Mount Etna and Taormina

We will be picking you up from the shore of your port and drive to the highest and active volcano of Europe. During the ascent different kinds of vegetation can be noted. We will reach 2.000 meters where we then take a walk together to visit the "Silvestri" craters and the latest new lava flows and craters from 2001/2003. On the way, we visit a local family farm where it is possible to taste local Etna wine, a selection of different types of honey (orange, lemon, eucalyptus, strawberry...), almond pastries, olives, extra virgin olive oil.

Driving down from the mount through a wonderful pine tree forest, we get to the highlights of Taormina. Not to miss is a visit to the Greek Theatre, a stroll to the mean street "Corso Umberto" with several art and designers shops, Baroque churches and Palazzi. You can have an excellent meal at one of the local Sicilian places pointed out by your expert driver.

The Godfather Tour and Taormina

Leaving the port we will reach the charming town of Savoca. Savoca is not a tourist town, it is a simple every day "local" town set on the hillside of the foothills of the S. Peloritiani. This is where Al Pacino and Cast shot the GodFather Film. Following their footsteps and visiting the places that were so often shown throughout the movie will bring back many memories. While in town "a must" is the stop for a Lemon Granita at the famous bar "VITELLI" on the corner of the town, one of Coppola's favorite spots, and seen many times throughout the film.

From Savoca we will visit Forza d'Agrò which is without a doubt one of the best examples of a typical village of the Province of Messina which still conserves its medieval street layout and on all sides of the town you have the most incredible views. Here we have tradition, culture, history, art all awaiting you.

Mount Etna with Wine Tasting

We will drive from your port to the highest and active volcano of Europe through several Sicilian towns, such as Santa Venerina, Zafferana...visit on the way some old lava flows, and during the ascent different kinds of vegetation can be noted. You will have the possibility to reach 3.000 meters with the cablecar.

Driving down from the mount we will enjoy a stop on a famous winery to tour the property and the wine cellar and of course have a taste of the unique Etna wine, accompanied by a selection of local Sicilian products (optional).

Syracuse

Our destination is the beautiful town of Syracuse in the southern part of the Island - enjoy a very special introduction to the Sicilian coastline en-route. Our ninety minute leisurely drive will take us down the eastern coastline of Sicily passing the "Piana of Catania", the coast line of the Ionic sea and Iblei mountains, arriving in Syracuse, built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by Corinthians in 734 BC. We will visit the archaeological area of Neapolis with is Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and Latomia del Paradiso (with its Dionysius Ear) and the "Ara of Hyeron". We will arrive at the 'Ortigia Island', the heart of the city and we will stroll along the ancient narrow streets, which still keep the Medieval influence, before arriving at the Duomo square, one of the city highlights. We will visit the Cathedral, built above a Greek Temple, which holds more than 2.500 years of history. We will take in one of the more charming spot of Ortigia, the "Arethusa fountain" with its Papyrus plants, overlooking the Ionic sea.

Taormina and Castelmola

From your port, we will enjoy a leisurely transfer to Taormina which will take us up the hillside. We will visit together the most panoramic square "Belvedere square" with its unique breathtaking view over the Messina coast line, all the Taormina bays, the Catania coast line and our volcano Etna in the background. We will then drive to the charming medieval village of Castelmola, just above Taormina. We will stroll several narrow picturesque streets with wonderful sea and Etna views. We can also visit the antique 13th century Arab castle, situated on the highest and most panoramic place in the area.

We will then take you to the historical centre of Taormina and under our tip, you will have your own free time to explore the village, stroll the mean streets and narrow ways with picturesque corners and nice shops. We can suggest a good local place to let you have something to eat. You will have the time to visit the Greek Theatre and the most important highlights of Taormina sights.