Wine Tasting and Tour of Taormina and Messina Starting From Messina

Discover the captivating charm of Taormina and the rich cultural heritage of Messina on this wine tasting and tour adventure. Explore the picturesque Corso Umberto, savor exquisite Sicilian wines, and marvel at the breathtaking views and stunning Cathedral. This 6-hour experience promises an immersive journey through the enchanting landscapes and flavors of Sicily. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a culture seeker, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Contents show

Key Points

Guided tour of Taormina and Messina starting from Messina, with 3 hours of exploration in Taormina and a wine tasting at La Gelsomina vineyard.
Opportunity to stroll along the picturesque Corso Umberto in Taormina and visit architectural landmarks like Cristo Re and the Cathedral in Messina.
Panoramic views of the Strait of Messina included in the tour, providing a scenic backdrop to the Sicilian experience.
Flexible booking options, including spot reservation with later payment and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour duration of 6 hours, with transportation provided, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the highlights of Taormina and Messina.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour starts at $119.68 per person and lasts for 6 hours. Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. They can also reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes a visit to Taormina, where they’ll explore the charming Corso Umberto and a wine tasting at La Gelsomina vineyard. Afterward, they’ll head to Messina for a city tour, including the Cathedral and Cristo Re for panoramic views.

The tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and Wi-Fi on board. The wine tasting isn’t included in the tour price, and an optional stop at a bar for Sicilian products is available.

Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Messina

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with arrival in Taormina, where guests will spend approximately 3 hours exploring the charming city.

Guests will spend 3 hours exploring the charming city of Taormina to begin the tour.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along Corso Umberto, featuring an array of shops and restaurants.

Next, the group will travel to Piedimonte Etneo to visit the La Gelsomina vineyard for a wine tasting experience.

The final leg of the tour involves a return to Messina for a short city tour, including a visit to the Cristo Re for a panoramic view of the Strait of Messina and the Cathedral of Messina, home to the largest astronomical clock in Europe.

Exploring Taormina

Taormina, a picturesque town nestled on the northeastern coast of Sicily, offers visitors a charming and historic exploration experience. Guests begin their journey with a leisurely stroll along Corso Umberto, the town’s main promenade, where they can browse the array of shops, boutiques, and local restaurants. To enhance the experience, the tour also includes a visit to the nearby Piedimonte Etneo region and the La Gelsomina vineyard, where guests can indulge in a wine tasting, discovering the rich flavors of Sicily’s renowned vintages.

| Taormina Highlights | Descriptions |

| — | — |

| Corso Umberto | Main promenade with shops and restaurants |

| Piedimonte Etneo | Nearby region home to La Gelsomina vineyard |

| La Gelsomina Vineyard | Offers wine tasting experience |

| Scenic Beauty | Picturesque town nestled on Sicily’s northeast coast |

Wine Tasting at La Gelsomina

After exploring the charming streets of Taormina, guests venture to the nearby Piedimonte Etneo region to visit the La Gelsomina vineyard.

At the vineyard, they can enjoy a wine tasting experience:

Guests sample a variety of the vineyard’s finest wines, including their renowned Nero d’Avola and Grillo varietals.
A knowledgeable guide explains the winemaking process and the unique terroir that gives the wines their distinct flavors.
Visitors have the opportunity to purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home and savor the flavors of Sicily.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Messina

Following the tour of the idyllic Taormina, guests return to Messina for a short city exploration.

They’ll visit Cristo Re, a church that offers a panoramic view of the Strait of Messina. Next, they’ll explore the impressive Cathedral of Messina, home to the largest astronomical clock in Europe.

Messina’s architectural wonders and coastal vistas provide a captivating contrast to the charming streets of Taormina.

Messina’s magnificent architecture and breathtaking coastal scenery offer a striking counterpoint to Taormina’s enchanting streets.

The multilingual driver ensures guests can fully appreciate the history and significance of this vibrant Sicilian city before heading back, their palates delighted by the wine tasting earlier in the day.

Hungry for more Messina flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots

Cathedral of Messina and Astronomical Clock

The Cathedral of Messina stands as an architectural marvel, drawing visitors with its stunning Romanesque-Gothic design and the remarkable astronomical clock that adorns its facade.

This gigantic timepiece, measuring over 16 feet in diameter, is the largest of its kind in Europe. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, featuring intricate mosaics, ornate chapels, and a towering bell tower.

Visitors can:

Marvel at the cathedral’s impressive facade and its astronomical clock, a true engineering feat.
Explore the cathedral’s interior and admire the stunning mosaics and architectural details.
Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the Strait of Messina.

Transportation and Amenities

The tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey between the destinations. WiFi is available on board, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout the experience.

| Amenity | Availability |

| — | — |

| Private Transportation | ✓ |

| Air Conditioning | ✓ |

| WiFi | ✓ |

An additional highlight is the multilingual driver, who can provide commentary in Italian, English, and Spanish, enhancing the overall experience for participants.

Additional Information

Although the wine tasting at La Gelsomina vineyard isn’t included in the tour price, participants can opt for this add-on experience.

The tour also offers the following:

The tour also offers the opportunity to stop at a bar for tasting typical Sicilian products upon request.

Opportunity to stop at a bar for tasting typical Sicilian products upon request.
Multilingual driver who speaks Italian, English, and Spanish.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the ability to reserve now and pay later.

The tour’s additional features provide flexibility and personalization, ensuring an enriching experience for visitors exploring Taormina and Messina.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The details mention private transportation, suggesting the group size may be flexible, but the exact capacity is not explicitly stated.

Are Children and Infants Allowed on the Tour?

Yes, children and infants are allowed on the tour. The tour does not specify any age restrictions, so families with children of all ages can participate in the wine tasting and sightseeing activities.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Locations?

Yes, the tour allows for customization. Customers can request to visit specific locations during the tour, subject to availability and logistics. The driver-guide will work with customers to accommodate any personalized requests within the allotted time frame.

Is a Vegetarian/Vegan Option Available for the Wine Tasting?

The wine tasting tour doesn’t explicitly mention a vegetarian or vegan option. However, you could inquire with the tour operator about any dietary restrictions or special requests they can accommodate for the wine tasting portion of the experience.

How Long Is the Drive Between Taormina and Messina?

The drive between Taormina and Messina takes approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle to facilitate the journey between the two cities.

The Sum Up

This wine tasting and tour of Taormina and Messina offers a delightful blend of Sicilian culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. From the charming streets of Taormina to the exquisite wines of La Gelsomina vineyard and the stunning Messina Cathedral, this 6-hour adventure provides a rich and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.