TASTE of SICILY: Taormina, Messina + Sicilian Street Food Tasting

The "TASTE of SICILY: Taormina, Messina + Sicilian Street Food Tasting" tour promises to immerse visitors in the vibrant flavors and rich history of this captivating Italian island. By combining guided explorations of two charming cities with opportunities to savor local delicacies, this shore excursion offers a well-rounded culinary adventure. From the picturesque streets of Messina to the stunning vistas of Taormina, travelers can expect a unique and personalized experience that tantalizes the senses. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking to uncover Sicily’s cultural treasures, this tour may just be the perfect way to discover the essence of this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Food Tours In Taormina.

Quick Points

• This private shore excursion offers guided tours of Messina and free time to explore the charming town of Taormina.
• Travelers can indulge in authentic Sicilian street food, including classic arancini and cannoli, during the Messina portion of the tour.
• The tour provides a small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention, and includes round-trip transportation from the Messina cruise terminal or Giardini Naxos.
• In Taormina, visitors can enjoy stunning views from the Greek Theatre, browse local shops, and savor Sicilian cuisine at various restaurants.
• The tour is highly rated by past customers, who praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to discover the beauty and flavors of Sicily.

Tour Overview

Departing from the Messina cruise terminal or Giardini Naxos, this private shore excursion immerses travelers in the flavors and sights of Sicily’s Taormina and Messina.

Covering both cities, the tour includes Sicilian street food tastings and hassle-free round-trip transport from the cruise port. The small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensures personalized attention.

Prices start at €145.00 per person, varying by group size. The itinerary highlights a guided tour in Messina with tastings of local specialties, followed by free time in Taormina for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour in Messina allows travelers to sample local delicacies, including arancini (fried rice balls) and cannoli, as they explore the city’s key sights.

Visitors will then enjoy free time in the picturesque town of Taormina, where they can:

1. Take in the stunning views from the Greek Theatre.
2. Stroll through the charming streets and browse local shops.
3. Indulge in Sicilian cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

The tour includes stops at these iconic locations, providing a comprehensive experience of both Messina and Taormina.

Pickup and Accessibility

The tour offers convenient pickup at the Messina cruise terminal or other selected points, commencing 30 minutes after docking.

The transportation is air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and stroller-friendly, ensuring a comfortable experience for all travelers. Service animals are also allowed, and infant seats are available upon request.

This accessibility and flexibility cater to the diverse needs of the tour participants, making it an inclusive and convenient option for exploring Taormina and Messina.

The timely return to the cruise ships is also praised by past customers, ensuring travelers can seamlessly rejoin their vessels after the excursion.

Customer Feedback

Based on the available customer feedback, the overall rating for this tour is an impressive 5.0 out of 5 stars, with 9 reviews.

Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s ability to showcase the beautiful locations of Taormina and Messina.

However, some customers have expressed a desire for more food tasting opportunities throughout the experience.

Notably, the guides have been recognized for their efforts in ensuring a timely return to the cruise ships, providing a hassle-free experience for participants.

The key customer feedback points include:

1. Knowledgeable guides and beautiful locations
2. Desire for more food tasting opportunities
3. Guides ensuring timely return to cruise ships

Booking Information

Confirmation for this tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Travelers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This allows guests to plan their cruise excursions with ease, knowing they can make adjustments if needed.

The booking process is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Customers can secure their spot on this immersive Sicilian adventure, with the confidence that their reservation is secure and their preferences accommodated.

Exploring Taormina

After the guided tour in Messina, guests are provided with free time to explore the charming town of Taormina.

This historic hilltop town offers a variety of sights and activities to enjoy:

1. Stroll along the picturesque Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

2. Visit the ancient Greek Theatre, a well-preserved 2nd-century BC structure with stunning views of the coastline and Mount Etna.

3. Relax in the tranquil public gardens of Villa Comunale, offering panoramic vistas and serene walking paths.

With approximately 2-3 hours of free time, guests can enjoy the beauty and charm of this iconic Sicilian destination.

Discovering Messina

The tour begins with a guided exploration of Messina, the bustling port city located at the northeastern tip of Sicily.

Travelers will venture through the historic streets, taking in the stunning architecture and stopping to sample local delicacies like arancini (fried rice balls) and cannoli.

The tour includes visits to key sights, providing an insightful overview of Messina’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with ample time for independent exploration, shopping, and dining.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide ensures a seamless and engaging discovery of this captivating Sicilian destination.

Savoring Sicilian Cuisine

With a focus on the culinary delights of Sicily, the tour then transitions to the picturesque town of Taormina.

Here, guests have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine and indulge in some of the region’s most iconic dishes. The tour includes:

1. Sampling the iconic arancini, or fried rice balls, a beloved Sicilian street food.
2. Indulging in the decadent cannoli, a sweet pastry filled with ricotta cream.
3. Discovering the vibrant flavors of Sicilian cuisine through tastings and interactions with local vendors.

This culinary exploration not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a deeper understanding of the rich gastronomic heritage of this enchanting island.

Since You Asked

Is the Tour Available on All Cruise Ship Arrival Days?

The tour is available on all cruise ship arrival days in Messina or Giardini Naxos. The private shore excursion can be booked for any day the cruise ship docks at one of these ports.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate special dietary requirements. Travelers should notify the tour provider in advance so they can make appropriate arrangements for any food tastings or stops based on individual needs.

Are Onboard Cruise Ship Pickups Available for This Excursion?

Yes, the tour offers cruise ship pickups from the Messina cruise terminal. Travelers are picked up 30 minutes after the ship docks, ensuring a hassle-free start to the excursion.

What Is the Duration of the Free Time in Taormina?

The itinerary highlights state that the free time in Taormina is approximately 2-3 hours, allowing travelers to sightsee, shop, and dine at their leisure.

Can I Purchase Additional Sicilian Delicacies During the Tour?

Yes, travelers on the tour can purchase additional Sicilian delicacies during the free time in Taormina. The tour includes tastings, but visitors are welcome to explore and purchase any other local specialties they’d like to sample or take home.

The Final Verdict

This Sicilian shore excursion offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. From the picturesque streets of Messina to the stunning vistas of Taormina, travelers can savor the vibrant flavors of Sicily through a guided exploration of local specialties like arancini and cannoli. With personalized attention and small group sizes, it’s a feast for the senses that immerses visitors in the essence of this captivating island.