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Taormina & Savoca

Shore Excursions

From the Port of Messina
Taormina & Savoca
Code : ME06
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

Our private shore excursion from Messina to Taormina and Savoca is an immersion in Sicily's most charming places and the stunning Ionian coastline. Taormina today is synonymous with sophistication and elegance, but its uniquely-Sicilian vibe can still be felt everywhere, most notably in the jaw-dropping Greek Theatre dating back to the 3rd Century BCE. In Savoca, one of "The Godfather" villages, you will step back in time to a slower, simpler way of living in addition to seeing the most iconic filming locations from Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpieces.

Features of this day trip to Taormina & Savoca:

  • Pickup at the cruise terminal
  • A relaxed-pace excursion with reasonable driving times (60-minutes to Taormina, the furthest point)
  • An air-conditioned vehicle with a professional, English-speaking driver
  • Taormina: ancient history, spectacular ruins, amazing panoramas, captivating architecture, beautiful boutiques
  • Savoca: genuine small-town Italy, breathtaking views, famous filming locations from "The Godfather"
  • Drop off at the ship


TAORMINA

Taormina is one of Sicily's loveliest villages and a VIP seaside destination. 

The Greeks inhabited this part of Italy almost eight centuries before Christ, and their flair for building public structures in spectacular locations is still on full display in Taormina, where the Greek Theatre sits on a promontory with the shimmering Ionian Sea and Mt. Etna as a backdrop. Nowadays, Taormina is a world-famous international resort thanks to its intimate atmosphere, natural beauty, great climate, rich culture, varied architecture, and ancient history.

One of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, the amphitheatre built by the Ancient Greeks and enlarged by the Romans is the archeological attraction in Taormina.  Even if you don’t care about ruins you will be wowed by the stunning coastal view with Mount Etna rising in the distance. Palazzo Corvaja is another interesting architectural point of interest. The most important medieval mansion in the city, it is a mixture of Arab, Gothic and Norman influences, and houses a museum of Sicilian arts and crafts.

On Corso Umberto, chic boutiques are complemented by handsome buildings, vine-covered balconies, and groovy places to sit and enjoy a beverage. On the giant checkerboard of Piazza IX Aprile, you will surely be wowed by the gorgeous panoramas and the mix of natural and man-made beauty that surrounds Taormina's main square.

Read more about Taormina and its other points of interest.


SAVOCA


The Medieval hamlet of Savoca, nestled in the hills above the Ionian Sea, is not only picturesque but also contains many points of interest in addition to the ones made famous by The Godfather.

The most iconic of The Godfather filming locations is, without a doubt, Bar Vitelli. This classic Italian cafè, where Michael Corleone first meets his future father-in-law after being smitten by Apollonia, is located right at the entrance to the village. Inside the bar, or on the patio framed by vines, enjoy a lemon granita while you peruse the collection of local artisans' tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola was filming.

The granita will give you a boost of energy you'll need for walking around the village (mostly uphill).  You will pass by several very old churches, most notably the church of San Nicolò, where Michael and Apollonia were married. 

Other interesting sites include the remains of Pentefur Castle, where you can take in magnificent views of the valley, and the Capuchin Convent, where mummies (really!) of prominent former citizens are at rest in the crypt.

Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle for your group only
  • Professional, English-speaking driver*
  • Live commentaries and explanations on-board
  • Flexible itinerary
  • Gas/tolls/parking fees
     

Not included:

  • Meals
  • Optional guide
  • Optional skip-the-line tickets
  • Tips
     


*What to expect from your driver on a private day trip or shore excursion:
Our drivers will share with you the facts and history of the places and monuments you will be seeing from inside the vehicle. Note that drivers in Italy are not permitted to share information once you have exited the vehicle, nor can they accompany you on foot. You will have the opportunity to stop in each area listed on the itinerary to explore on your own. We can arrange a private guide for you if you wish to be accompanied inside churches, archeological sites, and other points of interest (additional expense; refer to the Optional Items section, if present, or contact us for details).


Restrictions

  • The order of the sights visited may vary according to local conditions and opening hours.
  • Steep grades in Savoca.

Meeting Point

  • Your driver will be waiting for you at the ship in an area designated for private drivers, holding a sign with your name on it.

Faq

Is this tour private?

Yes, the excursion is for your group only. If you wish to join a shared tour to lower your costs, please ask about our small group shared excursions.

Is the driver also a guide?

Kindly note that our drivers are NOT licensed guides. Our drivers will share with you the facts and history of the places and monuments you will be seeing from inside the vehicle. Drivers in Italy are not permitted to share information once you have exited the vehicle, nor can they accompany you on foot. You will have the opportunity to stop in each area listed on the itinerary to explore on your own. We can arrange a private guide for you if you wish to be accompanied inside churches, archeological sites, and other points of interest.

Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?

No. Lunch, admission fees, and gratuities are not included in the rate.

What is the duration?

Up to 8 hours. No reductions in the rate will be given should you wish to shorten the service.

Do you guarantee timely return to the ship?

In over 35 years of business, we have never caused a client to miss the boat. We have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return to the ship on time.

Cancellation Policy

There will be a full charge made to your credit card for no-shows and bookings canceled with less than 72 hours notice, including the cost of any pre-purchased tickets. Pre-purchased tickets are not refundable under any circumstances.
 
Please keep us apprised of any problems or changes during your travels (flight delays and changes, missed connections, port changes, etc.) and we will do our best to adapt. If you are on a cruise ship and it does not come into port, your service will be annulled and no penalty will apply (with the exception of skip-the-line tickets; you will owe us for any entrance fees we have pre-paid on your behalf, regardless of circumstances.)





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