Excursion Greek & roman taormina tour at Giardini-Naxos
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular destinations. The town remains an amazingly beautiful spot with gorgeous medieval churches, a stunning Greek theatre and sweeping views over the Gulf of Naxos and Mt Etna.
Begin with the drive from the pier at Giardini Naxos to Taormina. Leaving the bus at the parking lot, commence your exploration on foot. Major highlights include a look at the beautiful façade of the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaia located at Taormina's northern centre, a brief visit to the Cathedral and the exterior of the Odeon, a small Roman theatre.
Greek Theatre
Following an uphill walk, reach the site of this stunning theatre. With a diameter of 358 feet (107 metres), it is the second-largest theatre in Sicily, after Syracuse. Reconstructed in the 2nd-century, the theatre is in excellent condition and has marvellous acoustics that are still appreciated at contemporary performances of classical plays. From the upper tiers, there are spectacular views including majestic Mount Etna. See the exterior of the Odeon, a smaller version of the Greek Theatre.
Corso Umberto
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Corso Umberto, and the narrow alleys adjacent to it. Wander down lanes bordered with bright flowers and browse for local handicraft items, such as ornate embroidery, intricate lace and colourful Sicilian pottery.
At the conclusion of your visit, re-join the group for the drive back to Giardini Naxos, where the ship's tender awaits.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Greek Theatre, Corso Umberto, Palazzo Corvaia, Roman Theatre
Note
Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking (approximately 0.3 mile or 500 metres in each direction) both up and down an incline between the coach location and the village and at least 0.7 miles (1100 metres) to see other sites. There are steps and uneven terrain inside the theatre. No traffic is allowed inside the city walls; therefore, all touring must be done on foot and this tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Please note that guides may have accents reflecting their regional backgrounds, which adds to the diversity and richness of the experience.