Catania Tours
Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola one day tour small group
4.5

Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola one day tour small group

By Sicily Day By Day
Recommended by 95% of travelers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Maximize time in Sicily with a multi-destination small-group tour. Get picked up at your hotel in Catania or Siracusa and set out to visit three historic towns. Explore the medieval streets of Savoca and go underground to see the catacombs of the Cappuccini Convent. Go inside the Greek Theatre in Taormina and admire views of the sea and Mt. Etna from the town of Castelmola.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 8 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Italian
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: English, Italian, French, Spanish
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Highlights
  • Combine several Sicilian towns into one small-group tour
  • See historic landmarks in Savoca, Taormina, and Castelmola
  • Visit a bar where “The Godfather” was filmed
  • Free time to explore at your leisure is included

  • Fuel surcharge
  • Driver
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off or meeting point close to your accommodation
  • Round-trip shared transfer
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Snack with typical Sicilian street food, water and Etna wine.
What's not included
  • Touristic guide
  • Biglietti di ingresso


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
  • Catania, Catania, Province of Catania, Sicily
Pickup details
  • Catania and nearby area
Hotel pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
    Additional pickup options
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.
    • Catania, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Wheelchair accessible
      • Stroller accessible
      • Near public transportation
      • Infant seats available
      • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66202P6

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Dress code is smart casual
      • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
      • Our driver guide is not a touristic guide, so he cannot enter inside the historical places. He will give you information during the trip on the vehicle, before you will go inside.  A paper guide will be provided to be used inside the archeological areas.  
      • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
      • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66202P6

