MESSINA TO TAORMINA need help

[RatherbeinKona]

We were on Liberty last October and did the Taormina excursion through Carnival as well. Our bus got back with plenty of time to spare, but 9 other busses didn't because of a wreck on the highway between Taormina and Messina. Traffic was at a standstill and bottled up. The cruise ship waited about 1.5-2 hrs for nine bus loads of people but I don't know if they'd do the same for a couple people in a car.

[vjblk]

We visited Taormina a couple of years ago and used the ship's "on your own"

transportation. Just the bus ride to and back. Worked great as we could walk around on our own but still with the security of a "ship's" excursion. So I would suggest this option if your cruiseline offers it.

 

A couple at our dining table bussed and trained it on their own to Taormina and said that it was kind of a hassle to get to the train station and then get up the hill to Taormina. And then they were limited by the train schedule back. They said they wouldn't do that again as it wasn't as convenient as they thought it would be. But they did enjoy the train ride.

[slgjhg]

Hi All,

 

Although our experience was quite different from what yours' will be, Taormina is a wonderful place to visit. We loved our stay there. To meander the streets and discover the lovely restaurants is truly delightful.

 

Sicily Life does a wonderful job with tours. They picked us up from the ferry in Catania and took us to Taormina, actually our Hotel, Villa Fabiano. On our last day there they also picked us up for a day tour to Agregento and drop off at our Ferry to Napoli. They were wondferful on both assingments and I recommend them highly.

 

Taormina is wonderful, the views are not to be beleived. The simple fact that you stroll along the main street with hours of people viewing and then get to sit and watch more is really fun.

 

Hope you enjoy,

 

regards,

 

Shannon

[tom_uk]

Just to post an update: I said earlier that I would be in Messina on Galaxy in June, and was interested in finding out about diy to Taormina.

 

On this occasion I'll be on my own - my wife is off on an excursion to learn the 'Secrets of Sicilian Cuisine'. So hiring a car definitely wouldn't be cost-effective. That leaves a choice between trains/bus or cruiseline excursion, and I've decided to go with the ship's excursion ('Taormina on your own'). It'll cost about 35 euros or so but the lack of hassle maks it seem worth it.

[Bob7]

Tom that's a good price. If you took the bus it would be 10E return, then you need to get from the bus station up the mountain to Taormina, cabs are $15 each way, and we heard about some kind of cheaper shuttle, but unless you can share the cab it's the same money. And with the ship tour there is no messing around, getting to the bus in Messina, finding cabs, etc.

[tcocktail]

We are doing Messina to Taormina and Etna in September on the Liberty. We have rented a car from Hertz for the day for 58 Euros including 100 kilometres and all the taxes etc. We figure about another 150 kilometres (which I am being very generous) at .17 each should do the trip, an additional 26 Euros, plus petrol & tolls, which Via Michelin estimates at 9 Euros for a total of 93 Euros. Divide that in two and that's about 46 Euros per couple, far cheaper than Carnival excursions. The driving seems not too crazy in this part of Italy and pretty straightforward. This might not suit your circumstances but I am presenting it as information for others.

 

You are quite correct about the driving. It is not too crazy. They do drive two cars to one lane. This means the drive part in the shoulder so another car can pass. It's a little odd. I drove from Taormina to Palermo no real issues. BTW, when you are in Sicilia don't mention it is part if italy to the locals. They don't feel that way.

[Joanne G.]

Just to post an update: I said earlier that I would be in Messina on Galaxy in June, and was interested in finding out about diy to Taormina.

 

On this occasion I'll be on my own - my wife is off on an excursion to learn the 'Secrets of Sicilian Cuisine'. So hiring a car definitely wouldn't be cost-effective. That leaves a choice between trains/bus or cruiseline excursion, and I've decided to go with the ship's excursion ('Taormina on your own'). It'll cost about 35 euros or so but the lack of hassle maks it seem worth it.

 

Celebrity's "Taormina on your own" is an excellent choice. We thoroughly enjoyed it last summer when we were on the Galaxy. We had a local escort on the bus who provided historical and geographical information on the ride to Taormina, as well as suggestions as to how to spend the time. Naturally she answered any questions, too. After the bus parked, she escorted us to the square where we would meet for the ride back to the ship. We then had several hours to explore on our own. None of that herded-around feeling of some ship tours, but all the worry-free convenience of having the transportation taken care of. Have a great time.

[MBnancy]

Just got back from Splendour of the Seas with a stop in Messina.

