Iconic Mediterranean Treasures

Marvel at the architectural and artistic treasures held dear by the Sicilians of Messina. Meet your local guide for a short drive to the heart of Messina’s historic center. See the expansive Piazza Municipio, the Via Garibaldi and the Piazza Cairoli, the heart of Old Town. Drive along the Via Cannizzaro to view the university, court of law, and picturesque Corso Cavour. Continue along the north coast of Messina, which offers stunning vistas over Ganzirri Lake and the Capo Peloro. The saltwater lakes are used by fishermen to breed clams and mussels, which feature heavily in the local cuisine. Next, return to the pier to begin your guided walk. You will stroll to Cathedral Square and view the astronomical clock; it features one of the most extraordinary mechanical marvels in the world. After you will walk back to your ship.

Explore one of Europe’s most scenic cities, with spectacular views of Mt. Etna. You will drive with your guide down Sicily’s eastern coast to Taormina, perched high on a rocky terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. Upon arrival, walk to the Piazza Badia and the magnificent, Arab-influenced Corvaja Palace, dating to the 15th century. Continue to the spectacular Greek Theater, beautifully situated with panoramic views of the sea, the countryside and the conical summit of Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Still today, the acoustics here are extraordinary. Reconstructed in a Roman style during the 2nd century, it is the second largest theater in Sicily. Return to town to explore the Piazza del Duomo. The church for which this square is named, with its crenellated roof line, dates to the 13th century, lending the square a distinct medieval feel.

Step into Sicily’s rich past at a seaside enclave and explore the castle that has protected it for centuries. Gateway to the Aeolian Islands, the beautiful seaside town of Milazzo has long been coveted for its both scenic and strategic locale. You will drive with your guide and spend time exploring its Spanish-flavored Old Town. Later, continue to Milazzo Castle on its high rocky perch. Its origins are uncertain, though many believe it was built by Arabs and later expanded by Normans and Spaniards. In its courtyard, you will see evidence of its cathedral and convent. On a clear day, you can see the Aeolian Islands, the Calabrian coast and the Peloritani and Nebrodi Mountains. It is a magnificent panorama of deep greens, burnt browns and dazzling blues. There will be time to linger in the shops and cafés of Milazzo before returning to your ship.

Walk amid one of Sicily’s most spectacular ancient cities while admiring sweeping vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You will meet your guide and drive to the archaeological site of Tindari, or Tyndaris, as it was known upon its founding by Dionysius I of Syracuse in 396 BC. Tyndaris was a strong ally of Rome during the Punic Wars, and it prospered during the Imperial Age. During your visit, you will explore the Greek Theater, reconstructed by Romans. You will also visit the site of the Roman-era thermal baths, still adorned today with well-preserved colorful mosaics. After time at the site, continue to the magnificent Christian Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, gloriously situated at the highest point on the hill on which Tyndaris stood. Within, a statue of the Black Madonna draws pilgrims from all over Sicily. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from the piazza before returning to your ship.

Follow your own interests in Taormina, Sicily’s scenic wonder perched on a rocky terrace with spectacular views. Drive to this seaside gem with your escort, getting an orientation along the way so you can make the most of your time. Your escort will arrange to meet you at a designated time and place at the end of your visit. Then it’s time to set out to discover Taormina on your own. Perhaps pay a visit to the Greek Theater, one of Sicily’s most famous archaeological sites and a fascinating example of ancient architecture. Or call at the splendid Arab-influenced Corvaja Palace, dating to the 15th century. You may choose to embark on a leisurely stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main street of shops and cafés, where you can order a gelato to enjoy in the Piazza IX Aprile. At the end of your excursion, return to your meeting point and begin the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Ascend Mt. Etna’s winding road and marvel at the ancient temples and arenas in the hillside resort of Taormina. Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, has erupted more than 130 times. Due to its history of recent activity and nearby population, Mt. Etna has been designated as one of the 16 “Decade Volcanos” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to Crateri Silvestri, created in 1892 after a strong eruption, for superb views of the volcano and across the plains to the coast. Savor a café lunch before continuing to Taormina, a glorious medieval hillside town overlooking the shimmering sea. Enjoy some free time here as well as a guided walk through the piazzas to the Greek Roman Theater, a marvelous example of ancient architecture and one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily.

