



Your day begins with a perfect blend of natural power and culinary tradition on our exclusive Mount Etna and Authentic Cooking Class shore excursion designed for cruise passengers. Your private English speaking driver will meet you directly at the pier next to your cruise ship to begin the journey toward the majestic Mount Etna. As you ascend the slopes of Europe’s highest active volcano, you will witness the changing landscapes of lava flows and ancient forests until you reach the volcanic craters. Here you can enjoy a walk around the rim of extinct craters and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Sicilian coastline before heading back toward the city.
At 12:30 PM your culinary adventure begins at our professional kitchen located in the historic heart of Messina near the Church of the Catalans. You will be welcomed by our local chef with a celebratory toast before diving into a two and a half hour hands-on masterclass. Using professional equipment and the provided chef’s hat and apron, you will learn to prepare a complete traditional menu including Eggplant Parmigiana, Messina style meatballs, and hand kneaded Maccheroni alla Norma with savory baked ricotta. You will also master the unique Braciole alla Messinese and the legendary Sicilian Cannoli.
The experience culminates in a relaxing lunch where you will enjoy the dishes you prepared, perfectly paired with local Sicilian wine and water. To ensure these memories stay with you forever, you will be presented with an official certificate of participation to commemorate your unique gastronomic adventure. Because our kitchen is located in the city center just moments from the port, you will enjoy a stress free return to your ship well in advance of your departure.
Cost of cooking class: Euro 150 per person.
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Experience the best of the Sicilian coastline with our exclusive Taormina and Isola Bella Coast Tour designed specifically for travelers arriving at the ports of Messina or Giardini Naxos by cruise ship. This private four hour excursion offers a refined escape from the crowds, allowing you to discover the hidden gems of the Mediterranean in total comfort and style. To ensure a completely stress-free experience, we include a private minivan transfer that will pick you up directly at your cruise ship and take you to the marina to meet your boat, with a guaranteed return transfer at the end of your adventure.
Your journey takes place aboard our modern and elegant vessels, designed for groups of up to eight passengers and feature spacious sun decks at both the bow and stern, a cabin with a private bathroom, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, a stereo system, and a refrigerator to ensure your maximum relaxation. As you cruise along the stunning Taormina coast, our professional skipper and tour leader will guide you through an itinerary rich in history and natural beauty.
We believe in providing a complete luxury service, which is why your booking includes an alcoholic aperitif featuring local wine or prosecco, fresh seasonal fruit, and a selection of soft drinks. For your convenience, we also provide fresh beach towels, fuel for the entire journey, and full insurance coverage. This four hour private tour is the ultimate way to create indelible memories of Sicily.
The tour is available every day, if weather conditions allow.
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This day excursion is designed for those who wish to enjoy a different aspect of MOUNT ETNA and the surrounding areas.
After you are greeted at the port you will drive to the northern side of the volcano, you will first visit the Alcantara Gorges, with wonderful waterfall created from an old lava eruption. Then continue through Francavilla to stop at the most charming and unspoiled Sicilian village of Castiglione di Sicilia and take a walk to the old Greek fortress to admire an amazing spot with a breathtaking view over the Alcantara valley. From here we take you to visit Monti Sartorius, to enjoy a fantastic 30-45 minutes walk through the National Park. You will then be driven to the northern part of Etna, known for the splendid sky view, then down to explore the “Grotta del Ladroni”, lava cave formed a long time ago before heading back to the port.
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SAVOCA & TAORMINA
This day excursion is designed for those who wish to enjoy the countryside and surrounding villages where Francis Ford Coppolla filmed The Godfather trilogy.
You will be greeted at the port and will continue to the town of Savoca, where the original Godfather was filmed.
You will spend your morning sightseeing here, before you carry on for lunch in one of the medieval villages that surround the area of Taormina.
You will continue sightseeing into the afternoon and will return to the port at the end of the day.
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This day excursion is designed for those who wish to enjoy the highlights of Mount Etna and Taormina.
After you are greeted at the port you will continue to the bottom of Mount Etna.
Here you may choose to take the cable car up the mount 2700 meters to see the summit of one of Italy’s active volcanoes.
When you have returned to the bottom of Mount Etna your driver will be waiting to take you for lunch. Once you have completed your sightseeing you will continue up the coast to the ancient splendors of Taormina.
The duration of the afternoon will be spent at the site of the ancient theater and surrounding area, before you are returned to the port at the end of the day.
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