Sicily's magnificent Ionian Coast draws visitors from all over the world. Any traveler who arrives at the port city of Messina should travel south along the scenic coastal road to Taormina, an almost perfectly preserved medieval town perched on a terraced hillside. A private Messina shore excursion with a local guide will ensure you see the Ionian Coast's most compelling sights.

Taormina's most famous draw is the fabulous Teatro Greco - the most dramatically situated Greek theatre in the world. You can catch a performance in this ancient theatre that seems to hang suspended between sea and sky. Wander the winding streets of this charming town, as your guide explains the area's history, culture and art. At nearby Mt. Etna National Park, you can see the deserts of lava and alpine forests that flank Europe's largest and most active volcano.

Your guide is keen to customize a private Messina shore excursion to suit your unique travel interests in this beautiful region of Italy.

Messina

Scilla is a well-known touristic place which still haven't suffer for mass tourism and hosts artistic exhibitions and musical festivals every year.
Since it was the birth-place of my father's parents, I have been hundreds of times in Scilla, where I can enjoy the house that my greatgrandfather built, and several times I was a guide for relatives coming from abroad as well as for my wife who is not Italian.
SCILLA (read 'Sheella') is a picturesque town, inhabited since 13th cent. BC, located not far from Reggio, in a handsome position near the end of the Strait of Messina and the beginning of Tyrrhenian sea.
Ancient Greek mythology tells how the nymph Skýlla had been turned into a monster and was then living in the Strait together with the monster Khárybdis, lying on the other side.
The rock of Scilla «appear magnificent, rising above the boiling current of dark blue foamy water» as the English writer and illustrator Edward Lear wrote in 1847.

Chianalea ('Kianalea') coastal district as seen from the Castle

The Ruffo Castle and La Marina district as seen from Glauco Rock panoramic site on the Naples-Reggio national road

The Strait between Calabria and Sicily as seen from Scilla

The Castle as seen from Chianalea coastal district

The Castle as seen from the port of Scilla

The Ruffo Castle, the port and Chianalea coastal district as seen from the road to San Giorgio, the upper district

Panoramic view of Scilla: the Castle, La Marina (nearby the beach) and San Giorgio (upper district)

View of Costa Viola (Violet Cost) at Glauco rock panoramic spot

The "Pearl of the Strait", Scilla is among the most beautiful coastal villages in the Euro-Mediterranean area.

Scilla half-day walking tour

We will explore the lovely tourist resort of Taormina, considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Sicily. This walking tour offers a pleasant yet insightful sense of Taormina, monuments, history, fascinating atmosphere of famous visitors.

Take this walk with me and I will show you why Taormina is so special to me, the corners from which you can literally dream, everything speaks to us of ancient times and you will feel part of the magic. Local food, traditions, Italian arts shine through from what surrounds you. The layering of very ancient settlements will enchant your mind!

You have to do this tour with me, a pure Sicilian, to understand through my stories what Sicily really means! I will take you to some of my favorite shops to sample local delicacies and other products from our ancient gastronomic tradition.

So. . . I wait for you! It will be exciting!

For further details or preferences, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Come and discover this enchanting town with me!

Charming Taormina Half Day Walking Tour

Lovely Lipari: history, archaeology and the castle - half day shore excursion

The Aeolian Islands, located off the coast of northeastern Sicily, are one of southern Italy's greatest natural and cultural treasures. Formed by volcanic eruptions over time, the archipelago is made up of seven islands.

Lipari is the largest and the most densely populated island.

Next to the port of Lipari it raises the Castle, on top of a dome of rhyolithic lava, having the purpose of defending the whole island in past times.

On the opposite side of the Castle we find Marina Corta, a sunny square on the sea that looks like an elegant city lounge.

On top of the acropolis stands the cathedral dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, patron saint of the island about whom stories of miracles and devotion are told.

This area is surrounded by a very special museum, the Aeolian archaeological museum which collection comprises over 7500 years of history.

Step back in time together, thanks to this experience in the heart of Lipari.

*The tour can start from Milazzo, please contact me for details.

The Aeolian archaeological museum fascinates children, in Lipari

Walking along the defensive walls of the castle of Lipari

The cathedral of Lipari, consecrated to Saint Bartholomew

Step back in time through the most iconic items that narrate the millenary history of Lipari

Taormina, Giardini Naxos and Castelmola private tour

The tour will start picking you up from the dock or other places you arrive. We visit first Giardini Naxos and its amazing bay, drive up to the village of Castelmola (1500 fts. ). We visit the enchanting village, with an amazing landscape and a great view of Mount Etna (11. 000 ft. - the highest active volcano in Europe), and the wonderful landscape of Giardini-Naxos Bay. We drive 5 min down to Taormina, the ancient Greek colony, with its amazing pedestrian path (the ancient Roman "Valeria" road), the Greek theatre, the monuments, the shops, the famous restaurants and pubs and more else; here you'll have approx 2 hrs of free time to visit the amazing town with a guide/map. At the end of the visit, we drive back to Messina (or Catania if you start the tour from Catania) for a quick city tour. The tour ends at the destination requested by the client.

