cruiserjcp Posted May 24, 2011 #1 Share Posted May 24, 2011 :)Can anyone tell me about transportation from ship to Taormina? This is one port that we are not paying for a tour. Is there anything we should not miss seeing while we are in port? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted May 24, 2011 #2 Share Posted May 24, 2011 :)Can anyone tell me about transportation from ship to Taormina? This is one port that we are not paying for a tour. Is there anything we should not miss seeing while we are in port? Everyone will send you to the Greek Theatre, which is spectacular, but for us the Villa Comunale was the highlight An Oasis of cool relaxation, with gorgeous views. There was a shuttle from the ship up to the town, I think, but we couldn't be bothered waiting for it. We split a cab and I believe that the round trip cost us about 20 Euros per couple (we paid up and they paid down) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbb Posted May 24, 2011 #3 Share Posted May 24, 2011 We just returned from there and we shared a cab (trust me there are several waiting for you) with 2 other couples (strangers) so each couple paid 10 euros. The taxi driver drove very fast up those turns and at the top turned to us, grinned and, while pointing to his chest, said "Michael Shumacher!" My husband and I watch Formula 1 races so we thought that was pretty funny! Coming back we spent 25 euros as we didn't want to wait around for someone else from the ship to appear. The theatre was, as JimandStan said, amazing and for us the 3rd time was the charm as Mt Etna was out in all her glory and the theatre had blooming bougainville so it was a perfect day. Shopping for ceramics was nice too! Had lunch in a little place down one of the side streets (4 tables outside) so it was a great day. No need for any tours for this port just meander. c Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvenLee Posted May 24, 2011 #4 Share Posted May 24, 2011 We will be there in November (Athens to Rome). Any guesses as to weather then? Also, I do want to see Mt Etna and other "must sees" since this is our first time there. Any recommendations for the ship's tours? Or better to do on own? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbb Posted May 24, 2011 #5 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Some places are great for tours, ships' or private, but Taormina is definitely a DIY. Mt Etna isn't always visible. I spoke with a woman who took Insigna's tour to Mt. Etna and they couldn't see anything but we at the Theatre had a great view. Go figure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billie5 Posted May 26, 2011 #6 Share Posted May 26, 2011 If you are going to use a taxi, it is probably a lot cheaper to take it to (and from) the lift station, rather than up to the city center. And more fun. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmgmd50 Posted May 26, 2011 #7 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Everyone will send you to the Greek Theatre, which is spectacular, but for us the Villa Comunale was the highlight] Is Villa Communale within walking distance of the shopping area in Taormina? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted May 26, 2011 #8 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Is Villa Communale within walking distance of the shopping area in Taormina? Yes, as a matter of fact it is. You'll find the best shopping (or at least the most shops) on the Via Bagnole, which is about one block from the Villa Communale. As an aside, where the Sant' Agostino meets the Via Bagnoli, there is a charming little outdoor restaurant where you can gloat over your treasures. It has a stunning view of the ship at anchor, and they are very good about keeping the Prosecco well iced. Killer Caprese salad, too ;) Don't ask me what the name is, I'm not even sure that there was a sign. Just look for the green and white striped awning. Believe it, or not, this photo was taken looking AWAY from the view.....Taormina floats on clouds of Bougainvillea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmgmd50 Posted May 26, 2011 #9 Share Posted May 26, 2011 JimandStan; "As an aside, where the Sant' Agostino meets the Via Bagnoli, there is a charming little outdoor restaurant where you can gloat over your treasures. It has a stunning view of the ship at anchor, and they are very good about keeping the Prosecco well icedKiller Caprese salad, too ;) Don't ask me what the name is, I'm not even sure that there was a sign. Just look for the green and white striped awning." If you wake up in the middle of the night and remember the name of the restaurant, please let me know. Sounds wonderful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted May 27, 2011 #10 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Some places are great for tours, ships' or private, but Taormina is definitely a DIY. Mt Etna isn't always visible. I spoke with a woman who took Insigna's tour to Mt. Etna and they couldn't see anything but we at the Theatre had a great view. Go figure! When we came into Taormina we had this great view of Mt Etna, when we left it was obscured by clouds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftygram Posted June 9, 2011 #11 Share Posted June 9, 2011 There are plenty of Taxi's when you get off the ship. We had hired a taxi service that met us and the driver took us all over. Went to Mt. Etna, which was spectacular, but take a jacket because it is very cold and windy on the mountain. Also went to the Greek Theatre which had beautiful views. If there are 4 of you, the taxi/tours are not that expensive. Loved this port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no fuss travel Posted June 9, 2011 #12 Share Posted June 9, 2011 Do Mount Etna in the morning as it tends to cloud in later in the day. The views were spectacular and we enjoyed hiking up and walking around the crater. Make sure you bring really good walking shoes as you can slip quite easily. There was one lady wearing high heels and she fell quite a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.