Taormina and Isola Bella private tour from Messina

Taormina's Greek-Roman streets, Isola Bella's beach and the Blue Grotto option

A private tour from Messina to Taormina and Isola Bella with an English, Spanish or Italian-speaking driver who handles transport and can arrange lunch. You walk the ancient streets of Taormina's historic center, then spend time at Isola Bella where you can swim, snorkel or book a boat ride to see the Blue Grotto. Round-trip transport takes approximately two hours. The tour itself runs five to six hours and includes an air-conditioned van and bottled water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Corso Umberto I2h
2. Isola Bella2h

Explore Taormina and Isola Bella Beach

• Walk ancient Taormina streets
• Shop Sicilian ceramics and clothing
• Visit Greek theatre (optional)
• Swim and snorkel at Isola Bella
• Rent boat to tour Blue Grotto

The experience

The tour leaves Messina in an air-conditioned van with your driver, who speaks your chosen language and handles all the driving. Round-trip transport between Messina and Taormina takes roughly two hours, so you arrive with time to explore. At Taormina you walk the Corso Umberto I, the ancient Greek-Roman street running through the historic center, lined with shops selling clothing and Sicilian ceramics. The Greek theatre is there if you want to visit it, but the day is yours to move at your own pace through the squares, bars and restaurants.

After Taormina, you head to Isola Bella, a beach on the Ionian coast. Here you can stay on the sand and swim or snorkel, or your driver can arrange a boat rental so you can tour the famous Blue Grotto. The choice is yours depending on what appeals that day. If you want a typical Sicilian lunch, your driver will book a restaurant for you.

The van fits up to twenty passengers and includes bottled water for the journey. Your driver is the guide throughout, so questions and routing adjustments are straightforward. The five to six hour timeframe gives you real time at each stop rather than a rushed sequence of photo points.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned van with round-trip transport from Messina.
• driver guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• bottled water.
• restaurant booking assistance if you want lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sicily Best Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a driver who speaks your language and the flexibility to spend extra time shopping in Taormina's historic center or cut it short. You control the stops, not a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3).

Can I swim and snorkel at Isola Bella, or do I have to take the boat to the Blue Grotto?

Isola Bella offers both options. You can stay on the beach to swim and snorkel, or your driver can arrange a boat rental so you can tour the Blue Grotto instead. The choice is yours when you arrive.

How long is the drive from Messina to Taormina?

Round-trip transport between Messina and Taormina takes approximately two hours, so you spend the bulk of the tour at the two destinations rather than in the van.

Can the driver help me find a restaurant for lunch?

Yes, if you want a typical Sicilian lunch, your driver will book a charming restaurant for you during the tour.

What is Corso Umberto I and what can I do there?

Corso Umberto I is the main ancient Greek-Roman street running through Taormina's historic center. You walk along it at your own pace, browsing shops, visiting squares and bars, or entering the Greek theatre if it interests you.