We had not signed up for ships tour of Taormina, but had learned from other ports on the cruise that there are taxi's waiting as you leave the ship. As we walked out, we found other passengers also looking for people to share a taxi with. There is an English speaking "boss" and he tells you the price and guides you to one of the taxi's. The price was 120 Euro for our group to split, and was a nice 6 passenger van. He drove us there and we had from 10 am to 1 PM. The shops close for Siesta at that time and the taxi arranged to meet us for the return trip. On the way back he gave us a tour of Messina, and even stopped at the Clock tower for us to get out and take some photos. The taxi took us right to the gate of the city, so there was no extra walking from the parking lot.

[Enairam]

Hi, I kind of had the same question how to get to Messina harbour to Taormina the cheapest way. I was searching the net and I think there is a train and also a bus. I think the bus is better. www.iterbus.it. Maybe it is a hassle to find everything but it is sooooo much cheaper than cabs and arranged tours. I am going on the Norwegian Jewel on july 2 startiing in barcelona. I am looking forward to everything...

[dege]

We were in Messina two weeks ago and also wanted to do Taormina on our own. When we got off the ship taxis were plentiful. If you can hook up with other people also wanting to go, it can be less expensive. Just tell the taxi driver how long you want to stay and he will be waiting for you for the return to the ship. You pay when you return, so don't worry about them leaving you behind. As far as pricing, when we started asking, we were quoted about $100E round trip for the two of us. We met up with 3 other couples who also wanted to go, found a taxi that could accomodate our group, renegotiated the rate, and ended up paying about $30E per person. We did not know the people that we shared with but they were all from our ship and turned out to be very nice company. We stayed in Taormina about 4 hours, saw the Greek theatre with great views of the coastline and Mt. Etna, then did some shopping. Though our taxi driver did not speak much English, he made himself understood. In addition to the ride to Taormina, he also took us to two scenic overlooks for picture taking, one in Taormina, the other in Messina.

[atltravel]

Will be on the Noordam Aug 19th. Anyone hire a taxi to Taormina and get the drivers name and email? Would like to prearrange. Also how much did it cost? Any updates on taking train vs bus? Thanks.

[ksps]

The train station is a ten minute walk from the pier, to the left side as you exit the cruiseship terminal. You can buy a R/T train ticket at the train terminal - trains are quite frequent to Taormina. At Toarmina train station there is a connecting bus that takes you up to the town (cost extra, but cheap). Return is the reverse. There is a cablecar that takes you down to the beach from the town. Side-by-side to the Messina Train Station is the bus depot. You can also take a bus directly to the town of Taormina, just as fast (maybe faster since you do not need to wait for the busride up after the train.)

Somewhere in this thread I thought someone said the bus doesn't take you all the way up and a cab the rest of the way is 15E? Can anyone clarify that? Also, the scenic taxi ride sounds tempting. Does anyone who did that think it is faster than the train/bus?

[CAC104]

I have been to Taormina before and will be stopping in Messina again in Oct. Does anyone know of any other area that would be interesting to see instead of Taormina. Are the beaches nice for swimming, and would it be too cold in late Oct.?

[pjfarkel]

We visited Taormina a couple of years ago and used the ship's "on your own"

transportation. Just the bus ride to and back. Worked great as we could walk around on our own but still with the security of a "ship's" excursion. So I would suggest this option if your cruiseline offers it.

 

A couple at our dining table bussed and trained it on their own to Taormina and said that it was kind of a hassle to get to the train station and then get up the hill to Taormina. And then they were limited by the train schedule back. They said they wouldn't do that again as it wasn't as convenient as they thought it would be. But they did enjoy the train ride.

Hi. Does the ship's transportation get one any closer up the hill? I am concerned about the walk up for my 77 year old mother with COPD. Is it a gradual hill or steep walk up? Thanks for your help.

[pjfarkel]

We were in Messina two weeks ago and also wanted to do Taormina on our own. When we got off the ship taxis were plentiful. If you can hook up with other people also wanting to go, it can be less expensive. Just tell the taxi driver how long you want to stay and he will be waiting for you for the return to the ship. You pay when you return, so don't worry about them leaving you behind. As far as pricing, when we started asking, we were quoted about $100E round trip for the two of us. We met up with 3 other couples who also wanted to go, found a taxi that could accomodate our group, renegotiated the rate, and ended up paying about $30E per person. We did not know the people that we shared with but they were all from our ship and turned out to be very nice company. We stayed in Taormina about 4 hours, saw the Greek theatre with great views of the coastline and Mt. Etna, then did some shopping. Though our taxi driver did not speak much English, he made himself understood. In addition to the ride to Taormina, he also took us to two scenic overlooks for picture taking, one in Taormina, the other in Messina.

