We'll be stopping in Messina (cruise) and am interested in a group tour to Mt Etna and Taormina. I'd prefer not using the cruise lines tour but am interested in a "small group tour" (ie: not a pricey private tour). Any suggestions on a good tour company to use or how to contact them to make a reservation ?
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
I took the RS Sicily Tour just this past May, and our truly excellent guide was Tommaso Pante, who is a native of Messina, has been leading various types of tours in that area for many years, and knows Everybody in that Messina-Taormina-Etna region. I don't know when you will be in that area, or whether Tommaso might be available then, but if not, he could probably offer some ideas or alternative contacts. His very informative web site is sunway.it, go to English language, then you might start with "excursions", and go from there. One of the excursions he offers there is a full-day Mt. Etna and Taormina tour. Good luck, Taormina is one of the most beautiful and one of my favorite spots in Italy. Also the tiny town of Castelmola and the even tinier nearby church Madonna della Rocca, both high above Taormina.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks Larry....but I'm trying to be part of a group......avoiding the "private tour" cost. Surprisingly, the TOURIST Board of Messina said they can't help. Maybe they are afraid to PO the cruise company(s) ? LOL
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
I can't imagine a better person than Tommaso to point you in the right direction for the type of tour you are looking for in Messina, if it exists. Another alternative would be to arrange for your own small group tour and then seek out another two couples, or whatever, on the cruise to join you and share the cost. Good luck!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I've contacted him and await his reply. Thanks for the input. It helps ! :-)
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Have you looked at Cruise Critic? Their Roll Calls board is specifically designed to allow you to arrange tours with other travelers on your sailing, so you can book a "private" tour, but with others joining you. Split among 8 or 10 people, it costs the same or less than a cruise ship excursion, but gives better value.
Here's the Roll Call board: http://tinyurl.com/ap7h55m
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I don't know how much you're wanting to spend, but the price of gasoline alone there is over $8 a gallon, and it's a pretty good drive to Etna. Taormina is my favorite place on the face of the Earth. I used: legendofsicily.com The car was clean, the drive experienced, and the tour guide well educated, and informative with a fabulous sense of humor. It will probably cost @ Eu200 for a full day, though.