zTaormina

Upon arrival at the airport or cruise ship terminal, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car to your choice of hotel. Spectacularly set on the side of a mountain overlooking the clear waters of the Gulf of Naxos, Taormina is an ancient town that has evolved into one of the region’s finest resorts. The balance of this day is yours to explore at your own pace through the town’s ancient cobblestone streets, now home to charming boutiques, cafes, galleries and restaurants.

This morning after breakfast, your private guide will be waiting to show you the highlights of the town he loves and knows so well. Founded in the 4th century BC, Taormina grew into an important city of the ancient Greek world and later continued to prosper during the Roman Empire. When Sicily was conquered by Norman invaders in the 11th century, Taormina fell into quiet obscurity. By the early 1900’s, however, Taormina had found new life as a popular destination for northern Europeans on their Grand Tour of the Continent. Among the highlights you’ll explore today are Taormina’s handsome medieval quarter and the splendidly preserved Greek Theater with its fine views of Mt. Etna and the Sicilian coastline. Built into a hillside, this ancient theater has nearly perfect acoustics and still used today for concerts and other cultural performances. After sightseeing, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B

This entire day is free to explore at your own pace. You might wish to take a stroll along the Corso Umberto. This lively main street through Taormina is lined with popular shops and eateries. You can also explore the town’s charming people-filled squares including the Piazza IX Aprile with its fine views of the sea or the Piazza Vittoria Emanuele with its distinctive mix of Arab, Norman and Catalan-Gothic architecture. At the Piazza Del Duomo, you can admire the 600-year-old Church of San Nicola and a Baroque fountain with an imposing centaur – the symbol of Taormina.  Meals B

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the airport or cruise ship terminal for your onward journey.  Meals B