Things to Do in
Messina

A tour with Alessandro can be special for several reasons, especially if the focus is on the quality of the experience and the authenticity of the explorations. Here are some elements that could make a tour with him unique: 1. In-depth knowledge of Sicilian History and Culture Alessandro could have a thorough knowledge of Sicilian history, art and culture, offering participants an authentic immersion in local tradition. This makes the tour not only a visual experience, but also a cultural one, with little-known historical details and tales enriching the visit. 2. Authentic and Local Experiences One aspect that could distinguish Alessandro’s tour is access to authentic experiences that are often not included in mass tours. This could mean visits to small villages, tastings of local products such as cannoli and almond wine.

Immerse yourself in a private pasta-making class at a local's home, learn the secrets of the region's most famous pasta dishes and taste the fruit of your labour accompanied by a selection of local wine. During the lesson, the local home cook will reveal the tricks of the trade of 3 authentic regional pasta recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. Each participant will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of red and white local wines. This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of 1000+ home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

Meet your private driver right at the port of Messina and begin a scenic journey south along the coast toward the enchanting hilltop town of Taormina. Upon arrival, spend the morning exploring on your own its charming cobblestone streets, elegant boutiques, and stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Don’t miss a visit to the ancient Greek Theatre, one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks. Around lunchtime, enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional trattoria with a terrace overlooking the sea, savoring local specialties like pasta alla norma and fresh seafood. After lunch, your driver will take you further uphill to the picturesque village of Castelmola, perched even higher above Taormina, where you can wander quiet lanes, sip a glass of almond wine, and take in breathtaking panoramic views. You'll have time to relax, explore at your own pace, and soak in the Sicilian charm before your return drive to Messina in the late afternoon.

Etna and Wine is a combination that is more than just an excursion, it is a journey through the most authentic flavors and volcanic landscapes of Sicily. What makes Lady Etna tour unique is the multisensory experience it offers. You will walk through lava flows and silent craters, hear millennial stories of fire and earth, and at the end you will toast with fine wines born right from the volcano. Our tour combines the strength of Etna's nature with the warmth of local wine traditions, with visits to selected wineries and tastings guided by experts. It is an authentic, intense experience, designed for those who want to experience Etna with all their senses. Our guides, are ready to make you live a unique experience. During the tasting at the winery, alcohol will be served exclusively to participants aged 21 and over. In case of presence of children, a tasting experience will be proposed with a special non-alcoholic menu.

Immerse yourself in a private cooking class at the Cesarina's home,  learn the secrets of the most famous dishes of Messina cuisine and taste the fruit of your labour accompanied by a glass of local wine. During the lesson, the Cesarina will reveal the tricks of the trade of 3 authentic regional recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. Each participant will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of red and white local wines. Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of 1000+ home cooks all over the country in more than 120 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

The tour will be a private tour you will live the experience of knowing the most representative places of the Godfather Film, having in addition the possibility to visit Taormina the pearl of the Ionian coast of Sicily, all receiving information on the places you will visit in edge of a comfortable and elegant mini van.

This tour is suitable for cruisers who have little time but who want to see the main attractions of Eastern Sicily. * Personal pick-up from next to your ship * Personal drop-off at the end of the tour – 100% on time * Touring in a mini-van for minimal walking and access to sites * Touring with an English speaking driver-guide * Guiding services in one language only * High quality and personal experience * Tour duration : 6 - 8 hours * Worry free shore excursion * Money back if your ship does not dock * Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Don't waste time with the usual tourist traps! Join us by choosing one of our tours and we will overwhelm you with a whirlwind of emotions, legends, traditions and culture. You will feel part of the family, but with an extra touch of Sicilian charm.

