I realize that my question does not fall into the "Italy Reviews" category, but I'm hoping for some suggestions. Here's the situation: Our port is Messina. We opted for our ship's excursion to Taormina. We have been notified that the excursion has been cancelled due to the G7 meetings due to be held in Taormina. My question is: would it be wise to try to hire a driver and go to Taormina on our own? Or would it be better to just skip the city altogether because of the G7? I'm just looking for an educated guess here, as I have no idea how the G7 will affect he city, except, of course, for heightened security. We do have other excursions to choose from, but we were looking forward to seeing Taormina.
We're in port 7am to 7pm.
I would really appreciate your ideas on this.
Posted by
CA
2073 posts
We were in Mexico and were unable to get into Cancun from the Playa del Carmen area due to a summit meeting. Who knows if you would be allowed into the city. I would hesitate to pay anyone in advance to take you on a tour just in case access is limited.
I know how disappointing it must be. We walked into our cabin and on the bed was a note that said Istanbul and Ephesus ports were canceled. We took this particular cruise for those two stops. The alternate ports were Dubrovnik and Taormina plus an extra whole day at sea.
Posted by
OP
Cupertino, CA
13 posts
Diane, thank you for your reply. I agree, the situation with the G7 summit scheduled to be held in Taormina is too uncertain to pay for a tour in advance.
Posted by
Washington DC
27047 posts
I do not know the population of Taormina, but it felt rather small to me on my afternoon visit in 2015--the sort of place that might well be swamped by the G7 folks.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
Taormina is really, really small and hemmed in by the sea. The G7 Summit is probably being held there because it's a luxurious location (and that's how they roll). The town was overrun (just with tourists) when I went - I cannot imagine security blockades on top if that. Sadly, I would advise you to stay away at this time. I live in the Washington DC area and there are a lot of blockades when there are World Bank/IMF annual summits downtown, so anything of that nature causes obstructions.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I agree with the others. I loved Taormina, but it's not only small, but also hemmed in by its geography. I could see security blockades making large sections impassable, and ruining a day visit. So, in this situation I recommend doing something else that day. I say this with a heavy heart, as I found Taormina to be magical despite the crowds. But it wouldn't have been magic if I couldn't walk anywhere, and I could easily picture that happening with the G7.
Posted by
OP
Cupertino, CA
13 posts
Many thanks for your responses. It helps put the situation in perspective. I think I will take your sage advice and avoid Taormina. I am sure there will be those on board who will be arranging private tours. I'll pass.
I'm hoping that the ship will not cancel the stop in Sicily altogether! Thanks again.
Posted by
37 posts
We were told that Taormina will not be accessible during that time. We have booked a tour with Sicily Life that will take us to Mount Etna, a winery, a family farm and the village of Castiglione di Sicilia. They have other tours, so you might check them out. They have been highly recommended on other boards.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
PJ, I too loved Taormina, but have to agree with the others, this is simply not a viable day. Next trip! Then again, just the slight chance of getting a personal glimpse of The Donald ...
Posted by
OP
Cupertino, CA
13 posts
Chale - thanks for the referral to Sicily Life. I will check them out.
All - The day we were scheduled to go to Taormina was May 19 and the G7 is May 26-27. There are the inevitable preparations which will make getting around a small town difficult. I'll look for alternative excursions.
Larry - I reluctantly agree with you and the others that Taormina, this time around is just not meant to be.
Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to share your thoughts. Hearing from all of you, softens the disappointment.