Ultimate Taormina
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Port
Taormina, Italy
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$269.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
One of the best ways to get to know a city is on foot, and this comprehensive half-day walking tour of beautiful Taormina will satisfy history buffs, photographers and inquisitive travelers alike. Put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover the magnificent landmarks that help define one of Sicily's most popular vacation destinations.
A panoramic drive brings you to stunning Taormina. Perched atop weather-beaten cliffs and founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, it is considered Sicily's most beautiful resort. Once a Roman colony and later ruled by Arabs, Normans and French, Taormina wears its historical legacy well. Remnants of each conquering force can be found throughout the town.
Upon arrival, board an elevator that will take you from the coach parking area to the town center. Your guide leads you along cobblestone streets lined with medieval mansions, Gothic ruins and charming homes adorned with flowerboxes.
One of the first sites you'll visit is perhaps the greatest symbol of Taormina's long and varied history -- the Palazzo Corvaja. Dating back to the 14th century, the fortress is a lively mix of Arab, Norman, and Catalan-Gothic architecture.
From here, stroll to the city's most popular attraction -- the incredible Greco-Roman theatre. Carved out of the hillside in the 3rd century BC, the theater boasts panoramic views of the Bay of Naxos, the mountains of southern Calabria and Mount Etna. Feel the centuries peel back as you walk past seats that were once occupied by happy theatre-goers and a stage where actors stood reciting popular plays of the day.
Enjoy some free time to wander and shop along the Corso Umberto, Taormina's main thoroughfare. If you prefer, sit in one of the charming cafés with a cup of espresso (at your own expense) and people-watch.
Later, you'll re-join your guide and visit the Public Garden that offer one of the most beautiful views of the town. Lush vegetation here includes palm trees, cacti and a host of flowers that, in summer, make this place a delight for the eyes. The villa was originally settled by Lady Florence Trevelyan, a Scottish noblewoman exiled after an affair with Edward VII. Admire the perhaps appropriately named ornamental elements called Victorian Follies among magnolias, hibiscus and bougainvillea bushes groomed to within an inch of their lives.
Lunch is served at the beautiful Hotel Villadiodoro before you return to the pier.