Private Tour
Messina Private excursion Taormina and Castelmola
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The tour departs from the cruise terminal towards Castelmola (approximately 45 minutes by road).
Castelmola is a small village on the top of Taormina with a wonderful view of Mount Etna.
After about an hour we move to Taormina, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, reachable only on foot and full of shops and restaurants.
After about 2 or 3 hours we return to Messina, but not before a nice panoramic tour of Isola Bella.
As a last stop, we will visit the Sanctuary of Christ the King, a panoramic point over the Strait of Messina, and the Duomo cathedral, where you can admire the largest astronomical clock in Europe.
The timetable is designed to make the most of your time in Sicily and to be perfectly on time with the cruise ship.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
Castelmola
A small village, rich in Norman and Baroque culture, on the top of Taormina with a wonderful view of Mount Etna.
Taormina
Taormina is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, characterized by a mix of different cultures. A favorite destination for tourists, it can only be reached on foot and is full of shops and restaurants.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Messina Private excursion Taormina and Castelmola
Pickup included
Reviews
122 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour!
V3153YCkristinw,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Pari, was so knowledgeable and fun. Our driver, Alberto, was fantastic. This tour was one of the highlights of our two week vacation! I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Sicily!
The Perfect Taormina Day
Janel V,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Paria and Alberto were terrific. The tour was beautiful and interesting with just the right balance of guiding and having time on your own. Taormina is beautiful and well worth the trip, especially the Greek theater and views of Mt Etna, Taormina and Ionian Sea. An added bonus of stopping in Castelmola was great, and we sampled the perfect cannoli. We were there in January so crowds were low and weather was cool and breezy. That's our sweet spot for travel. Alberto's kind personality and Paria's bubbly enthusiasm were the icing on the cake.
The perfect Taormina day
janelv2026,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paria and Alberto were terrific. The tour was beautiful and interesting with just the right balance of guiding and having time on your own. Taormina is beautiful and well worth the trip, especially the Greek theater and views of Mt Etna, Taormina and Ionian Sea. An added bonus of stopping in Castelmola was great, and we sampled the perfect cannoli. We were there in January so crowds were low and weather was cool and breezy. That's our sweet spot for travel. Alberto's kind personality and Paria's bubbly enthusiasm were the icing on the cake.
Outstanding private excursion to Taormina & Castelmola
Daydream28075554964,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful private excursion from Messina to Taormina and Castelmola. From start to finish, everything was smooth, well organized, and truly enjoyable. Our driver Alberto was excellent — warm, professional, and very accommodating. He made the ride comfortable and stress-free and was always attentive to our needs. Our guide Serena was equally fantastic: knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely caring. She made the experience informative and entertaining, and she was especially thoughtful and patient with the kids, which made a big difference for our family. Taormina is an absolutely beautiful town, full of life, charm, and a unique kind of magic. We loved it so much that we’re already talking about coming back. Castelmola was a perfect complement, with stunning views and a more peaceful atmosphere. Overall, this was a seamless, memorable experience. We felt well taken care of at every moment and couldn’t have asked for a better driver and guide. Highly recommended!
Good trip
482soniag,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The trip overall was good! I booked a private tour for me and my parents. The one part I found weird was that our guide said that we shouldn’t go on the cable car at Mt. Etna, because it was a very far walk and that there was no parking lot there, and so they wouldn’t be able to drive us there. When I googled this, I saw that there is indeed a parking lot, and a restaurant there. When I mentioned this, they said they will take us there. Not sure how the guide didn’t know this (or if they just didn’t want to wait for us while we took the cable car). Other than that, it was a good trip.
Fantastic Trip with our wonderful Guide Fluvio
Lorraine E,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day visiting beautiful towns in Sicily. The scenery was out of this World. We had a Wonderful Guide and Driver Fluvio.Who gave us a wonderful Sicilian welcome and sharing all his knowledge of this beautiful area. It was such a privilege to be given so much care and attention. We had so much fun on this trip ,making wonderful memories. We are still talking about the wonderful day we had . Thank you Fluvio
Memorable and stress free tour from Messina to Taormina
WVdiner,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alberto and Marisa were absolutely wonderful! From the moment they arrived — 20 minutes early in a spotless, comfortable van — we knew we were in great hands. Communication was excellent throughout, and they tailored the entire day to our pace and interests. Marisa was warm, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable, leading us through hidden spots we never would have found on our own — from a lively local market to a unique bar known for its playful (not offensive!) phallic décor, where we enjoyed cannoli and local dessert wine with a stunning view of the sea. The walking route was planned perfectly to accommodate our mobility needs, and pickup and drop-off at the ship were seamless and stress-free. Alberto provided great local insights, and their restaurant recommendation for lunch was outstanding. By the end of the day, we felt like we had spent time with new Sicilian friends. This tour was one of the highlights of our cruise — highly recommended!
Absolutely Beautiful!!!
Brandon C,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a beautiful tour! We were simply amazed with the beauty of these places. Our guide, Perry and driver, Alberto were extremely hospitable and felt like family by the end of the tour. We had an incredible lunch (best in our 2 week trip in Europe) at Mama Rosa’s. Wow! We would recommend this 10/10 times!!
Tour of Taormina and Castelmola
241audreep,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was absolutely amazing! We had four adults and one baby! We got to see some of the most beautiful views and spent time eating and shopping in charming Taormina. Highly recommend Mama Rosa — the food and service were both incredible! Our wonderful guide, Paria, was amazing — she treated us like family and made sure we saw all the best spots. Alberto, our driver, was just as fantastic! He always opened the door, helped with our stroller and bags, and even offered us water whenever we needed it. We can’t recommend touring with Alberto and Paria enough! We’re already counting down the days until we can come back!
Best Day in Sicily
Roving628715,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a wonderful time with Paria and Alberto! Paria was so very knowledgeable and told us all of the history of Sicily as she toured us around to all of the best places. We had a wonderful lunch at Mama Rosa, Gelato in the city and Canolo on a mountain top. She knew all of the best places for photo ops. I highly recommend them. We came as visitors and parted as familia ❤️
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