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      $103.77
      per adult
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      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Sicily Day By Day
        234
        Catania, Italy
        Joined in September 2017
      • BRATATI K
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A wonderful historical tour in Sicily.
        This was a good tour with Sicily Day by Day.The booking process was smooth. Laura in the office was very pro active with responses and information. This was a small group ( 6 people) and Angelo , our driver cum guide, was knowledgeable and gave us a lot of information, ( we were also given printed material) which was useful. He gave us clear instructions about pick ups etc and was a very pleasant and helpful person. We were also given a very nice lunch of our choice at the local cafe which was such a thoughtful touch… The sights themselves were truly worthy especially The valley of the Temples and would definitely recommend this tour.
        Written November 7, 2024
      • N4720TBdeborahf
        0 contributions
        1.0 of 5 bubbles
        Not Worth IT!
        We were dropped off at he Archeological Site, told there was no guide and if we wanted to use audio guide we had to leave our passports with them until audio unit was returned. We decided not to do this another group on our tour took the audio guide and it did not work. This tour does not go to the town of Syracuse itself which I understand from people we met is worth seeing. The Archeological Site was interesting but not worth it especially because we did not understand what we were looking at. On to Ortygia which was the site of the G7 Summit that week and most of the roads were closed. The driver dropped us off but was not able to come back to do the guided tour. The tour company texted us a map and we had to figure it out. You would think contingencies would have been made by the tour company knowing that he Summit was going on. Poor planning. This tour is not worth the time or the money.
        Written November 6, 2024
      • isobelrigg87
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        A very enjoyable, informative experience
        I really enjoyed visiting Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale. It's a long day with lots of driving from Catania and back again, but Antonio was a very safe, professional driver. He gave us some information about both locations (paper handouts) and there are also display boards to read while walking around. The temples were magnificent and Villa Romana del Casale was really impressive, with some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics that I have ever seen. Myself and some other guests had problems finding the correct exit in Valley of the Temples so I suggest choosing a different meeting point. Once we were reunited with Antonio, we went to a cafe and had sandwiches, icecream, coffee and wine, included in the price of the tour. Reading some of the other reviews, I expected to go to a deli or sit-down restaurant, but perhaps it wasn't possible on the day because we were delayed leaving the archaeological park. The tour company - Sicily Day by Day - was very professional, responding to questions via email and Whatsapp and making the booking process very smooth. I recommend this company and will use them for future tours in Sicily.
        Written October 4, 2024
      • 808viviennei
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fantastic guide, fabulous tour!
        Danilo was the best guide! He gave us the history of Sicily which was fascinating, as we drove to Syracuse and then the history of Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto. He made it come alive! The first stop in Syracuse was very disappointing. Half of it was closed and what was open was, quite frankly boring. We were disappointed that we paid €16.50 each to see what was really a bunch of brass statues that were modern made to look old. The theatre was covered in modern metal seating and cushions with modern lighting etc. We had expected to see an old Greek theatre made from marble or limestone. Ortigia was fascinating and very beautiful as was Noto. The streetfood was delicious and the water and soft drinks were welcome. Frankly, I don't think it would have been half as good with another guide... Danilo was passionate about his island and its history.
        Written September 16, 2024
      • Trek199343
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Private transfer with Marco
        This is one of the best tour , with the private transfer from Taormina to Syracusa . We spent a day discovering beautiful baroque towns of Sicily : Ragusa , Modica and Noto , UNESCO world heritage site . In Ragusa , we had a delicious lunch , tasted different types of cheese. In Modica we stopped at the ancient chocolate shop Bonajuto and also went to the top of the village to see San Pietro and San Giorgio cathedrals . Our personalized tour guide , Marco is the best driver , Very accommodating. He is Extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He explained a lot about about Sicily , history and geology of Mt Etna and even about bird’s migration. Marco has a great personality! He made our day memorable and we highly recommend this tour for anyone !
        Written September 11, 2024
      • Marzino
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great Day Trip
        We booked this trip having already visited Siracusa, but not the archeological site or Noto. Picked up promptly by our guide Christian we traveled to visit Neapolis . I have to say this was the highlight of the day. The entry costs are €15 per person and not included as part of the tour. Well worth the money. The Greek caves, amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysus were absolutely amazing. The Roman side not so much with just the amphitheater available to view. The time at the site was 1-30 hrs . More than enough time to see everything. We then headed into Ortigia . It’s a beautiful town which although we had seen it before were more than happy to revisit. Christian was very informative regarding all the important sites we visited & we had free time to explore ourselves. Lunch was our next port of call. Average food and some wine and water. No complaints. Then to Noto. It’s a very beautiful place but basically has one Main Street on which all notable places of interest are situated. The town is very pretty & worth a visit . Not a go back again for me personally. We then returned to Catania. A thoroughly enjoyable day with a lovely knowledgeable guide . This is a definite recommend!
        Written August 12, 2024
      • lisabN3350HA
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Highly recommended!
        We had a wonderful day and all three places are well worth a visit. It was a shame the Greek Theatre was not open in Syracuse (restoration) but the rest of the site has statues and bronzes dotted throughout adding to its rich heritage. Ortygia is very pretty with lots to visit and stunning views of crystal waters. Lunch was provided and we could choose from a selection of local dishes washed down with local wine. Our final stop Noto was stunning and most places of interest are along or just off the main street. Our guide Giancarlo was very friendly and allowed us to adjust our stop times as it was sooo hot and provided us with extra cold water which was much appreciated! Thanks again 😊
        Written July 17, 2024
      • Ilyas A
