Messina City Experience: Where the Strait Meets History
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4 hours (approx.)
Shared Tour
Light
Overview
Discover the fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that defines the city of Messina, the gateway to Sicily. Departing directly from the cruise port, you’ll embark on a comfortable panoramic drive aboard our van or minibus, heading toward the northernmost tip of Sicily, Cape Peloro.
Your first stop will be the charming fishing village of Ganzirri, renowned for its clam and mussel farms. Capture stunning photos of the brackish lakes and learn about the age-old traditions and fishing techniques unique to this area.
Next, continue to the nearby village of Torre Faro, the closest point to mainland Italy. Here you’ll admire the iconic “Pilone”, a striking former electricity pylon, and enjoy another photo opportunity with breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the area’s powerful sea currents, mythological legends from Homer’s Odyssey, and the ancient swordfish hunting traditions that date back to prehistory.
Before returning to the city, enjoy a final panoramic stop at one of Messina’s best viewpoints, offering a sweeping vista over the Strait, the city center, and the cruise port, a perfect moment to take in the beauty of both Sicily and mainland Italy.
Back downtown, you’ll visit the Church of the Catalans, one of Messina’s oldest and most remarkable buildings, dating back to the 13th century and miraculously surviving the devastating earthquake of 1908.
A short walk takes you to Cathedral Square, home to the magnificent Orion Fountain and the city’s Cathedral, with its world-famous bell tower. Be sure not to miss the noon show, when the mechanical statues come to life—a spectacular event that draws visitors from around the world. The astronomical clock within the tower is the largest and most complex in the world, a true masterpiece of engineering and artistry.
After the show, step inside the Cathedral of Messina, the city’s most important church, to explore its rich history and the many reconstructions it has undergone over the centuries.
At the end of the visit, you’ll return comfortably to the port by vehicle. Alternatively, your local guide can suggest additional sites to explore or recommend authentic local restaurants if you wish to enjoy more of Messina at your own pace before walking back to your ship.
ITINERARY
- • Meet and greet at the port
- • Drive to first photo stop Ganzirri Lake
- • Drive to Torre Faro
- • Drive to Messina Viewpoint
- • Drive to Catalani Church
- • Next stop at Messina Cathedral
- • Astronomical clock show
- • Return back to cruise port
There are bathroom facilities at Ganzirri Lake, Torre Faro and Catalani Church if needed.
- • Return back to cruise port
- • Astronomical clock show
- • Next stop at Messina Cathedral
- • Drive to Catalani Church
- • Drive to Messina Viewpoint
- • Drive to Torre Faro
- • Drive to first photo stop Ganzirri Lake
What's Included
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Air Conditioned Transportation
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English Speaking Tour Guide
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Torre Faro
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Messina Viewpoint
Considerations
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Food and drinks are not included
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Entrance fees to the Bell Tower, Museum of the Cathedral and the Crypth of the Cathedral are not included
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Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day
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Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cas
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This tour can accommodate wheelchairs and folding motorized scooters, passengers must be able to get on and off the vehicle unaided
Special Instructions
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Wear cool and comfortable clothes and shoes
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Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!
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It is recommended to drink plenty of water - it can get unseasonably hot
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This is a shared tour, with a maximum of 35 passengers, but could be as little as 8 passengers
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.
Book Now
Please select a date and time for this tour to continue.
Price Info
Messina City Experience: Where the Strait Meets History
Per Adult
USD $ 105.00
Per Child - Ages 4 to 12 years
USD $ 74.00
Infant - Ages 0 to 3 years
USD $ 15.00
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