Best of Messina and its province

Taormina Walking Tour: The Pearl of Sicily

As I have been living in Taormina since over 30 years I will be able to show you also the hidden corners, out of the common paths. . . This lovely spot was resort of many writers, artists, movie stars and personalities in the past and it is still nowadays.

We will take a nice walk through the Corso Umberto, the popular shopping road, and visit the most famous monument of Sicily, the Greek-Roman theatre.

You will discover the best part of this little town in the narrow little streets, its beautiful public garden, the panoramic squares and you will be told about the incredible stories which made this place so unique. . .

Express private tour with fun through the highlights of one of the most charming town in Sicily

Tour Etna & Alcantara Gorges from Taormina

What I love about this tour is experiencing nature as I have never done before, I have been lucky enough to live close to two wonders of nature such as Etna volcano highest in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful Alcantara Gorges, and today thanks to the environmental guide courses I can introduce these wonders to all the tourists who come here to Sicily to visit us.

I will take you to explore the forest, immersing us in some of the details, myths, and legends of the volcano. We will enjoy breathtaking views from almost 2, 000 meters above sea level, admiring an indescribable and breathtaking landscape. Finally, I will take you to the incredible rock formations of the Alcantara Gorges, a series of dizzying lava gorges with swirling rapids. In short, with this excursion, you will lose yourself in the wonderful and amazing power of nature.

Join me on this exciting tour!

Family taking picture on the lava rock "Etna"

Discover the secrets of Etna and have a walk above its older explosive eruptions!

Etna, Taormina, Castelmola, Messina - private tour

- pick up where the customer requires
- discover Mount Etna (explore some exint craters). We leave the sea level and start to climb towards the summit of the volcano. Before we reach our destination we cross some Sicilian villages (Santa Venerina and Zafferana), then we get to the craters Silvestri (7000 ft. ), it is amazing the landscape of the the big craters, where you can admire the large lava flows creates from past eruptions. On the road we enjoy
the great vineyards of Etna.
- enjoy Taormina, the ancient greek colony, with its amazing pedestrian path (the ancient roman "valeria" road), the greek theatre, the monuments, the shops, the famous restaurants and pubs and more else.
- sroll and visit the medieval village of Castelmola
- panoramic tour of Messina.

Visit Sicily with an authentic Sicilian

Taormina is considered the Pearl of the Ionian coast, its position on the top of a little mountain and over the sea gives to travellers the occasion to enjoy spectacular views and a mild climate all over the year. This little town has an ancient history and a huge cultural and architectural heritage.

Known as a travel destination since the XVIII century, it's been and still it is considered an holidays meeting point for artists, painters, poets, writers and movie stars. That's why Taormina can be called the Place of Sicilian's Dolce Vita.

- Were a man to spend only one day in Sicily and ask: "What must one see?"
I would answer him without hesitation: "Taormina".
It is only a landscape, but a landscape where you find everything on heart that seems made to seduce the eyes, the mind and the imagination -

Guy De Maupassant

Half day walking tour of Taormina

Taormina walking Tour

Riace Bronzes and Beauty in the Ancient Greek World Express Tour

I will take you to visit the main museum in Italy dedicated to the Magna Graecia Era. In ancient times Calabria was known as "Magna Grecia", the Greater Greece. I will show you the importance of ancient Greek culture and the birth of Italian and European civilization.

We will take a trip back in time to discover the world of Magna Graecia among statues, ceramics, jewels and everyday objects. The most famous artifacts are the "Riace Bronzes", two original Greek bronze statues found intact in 1972 and considered by many archaeologists to be the most beautiful statues in the world.

For me it will be a pleasure to describe the details, the history of the discovery and the mystery of these amazing statues. I have been attending this museum for years and my great love for archeology has led me to delve into every aspect of life in the ancient world.

I'm sure you will be surprised too!

Telling the migration of the ancient Greeks

In the main section of Magna Graecia Museum

Archaeologic Museum of Magna Graecia of Reggio Calabria

Etna and Taormina Highlights from Messina

Welcome to Sicily, where you'll experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Etna and the charming allure of Taormina!

We'll start our day by driving to the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. As we ascend the mountain, you'll witness the majestic views of the surrounding countryside, passing through ancient villages and vineyards, during which I will share the geological and historical significance of this remarkable natural wonder.

Next, we'll head to Taormina, a charming hilltop town perched on the coast, where you'll have free time to explore on your own. Known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean, " Taormina boasts picturesque streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can stroll through the town's charming streets, enjoy some gelato or have a bite at one of the local restaurants.

This tour will leave you unforgettable memories of your visit to the wonders of Etna and Taormina. Don't miss out on this fantastic experience!

Discovering the natural wonders of Mount. Etna and charm of Taormina most renowned travel destination of Sicily's Eastern Coast

Highlights of Messina, Italy - Express Walking Tour

Due to its location, Messina has always been one of the most important cities of Sicily, as the first landing place for those who came to it from the mainland. The hills surrounding and protecting the city were populated since the prehistoric age.