Step onto volcanic craters, lunch with the locals and marvel at the majesty of Mt. Etna. Standing majestically at almost 11,000 feet high, Mt. Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and one of the most frequently erupting in the world. Known as the "Mountain of Fire" in Arabic, Mt. Etna is in an almost constant state of activity and has erupted more than 130 times in known history. This 4X4 expedition will take you along Mt. Etna’s lava streams and through the villages of the volcano’s slopes. You will walk along the lava flow of the 2002 eruption at Piano Provenzana and picnic in the woods with some provincial pastries and mouthwatering wine. Next, enjoy a walk on the wild side of an extinct crater followed by a delicious lunch at a local venue before returning to your ship.

Delve into the Sicilian atmosphere of The Godfatherfilm trilogy, driving through an idyllic Italian isle. Steep winding roads flanked with villas, flowering gardens and picturesque villages take you to your first stop, Savoca. Step back in time and through the rustic, vine-embraced doors of the famous “Bar Vitelli,” where there is a collection of memorabilia from the movie. In this ancient village there are several churches, including the famous 13th-century Church of San Nicolò (or Santa Lucia), decorated with Byzantine frescoes, where the wedding of Michael and Apollonia took place. Reached via a twisting corkscrew road from the coast, your next stop is the medieval hilltop village of Forza D’Agrò, where in the second film Vito takes refuge in the Sant’Agostino church. Forza d’Agro is dominated by a 16th-century castle with stunning views overlooking the coast toward Messina.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Taste the famous Murgo wine of Sicily’s Etna region during a visit to the San Michele winery. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the idyllic countryside. Make a short stop in Zafferana, a small town destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries due to the eruptions of Mt. Etna. View the solidified lava flow from a 1992 eruption and sample local fare before continuing on to the winery. With terraced vineyards in the shadow of Mt. Etna and a spectacular panorama that stretches from Taormina to Capo Mulini, San Michele is one of the region’s most famous estates. Its wines benefit from the region’s terroir—especially its lava soil, which is rich in potassium and mineral salts. Enjoy a tour of the winery and its cellars, then try typical Sicilian snacks while you sample the estate’s wines. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Embark on a scenic journey up Mt. Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Reaching heights of almost 11,000 feet, this fabled volcano looms large over the landscape and history. Meet your guide, then travel by motor coach through the verdant countryside and past the small villages that live in the shadow of the volcano. Centuries of lava flows have helped create a rich, fertile soil that is perfect for vineyards and orchards. Your guide will point out the different lava streams that descend down Mt. Etna’s slopes. Upon arrival at Sapienza Refuge, you will transfer to a cable car, which will take you up to around 9,000 feet. Enjoy sweeping views of the countryside as your guide describes the volcano and its lava flows. After, return to the refuge for lunch, followed by free time to relax or explore independently before returning to your ship.

Enjoy an immersive experience with a local home cook who will introduce you to specialties of Sicily. Travel to Messina to meet your Cesarine host, a member of a community of skilled home cooks who embody the warmth of traditional Italian cuisine and hospitality by opening their homes to visitors from around the globe. They seek to preserve Italy’s food culture and foster lasting connections between travelers and locals. Accompany them to gather ingredients, then step into their home kitchen, ready to uncover the secrets of Italian cuisine. Your host will teach you how to prepare local delicacies such as arancini, as well as caponata, an eggplant salad, and fresh handmade tagliatelle with meat sauce. For dessert, try your hand at filling a cannolo shell, a traditional dessert filled with creamy ricotta cheese. After, savor your creations while enjoying a glass of local wine.