Private Tour
Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This tour is suitable for cruisers who have little time but who want to see the main attractions of Eastern Sicily.
* Personal pick-up from next to your ship
* Personal drop-off at the end of the tour – 100% on time
* Touring in a mini-van for minimal walking and access to sites
* Touring with an English speaking driver-guide
* Guiding services in one language only
* High quality and personal experience
* Tour duration : 6 - 8 hours
* Worry free shore excursion
* Money back if your ship does not dock
* Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Craters Silvestri of Mount Etna
A beautiful walk on the craters where it will be possible to admire the east coast of Sicily from 2000m of height.
Castelmola
You can admire the view from this beautiful Borgo famous for the almond wine that you can enjoy in some small characteristic bars.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees to museums, theaters, restaurants and tips (optional)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina
Pickup included
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful places with a great guide!
adhicks,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We stopped in Messina on a cruise and my sister-in-law had booked this excursion. We had an amazing experience! Sonia was an amazing tour guide and was so sweet, personable and knowledgeable! She was very sweet to my son and made sure we were all safe while at Mt. Etna. Along with the beautiful places we went, we really wanted to eat at a restaurant with homemade pasta and she was able to make that happen and get us a last minute reservation. Giancarlo was our driver and was also fantastic! He had installed the car seat for my toddler perfectly (which is a huge deal to me) and was such a safe driver. He was also extremely sweet and so good with my son! We had a perfect day and I would absolutely recommend this excursion for anyone! You will be in great hands with Sonia and Giancarlo!
Excellent Tour!
Theresa L,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sonia, our tour guide was awesome! Very friendly and easy to get along with. She catered to our wants for this trip and made us feel so comfortable throughout. A shout out to Juan Carlo, our driver, for not only being an expert driver but being so kind so our 3 year old nephew. This tour was beautiful! Sonia even went out of the way to recommend a place to eat that did homemade pasta. It did not disappoint!
Perfect tour
L4223FLmassimob,,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was the perfect mix of nature, history, and charming Sicilian towns. We went up to Mount Etna and stopped at the Silvestri Craters, which were incredible to walk around and easy to access. The scenery was surreal — black lava fields and views all the way to the sea! Afterwards, we had free time in Taormina to explore Corso Umberto, and had a wonderful lunch. The last stop, Castelmola, was such a hidden gem — quiet, authentic, and with panoramic views of Etna and the coast. We got to try pistacho gelato, to dfie for. A wonderful, well-paced day that gave us a real taste of Sicily. Thanks to our guide Sonia and driver Giancarlo.
It really is the Best Tour!
Julyd1978,,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came back this October without the cruiseship for another amazing experience with Erika and Filippo, this time bringing other couples of friends with us to see Mount Etna for the first time, and then Taormina, and Castelmola. Erika was, as always, incredibly knowledgeable and full of passion for her island, she explained everything about Mount Etna with such warmth and enthusiasm that you can’t help but fall in love with Sicily all over again. Filippo is the perfect driver: kind, patient, and always making sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. The views from Etna were breathtaking, Taormina was as charming as ever, and Castelmola was the perfect final touch with its quiet beauty and stunning panorama. Thank you both, hope to see you once again!
To be redone
simonen841,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful experience with the family Sonia is an amazing person! His energy and enthusiasm are contagious. He did a fantastic job, exceeding our expectations. His professionalism and kindness were evident at all times. I can only recommend Sonia to anyone looking for someone reliable and competent.
Great experience, as mentioned above I would do it again
ORINDJRJ,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experience lived great, I would recommend it to anyone, I personally 100% satisfied, I would do it again. I emphasize that the driver Giancarlo person of great experience and safe driving, the guide Sonia great beautiful charming woman, polite and very prepared in the various explanations. Congratulations to everyone.
Pure Magic
R3257FWmariam,,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Taormina is pure magic! The Greek Theatre is breathtaking with the sea and Mount Etna in the background. After wandering the pretty streets full of ceramics and little shops, we took a short trip up to Castelmola. The view from up there is unbelievable — you can see the whole coastline! Our tour guide Sonia was very informative with history and legends. Definitely worth the climb.
Transparency and seriousness
Felipa P,,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sicily best Tuor a guarantee and seriousness Filippo presents very well and his way of driving is silent, places to visit with the like tour company .my advice is to book beforehand so as not to have surprises when arriving with people who offer Service not legal , and when you book it is advisable to be very well informed because many are given by professionals and in reality they do not even know how to speak Spanish.
Filipo is the best!!
julietamS2503KL,,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Filipo took our family of 5 with on a day tour trough the crater at Etna, Castelmora, Taormina, the atronomical clock and even a quick stop at the beach! We couln't have done all that if it were not for the best driver we could have gotten: Filipo! He made the hour drive journey to Etna very pleasant with a very entertaining chat and made us feel welcome! The kids were eager to get their feet in the ocean and managed to squeeze that into the tour even tough we had to be at the port by 3pm! He made the best out of the little time we had! I would highly recomend him!!!
Great Tour and absolutely best Guide !
Carlos M,,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience on the tour, especially thanks to the excellent service from our guide, Filipo. He taught us a lot with great patience and kindness. I highly recommend it!
Related Experiences
Operated by Sicily Best Tour