Best Shore Excursion Etna, Taormina, Messina With Tasting Of Sicilian Products

Sicily’s stunning landscapes and rich culture come alive in this private shore excursion. Travelers explore Mount Etna, Taormina, and Messina, indulging in tastings of Sicilian delicacies along the way. With a remarkable rating and high recommendation, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. But what truly sets it apart from the rest? Let’s take a closer look at the highlights and inclusions that make this excursion a must-do for any Sicily visitor.

Key Points

• Highly-rated 4.8-star tour with 96% traveler recommendation, covering Messina, Etna, and Taormina with Sicilian product tastings.
• Air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation, with a fluent driver/hostess and bottled water provided.
• Tasting of Sicilian delicacies like honey, olives, wines, liqueurs, and olive oil included.
• Tour operates daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, with pickup and drop-off at the Port of Messina.
• Reports of misrepresentation of tour details and lack of access to specific sites like Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re and Duomo di Messina.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This shore excursion, named the "Best Shore Excursion Etna, Taormina, Messina with Tasting of Sicilian Products," is a highly-rated 4.8-star tour, with 96% of travelers recommending it.

The tour takes visitors to Messina, Italy, providing an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation. A multilingual driver/hostess guides the group, offering bottled water and tastings of Sicilian delicacies like honey, olives, wines, liqueurs, and olive oil.

While entrance fees aren’t included, the tour is flexible, allowing for pickups at hotels, vacation homes, and the Messina port. Accessible to most travelers, this private tour runs daily from 7 AM to 7 PM.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation to shuttle guests around.

The driver/hostess is fluent in the chosen tour language, ensuring smooth communication. Bottled water is provided throughout the excursion.

Guests can also look forward to a tasting of Sicilian products, including:

1. Honey
2. Olives
3. Wines
4. Liqueurs and olive oil

However, it’s important to note that entrance fees to museums, theatres, restaurants, and tips aren’t included in the tour package.

Pickup and Meeting Information

Pickup for the tour is available at hotels, vacation homes, and B&Bs in Messina upon request.

The meeting point is at the Port of Messina, located at Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 27, 98122 Messina ME, Italy.

Confirmation of the pickup point will be emailed to guests a day prior to the tour. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Travelers should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance, as the tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM between April 3, 2019, and March 5, 2026.

Tour Schedule and Accessibility

As the tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM between April 3, 2019, and March 5, 2026, travelers should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, though infants must sit on laps.

Most travelers can participate, as this is a private tour/activity.

The following accessibility details are provided:

1. Not wheelchair accessible
2. Stroller accessible
3. Infants must sit on laps
4. Most travelers can participate

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The price for this tour starts from $201.45 per person, with the exact cost varying based on group size.

The tour provider offers a lowest price guarantee. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Travelers also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour is a private activity, so most travelers can participate. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Customer Feedback and Issues

According to the reviews, the tour has an impressive 4.8 average rating based on 27 evaluations, with 96% of travelers recommending the experience.

However, some customers reported issues, including:

1. Misrepresentation of tour details, with certain stops and tickets not provided as described.
2. Lack of access to specific sites like the Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re and Duomo di Messina.
3. Concerns about time management during the tour.
4. The host’s response emphasizing adherence to the tour description and placing responsibility on the customers for time management.

Exploring Mount Etna

What makes the exploration of Mount Etna such a captivating part of this shore excursion? Towering over the surrounding landscape, the active volcano offers a unique glimpse into the raw power of nature.

During the tour, visitors have the chance to witness the volcanic landscape, explore lava caves, and learn about the region’s geological history.

The inclusion of Etna in this excursion allows travelers to truly enjoy Sicily’s natural wonders, gaining a deeper appreciation for the island’s diverse terrain.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable driver and the opportunity to sample local delicacies, this portion of the tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Discovering Taormina and Messina

After marveling at the volcanic grandeur of Mount Etna, the tour shifts its focus to the enchanting towns of Taormina and Messina.

Travelers will:

1. Explore the picturesque medieval streets of Taormina, admiring its ancient Greek theater and stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

2. Visit the historic port city of Messina, known for its iconic cathedral and the Fontana di Orione, a stunning Renaissance fountain.

3. Indulge in a tasting of Sicilian delicacies, including honey, olives, wines, liqueurs, and olive oil.

4. Enjoy the convenience of private transportation and a knowledgeable driver/hostess throughout the day.

Ask Away

What Are the Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour offers tastings of Sicilian products like honey, olives, wines, and olive oil, but the tour provider doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions accommodated. Travelers with dietary needs should inquire about accommodations directly with the tour company.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The tour description indicates it operates during set hours and the tour ends back at the original meeting point.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional sites, but this would need to be arranged directly with the local provider. Extended tour durations may also be possible, subject to availability and additional fees.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Stop on the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary does not provide specific time allocations for each stop. However, it’s a private tour, so the host can likely accommodate requests to adjust the time spent at each location within the overall tour duration.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Hidden Fees During the Tour?

The tour includes bottled water and tastings of Sicilian products, but entrance fees to museums, theaters, restaurants, and tips are not covered. Customers can expect to pay additional costs for those items during the tour.

Final Words

This private tour offers an immersive Sicilian experience. Travelers explore Mount Etna, Taormina, and Messina, savoring local delicacies along the way. With a remarkable rating, it’s an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Sicily. The air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable driver/hostess ensure a comfortable and insightful journey, making this shore excursion a top choice for discovering the region’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.