The service starts from the pre-established meeting place with the customer (preferably on Messina). Once we leave we will go to SAVOCA famous city where they shot the scenes of the movie THE GODFATHER with visit BAR VALLELLI. Next we will move to Taormina, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Italy. There, travelers will descend to Porta Catania, the gateway to the center of Taormina and so they can walk along Corso Umberto, visit shops, visit the famous ancient Greek-Roman theater, taste typical Sicilian cuisine and more. After the tour in Taormina we will meet again where we left off, that is Porta Catania and we will return to the arrival point agreed with the customer, which in the event that it was the city of Messina, travelers can also visit the Shrine of Christ the King, which overlooks the Strait of Messina and the Cathedral of the Cathedral, where the largest astronomical clock in Europe is located.

Don't waste time with the usual tourist traps! Join us by choosing one of our tours and we will overwhelm you with a whirlwind of emotions, legends, traditions and culture. You will feel part of the family, but with an extra touch of Sicilian charm.

The tour allows people who have little time available to visit the most suggestive places of the Ionian coast of Sicily by mixing history, landscapes and culture. You will see the splendid panoramas of Etna, you will admire the town of Savoca where the most suggestive scenes of the film The Godfather were filmed and you will go shopping and walk in the historic Taormina full of restaurants, street food and souvenir shops.

Our service will allow you to search for your origins in Sicily through a search in the town where your ancestors were born, we will also be happy to make you taste the Sicilian culinary specialties in one of the many typical restaurants. You will provide us with the name of the city 'where you want to go and we will take care of everything if you have any special request just communicate it at the time of booking and we will be happy to be able to help you spend an unforgettable time in Sicily.

The Castelmola and Taormina tour takes place in modern Mercedes-Benz 8 pax minivans, ensuring comfort, safety and quality of service. Professionalism, punctuality, courtesy, flexibility and knowledge of the territory characterize the experience. The departure is from the Port of Messina. After about 45 minutes you reach Castelmola, a charming village above Taormina, from which you can admire beautiful views of the historic center, the Ionian coast and Mount Etna. Here it will be possible to walk through the characteristic streets and taste the famous almond wine in the iconic Bar Turrisi. The tour continues towards Taormina, after a brief explanatory introduction you will have about three hours free to visit the historic center and its main attractions: Greek-Roman Theater, panoramic squares, Villa Comunale, craft shops and boutiques. Before returning to the Port of Messina there is a short panoramic stop for a souvenir photo. An experience between culture, landscapes and Sicilian trad

The tour will be a private tour, so you will decide the customization of the tour, such as the possibility of having lunch at a restaurant without any problem of time, which will make your experience unique. In fact, the driver will wait for you if you want to extend the time for some stops programmed. You will also receive information about the places you visit on board the minivan. You will see 2 of the most beautiful locations in Sicily not as tourists but as locals.

What makes us unique is the combination of technical expertise and authentic passion. Your trip is an elite experience designed by an Expert Technical Director, ensuring perfect and flexible logistics. The trip includes 6 nights in a 4-star hotel, 6 gourmet lunches with wine tasting, an exclusive Cooking Class and tasting in Modica with over 30 types of artisan chocolate. We are deep connoisseurs of the territory who open the doors to elite wineries and hidden UNESCO gems. With Sicilian Soul Experience, and the presence of Salvo and Angela, you will experience the soul of Sicily outside the mass circuits, with the comfort of an excellent private service and a 100% flexible itinerary tailored to you. Don't wait to live this dream: book now to bring with you wonderful memories, with hearts full of joy, eyes full of wonder and palate intoxicated with taste.

The tour will start with the pick up of customers at the agreed point. In about 50 minutes we will arrive in Savoca, a small village in the province of Messina famous for its characteristic landscapes but above all for the realization of the film "The Godfather" by director Francis Ford Coppola. Afterwards we will go to Taormina one of the most beautiful villages in Italy where customers can stop for two hours in complete freedom by turning between shops and restaurants. Upon returning to Messina we will make a panoramic tour of the city.