Did you wait in a special taxi line or just walk up to a taxi driver and negotiate the rate? Is the taxi able to go up the hill and drop you at the gates or did you have to climb the hill? Would you recommend this "on your own" rather than one of the ship's tours? Thanks so much for your help.

[dj80colo]

Did you wait in a special taxi line or just walk up to a taxi driver and negotiate the rate? Is the taxi able to go up the hill and drop you at the gates or did you have to climb the hill? Would you recommend this "on your own" rather than one of the ship's tours? Thanks so much for your help.

 

It's been 5 years since we were in Messina, but here goes. Outside the dock area is a shack that looks like a toll booth. We told the guy what we wanted to do and he pointed out a couple of drivers (they're independent, and pay a commission to the head guy).

 

We weren't satisfied with the first driver's English, so we talked to the next guy and negotiated $20e each, for the five of us. Once we got to the bottom of the hill, he pointed out the meeting place for the return trip and we setup the time. He then drove us to the top of the hill, and we worked our way back down. We were there about three hours, which is just about right.

 

After we got back to Messina, he drove us around town and showed us the highlights of the city.

 

I thought this was an excellent tour, and cost effective as well.

 

Enjoy!

[anniversay/grad trip]

We have rented a car in Messina and plan on driving to Taormina. Does anyone know how far a walk it is to the rental agencies? The website says a "short" walk from the pier. But, by European standards that could mean 2 miles!

[anniversay/grad trip]

you have to walk max 500 meters:D not so bad

 

thank you so much...that's exactly what I was hoping.

[weliketocruise86]

Anyone have any up to date information regarding the bus / train schedule and prices ? Thank you

[weliketocruise86]

Is 2 hours long enough to see Taormina ?

[catharina]

well we leave tomorrow and next thursday is our sicily stop. we have hired a guy named mario astone, came recommended via this board. I'll post here what our experiences are when we get back

 

he will take us to Castelmola for the views, then to Taormina for some free time, then back to messina for the big Duomo and a see around

35 euros per person (7 adults, kids free)

when we were only 4 , he quoted us 45

 

it is not very cheap, but at least we have our private, costume made tour

[nvbabe]

well we leave tomorrow and next thursday is our sicily stop. we have hired a guy named mario astone, came recommended via this board. I'll post here what our experiences are when we get back

 

he will take us to Castelmola for the views, then to Taormina for some free time, then back to messina for the big Duomo and a see around

35 euros per person (7 adults, kids free)

when we were only 4 , he quoted us 45

 

it is not very cheap, but at least we have our private, costume made tour

 

Look forward to hearing back from you, as we have Mario booked for October. Have a great trip!

[beckntom]

I have booked Mario Astone as well, for September. Certainly I can't recommend his tour at this point, but I can recommend how promptly (and entertainingly!) he answered my e-mails and my many questions. I grilled him pretty thoroughly on his reliability, safety, and timeliness--and was satisfied with every patient answer he gave me. He went out of his way to reassure me, understanding there is as yet very little information about him on this board. I'm perfectly comfortable with my booking and looking forward to a fun day with Mario in September. His e-mail address is marioastone@tiscali.it.

 

BTW, someone said "it's not cheap," but $35 Euro (pp for eight) is much better than $69 pp for our ship's shuttle only to Taormina--plus we get to see a lot more than just Taormina and do it with a private group at our own pace.

 

Catharina, I look forward to your "review." Thanks!

[navigator0709]

Becky,

 

That sounds like a great tour. We are going in July and considering booking Mario also. Can you tell me how many hours your $35 pp tour includes? From what I'm reading, you can pretty much tell Mario where you'd like to go and he'll take you?

 

Thanks,

 

Sally

[beckntom]

Hi, Sally. Our ship, the Noordam, is only in port from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mario says he will pick us up at 7:30; we'll arrive in Castelmola around 8 or 8:15, and stay there for 30-45 minutes before heading down to Taormina where we'll visit for a couple of hours. There, he says, he can either give us a map or walk around with us giving detailed explanations, whichever we prefer. Then we'll leave in time to maybe have a quick drive around Messina, ending at the astronomical clock for its noon display. That's about twelve minutes long, and he says we'll then be a three-minute walk from the ship.

 

So all in all, a little more than a 4-1/2 hour stint with Mario. I'm sure he would use your time any way you would like. He drives a 2007 Mercedes Vito van, 9 passenger (including the driver). When I asked him about our being left stranded up in Taormina (I told you I grilled him pretty good), his reaction was, "What?? Just abbandon (sic) you?" Then he said not only would he be "mean" to do that but also stupid since he doesn't get paid until the end of the tour.