A walking tour is the ideal way to discover Taormina and be properly introduced to this unforgettable town and its unique historical heritage.
Taormina lies on the slopes of Monte Tauro and was dubbed the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" by the famous German baron Wilhelm von
Gloeden. The enchanting town appears to have been created to seduce the eyes, the mind, and the imagination. It is worth a visit simply to
understand its history and heritage, take a romantic escape, or just to relax. Every Church, every street, and every building is full of the
colors, people, and magic that make Sicily famous.
Taormina has become famous around the world not only for its beautiful scenery and views of Etna sloping down into the turquoise sea,
but also for the dolce vita of the extravagant and famous visitors who have been here. During this walk you will visit the beautiful Palazzo Corvaja,
the Odeon - a small Roman theater, the church of Saint Catherine, Vicolo Stretto - the narrowest street in Taormina, Corso Umberto - the
fashionable and charming main street, and Piazza IX Aprile - the main square with a magnificent view of the majestic profile of Etna and the
coast of the Bay of Giardini Naxos stretching up the hill to the Greek Theater.
Duration: 2 hours
Included:
• 2 hours English speaking licensed professional guide service
• Entrance Ticket to The Ancient Theatre
Discover the ancient history of one of the most beautiful cities of Sicily - Syracuse.
The entire city of Syracuse is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonizers and became one of the
most powerful cities of the Mediterranean sea. Rich in Ancient Greek history, Syracuse features stunning architecture, and was the
birthplace of mathematician Archimedes.
Visit the archeological sites of ancient Syracuse with Greek theater, Necropolis, Amphitheater of Roman Imperial age and famous for
acoustic properties Ear of Dionysius. The majestic Greek Theatre of Syracuse, carved into the heart of the mountains, today is the place
where still ancient Greek tragedies are played during the summer theatre festival.
Then travel to the charming Ortigia Island - the center and the heart of Syracuse. Start the sightseeing of Ortigia with a walk around to
soak up the sights.
As you pass through the Piazza Duomo, marvel the magnificent cathedral built in the 7th century over the great Temple of Athena, you can
still see the doric column’s along the sides.
Enjoy the beautiful promenade along the sea where you can find the Fountain of Arethusa, famous from the Greek myth.
Duration: 8 hours
Included:
• Full Day Mercedes Car service disposal for the tour of Siracusa
• Full Day private local guide service in Siracusa
• Entrance tickets to the Archeological Area of Syracuse and to the Cathedral
Enjoy a cooking class in a private villa in Taormina guided by a professional chef.
Taormina is famous for its lush villas and elegant historical palazzi. Why not try to create some of the most typical dishes of Sicilian cuisine in
the refined atmosphere of a private villa in Taormina? The villa is located in the centre of Taormina, surrounded by Sicilian gardens in a quiet
position with views over the sea and the city. The building has been recently refurbished with vintage, designer and antique furniture and
most of the the wall art and sculptures are made locally. The Villa’s garden hosts an ancient Roman soldier tomb and the villa itself is the
neighbor villa to where the famous writer D.H Lawrence and Truman Capote lived. It is an ideal place for those who love food and wine.
Enjoy an experience led by a professional local chef who will teach you all about Sicily’s cuisine heritage. Located at the center of the
Mediterranean between the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian sea, Sicily has been, since ancient times, a place of great dominations which in turn
created a complex gastronomical culture. Favored ingredients are mainly locally produced vegetables, meat, and local seafood from the
dazzling sea that surrounds the island. Tie your apron and get to cooking under the watchful eye of the professional local chef who will offer
helpful guidance along the way to successfully create a typical Sicilian menu. Get ready to cook three courses featuring meat, fish, and pasta
according to local culinary traditions and techniques that you can use to impress family and friends back home! Enjoy a Sicilian aperitivo
accompanied by local seasonal products and once your meal is ready take a seat and savor your dishes in a relaxing atmosphere of the villa.
It’s an unforgettable and authentic activity within a family environment, perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends.
Duration: 4 hours
Included:
•Roundtrip transportation service with Mercedes Minivans from the hotel to the villa
• 2 hours cooking lesson with local professional chef
• 4 course meal served with a selection of Sicilian wines and homemade liqueurs, coffee/tea served at end of meal
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Etna and Taormina as you soar above the volcano’s active craters and Taormina’s ancient theater.