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Beautiful cities and buildings
        I loved all of the beautiful sights we saw along the tour and the tour guide was also very friendly and told us a lot about sicilian history. One minus point was that we werent told that we had to buy museum tickets for ourselves in syracusa. But the rest was very beautiful and we enjoyed ourselves.
        Written July 16, 2024
      • Rmkav
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great experience
        Danilo was honestly the best tour guide, so friendly and filled with knowledge about the area!!! I was with my oldest daughter but I would love to bring family back to have a tour with Danilo! Every stop was breathtaking, it was spread out perfect I had anxiety with that but it was wonderful there was time for sight seeing and a mix of walking as a group at certain times. The van has AC and there was plenty of room for our party of 6. The lunch included was perfect and it was just an absolutely perfect trip! Thank you for a wonderful experience! The one thing I will mention is that we had booked with my grandmother, who is in a wheel chair and the van was too high for her to comfortably enter in and out all day so she stayed back. When we arrived to the Greek theatre I am so glad we did not attempt to bring her wheelchair. The hills were very high and there is no way we could have pushed her. I would update that this is not a wheelchair accessible tour. Regardless I would absolutely recommend this tour to most people that are able to walk a couple miles up and down hills comfortably.
        Written June 18, 2024
      • jos348
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Good transfer service, but a bit pricey
        Overall good, but a bit expensive for what you get (read below for full details). This is essentially a transfer service which you share with others. We had 6 other people with us (8 total + driver), and because the mini van wasn't very big, it was a little tight (nothing too bad, but it wasn't spacious). Your driver is not a guide, he will only give you a leaflet and will point out the entrance to attractions, he will then meet you back at a certain time and you will leave for the next destination. Our driver Antonio was great and bent over and backwards to make sure we were happy and satisfied. He cracked jokes and was generally a safe driver (by Italian standards!). Pick up from Catania wasn't rushed, which means we didn't get to the first stop until after 11am. Because of this, there was a lot of traffic. The Archaeological Park in Siracuse is very expensive and tickets are not included (16.5 euro per person). You have the option of waiting until everyone is done exploring (which I would recommend, it is so not worth it). Around 1pm Antonio took us to Ortigia in the van, so that he could point out the various spots of interest. The streets were narrow, there were lots of pedestrians, so this took a really long time. We had to fully embrace the "no rush" mentality of Italians, otherwise we would be so frustrated at how inefficiently we were using our time (driving slowly through Ortigia, instead of walking through it...). And then we turned around and went back to where we came from to have lunch. That took almost an hour... but remember, like the Italians, you are not in a rush... The lunch was great! It was in a little bakery and you could pick whatever you wanted to eat - pizza, arancini, baked aubergines, potatoes, mozarella sticks etc. (you could take ALL of this, not 1 of these things). The dish is warmed up for you and although it's not the best food you will eat in Italy it was plentiful, hot, kept us full until the evening and it was included in the price! We even got some wine to go with the lunch - amazing! Again Antonio went above and beyond. We got some coffee and a dessert and I was too full to even walk out of there ;) We then had 2h in Ortigia which didn't feel like enough time, it's such a beautiful place. Wish we had 3h to walk around instead of that drive through... but we really enjoyed our time there. We met with Antonio after our 2h were up, and we were off to Noto. We arrived around 6pm in Noto and had an hour to walk around. It's a small little town but quite cute and we enjoyed a granita on the steps. It was a relaxing end to our trip. Antonio mentioned that in the summer he changes the order of the activities so that you visit the Archaeological Park last, as it gets really hot during the day. We then got back to Catania around 8:30pm. We had to move our dinner reservation as we expected to get back much earlier, but again, Antonio was an angel and helped us with that. He was 10/10. To sum up: this is a transfer service with lunch included, no guide and no tickets to the Archaeological Park included. Give the Arch. Park a miss, it's not worth your time and money. Lunch was fab, Ortigia was fab, Noto was good, the driver Antonio was fabulous, this is a no rush trip so don't expect efficient use of time - you're on holiday!
        Written May 26, 2024
      • susanlV5680TD
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Day trip to Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto from Catania
        It was a lovely day, and our guide was so pleasant and informative. I highly recommend this tour. He gave us a lot of extra information and we had a tasty lunch too with wine!
        Written April 22, 2024
      • _rcholder
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Xxxxxxxxxx
        Excellent tour, but microphone needed in van. Backseat passengers can’t hear driver/guide commentary. Xxxxxxxxxxxx
        Written March 12, 2024
      • 87hb
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing historical site and landmark
        One of the largest archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO world heritage site. The site has 8 temples, constructed in dedication to Greek Gods 2500 years ago, with impressive sections still standing, and evidence of collapsed temples still remain. It is considered second to Athens’ Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was a fascinating part of our stay, and a unique opportunity to be absorbed in history and witness 1st hand how temples were constructed. Advice is to arrive early in the day, or later, avoiding midday sun as there is little shade and a lot of walking. Scala Dei Turchi - interpreted as Turkish Stairs one of mothers natures gifts. Steps made from granite and chalk that shelter the sea. Access is via a steep stepped path, so requires reasonable fitness to complete. Parking is available on the roadside above, but was very busy when we visited in late August. We were also unable to access the stairs as it has been cordoned off, but was able to get close to see the beautiful landmark. Worth visiting both on the same day.
        Written September 9, 2023
      • CaroleL798
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A long day but a great one!
        A long day but a very worthwhile trip to see such wonderful Greek and Roman sites, particularly the mosaic floors. The lunch was provided, including wine and water! I would highly recommend this tour.
        Written September 7, 2023
      • Coopper29
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Outstanding
        This is an outstanding place to visit, the condition of the temples is amazing considering they are from 600bc, a must visit place.
        Written May 28, 2023
      See all 234 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

