Taormina ( Sicily) will there be a free shuttle ?

[alanbab]

We are sailing on Italian Escapade 28th August. Itinerary shows Taormina ( Sicily) as an anchor port. Since Taormina is up in the mountains I wondered if Oceania will provide a free shuttle. We have visited Taormina previously (and its well worth the trip) but ships have docked in Messina and there has been a charge for the shuttle. Thanks :confused:

[pacheco18]

Not likely

We had a scheduled stop in Taormina on our recent cruise on Nautica (we could not dock so we ended up in Messina) and passengers were required to make their own way to town. Taxis are expensive.

[CintiPam]

I agree with Laraine that it is unlikely that Oceania will provide a shuttle bus from Giardini-Naxos to Taormina. However, after you get off the tender, find others with whom to share your taxi costs up to Taormina, so at you at least half your expenses. When we last visited, the local taxi cabal was charging 24 Euros for the 15-minute ride.

 

I also believe you can take a local bus for one or two Euros if you walk 15 minutes into the town of Giardini Naxos.

[Chuckler]

It is very easy to walk to the bus stop in Giardino Naxos if you are able and very cheap.

[Scottygirl1]

We shared a taxi van with two other couples - the driver arranged to meet us at a certain time for a pickup to get back and it worked out to be fairly inexpensive and very convenient. Well worth it too - amazing place!!

[brian_uk]

I recall, I think on O, that although there was a 30 minute shuttle, a 50 seater bus was provided and there were probably double that number waiting.

 

We teamed up with another couple and too a cab.....more expensive but no sunstroke.

 

Brian