Fly over the the highest active volcano in Europe and admire from above its amazing natural beauty.
You will have the unique opportunity to discover the eastern shore of Sicily and the crystal clear turquoise Ionian sea.
The spectacular site of Taormina perched on the mountainside will take your breath away; its Greek Theatre seen from above will send
you back in time and make you truly appreciate the ancient history of this extraordinary place.
Thanks to the unique environment, natural beauty, and its quality wine production, Mount Etna has been recognized as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 2013.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Included:
•Round trip transportation service with Mercedes Car from Taormina area to helipad
• 30 minutes helicopter tour of Etna & Taormina
Drive your own vintage Fiat 500 and discover the locations where Francis Ford Coppola shot some of the most famous scenes from his masterpiece, The Godfather.
Michael Corleone and Apollonia took place.Corleone and threatened him with an untimely death. Next stop is the Church of Santa Lucia, where the scene of the wedding between
“Vitelli’’, one of Coppola's favorite places. Sit in the exact spot where Al Pacino informed Appollonia's father that his name was Michael
strong artistic and historical interest, surrounded by orange, almond, and olive trees. While in Savoca you must stop at the famous bar
Admire the Sicilian countryside as you keep ascending to the first stop - the enchanting town of Savoca. Savoca is a small town of
off to take photos.
drive through Sicily’s charming roads with your eye-catching and stylish retro car. Be prepared to be the center of attention as you stop
as well as the most adored car in Italy. Open the roof or the windows and feel the sun and breeze on your skin as you enjoy a relaxing
Godfather. You will drive one of the quaint and perfectly pint-sized vintage Fiat 500, a symbol of the famous and stylish Italian culture,
Discover the beautiful villages of Savoca and Forza D'Agrò - the location for the scenes set in Corleone of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather.
Duration: 4 hours
Included:
•Half Day vintage Fiat 500 disposal for the Godfather Tour
•Tour leader car with professional local guide and assistance
•Radio to stay in contact with the guide and assistants
The international driving license is mandatory.
The tour can be arranged also with vintage cars with a driver.
Discover hidden spots of Taormina's coastline. Relax and sunbathe while admiring Taormina’s sights from the water.
To really see Taormina, is to experience it from its most exclusive view point, that is from the beautiful sea that surrounds it. Enjoy a day at sea visiting
the bays of Taormina and the coast of the pearl of the Ionian with our most authentic and relaxing tour.
You will relax and enjoy this excursion on board one of our yachts while being caressed by the ocean breeze and rocked by the gentle waves. Visit not
only the fascinating Grotta Azzurra with its colorful shades of blue, but also Capo Taormina and its rocky coastline - made famous by the film Le Grand
Blue. Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos will provide the perfect backdrop for a photo to remember the moment, and will be the perfect place for a
refreshing dip in the waters of the Grotta del Giorno. The tour will continue along the coast towards the Bay of Mazzarò, the beach of the locals or
'taorminesi', and past the luxury hotels and fashionable lidos where everyday the slow dolce vita of Sicily is celebrated. This will be the ideal place for an
aperitivo on board before continuing onto to the Bay of Mermaids, one of the most secluded and characteristic bays of the entire coastline and also the
perfect location for a swim in the clear, cool waters.
Admire Isola Bella - one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Thanks to its unique nature and its geographical form, the island has been declared a
monument of historical and artistic interest and value.
Duration: 3,5 hours
Included:
• Round trip transportation with Mercedes Minivans from Taormina to the embarkation point in Giardini Naxos
• 3 hours boat trip with visit to the Grotta Azzurra and bays of Isola Bella and Capo Taormina
• Water, seasonal fresh fruit and aperitivo on board
Lunch in a rustic restaurant by the sea can be included.
Discover magical places aboard one of our vintage Ape Calesse
See Taormina most enchanting views aboard your Sicilian traditional Ape Calessino.
Meet your driver at the hotel and hop on your Ape Calessino for a panoramic and relaxing tour of Taormina. You will see the highlights
of the city while staying comfortably seated and caressed by the late afternoon breeze.