Private tour by a comfortable car with a personal tour leader to the must-see Sicilian hill towns world-known thanks to F.F. Coppola, who filmed his legendary "The Godfather" here. Get the friendly and informative insight into the filming process and interesting trivia, learn the real Sicilian Mafia story, its structure, rise and development. Discover the history and culture of the movie locations and feel the romantically rustic atmosphere of old Sicily. Walk along the authentic streets of Savoca and Forza d’Agro remained unchanged since the movie was made, visit ancient churches, Bar Vitelli where Michael spoke to Apollonia’s father, and other locations. At the end of the tour you will have lunch in traditional restaurant with an authentic Pizza. You can choose your favourite type of pizza prepared with organic, local ingredients. Along with the pizza you will have a chance to try local wine or beer.

Estimated arrival in Savoca, the famous village where the film "The Godfather" was filmed. In Savoca we will visit the Bar Vitelli, present in various scenes of the film, and the ancient cathedral where the wedding scene between Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) and Apollonia was filmed. Subsequently we reach the ancient village of Castelmola. During the tour of Castelmola you can visit the famous Turrisi bar, characterized by the presence of phallic shapes, where it will be possible to taste the famous almond wine. You can also taste excellent Sicilian cannoli or other typical products, offered by Zancle Sicily tour. The third stage of the tour is the arrival in Taormina, with a stop at "Porta Catania". Once in Taormina it will be possible to visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater and the beautiful Corso Umberto, the ancient street of Taormina. After visiting the city of Taormina we move to admire the famous panorama of Isola Bella from one of the most characteristic panoramic points

Visit the vibrant local market and immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a Cesarina's home, enjoy an exclusive show cooking and taste authentic recipes from Messina treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian Mammas. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people.  Enjoy a 4-course menu including starter, pasta, main course with side dish, dessert with drinks included (water, selection of red and white wines from regional cellars and coffee). This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of 1000+ home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

Etna & Taormina – The tour that combines nature and Sicilian beauty This is one of the most complete and fascinating tours of Sicily, perfect for those who want to experience in a single day two of the most iconic destinations on the island. The day begins with a visit to the majestic Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. You will reach the Silvestri Craters, where you can walk among ancient lava flows, breathe the mountain air and admire spectacular views. The cable car is not included, but the visit to the craters already offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

The day will conquer you with a private tour through Savoca, Taormina, Castelmola, and Isola Bella—a journey through breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes and timeless Sicilian charm. This isn’t your typical rushed, touristy group tour…it’s a private, fully customizable experience, led by true Sicilian passion and heartfelt stories. Travel aboard a brand-new Mercedes minivan, with an English-speaking Sicilian driver who knows every corner’s story. Stroll ancient alleys of Savoca and taste authentic Sicilian delights that leave crumbs (muddiche). As we say: Cu mancia fa muddichi, ma cu camina si godi u viaggiu! (“He who eats makes crumbs, but he who walks enjoys the journey.”) Admire panoramic views from Castelmola, soak up Taormina’s vibrant atmosphere, and relax by crystal-clear waters of Isola Bella. This tour is perfectly timed for cruise passengers, giving you freedom to customize your day—change the schedule, add stops, and organize your day at your own pace. With love from Sicily

The private tour allows you to decide the breaks in the various places by sharing the timing with the driver and then pausing in the place that arouses more interest in you, upon request and based on the time at your disposal you can be accompanied to make your lunch in a characteristic restaurant on the Tyrrhenian coast.

The Taormina White Lotus private luxury tour is an invitation to experience the adventure of a Sicilian holiday in one day: visiting all the highlights of Taormina that appear in the movie and also sailing with a private boat around the Isola Bella’s bay! We are pretty sure that if you are reading these lines, you probably know that Taormina is the main White Lotus filming location: great views, wonderful attractions, exclusive hotels, and a unique atmosphere made the perfect framework for the second season of this film series. Now, we might not be able to assure you a night at San Domenico hotel, but we surely can guide you to see the places where the movie drops were shot as you cannot miss some Instagram-able photos for your profile… and envious friends! We will celebrate this private tour with a beautiful aperitivo on the boat.

