TASTE OF SICILY: Taormina, Messina + sicilian street food tasting

If you’re planning a cruise stop in Sicily and looking for an experience that combines stunning scenery, cultural highlights, and authentic street food, this Taste of Sicily tour in Taormina and Messina might just fit the bill. From what we’ve seen, it offers a practical way to make the most of your limited time ashore, with a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore on your own.

Two things stand out immediately: the convenience of door-to-door transport from the cruise ports and the opportunity to savor classic Sicilian bites like arancini and cannoli**. We also appreciate that this is a small-group tour, typically capped at 12 travelers, which generally means a more relaxed pace and personal touch. That said, one consideration is that some guests felt the food tastings were a bit limited for their taste, and timing can be a bit rushed depending on your group.

This tour is perfect for those who love history, scenic towns, and, of course, fantastic local cuisine. If you’re a foodie with a curiosity for Sicily’s traditional flavors or someone who wants a straightforward way to visit two iconic places without the hassle of planning, this could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise port save you time and hassle.
• Taste authentic Sicilian street food in both Messina and Taormina.
• Enjoy guided city tours with included admission tickets to key sights.
• Have free time in Taormina to explore, shop, and dine independently.
• The tour is limited to small groups, ensuring a more personal experience.
• The cost-per-person offers a fair value considering the included tastings, guided tours, and transport.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Porta Catania di Taormina

This stop is your chance to walk through the heart of Taormina, often called the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”. The tour allocates about two hours here, which is just enough to soak in the views, stroll the charming streets, and peek into local shops.

Guests love how beautiful Taormina is—think cobblestone streets, vibrant storefronts, and vistas that overlook the coast. One reviewer, Margaret, called it “very picturesque,” and appreciated having three hours of free time to enjoy lunch, browse local shops, or just relax with the scenery.

While the tour includes admission tickets, it’s worth noting that some guests found the experience a little rushed, especially if they wanted to linger longer or explore more deeply. Still, most agree that the balance of guided sightseeing and free time works well for a day trip.

Stop 2: Cathedral of Messina & Street Food Tasting

This part of the tour offers a panoramic view of Messina, along with two stops to sample two Sicilian favorites: arancini (rice balls) and cannoli. The admission tickets are included, so you get to see the cathedral and perhaps snap some photos of the city.

Guests consistently comment on how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, making the experience both educational and fun. Tracy highlighted that her driver was “excellent,” and that the entire process, from pickup to return, was smooth. Meanwhile, Joy described her guide, Ignacio, as “fun and informative,” which seems to be a common sentiment among reviews.

The tastings are a highlight—arancini and cannoli are quintessential Sicilian street foods, and most travelers find them delicious. One reviewer joked about how they loved those cannolis! However, Kerrie mentioned she expected a bit more tasting variety and felt somewhat rushed, which suggests that if food is your main focus, this might be a lighter experience.

Free Time in Taormina

After the guided parts of the tour, you’re given about two hours of free time in Taormina. This is probably the best part if you want to shop, dine, or just enjoy the views at your own pace. Many guests have praised the opportunity to wander without feeling hurried, and Margaret noted that she preferred Taormina over the crowded Amalfi Coast.

During this free time, you can grab a meal at a local restaurant, browse artisan shops, or take in the scenery from a terrace overlooking the sea. Having some personal flexibility is a real plus, especially in such a picturesque town.

The Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

The tour includes hassle-free round-trip transport from Messina or Giardini Naxos ports. This is a real time-saver, eliminating the need to navigate public transportation or worry about missing the ship. With a maximum of 12 travelers, the group size is kept small enough to foster a relaxed atmosphere but still lively enough for friendly conversations.

Duration & Price

The tour runs for about 4 to 6 hours, which makes it suitable for a day cruise stop. The cost is $190.15 per person, which might seem a little steep at first glance. But considering the included guided tours, tastings, and transport, many would say it’s fair value—especially for those who want a hassle-free, well-organized day.

Booking & Cancellation

Most travelers book their spot roughly 92 days in advance, indicating good planning is recommended. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, which is nice if your schedule changes unexpectedly.

What You Should Know

• Most travelers can participate; the tour is quite accessible.
• Service animals are allowed.
• The tour is suitable for those who want a mix of sightseeing and tasting, but expect to spend some time walking and exploring on your own.
• The tour is designed to give you a taste (literally and figuratively) of Sicily without rushing through or overloading you.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many reviews emphasize the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. Tracy appreciated how the driver was mindful of cruise schedules, ensuring everyone returned on time. Margaret enjoyed her three hours in Taormina and compared it favorably to more crowded destinations.

Others, like Kerrie, felt that the food tastings could have been more plentiful or varied, and that the timing was a bit rushed at times. Still, most reviews are glowing, with travelers praising the beautiful sights, delicious food, and engaging guides.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for food lovers, those interested in Sicilian towns, and guests who want a stress-free way to see two major locations without the hassle of independent planning. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate small group sizes and guided insights without strict schedules. If you’re hoping for a deep dive into Sicilian cuisine or history, you might want to supplement this tour with more specialized experiences.

However, if you’re after extensive tastings or wish to explore with more independence, this might feel a little limited. Also, keep in mind that the tour is designed as a day-tripper’s overview—great for a quick taste, but not an immersive experience.

FAQs: Practical Questions About the Tour

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy both towns and the tastings without feeling rushed.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hassle-free round-trip transport from Messina or Giardini Naxos ports is part of the package.

What’s included in the tastings?
You get to sample classic Sicilian street foods like arancini and cannoli. The reviews mention these as highlights, though some wished for a bit more variety.

How many people will be in the tour?
The group size is limited to 12 travelers, making for a more relaxed and personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, most travelers find it accessible for anyone interested in culture and food, but it might be best suited for older kids or teens who can walk and enjoy sightseeing.

Do I need to book in advance?
It’s recommended, especially since most bookings are made about 3 months ahead. The tour is popular, and spots fill up quickly.

What’s the cost?
At around $190, it’s a fair price considering the guided tours, tastings, and transportation included.

The Bottom Line

For anyone visiting Sicily via cruise, this Taste of Sicily tour offers a solid balance of guided sightseeing, local cuisine, and free time in Taormina. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want to avoid logistical headaches and enjoy a relaxed, intimate experience with knowledgeable guides. The included tastings give you a genuine taste of Sicilian street food, and the scenic towns provide plenty of photo ops and cultural charm.

While it may not satisfy those craving extensive culinary exploration or deep dives into local history, it’s a dependable, well-reviewed option for a snapshot of Sicily’s highlights. The small-group setting and professional guidance make it a comfortable choice, especially if you prefer a curated experience over self-guided wandering.

In short, if you’re after a convenient, enjoyable day that combines sightseeing with delicious bites, this tour could be just what you need.