Messina: Ionian Coast Private Day Trip With Cannoli Tasting

Messina, a captivating city on Sicily’s Ionian coast, beckons travelers with its breathtaking vistas and rich cultural heritage. This private day trip offers a delightful opportunity to explore the region’s iconic landmarks, from the Messina Cathedral to the Sanctuary of Christ the King. But the highlight? A tantalizing tasting of the legendary Sicilian cannoli, a pastry that has enchanted taste buds for generations. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply a connoisseur of fine cuisine, this excursion promises to leave an indelible mark on your Sicilian adventure. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the details of this captivating experience.

Key Points

• This private day trip from Messina explores the scenic Sicilian Ionian coast, including stops at Savoca, Taormina, Castelmola, and Messina.
• Savoca is known for its appearance in "The Godfather" and offers ancient monuments, narrow streets, and stunning vistas.
• Taormina provides breathtaking panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and Isola Bella, as well as the iconic Greek theatre.
• Castelmola, located 450 meters above sea level, offers captivating panoramas of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna.
• The tour includes the Messina Cathedral, known for its Romanesque architecture and the world’s largest astronomical clock.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private day trip along the Sicilian Ionian coast from Messina offers a comprehensive 6-hour experience for travelers.

Priced from €60 per person, the tour is available in Spanish, Italian, and English. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a professional driver and hostess, and all entrance fees.

While food and drinks aren’t included, tips are optional.

This highly-rated excursion is recommended for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families alike.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s Itinerary Highlights showcase the Sicilian Ionian coast‘s historic and scenic wonders.

Guests will visit Savoca, famous for its appearance in "The Godfather" and known for ancient monuments.

In Taormina, they’ll enjoy views of the cliffs and Isola Bella from a scenic balcony.

Castelmola, situated 450 m above sea level, offers panoramic vistas of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna.

The tour also includes a quick stop at a vantage point in Messina, where the Sanctuary of Christ the King and the city’s cathedral, home to the world’s largest astronomical clock, can be admired.

Savoca: The Godfather’s Filming Location

One of the highlights of the Sicilian Ionian coast tour is the visit to Savoca, a charming town famous for its role as a filming location in the classic film "The Godfather."

Nestled atop a hill, Savoca captivates visitors with its ancient monuments, narrow streets, and stunning vistas. Travelers can explore the Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone first met his future wife Apollonia, and visit the Church of San Nicolo, where a key wedding scene was filmed.

The town’s well-preserved medieval architecture and tranquil atmosphere transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into Sicily’s rich history and cinematic legacy.

Taormina: Scenic Balcony Views

Taormina’s scenic balcony offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the town’s dramatic cliffs and the sparkling azure waters of Isola Bella.

This ancient Greek settlement is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. The balcony provides an ideal vantage point to admire:

1. The picturesque coastline stretching out before you.
2. The iconic Greek theatre, a remarkably well-preserved architectural marvel.
3. Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, looming majestically in the distance.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility or a photo opportunity, Taormina’s scenic balcony is a must-visit destination on this Ionian Coast day trip.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Castelmola: Elevated Vantage Point

From atop the charming village of Castelmola, situated 450 meters above sea level, visitors are treated to a captivating panorama. The elevated vantage point offers breathtaking views of the picturesque Giardini Naxos and the majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Strolling through Castelmola’s quaint streets, visitors can enjoy the town’s rich history and medieval architecture, discovering ancient monuments and charming piazzas. The following table provides a deeper insight into the key highlights of this elevated destination:

Highlight	Description
Panoramic Views	Unobstructed vistas of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna
Medieval Architecture	Charming narrow streets and historic structures
Tranquil Atmosphere	Peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle
Photo Opportunities	Picturesque settings for memorable snapshots

Messina: Cathedral and Sanctuary

The Messina Cathedral, a striking example of Sicilian Romanesque architecture, stands tall in the heart of the city.

During the tour, visitors will have a chance to marvel at its impressive interior, which features:

1. The largest astronomical clock in the world, with a 16-meter diameter and over 1,200 moving parts.
2. A stunning mosaic floor depicting the signs of the zodiac and other celestial motifs.
3. The Sanctuary of Christ the King, a towering monument overlooking the city and the Messina Strait, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

These captivating highlights make the Messina Cathedral and Sanctuary a must-see during the private day trip along the Sicilian Ionian coast.

Inclusions and Pricing

Alongside the impressive sights of Messina’s cathedral and sanctuary, the Ionian coast private day trip also includes several other noteworthy inclusions.

Participants can expect round-trip transportation from their cruise terminal or hotel, as well as the services of a knowledgeable professional driver and hostess who’ll provide information about the sites visited.

Entrance fees to attractions are covered in the price, which starts from €6,014 per person. Food and drinks aren’t included, and tips are optional.

The tour is available in Spanish, Italian, and English, and offers the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now and paying later is also an option for those interested.

Customer Experiences and Booking

Customers have rated this Ionian coast private day trip from Messina an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary.

This tour is recommended for:

1. Couples
2. Friends
3. Solo travelers and families

When booking, you can select your preferred participants, date, and language.

The availability for specific dates and times can be checked as well.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option, this Messina day trip offers flexible and convenient booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited on this tour. However, visitors should respect any restrictions or rules at specific locations. It’s best to check with the guide for guidance on photography during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional stops. The tour provider offers flexibility to tailor the itinerary to the customer’s preferences and interests within the overall 6-hour duration of the excursion.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, this tour can be upgraded to a private experience. Customers can request a private tour, which provides a more personalized itinerary and flexibility to adjust the stops based on their interests.

Does the Tour Include Any Food Tastings or Samples?

The tour does include a food tasting. It mentions that food and drinks are not included in the price, but it doesn’t specify if any samples or tastings are provided during the tour.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. It is described as a private day trip, indicating it’s likely a small group tour with a personalized experience. The exact group size is not provided in the details given.

Recap

This private day trip to Messina’s Ionian Coast offers a captivating blend of scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and authentic Sicilian cuisine. Visitors can explore the Messina Cathedral, Sanctuary of Christ the King, and savor the renowned Sicilian cannoli, all while taking in breathtaking coastal vistas. It’s an ideal excursion for travelers seeking an immersive and memorable experience in this enchanting region of Sicily.

You can check if your dates are available here: