will remember it for a long time! And when we’re back in Sicily, we will definitely book another tour with you! ❤️🇮🇹
Kimberly and Fabrizio were a great! They took us to Castelmola and Taormina. Kimberly was a very informative guide and Fabrizio was a great driver & photographer. He always had cold waters ready and never a minute late! Kimberly gave us 3 recommendations while we were in Taormina - Street food, gelato, and a beautiful garden. We did a half day tour due to the time and constraints and it was very nice. They even had a surprise for us in Castelmola- it was very funny and delicious!
Fantastic experience with Isabel and Fulvio. Everything was at our pace and they were so helpful with one of our party that struggled with the walking. Our sightseeing was beautiful and we all enjoyed our personal experience.
We had a driver and a translator go along. Driver parked in areas alliowed and the translator toured us around wherever we wanted to go. She was very personable and positive. She changed the itinerary to accommodate what we wanted to do all day. Customer service was top-notch and they were very pleasant with a beautiful van that took us all over the area. We went to Casteloma and it was beautiful with a stop for cannoli and panoramic views. Then we toured the theatre in Taormina , shopped and had a good Italian meal. I don’t do too many reviews unless it is a tour worth booking for others to enjoy! Don’t think twice just book it!
This was our second visit to Sicily, and there was never a question about who we wanted to spend the day with. We specifically requested Alessandro because our first experience with him was so unforgettable. We didn’t want to see Sicily with anyone else. What began as a guide-client relationship has truly become a friendship. Alessandro welcomed our family back with such warmth that it felt like we were reuniting with family rather than meeting a tour guide. His kindness, generosity, and genuine care for every member of our family are simply extraordinary. His knowledge of Sicily is incredible, but what makes him so special is his heart. He doesn’t just show you the sights—he shares the soul of Sicily. Every stop has a story, every recommendation is thoughtful, and every moment is tailored to create memories that will last a lifetime. Marissa was equally wonderful and made our day even more special. Together they are an exceptional team, ensuring every detail is seamless while making you feel completely relaxed and cared for. After traveling extensively around the world, I can honestly say Alessandro is one of the finest guides we have ever had. If you’re looking for someone who is professional, passionate, knowledgeable, and truly invested in making your day unforgettable, look no further. Thank you, Alessandro and Marissa, for another incredible day. Thank you for treating us like family, for sharing your beautiful island with such pride, and for creating memories we will treasure forever. We didn’t just leave Sicily with beautiful photographs—we left with lifelong friends. We cannot wait to return for a third visit, and when we do, there is only one person we will call. With heartfelt gratitude, The Hess Family ★★★★★
