To receive a
quotation for the following excursions we need to know:
your choice + the date required and number of people in your group
Taormina
& Messina
from 20 euro per person
Duration: Approximately 4 - 5 hours
After meeting your professionally-trained guide,
set out on the one hour drive to Taormina. Perched on the side of a hill
overlooking the sea, the town has a delightful character. Upon arrival,
your walking tour will begin with a brief exterior visit to the famous
15th-century Palazzo Corvaia. This building, indicative of the
architectural style of the period, is adorned with classic double
windows.
Your guide will take you to scenic lookouts of
Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos, point out the municipal buildings and
the maze of staircase “streets” that intertwine in this predominately
pedestrian only hillside town.
You will then have approximately one hour of free
time to grab a coffee or hot chocolate or explore the many shops that
line Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street. As well as being a resort
town with boutiques of European fashion, you will also see many shops
that offer the local Sicilian pottery. For guests up to the climb, during the free time,
your guide will lead an optional tour of the impressive Greek Theater,
known for its stunning location. This Roman-style theater was
reconstructed in the 2nd century AD. It has marvelous acoustics which
allow performances of classical plays to still be held in the theater.
To reach the theater requires climbing several uneven, steep stone
steps. To access the upper part of the theater also involves climbing
uneven steps. For those willing to do it, you will be rewarded with
impressive views. Guests wishing to visit the theater are responsible
for their own admission which is 8 euro.
After free time, you will meet your guide at the
designated location and walk back to your vehicle. From here, you will
drive back to the city of Messina for a brief orientation. With a
history dating back to the 8th century B.C., Messina has been sacked,
seized, or conquered by Carthaginians, Memertines, Goths, Arabs, Normans
and English to name a few, but their spirit was never defeated. In more
recent times, the city was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake
and tsunami in 1908, which killed over 60,000 people and destroyed most
of the ancient architecture. Further damage was added by the massive
Allied air bombardments of 1943, which caused thousands of deaths. Your driver will take you along Messina’s main
street, the Via Garibaldi. You will see the Vittorio Emanuele Theater,
the Town Hall, the church of Catalani, the Court and the university.
Before returning to the ship, a photo stop will be made at the Cathedral
Square to view the church, the Orion Fountain and the world’s largest
Astronomical clock, with more than 33,000 gears and moving parts. Guests
wishing to remain in the downtown area will be responsible for their own
transportation back to the pier.
Note: The tour of Taormina is entirely on foot and is not suitable for
persons with walking difficulties.
Comfortable walking shoes are
recommended.
Gods Father & Taormina
from 20 euro per person Duration: Approximately 6
- 7 hours
Departure Points: Docks
of Messina.
In this Tour you will enjoy an introduction to the real Sicily,
exploring the town of Savoca – the notorious backdrop of “The Godfather”
with our local expert Professional Guide. It offers real insight into
the island’s local culture and everyday life.
Arriving in the simple hillside village of Savoca is like taking a step
back in time. Although recorded with its present name in 1415, the town
probably dates back to the early 12th century, when a Norman Fortress
was built here.
While the town is beautiful and historic,
it owes its real fame to Al Pacino and the rest of the cast of “The
Godfather.” You will follow their footsteps, stopping for a lemon
Granita at the famous corner Bar Vitelli, one of Coppola's favorite
spots, appearing many times throughout the film. You’ll then make our
way to the church of St. Lucy, where Apollonia and Michael’s wedding was
shot.
Your Godfather
tour also takes you on a tour of Taormina, the highlight of this tour in
Sicily. You’ll explore this beautiful town, situated on a rocky plateau
of the steep Monte Tauro, which dominates the Ionian coast,
with Etna rising majestically in the background. Downtown Taormina
represents a variety of historical periods, from early Greek and Roman
settlements, to Byzantine and Medieval remains, up to 15th-century
Catalan buildings and 17th-century Baroque churches. You can stroll
Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto, with its art and
designer shops, Baroque churches and Palazzos, and get a
glimpse of the breathtaking Greek theatre facing the sea.
Your tour guide will make suggestions where you can have an excellent
meal.
NOTE: ALL our shore excursions in Sicily
can be fully customized to include your desired destinations and
activities.