Ascend beyond Taormina to the medieval eagle's-nest village of Castelmola, perched at 550 m with the most breathtaking panorama in all of eastern Sicily. Sip the legendary almond wine at Caffè San Giorgio before descending through Taormina's Baroque streets with a private historian guide.
What to expect
Your private guide and driver collect you at the port and ascend by private car to Castelmola, bypassing the tourist coach queues entirely. At the summit castle ruins, the guide narrates the strategic history of this Arab-Norman stronghold while you take in the panoramic sweep from Etna to the Calabrian coast. Descend to Caffè San Giorgio for the unmissable ritual glass of almond wine. The afternoon is spent weaving through Taormina's Corso Umberto, pausing at the ancient theatre exterior, the Duomo, and the cliffside gardens of the Villa Comunale. You're returned to the port with stories and a bag of almond confections.
Good to know
Book directly with italyvacationspecialists.com, specifying the Castelmola + Taormina private itinerary. The full experience runs 5–6 hours. Castelmola's lanes are steep cobblestones — wear comfortable shoes. The Villa Comunale gardens are free to enter and a perfect final stop before the drive back.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Giardini Naxos — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.