Savoca and Forza d’Agrò

Half day from the ports of Giardini Naxos, Messina or Catania

On disembarking, you will be greeted by your driver, before proceeding to the two little hilltop towns, where Francis Ford Coppola filmed many parts of the ‘The Godfather’ movies. Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, with their quiet streets and peaceful atmosphere, are surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery, and have several fascinating old churches. Free time for photos before returning to your ship.

Taormina and Castelmola

Half day from the ports of Giardini Naxos, Messina or Catania

On disembarking, you will be greeted by your driver before proceeding to the lovely hilltop town of Castelmola, recently voted one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. After exploring the little streets and tasting the delicious local almond wine, you will continue to Taormina, where you will visit the picturesque ruins of the Greek Theatre, which have inspired many writers, artists and musicians. From the theatre you can admire magnificent panoramic views over the Straits of Messina, the Ionian Sea and Mt Etna. After free time for shopping and exploring, return to your ship.

Alcantara Gorge and winery

Half day from the ports of Giardini Naxos, Messina or Catania – Wine tasting euro 15,oo per person

On disembarking, you will be greeted by your driver before proceeding through spectacular scenery to the nature reserve situated at the point along the course of the River Alcantara where it was crossed by an ancient lava stream, creating impressive basaltic formations. After free time for shopping at the farm shop, for local preserves, liqueurs, olive oil or honey, continue to a vineyard and winery high on the slopes of Mt Etna for wine tasting. Later, return to your ship, driving through ancient lava flows and thick forest..

Catania, the Fish Market and the Cyclops Riviera

Half day from the ports of Giardini Naxos or Catania

On disembarking, you will be greeted by your driver, before proceeding to the magnificent Baroque central square of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Symbol of the city is the lava-stone fountain surmounted by an elephant with an obelisk on its back, known as ‘Liotru’, and thought to protect the city from disasters. In front of the fountain is the cathedral dedicated to St Agatha, the patron saint, who was martyred at the age of 13 in 251 AD. In the interior is the tomb of the composer Vincenzo Bellini. On the other side of the square is the famous Pescheria, the noisy, colourful fish market, held every morning except Sunday. A short drive along the coast will bring you to the Cyclops Riviera, lava rocks said to have been thrown by the blinded Cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses, in front of the charming fishing villages of Acicastello and Acitrezza. Time for photos before returning to your ship.

Messina and the Peloritan Mountains

Half day from the port of Messina

On disembarking, you will be greeted by your driver. Proceed to the Peloritan Mountains which rise behind the city, to the panoramic summit of Colle San Rizzo, for breathtaking views over the Straits of Messina and the Aeolian Islands. Return to Messina to visit the interesting museum (closed Wed), with its collection of works of art retrieved from the rubble after the disastrous 1908 earthquake. Among the masterpieces are paintings by Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio. Reach the cathedral square to see the beautiful church, the fountain of Orion, and the magnificent mechanical clock, which chimes at noon, heralding a series of scenes with figures relating historical episodes and religious recurrences, before returning to your ship.

Messina and Tindari

Half day from the port of Messina

On disembarking, you will be greeted by your driver, before driving through the city centre to see the lovely cathedral, the Fountain of Orion, and the famous Clock Tower, with its mechanical clock which chimes at noon, and continuing along the north coast to Tindari, a tiny village surrounded by breathtaking views. Visit the Archaeological Park with the ruins of ancient Tyndaris, founded in the 4^th century bc, with its theatre which is still used in summer, and the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, the modern church built in 1978 to house a much-venerated ancient wooden statue of the Madonna with Child Jesus, said to be miraculous. Free time for photos before returning to your ship.

Messina and winery

Half day from the port of Giardini Naxos or Messina – Wine tasting euro 15,oo per person

On disembarking, you will be greeted by your driver, before driving through the city centre to see the lovely cathedral, the Fountain of Orion, and the famous Clock Tower, with its mechanical clock which chimes at noon, when gilded figures emerge to relate episodes of local history and religious events. Continue to a vineyard on the Peloritani mountains, where you will hear about the unique and prestigious red wines produced only in this small area of Sicily, and where you will have the opportunity of sampling the production, and visiting the ancient wine cellar. Time for photos before returning to your ship.

-Half day is up to 4 hours (end by 1:00pm),

-Service by driverguide or driver AND guide, fuel, tolls, parkings included.

-Supplement for authorized guide half day euro 50,oo per vehicle.

-Entrance fees to museums and monuments are NOT included in the price.

 Driver/guide cannot not enter museums and archeological areas (due to government restrictions).  For a nominal fee, we can include the services of an authorized “red-badge” guide that will enter all monuments with you as your guide. 

Above pricing includes taxes where stated. In Canada, GST/HST included. Country taxes that must be paid locally are not included.  Prices listed were correct at time of publication.  Prices can change to reflect exchange rate changes. Custom World Vacations reserves the right to amend prices at any time without prior notice.  All vacations are subject to availability.