In the late VIII century BC, Messina became a proper Greek colony called "Zankle'', a local name derived from a word that describes the shape of its harbor, similar to a sickle. Under the Normans rule, Messina was an essential commercial area of the Mediterranean and kept this role until the XIV century. The Spanish Kings of the XVI century reinforced and expanded its port.

Sadly, the city doesn't entirely preserve the vestiges of that glorious past due to a catastrophic earthquake that in 1908 seriously damaged the ancient beautiful buildings, including the precious Cathedral. Messina was reborn from its ashes in the XX century and restored most of its historical monuments, embellishing the city by creating new elegant buildings and incredible artworks too.

Messina's Cathedral and Orione's Fountain

Strait of Messina with the famous statue of Madonna of the Letter

From the island's ancient hidden treasures to its beautiful new monuments.

Enchanting Taormina HD Private Walking Tour

Delight in a bespoke journey through Taormina's most captivating attractions, from ancient ruins to charming streets and breathtaking vistas. Taormina is one of my favourite towns, where I spent my teenage years, walking up and down along the thin alleys that always lead somewhere. This exclusive tour is tailored to your preferences, ensuring a truly personalized and unforgettable experience in this charming paradise. We'll stroll along Corso Umberto, the heart of Taormina, where charming shops, bustling cafés, and notable landmarks await. We'll also discover hidden corners of the town, magical little squares and thin alleys. You'll be amazed by the fusion of Greek and Roman architecture at the Ancient Theater, a well-preserved historical site offering striking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. During the tour, if you wish, you can also taste, some of the several specialities of the town: you can't miss a refreshing Granita or a delicious Arancino! Don't wait: let's discover this magical town together!

Let's explore the pearl of the Ionian See together, the enchanting Taormina!

Lipari, the island of pumice and obsidian

By car we will visit the most suggestive places rich in colors, scents and flavors of the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago.

Lipari - the little Church dedicated to St. Bartholomew

Caressed by the breeze between sky and sea

Messina, the Gate of Sicily: Half-Day Shore Excursion

Messina has always had a great importance in the ancient geopolitical world thanks to its strategic position. Of Greek foundation, during the Middle Ages it became even more powerful economically.

Unfortunately, today we cannot enjoy the beauty of its churches and monuments because an earthquake in 1908 destroyed its past. Despite this, the roots that unite the present with its glorious past are still strong.

The tour of the city of Messina will be not only a trip to the past, but also a suggestive moment to appreciate the natural and scenic beauty of this special geographical area.

The jewel of the tour is the bell tower that at noon will capture us with its movement keeping us with our nose up for about ten minutes

Piazza Duomo, detail of the Orion Fountain

The Cathedral of Messina, original mosaic

Discover the land where the two seas meet

Highlights of Lipari Half Day Private Tour - Shore Excursion

Let's have the chance to see the most characteristic spots of Lipari, a must you cannot miss visiting the island! I've been living and working here for a long time so I'll let you know how we live here and the lifestyle of a real "islander".

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian islands and here you'll enjoy not only sea and sunshine but also discover the ancient history of this islands!

Let's stroll down its narrow streets in the town centre, admire the fishing port of Marina Corta to breathe the atmosphere of the island. In the end, we reach the Castle where we'll discover the millenary history of this archipelago and its strong devotion to the patron Saint Bartholomew. We will drive around the island to have a look at the other six Aeolian Islands and discover the different colours and landscapes that Lipari can offer: rich Mediterranean vegetation, volcanic landscapes and a wonderful blue sea.

The archaeological site of Lipari and the cathedral of saint Bartholomew 

Sub marine archaeology section of the Museum of Lipari

A cruise ship in front of Marina Corta harbour

Archaeology, history and wonderful landscapes on the largest Aeolian Islands.

Amazing Taormina: art and food walking tour

Let's have the chance to see the most characteristic spots of Taormina, a must you cannot miss visiting it! And then, sit and have a full experience tasting pistachio in any forms.

Taormina is one of my favourite sites in Sicily, I like to take people here because it's a summary of what you can find all over Sicily. Visiting it, you'll learn of the history, culture and traditions of all the island. So, let's discover it together!

Let's stroll down its narrow streets in the town centre, admire the view over Mount Etna and the sea below. In the end, we reach the Ancient Theatre. In front of us a breath-taking view: the remains of the Roman stage frames Mount Etna and the sea with the bay of Naxos. Further down, the town and its buildings grouped along the main street. And, higher up, the church of the Madonna della Rocca and Castelmola.

A perfect postcard!

Milazzo tours

Explore with 103 tours and 18 guides.

Alessandro

$ 173 (USD)

Salvina G.

$ 323 (USD)

Manuela N.

$ 281 (USD)

Ignazio A.

$ 945 (USD)

Chiara R.

$ 230 (USD)

Vittorio L.

$ 552 (USD)

Mario A.

$ 979 (USD)

Paola V.

$ 346 (USD)

Tommaso M.

$ 346 (USD)

Vincenzo M.

$ 1,152 (USD)

Manuela Anna R.

$ 274 (USD)

Daniela E.

$ 461 (USD)

Valentina B.

$ 495 (USD)

Valentina B.

$ 736 (USD)

Cristina L.

$ 564 (USD)

Cristina L.

$ 336 (USD)

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