Town of Taormina

by coach & on foot

Your experience starts with a short city drive before leaving the port of Messina behind as you start your Sicily adventure in Taormina. This charming town is located on the rocky plateau of Mount Tauro overlooking the Ionian Sea, at a height of approximately 250m (820ft). Taormina enjoys a rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage.

On arrival in Taormina, you will leave your coach for the start of your walking experience. During your walk, you will pass Palazzo Corvaja, a 15th-century building. The first part of this medieval palace was built in the 10th century when Arabs conquered the city from the Byzantine Empire. The mansion is named after the Corvaja family - one of the oldest and most noble families in Taormina.

Your walk continues to the impressive Greek Theatre built in the 3rd century BC. This ancient theatre is without question the most important feature for visitors to Taormina. Not only is it a spectacular theatre, but it also has superb views out towards the Calabrian coast, the Ionian coast of Sicily and the spectacular cone of Mt. Etna. It’s an amazing structure, in particular the acoustic effects, and today it is still used during the summer months for open-air performances.

Following your guided walk, enjoy some free time to stroll the "Corso Umberto" - a street of honey-coloured buildings. This pedestrian street provides a lively promenade for tourists and is lined with elegant shops and restaurants. Just off this pedestrian street, there are many small lanes and "Viuzze" (alleyways) where you will be able to shop for local handicrafts.

After your time in Taormina walk back to the coach for the return journey to Messina.