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Messina To Catania, Castelmola & Riviera Dei Ciclopi Shore Excursion (Private Tour From Messina )

Shore Excursions

From the Port of Messina
Messina To Catania, Castelmola & Riviera Dei Ciclopi Shore Excursion (Private Tour From Messina )
Code : ME02
Type : Private Tours

Duration : 8 Hours

Price tag Starting From:
*78.13 €
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Adults (15 - 64)
Kids (4 - 14)
Senior > 64
Infant (0 - 3)

Description

You’ll see a real variety of Sicily on this private shore excursion from Messina to Catania, the Riviera dei Ciclopi, and Castelmola. This day combines the natural beauty of the coastline, the grandeur of Catania, and the panoramic views from Castelmola—always with flexible pacing and smooth logistics.

Cruise guests: we coordinate your route around docking and all-aboard times for a relaxed day ashore (see cruise arrival instructions) and a safe return with our on-time return guarantee.


Quick Facts

  • Tour type: Private shore excursion
  • Pickup: Messina Port (or Messina city/hotel)
  • Duration: 8 hours (scraped from your website)
  • Main stops: CataniaRiviera dei Ciclopi (Aci Castello / Aci Trezza), Castelmola
  • Vehicle: Private A/C vehicle with English-speaking driver

Highlights

  • Explore elegant Catania: Baroque squares, churches, and historic streets
  • Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Catania’s famous fish market
  • Discover the myth-and-legend coastline of the Riviera dei Ciclopi
  • Stop in Castelmola, one of Italy’s prettiest villages, for unforgettable panoramas
  • Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and ship schedule

Port Pickup & On-Time Return

Pickup and drop-off at Messina Port. Please share your ship name, docking time, and all-aboard time (if available) so we can plan the best routing and timing. We build the day to ensure a comfortable return to the pier with our on-time return guarantee.


Suggested Itinerary (8 Hours – Flexible & Customizable)

Your driver will adjust timing based on your ship schedule and your preferred pace.

  • Pickup at Messina Port (see cruise arrival instructions)
  • Drive to Catania for a walking-friendly visit of the historic center
    • Typical highlights: Piazza del DuomoCathedral of Saint Agata, and time to experience the fish market atmosphere
  • Continue to the Riviera dei Ciclopi area
    • Scenic stops around Aci Castello and Aci Trezza, with views of the famous sea stacks (Faraglioni) tied to local legend
  • Head up to Castelmola for panoramic views over the coast, Taormina, and Mount Etna in the distance
  • Return to Messina with our on-time return guarantee

Why book with DriverInRome


What You’ll See

  • Catania: Baroque architecture, historic squares, and local street life
  • The famous fish market atmosphere (seasonal/day-dependent)
  • Riviera dei Ciclopi coastline views near Aci Castello and Aci Trezza
  • Castelmola: panoramic terrace views over the bay and surrounding landmarks

Cruising to other ports in Italy? Here are a few popular options:
Civitavecchia shore excursions
Livorno (Florence) shore excursions
Naples shore excursions

Cruising to multiple ports? Share your itinerary and we’ll help you plan the smoothest, most time-efficient days ashore.


Optional customization

  • Spend more time in Catania (architecture, markets, photography)
  • Add a longer scenic stop along the Riviera dei Ciclopi for sea views and a relaxed break
  • Extra time in Castelmola (views, café stop, light shopping)
  • Licensed guide on request (where applicable)

More shore excursions from your port:

See all Messina shore excursions

Included

Included

  • Private A/C vehicle
  • English-speaking driver
  • Pickup and drop-off
  • Flexible itinerary management

Not included

  • Entrance fees (if any)
  • Licensed guide on foot (available on request)
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

What to expect from your driver

Our drivers provide commentary from inside the vehicle about the major highlights. They are not licensed guides on foot and cannot accompany you inside sites. Licensed guides can be arranged on request.

Restrictions

  • Moderate walking (historic centers, viewpoints)
  • Some steep streets/steps in hill towns like Castelmola
  • Mobility needs must be shared in advance
  • Child seats available on request

Meeting Point

  • Messina Port pickup (if arriving by cruise) — your driver will be waiting at the dock holding a sign with your name
  • Please do not take any shuttle unless we specifically instruct you to do so
  • Messina city/hotel pickup (or agreed meeting point) for non-cruise guests
  • Exact instructions confirmed after booking

Faq

Is Castelmola worth visiting?

Yes—Castelmola is a small medieval hill village known for its panoramic views over the coast and the surrounding area. It’s a great stop for photos and a relaxed break.

What is the Riviera dei Ciclopi and what will we see there?

It’s a scenic stretch of coastline near Aci Castello and Aci Trezza, famous for sea views and local legend. You’ll enjoy viewpoints and short stops along the coast.

What are the must-see highlights in Catania on a short visit?

Most guests focus on the historic center, including Piazza del Duomo and the cathedral area, plus time to experience the local market atmosphere if timing allows.

Is this tour private?

Yes, this is a private shore excursion operated exclusively for your party.

Is the driver also a guide?

Our English-speaking drivers are not licensed guides. They provide commentary from inside the vehicle but cannot accompany you inside sites. Licensed guides can be arranged on request.

Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?

No. Only licensed guides can accompany you inside sites. Your driver will stay with the vehicle.

Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?

No, lunch and tickets are not included. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations if you’d like help planning.

What is the duration of the tour?

The duration is 8 hours, including pickup and drop-off.

Is the itinerary flexible?

Yes. The itinerary is flexible within reason, and we can adjust timing based on your interests and ship schedule.

Do you guarantee the return to the ship on time?

Yes. In almost 30 years of business, we have never missed a ship, and we plan itineraries to ensure an on-time return.

Is gratuity included in the price?

No. Tips are never included. If you choose to tip, it’s a personal gesture based on how much you enjoyed the service.

Cancellation Policy

There will be a full charge for bookings canceled with less than 72-hour notice for any service required. If the ship does not make it to the pier due to bad weather, no charge will be made. A full charge will be made for no-shows. Only pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets (if requested) are not refundable and will be charged.

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