Hi, thank you so much for choosing to stay at Casa Cesare. I am Dario Roberta’s brother and I run this site Topsecretsicily.com where you can find lots of tips on what to do and see in Sicily.
In this article I’ll list a couple of links where you can book tickets for major attractions in the vicinity of Taormina, so that you can skip the line at the ticket office and also tips on interassant and original tours.
Have a nice stay and enjoy your time in Sicily! 🌞
Taormina
1) Skip-the-line admission ticket to the Greek Theater.
If you want to skip the line for Taormina’s Teatro Antico and enjoy the benefits of convenient priority access, I recommend buying your ticket online.
After the Ancient Theater in Syracuse, the one in Taormina represents the most impressive performance facility on the Italian peninsula. This archaeological site offers you the opportunity to take an authentic step into the past while admiring the extraordinary surrounding landscape.
Map
Ticket price without guide
From 13.30€ per person
Ticket price with guide
From 25.20€ per person
2) Sunset boat tour and dolphin watching
On this exciting two-hour boat tour you will discover the beautiful Taormina coastline.
During the excursion you will have the opportunity to visit some caves and spectacular places such as the Scoglio dei Fichi d’India, Isola Bella, the Bay of Mazzarò, Capo Taormina and so on. With any luck (the probability is about 80 percent) you will also encounter dolphins. You can also swim, snorkel and enjoy from a refreshing break with fruits, snacks and drinks.
Duration
2 hours
Price
From 80€ per person
Map
More information and reservation
3) Semi-submersible tour
With this tour you have the chance to admire the rich and fascinating underwater world of Giardini-Naxos, Taormina and the enchanting Isola Bella aboard a submarine.
A visit to the picturesque Lovers’ Cave and the Blue Cave is also planned. With any luck you will also be able to see dolphins!
Duration
1 hour
Price
From 39€ per person
Map
More information and reservation
4) Pizza making course 2 steps away from Casa Cesare
In Taormina within walking distance of Casa Cesare you can also discover the secrets of making an authentic Italian pizza with this lovely half-day course. The class takes place at the Porta Messina pizzeria and is led by a professional pizza maker. Good fun!
Duration
2 – 3.5 hours
Price
From 65€ per person
Map
More information and reservation
5) Sicilian cooking class 2 steps from Casa Cesare and market tour.
If you want to spend an original day learning from a professional chef how to prepare some typical Sicilian dishes, I recommend this experience also a short distance from Casa Cesare. It begins with a guided tour of the Taormina market, where you will buy fresh ingredients for preparing the dishes. At the conclusion of the class you can enjoy your own created lunch paired with selected wines.
Duration
3.5 hours
Price
From 95€ per person
Map
More information and reservation
6) Savoca and Forza d’Agrò The Godfather Tour
If you are a fan of The Godfather, you can book this tour that leaves directly from Taormina. The first stop will be Savoca and its famous Bar Vitelli. Next we will visit the Church of Santa Lucia, where the marriage between Apollonia and Michele Corleone took place, and then head to the Capuchin Crypt, which houses a collection of mummies inside a small catacomb. The second stop will be Forza d’Agro, another charming town that served as the backdrop for several scenes in the film.
Duration
5 hours
Price
From 55€ per person
More information and reservation
7) Tour of Syracuse and Noto
The tuor leaves Taormina in the morning at 8:00 a.m. and the first stop will be the stunning Neapolis Archaeological Park. Here you can immerse yourself in the site’s Greek and Roman heritage, admiring iconic sites such as the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius and the Latomie. Next, you will reach the charming island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, connected to the city by a bridge. While visiting Ortigia you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a light lunch with local products or you can opt for an individual meal.
The last stop on your itinerary will be Noto, recognized as the capital of Sicilian Baroque. Here, you will have an hour to explore the historic city center at your leisure before enjoying a relaxing drive back to Taormina, scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Duration
10 hours
Price
From 120€ per person
More information and reservation
8) Etna: sunset tour from Taormina.
This guided tour will take you from Taormina to the majestic summit of Mount Etna. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore a lava cave, walk through picturesque mountain trails, and delight in authentic local produce at an organic farm. Along the way you will have a chance to observe the various lava flows created by more recent eruptions and admire the ancient Silvestri Craters, formed during the 1892 eruption. The day will culminate with an exciting sunset on the summit of this towering volcano.
Duration
6 hours
Price
From 78€ per person
More information and reservation
9) Lipari and Vulcano: Aeolian islands tour with mini-cruise
The tour begins in Taormina with a bus transfer that will take you to Milazzo, located in northern Sicily, from where you will board a private ship to reach the islands of Lipari and Vulcano.
Once disembarked you will have free time to explore Lipari’s historic center, passing through its typical alleys and admiring the cathedral and ancient fortified walls. After that you will visit the island of Vulcan and relax on the black volcanic sand beach and have lunch at a typical local restaurant.
On the return to Milazzo, the excursion will skirt the coastline, allowing you to admire striking rock formations such as the Faraglioni di Lipari, Grotta del Cavallo, and Scoglio delle Sirene.
Duration
12 hours
Price
From 80€ per person
Map
More information and reservation
10) Cooking class on the Sicilian Cannolo at 2 steps from Casa Cesare.
Just 2 steps from Caesar’s house, an experienced cook will guide you through the creation of a crispy shell and the process of preparing the ricotta cheese that will then be used to fill the Cannoli. At the end of the cooking class, you will have the opportunity to taste the Cannoli you prepared and proudly show your certificate as a professional Cannoli maker to friends and family.
The package includes:
- A pleasant coffee break
- Beverages such as water, wine and soft drinks
- A delicious closing snack
- Cannoli, Cannoli and more Cannoli!
- Certificate of Participation
Duration
1.5 hours
Price
From 50€ per person
Map
More information and reservation
11) Sicily Catania Airport: Bus transfer to and from Taormina
In the absence of a car, the most convenient way to reach the airport without spending much is by bus. Buses depart from the heart of Taormina and are air-conditioned.
Duration
1.5 hours
Price
From 6.50€ per person
More information and reservation
Extra
If you would like advice on what to see and where to eat in Taormina while walking around on your own, you can find an article on that topic here.