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Taormina & Mount Etna Shore Excursion (Private Tour From Giardini-Naxos / Taormina)

Shore Excursions

From the Port of Taormina
Taormina & Mount Etna Shore Excursion (Private Tour From Giardini-Naxos / Taormina)
Code : TA01
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

 Tour Description

Experience the stunning natural beauty and rich history of Sicily on this private shore excursion from Giardini-Naxos (Taormina) to Mount Etna and the charming town of Taormina. Enjoy personalized pacing and breathtaking views throughout the day.


Quick Facts

  • Tour type: Private shore excursion
  • Pickup: Giardini-Naxos / Taormina area
  • Duration: 8 hours (flexible)
  • Main stops: Mount EtnaTaormina
  • Vehicle: Private A/C vehicle with English-speaking driver

Highlights

  • Explore the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.
  • Visit the picturesque town of Taormina, including the Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Ionian coast and surrounding countryside.
  • Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and timing.

Port Pickup & On-Time Return

Please share:

  • Ship name
  • Docking time
  • All-aboard time

We plan the itinerary to ensure a smooth day and on-time return.


Suggested Itinerary (Flexible)

Pickup
Meet your driver at the agreed meeting point in Giardini-Naxos / Taormina area (see
cruise arrival instructions).

Stop 1: Mount Etna
Explore the volcanic landscapes, enjoy short walks, and learn about the geology and history of this iconic volcano.

Stop 2: Taormina
Visit the historic town center, including the ancient Greek Theatre, and stroll along Corso Umberto with its shops and cafes.

Return
Relax on the scenic drive back to your meeting point, confident in
our on-time return guarantee.

Shore excursion reassurance: timing is planned around your ship schedule, with a smooth itinerary designed for an on-time return to the pier.


Why book with DriverInRome

  • Licensed & insured operator
  • Experienced English-speaking drivers
  • Clear logistics and flexible pacing
  • Thousands of positive reviews on major travel platforms
    Learn more about us on our 
    About Us page.

What You’ll See

  • Volcanic craters and lava fields of Mount Etna
  • Historic Greek Theatre in Taormina
  • Panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and coastline
  • Charming streets and piazzas of Taormina

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

  • Longer hiking time on Mount Etna
  • Extra time in Taormina for shopping or dining
  • Licensed guide for historical sites on request

More shore excursions from your port:
TA02 - Catania, Riviera Dei Ciclopi & Castelmola Shore Excursion 
TA03 - Godfather Towns, Savoca & Forza D Agro Shore Excursion 
See all Taormina shore excursions

Included

Included

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

Not included

  • Entrance fees
  • 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 depending on your pace
  • Uneven ground and volcanic terrain on Mount Etna
  • Weather on Etna can change quickly (wind, cooler temperatures at altitude)
  • Site opening hours may affect the order of stops
  • Traffic conditions may impact timing
  • Please advise us in advance about mobility needs
  • Child seats available on request
  • Crowds in Taormina

Meeting Point

  • Giardini-Naxos / Taormina area: Your driver will meet you at the agreed pickup point holding a sign with your name
  • (If you are arriving by ship, please share ship details and we will confirm the exact meeting instructions.)

Faq

Can you visit Mount Etna and Taormina in one day?

Yes—this is exactly why this itinerary is so popular. With a private driver and an 8-hour plan, you can enjoy a meaningful stop on Mount Etna (typically the Silvestri Craters area) and still have time to explore Taormina’s historic center. We manage the timing carefully so the day feels smooth, not rushed.

How long does it take to get from Taormina (Giardini-Naxos) to Mount Etna?

Drive time varies depending on traffic and the exact route/altitude we choose, but it’s a comfortable day trip. Because this is private, we can adjust the schedule on the day based on conditions—especially if weather on Etna changes.

How hard is the walk on Mount Etna? Do I need hiking experience?

You don’t need to be a hiker for the standard stop (Silvestri Craters area). Most guests do fine with a normal fitness level, as long as they wear comfortable shoes. The ground can be uneven and dusty, and it can be windy/cool at altitude—so we recommend layers.

What should I wear to visit Mount Etna?

We recommend closed-toe shoes with a good sole (sneakers are usually fine) and a light jacket or layers, even in warmer months. Etna is much cooler than the coast, and wind is common. If you’re visiting in colder seasons, warmer clothing is important.

Is Taormina worth visiting if we only have a couple of hours?

Yes. Even a shorter visit can be fantastic because Taormina is compact and very scenic. Many guests focus on the highlights—Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile, and viewpoints—and it still feels like a “wow” stop. If you want to include the Greek Theatre, we’ll help you plan the timing.

Are tickets included for the Taormina Greek Theatre (or other sites)?

No, entrance fees are not included. If visiting the Greek Theatre is a must for you, tell us in advance so we can plan the best timing and reduce waiting.

Is the driver also a guide? Will they guide us inside sites?

Your driver is an English-speaking professional and can share an overview from inside the vehicle. Due to Italian regulations, drivers are not licensed guides on foot and cannot guide inside monuments or archaeological sites. If you want a deeper guided visit, we can arrange a licensed guide on request.

Do you guarantee an on-time return?

Yes. We plan the itinerary around ship schedules and organize the day to ensure an on-time return to the port. You can rely on our guarantee for punctuality and peace of mind.

Is gratuity included? What is a good tip in Italy?

Tips are never included. Tip only if you truly enjoyed the service. As a general guideline: 10% is good, 15% is great, and 20% is exceptional. If anyone ever pressures you for a tip, please let us know.

Is this tour private?

Yes. This is a private shore excursion operated exclusively for your party, with your own driver and private, air-conditioned vehicle. Learn more about our fleet to see the vehicles we use.

Can you customize the itinerary on the day?

Yes, the itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted within reason based on your preferences.

Cancellation Policy

There will be a full charge for bookings canceled with less than 72-hour notice for any service required. In this case, a full charge will be made on your credit card.

If you miss your flight or if your airline decides to cancel the flight due to bad weather or if your flight is directed to another airport on arrival, please advise us on time (as soon as you know) or a full charge will be made.

Please give us enough time so we can accept other reservations and allocate them to our chauffeurs.

If the ship does not make it to the pier for bad weather, you will not be considered responsible so NO CHARGE will be made to your credit card.

A full charge will be made for a no-show-up.

Only pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets (if requested) are not refundable under the circumstance and will be charged to your card.

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