      Popular mentions

      4.5
      4.5 of 5 bubbles23 reviews
      Excellent
      19
      Very good
      3
      Average
      0
      Poor
      1
      Terrible
      0

      olga s
      Saratoga, CA195 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Apr 2018
      We were only 2 couples. Savors and Castelmola were beautiful and we enjoy great views. We read a lot about Taormina but it was so overwhelming full of tourists and shops that we did not want to stop for too long. The Greek/Roman theatre is great to see but it was a long queue that was not pleasant. The driver/guide did not go with us through Taormina.
      Written April 29, 2018
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Angela H
      York, UK22 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jun 2018
      I was picked up at my Hotel by Iorga my guide for the day the first stop was Savoca a medieval town at the top of a hill Here one can see where some of the film The Godfather was filmed
      Lunch of a picnic was takern high up overlooking Taormina which was delicious Sicilian street food with wine
      One other stop was at Castelola where we tasted almond wine in a bar called Turrisi which is most unusual in many ways!!
      The final stop was in Taormina which is amazing
      Written June 20, 2018
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      509carmen
      Concord, CA10 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Aug 2019
      I want to congratulate Gloele, our Tour Guide. He spoke English fluently, was nice and a real gentleman. He gave detail explanation of all the sites we went during the day. Thumbs up for him and all the sites.
      Written September 25, 2019
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      BillMcMillin
      Stuttgart, Germany10 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Feb 2019 • Couples
      Tony Currenti was our driver and he was amazing. Since he was born and raised at the foot of Mt. Etna, his wealth of knowlege was priceless. His knowledge of the Sicilian history, geology, industry, and economy is incredible.

      The tour itself took us to places we only dream about seeing. All three sights were breathtaking and the tour was paced in such a way as to be casual but packed and informative. A light lunch was provided and it was delicious in a breathtaking setting. It was probably the best tour my wife and I have ever been on. And the cool thing about it was the hotel pickup and drop-off.
      Written February 20, 2019
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      33oleksandras
      22 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jul 2021 • Family
      Very relaxed and fun tour with gorgeous Antonio!He showed us not only the Film Savoca, but also a little church with mummified bodys, kapern and almonds plants, we talked about discoveries and developments in Europe, worldconnections etc. It has been very harmonic, educational , with fun and sun.
      Written July 13, 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Jessica D
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Aug 2019 • Friends
      This was a great tour which left from Catania. Plenty of free time to explore Taormina. Gioele, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and provided us with plenty of information. Highly recommend this tour.
      Written August 25, 2019
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Ally M
      Chino Hills, CA7 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Aug 2019
      Amazing views, relaxing drive from Catania. Best trip of my time in Siciia. Luigi was professional and on-time, very safe driver. Luigi made the experience even more enjoyable with all of his knowledge of the cities. You have to see Taoromina and Castemola. Just breathtaking!
      Written August 24, 2019
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      John S
      2 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jul 2019 • Couples
      Luigi was a great host, knowledgeable, passionate and personable. We enjoyed every part of our day. Luigi added charming stories about our destinations that enhanced our enjoyment.
      Written August 2, 2019
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Anna
      2 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      May 2019 • Family
      I booked this tour quite spontaneously and even though it was a Saturday, we were only 3 persons, which gave the tour additional personal touch and a nice "private tour" feeling.
      I made the tour with my 5-year-old son.

      Our guide Antonio and his apprentice took great care of us (for example having the umbrellas ready for us when it was raining) and also had a lot of patience with my son who was sometimes too eager to experience the tour on his own.

      We started the tour in Savoca which is mainly famous for filming of the Godfather. But the town is generally picturesque located and offers much more than just the Godfather sites.

      In Castelmola we were able to enjoy the wonderful panorama of Taormina and enjoy a finger food lunch with a glass of wine. We visited also a very special bar:)

      In Taormina we were on our own but well prepared by our guide - we got a map and a description of the main sights including Teatro Antico. Taormina is a definitive "must see".

      I highly recommend this tour with "Sicily Day by Day".
      Written May 9, 2019
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Jessica K
      14 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mar 2018 • Solo
      I highly recommend taking a tour with this company. Andrea was both our driver and tour guide and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. She is a true Sicilian and you can hear her passion when she talks about all that has to do with Sicily. Our group was small (me and a fun couple Mike and Carmen), so it felt like four friends roaming around Sicily and having fun. Would like to take the Acireale and Syracuse tour the next time I go back!
      Written April 5, 2018
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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      Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola one day tour small group provided by Sicily Day By Day

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