Messina Affordable Shuttle Excursion to Taormina

Description

• Roundtrip shuttle transportation from a central meeting point close to your Messina cruise port to Taormina!
  
• Assistance on board the bus in English and Italian!
  
• Free map of the city!
  
• Free WiFi on board the bus!
  
• Free time to explore Taormina on your own!
  
• BONUS - one complete lap of the City Sightseeing Blue Route in Messina!

Spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular summer destinations, a chic resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita (sweet life). The town merits a visit for its stunning ancient theatre, people watching, and breathtaking vistas. Founded in the 4th century BC, Taormina enjoyed great prosperity under the Greeks and later the Romans, but fell into quiet obscurity after being conquered by the Normans in 1087. Its reincarnation as a tourist destination dates to the 18th century when northern European aristocrats rediscovered it on their Grand Tours.

Upon meeting your professional, English-speaking staff close to your Messina port, you will begin your 1.5-hour journey along the Sicilian coast in the comfort of a luxury, air-conditioned coach bus. You will receive a map of the city so you can plan your visit.

Once you arrive in Taormina, your driver will coordinate the meeting place and time for your return trip back. You will enjoy approximately 2-3 hours of free time to explore this picturesque city by the sea. The Ancient Theater with its spectacular view of Mount Etna and the bay of Naxos, Porta Messina, the northern entrance to the city, lined with small craft shops, antique shops, small streets, fragrant, and multicolored alleys, the Duomo di San Nicola, built in the thirteenth century, reminiscent of Norman cathedrals, and Park Giovanni Colonna, the public garden of Taormina, which once belonged to the English noblewoman Lady Florence Trevelyan, built in the late nineteenth century on the model of the English garden, are just a few of the sites to explore. Or just pull up a chair at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes to enjoy some Sicilian snacks, and a beverage and take in some people-watching!

Please note that food/beverages and entrance fees to any sights or attractions are not included. 

The departure time from Taormina is at 02:30 PM, please make sure to be on time for the return. Once on board your transportation, you can relax and reminisce about your Sicilian experience in the comfort of your luxury transportation. 

When you arrive back in Messina, you will have the option to enjoy a whole lap of the Blue Line on board of one of the City Sightseeing buses where you will be able to see places such as the Neptuno Fountain, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Duomo and many more! 

At the end of the lap, you will return to the original meeting point where you can walk a short distance to your Messina cruise terminal.

Note: This excursion only runs when a cruise ship is in port (April to October)! A separate voucher will be emailed to you. You must print the voucher and give it to the local operator in order to do the excursion; do not give them your Shore Excursioneer e-ticket.

What is included?

• Roundtrip shuttle transportation from a central meeting point close to your Messina cruise port
  
• Assistance on board the bus in English and Italian
  
• Free map of the city
  
• Free WiFi on board the bus
  
• Free time to explore Taormina on your own
  
• One complete lap of the Blue Line City Sightseeing Messina

Excursion Notes

• Excursion prices shown are quoted in US dollars.
• As you may be visiting a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered on men and women.
  
• We suggest you have cash (Euros) on hand for the entrance fee, refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended along with sun protection.
  
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this Messina Affordable Shuttle Excursion to Taormina, no refund will be granted if requirements are not met.
• You must print and surrender a paper version of the voucher for this activity (showing your voucher on a smartphone is not accepted). No refund will be given to customers without a printed copy of their voucher.

Where we meet

For this Messina Affordable Shuttle Excursion to Taormina, you will meet your friendly staff at Via Battisti close to your Messina Cruise Terminal. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• Guests must be able to navigate a narrow steep staircase to access the top deck of the bus.
  
• Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and cobblestone surfaces, some on inclines at most stops.
• There are steps required to enter several of the sites as well as steep curbs in some areas.
• This Messina Affordable Shuttle Excursion to Taormina is not wheelchair accessible.
• Seating on the bus is on a first come basis.
  
• Excursion tickets are only valid on City Sightseeing buses. Unused tickets or tickets presented to another operator are non-refundable.
  
• As there is no specific end time to the excursion, it is the guest's responsibility to know their ship's scheduled departure time and plan their day to be back on board at the appointed time.
  
• Schedule times might change due to traffic or any other force majeure.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.