Immerse yourself in the history and culinary traditions of Messina with a walking tour and cooking class that combines culture, food, and authentic flavors. Start with a guided stroll through Messina’s streets, visiting local markets and food shops to discover fresh Sicilian ingredients and learn about the region’s cuisine. Afterward, head to a local kitchen for a hands-on class, where you'll prepare a traditional Messinese dish using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy your meal, paired with Sicilian wine, in the cozy atmosphere of a Messina home. Ideal for food lovers and travelers, this experience offers new cooking skills, authentic recipes, and lasting memories of Sicily.

Make the most of your arrival in Sicily with a 4-hour private transfer to Taormina. Enjoy your experience in complete freedom, visit Sicily's most beautiful city, discover its quaint streets, delicious restaurants, and wonderful shops. Visit the Greek Theater, one of Sicily's most famous and evocative monuments. This imposing Greco-Roman structure offers breathtaking views of the Ionian coast, Mount Etna, and the Bay of Giardini Naxos. Its panoramic location makes it a unique place, where history, art, and nature blend together for an unforgettable experience. The driver will wait for you at the meeting point for as long as necessary. Before returning to the port of Messina, you will be accompanied to one of Taormina's most beautiful viewpoints, where you will have the opportunity to take memorable photos.

The tour will allow you to visit Savoca , Taormina and Messina without time limits you will decide the stops with your driver or hostess who will accompany you giving information on board the means of transport , plus at the end of the tour you can enjoy in a famous Pastry shop in Messina the real Sicilian cannoli made at the time while sipping a glass of almond wine typical of Sicily . * Personal pick-up from next to your ship * Personal drop-off at the end of the tour – 100% on time * Touring in a mini-van for minimal walking and access to sites * Touring with an English speaking driver-guide * Guiding services in one language only * High quality and personal experience * Tour duration : 4 - 8 hours * Worry free shore excursion * Money back if your ship does not dock * Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Starting from Messina we will visit one of the most beautiful villages in Italy (Savoca), famous for the film The Godfather (Frank Coppola), where you can visit for 2 hours, the catacombs, the mother church and the historic Vitelli bar. Afterwards we will set off to discover one of the most suggestive and panoramic villages of our beloved land. There you can visit the village with its characteristic architecture and visit some of the places featured in the famous film "The Godfather". After the tour, if you want, you can stop for lunch in one of the typical restaurants of the village called "The Godfather", where you can taste some fresh fish. (Lunch is not included in the price of the tour) Upon returning to the city of Messina, there will be a small tour of the city of the Strait of Messina.

Discover the art of homemade ravioli in a hands-on cooking class in Messina, one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. In a local kitchen, a skilled Italian cook will guide you through the secrets of fresh pasta-making. You’ll learn to mix and knead dough, prepare regional fillings, and shape classic ravioli. While your ravioli is being cooked, enjoy an aperitivo and learn about Messina’s culinary traditions. Once ready, savor your freshly made ravioli with a traditional sauce, paired with regional wine. Hosted by Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of passionate home cooks, this authentic experience is perfect for beginners or seasoned foodies and will equip you with the skills to recreate real Italian ravioli at home.

Experience the landscapes of the largest active Volcano in Europe recognized as Unesco heritage, taste the flavors of typical Sicilian products and be fascinated by the Greek Roman history that Taormina offers us.

Don't lose the opportunity to become a "pizzaiolo" (pizza-maker) and a great tiramisu maker! Enter a local home, connect with an expert home cook and discover how Italian mamma and nonnas used to prepare awesome pizza at home. With this private hands-on cooking class, you will learn how to make pizza and tiramisù from scratch from a real Italian family. To complete your feast, enjoy what you have prepared for lunch or dinner with a selection of local wine included. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test and amaze your friends and family with a pizza party once you come back home! This experience is suitable for families with children of all ages. Le Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country in more than 120 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.