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Messina City Experience: Where the Strait Meets History
Tour Times: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM
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On average, this booked 4 months in advance.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included
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.
There are bathroom facilities at Ganzirri Lake, Torre Faro and Catalani Church if needed.
What's Included
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Torre Faro
- Messina Viewpoint
- Food and Beverages
- Entrance fees to the Bell Tower, Museum of the Cathedral and the Crypth of the Cathedral
- Personal Expenses
- Tips/Gratuities
Itinerary
Meet and Greet at the Port
Tour Start
Drive
To the First Stop Ganzirri Lake
Drive
To Torre Faro
Drive
To Messina Viewpoint
Drive
To Catalani Church
Stop and Photo Opportunity
Messina Cathedral
Stop and Photo Opportunity
Astronomical Clock Show
Return back to Cruise Port
Tour End
Considerations
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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
Book Now
Please select a date and time and number of participants 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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