You will end the tour in the charming medieval village of Castelmola where you will be accompanied to a characteristic bar a for an
aperitivo on the rooftop while enjoying the view of Mt. Etna and the Ionian coast.
Duration: 2 hours
Included:
• 2 hours Ape tour transportation service and local expert service
•Aperitivo in Castelmola including tasting of local traditional products and of locally produced Almond Wine
Discover hidden spots of Taormina's coastline. Relax and sunbathe while admiring Taormina’s sights from the water.
You will relax and enjoy this excursion on board one of our yachts while being caressed by the ocean breeze and rocked by the gentle waves. Visit not
only the fascinating Grotta Azzurra with its colorful shades of blue, but also Capo Taormina and its rocky coastline - made famous by the film Le Grand
Blue. Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos will provide the perfect backdrop for a photo to remember the moment, and will be the perfect place for a
refreshing dip in the waters of the Grotta del Giorno. The tour will continue along the coast towards the Bay of Mazzarò, the beach of the locals or
'taorminesi', and past the luxury hotels and fashionable lidos where everyday the slow dolce vita of Sicily is celebrated. This will be the ideal place for an
aperitivo on board before continuing onto to the Bay of Mermaids, one of the most secluded and characteristic bays of the entire coastline and also the
perfect location for a swim in the clear, cool waters. Admire Isola Bella - one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Thanks to its unique nature and its
geographical form, the island has been declared a monument of historical and artistic interest and value.
Duration: 4/8 hours
Included:
• Roundtrip transpiration service from Taormina to Giardini Naxos Harbor with Minivans
• Tender service
• Full-day boating experience
• Skipper and hostess service
• Fuel costs and taxes
• Towels and snorkeling kit on board
• Fresh fruits, water, soft drinks and prosecco on board
Explore the Mount Etna natural history written in lava. Admire stunning views of active craters and an extraordinary volcanic landscape. Enjoy a homemade lunch in a family-owned winery.
Enjoy the great outdoors as you explore the majestic Mount Etna! After pickup from your hotel, begin your tour through Mount Etna
National Park and follow your knowledgeable guide through the protected area surrounding the volcano. Admire the changing
landscape as you climb up the volcano’s slopes: from orange and olive trees orchards, charming vineyards terraces, forests of pine,
beech, and birch; to high lava deserts. As you reach the foothills of Etna by car, take in gorgeous views of the lava fields and learn
about natural history of the one of the most active volcanos on Earth. Trek around the old inactive Etna craters with your private
guide that will explain you the history of the extraordinary volcanic landscape.
Our tour will conclude with a Sicilian lunch in a winery, located on the slopes of the volcano, where you can enjoy a walk around vines.
Thanks to the unique environment, natural beauty, and its quality wine production, Mount Etna has been recognized as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 2013.
Duration: 8 hours
Included:
• Full Day Private Jeep 4x4 disposal
• Full Day naturalist guide service
• Lunch in a winery with wine tasting (including 3 courses, tasting of 4 wines, water)
You cannot let your trip in Sicily pass without having tried granita!
This typical Sicilian dessert (or breakfast) is made of water and typically fresh fruit, coffee, or nuts, which are blended together and frozen. However, a place that serves traditional granita will have their own secrets to creating the perfect version. You can ask them what it is, but don’t expect to find out!
For the ultimate granita experience in Taormina, head to the iconic café that is Bam Bar. This is a Taormina institution that throughout the years has served their famous ‘Granita con brioche’ to pop stars, politicians, and actors known around the world! Lemon is the most traditional flavor, but here at Bam Bar we recommend the peach!
Other flavours typically include almonds, coffee, pistachio, strawberry, and kiwi. Whichever one you choose, make sure to also order a brioche and try dunking torn-off pieces into the ice. Delicious!
Address: Via di Giovanni, 45, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Look for the glorious 14th-century townhouse in central Taormina, and you’ll find Osteria RossoDiVino. Outdoor tables occupy a prime spot on its small terrace, under white sunshades. Although it’s an osteria – traditionally a simpler place than an Italian restaurant – the cooking here is sublime. The fresh seasonal ingredients sing in dishes such as seafood spaghetti, seared tuna and anchovy tempura. Additionally, there is a splendid and lengthy regional wine list, including mineral and Grillo wines.
