Recently Viewed
Sicilian Culture Tour: Legends and Traditions
5.0
194 Ratings
Messina
Avoid the typical tourist spots and opt for one of our tours, where an exciting journey of emotions, legends, traditions, and culture awaits. Experience the warmth of family with the added allure of Sicilian charm.
Avoid the typical tourist spots and opt for one of our tours, where an exciting journey of emotions, legends, traditions, and culture awaits. Experience the warmth of family with the added allure of Sicilian charm.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Messina - Prepare for an extraordinary adventure! The tour begins in Messina, the historic “gateway to Sicily,” where the past and present, myths and customs, resilience and beauty converge. After gathering, travel along the scenic road skirting the sickle-shaped port to admire the statue of the Madonna della Lettera, Messina’s patron saint,…
- Messina - Prepare for an extraordinary adventure! The tour begins in Messina, the historic “gateway to Sicily,” where the past and present, myths and customs, resilience and beauty converge. After gathering, travel along the scenic road skirting the sickle-shaped port to admire the statue of the Madonna della Lettera, Messina’s patron saint, welcoming all who arrive by sea. From here, the tour will proceed to two gems of the region: Castelmola and Taormina.
- Castelmola - The first stop is the enchanting medieval village of Castelmola, perched on a hill with stunning views! Once home to an ancient Norman castle, Castelmola now boasts one of the world’s most unique bars: Bar Turrisi! This authentic Sicilian landmark is renowned for its distinctive decor. Here, take a moment to appreciate the cultural significance of the iconic phallic shapes used as bar decorations. Far from being crude, they are a vibrant homage to ancient Greek culture, symbolizing freedom, fertility, and life. It’s the perfect spot to savor a glass of the famous almond wine alongside delicious Sicilian cannoli.
-
Taormina - The journey continues with a descent to the celebrated “pearl of the Mediterranean”: Taormina. Enter through the historic Porta Catania arch and delve into the city’s rich history by exploring the magnificent Greco-Roman amphitheater (ticket price not included in the tour), a marvel of ancient engineering offering breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea. Then, visit the beautiful and enchanting Lady Florence Trevelyan Public Garden.
Afterwards, stroll along Corso Umberto, the vibrant main street and ancient decumanus, surrounded by elegant boutiques, lively cafes, charming alleys, and historic buildings that embody the city’s true spirit. Finally, by car, reach a strategic and unique vantage point to admire and photograph the stunning view of the iconic Isola Bella, leaving you with a lasting and unforgettable memory of this beautiful land. - Messina - After visiting Taormina, return to Messina, where, time and energy permitting, you can explore the city’s historic center, especially the bell tower of the Duomo, which houses one of Europe’s largest and most intricate mechanical and astronomical clocks. At the day’s end, you will be taken back to the starting point, with the hope of having provided a day full of emotions in our company.

What's Included
- Private transportation
- Flexible tour times based on ship departure
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Tour companion assistance
- Carbonated beverages
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Flexible tour times based on ship departure
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Tour companion assistance
- Carbonated beverages
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Location
Messina Centrale
Piazza della Repubblica
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(194 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Marimurc
Oct 31, 2025
A perfect day in Messina, Taormina and Castelmola! - Our tour guide, Marisa, and our driver, Alessandro, were the perfect pair to lead us through the most amazing and unforgettable day. They picked us up at the cruise port and took us from Messina to Taormina and Castelmola. What a day! Every stop was perfectly planned. Winding roads, stunning views, a taste of the local food. We had pasta, pizza, cannoli, almond wine and they even bought us local cookies made that morning. We walked into old churches and found gems we never could have found on our own. They managed to keep us away from most of the crowds during this busy tourist season. Their knowledge and attention to detail was exactly what we needed. Can't wait to come back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Movinchick01
Oct 29, 2025
Amazing day in Messina & Taormina! - Alessandro and Kimberly were the best! So kind and accommodating. We had a wonderful time learning about Messina and Taormina. Had delicious food and amazing views. Would recommend 10/10! The best day of our entire 2 week trip. This is a must do private tour. Thanks so much, Alessandro and Kimberly! Hope to see you, again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
366jann
Oct 27, 2025
Fabulous tour with the most gorgeous scenery! - I should have known that any tour company recommended by Ciro would be good, but I didn’t expect it to be great! I am so glad we decided to use Alessandro’s Booking Sicily for our tour of Castelmola and Taormina. I didn’t realize when I booked you that we would have a driver and guide. Yay, for us!!! We all had a great time and enjoyed traveling in your comfortable, spacious, spotless van. That means a lot when you are touring for 7-8 hours. The icing on the cake was Marisa…..we bonded right away!!! Her bubbly personality made everything come to life. The gardens in Taormina were spectacular as was the view from the balcony of Isabela and the Ionian Sea. Thank you for the special treat you had for us at Bar Turrisi in Castelmola!!!
I will have to say it was the best tour of our 10 day Mediterranean cruise.
If you decide to travel to the US, please let us show you around Georgia, so save our contact info!
Much love to you both, Janice, Penny, Jean, Richard, and Randy
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larabob
Oct 26, 2025
Great private tour of Taormina and castemola - Alessandro and Hana were great hosts. They arrived on time and showed us to exactly what we wanted to see. They were knowledgeable about all the sites we saw and recommended a great restaurant in Taormina where we had lunch. They provided assistance to persons in our group with mobility issues which ensured everyone in our group had a great experience. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolebw6736tz
Oct 26, 2025
Tour in Sicely - Marisa was very friendly knowledgeable and made our day in Sicily a memorial day. We feel very privileged to get to know her. I definitely recommend her if you come to this area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisamntraveler
Oct 24, 2025
Hilight of our whole trip! - Do NOT skip this. Alessandro and Marisa were top notch. Could not have asked for more. We saw the most beautiful sites in Castlemoa and Taromina. 100 out of 10!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dinab747
Oct 18, 2025
Best tour with the best hosts! - Best tour of our trip! We were picked up promptly by Marisa and Alessandro at our cruise port. They were so friendly and made us feel like family! They planned a great day for us! I highly recommend!!!! You will not be disappointed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soupy1012
Oct 18, 2025
Beautiful Sicily! Highly Recommend this tour! - We spent a wonderful day with Alessandro and Kimberly. Communication was excellent with Alessandro from booking the tour to meeting him at the Port of Messina. We started with a stop in Castelmola for wine, cannoli and views of Mount Etna. Next we explored Taormina and had free time on our own to wander and shop. Then we ended with a very nice lunch at Il Gabbiano with a view of Isola Bella. Kimberly gave us information on the sites and Alessandro was an excellent driver and photographer. Sicily has beautiful views throughout. Alessandro also was prepared with water and umbrellas. 7 hours went fast. We would love to return and spend more time in Sicily. It was wonderful to meet you both. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gloriafb7972xu
Oct 15, 2025
Spectacular Sicily - Aurora was knowledgeable and friendly and made Taormina came alive for us.she understood our requests and made the day great fun. She became a friend for the day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy
Oct 15, 2025
Taormina and Castelmola - Our guide, Aurora, was friendly, knowledgeable and just all round great! seeing the area through her eyes gave us a real feel of the Sicilians. Not only did we take in the sights, but the best in regional treats.
Review provided by Tripadvisor