Address: Via de Spuches 8, Taormina
Villa Carlotta is an exceptional restaurant with amazing views from the terrace overlooking the sea. The menu showcases fresh, local, great quality ingredients. Some absolute stand out dishes: melt in your mouth, Nero D’Avola Filet steak; Swordfish Ravioli; Tuna on a bed of Kiwi & Orange Salad. If you like rose wine, try the Rose di Nere from Noto. The service is excellent and the dishes are beautifully presented.
Address: Via Luigi Pirandello 81, Taormina
Villa Zuccaro Pizzeria will charm you with the typical dishes of the Sicilian tradition, prepared every day according to the availability and periodicity of the main ingredients, which are chosen and selected with great care. The effort in the kitchen aims at the rediscovery and enhancement of the art of the past, giving new life to the ancient recipes of folk tradition, so rich in history, scents and authentic flavours.
Besides the main menu, which offers delicious starters and tasty salads, there is a more than ordinary pizza menu, which lets you choose among 50 different flavors. The property, located in a stone villa of the 17th century, is surrounded by a flourishing and verdant garden always carefully maintained.
Location: Piazza Carmine, 5, 98039 Taormina
Morgana is a cozy locale dedicated primarily to those who love to drink well, and is considered by most to be the perfect hideaway for a few hours of pure fun. Every year Morgana sheds its skin in order to mirror our walk through this life. Every journey and new experience is transformed into different elements that find their place in even the smallest of details that make up our display. The greatest inspiration being the land we come from and how our location represents and tells her story through a design concept that is genuine, sincere, and shows who we truly are.
Location: Scesa Morgana, 4, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Luca Casablanca, the chef and owner of Tischi Toschi, commands this two-storey trattoria with an idiosyncratic wit, and can be spotted on most nights eating here, accompanied by his diminutive dog. His intelligent menu is a panoply of modern Sicilian fare, from whole artichoke, crisp with just a smattering of flour, to his take on the traditional local aubergine dish caponata, but with almonds and seasoned with a little cocoa powder. Every morsel of pecorino baked with garlic, oregano and parsley was mopped up with bread.
Daiquiri is probably one of Taormina’s busiest and most unique bars. And taking up a whole set of steps just off one of the square’s (in front of Villa Zuccaro) you absolutely cannot miss this place. Whilst there is some limited seating on a balcony above the bar, the majority of the seating at Daiquiri is the steps themselves, which are covered with cushions and small tables. Daiquiri has pretty much every cocktail you can think of on the menu, and every type of liquor you can think of (and more) behind the bar. An Aperol spritz costs €9, and whilst you’ll get cheaper spritzes elsewhere, these are exceedingly good. But that’s not all. As is customary in continental Europe, all drinks orders come with a selection of snacks, which usually consist of nuts, crisps and sometimes olives, but at Daiquiri they’ve taken it one step further. Your drinks will arrive with the usual crisps and nuts, and then a few moments later a waiter will bring over a platter of carrot sticks, small sandwiches, bruschetta etc.
Location: Piazzetta Paladini, 4, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
A family owned restaurant right at the very end of the main high street in Taormina. Their menu is fairly small, compared to some other restaurants in Taormina, but each dish is cooked to perfection. Highly recommended is the Rigatoni alla Norma – large tube shaped pasta with a fresh tomato and aubergine sauce topped with grated baked ricotta – this dish is a favourite in Sicily and this is definitely the best version of it in Taormina. Also be sure to try a bottle of Sicilian Grillo, a gorgeous white wine grown in vineyards on the hills of Etna (and only €16 a bottle!!!!!), not forgetting their famous tiramisu!
Location: Viale Apollo Arcageta, 9, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Each of the excursions here is bookable through our wedding planners at Sicily Lifestyle. Please reach out to Sara at maryandtomsicily@gmail.com to inquire about pricing and booking information for one of the amazing excursions with Sicily Lifestyle.
For more immediate information, please email Mary or Tom for the full brochure of activities hosted by Sicily Lifestyle.