Visiting the historic port city of Messina means exploring layers of Greek, Roman, and Spanish history packed into walkable streets. The city’s top tours make excellent use of your time and travel budget. We love the Messina Taormina Tour for its efficient hotel pickup service and excellent coverage of the Greek-Roman theatre – perfect for first-time visitors. The private History and Highlights Tour stands out for its comprehensive look at key spots like Duomo Square and the Norman-Arab Church, with guides who know their stuff and keep things moving. Let’s look at our favorite history-focused tours in Messina.
Good To Know
- The Messina Taormina Tour offers a highly-rated experience with a visit to the Greek-Roman theatre and includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off.
- The Messina: History and Highlights Tour is a private group tour that explores the city’s diverse heritage, spanning Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish influences.
- The Messina historical tours feature key landmarks like the Piazza del Duomo, Norman-Arab Church of the Annunziata dei Catalani, and the oldest church in Messina, the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi.
- Travelers praise the knowledgeable and accommodating local guides, who provide engaging anecdotes and insights into Messina’s fascinating and sometimes tragic history.
- The tours offer invigorating walks through beautiful sights and highlight local culinary offerings, providing a comprehensive introduction to Messina’s rich cultural tapestry.
Messina Taormina: Cultural Heritage Experience
One of the premier historical tours in Messina is the “Messina Taormina: Cultural Heritage Experience”. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13 reviewers, this tour is highly recommended by 92% of travelers.
The tour takes visitors on a journey through the cultural heritage of Messina and Taormina, with a professional guide providing live commentary throughout.
The tour includes a visit to the Greek-Roman theatre, as well as hotel/port pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and bottled water.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and has infant seats available. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems.
Travelers have praised the knowledgeable and accommodating guides, highlighting the tour’s invigorating walks, beautiful sights, and local culinary offerings.
The only mixed review is regarding the time allocation in Taormina, with some wishing for more time to explore.
Read our full review: Messina Taormina: Cultural Heritage Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Messina: History and Highlights Guided Walking Tour
The “Messina: History and Highlights Guided Walking Tour” offers travelers an immersive exploration of the city’s captivating past. Priced at $178.47 per person, this private group tour lasts 2 hours and is available in Italian, Spanish, and English.
Starting at the iconic Orion fountain in Duomo Square, the tour takes visitors through Messina’s diverse heritage, from its Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish influences.
Key highlights include the impressive Piazza del Duomo, home to the city’s cathedral and one of the largest astronomical clocks. Other stops feature the Norman-Arab Church of the Annunziata dei Catalani, the Statue of Admiral John of Austria, and the oldest church in Messina, the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi.
Travelers will also marvel at the Vittorio Emanuele II Theatre as they learn about the city’s fascinating and sometimes tragic history through engaging anecdotes from the local guide.
With complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Messina’s rich cultural tapestry.
Read our full review: Messina: History and Highlights Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Languages Are the Tours Offered In?
The tours are typically offered in Italian and English. Some companies may also provide tours in German, French, or Spanish upon request. Customers should inquire about language options when booking their historical tour in Messina.
Do the Tours Accommodate Visitors With Disabilities?
The tours accommodate visitors with disabilities, offering accessible transportation and facilities. Some tour providers may require advance notice to ensure appropriate accommodations are available.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?
Many tour providers offer discounts and package deals for visitors, including reduced rates for students, seniors, and families. Some also provide combined tickets for multiple attractions or multi-day passes to save money. It’s best to check with individual companies for their specific offers.
How Long Do the Tours Typically Last?
The typical historical tour in Messina lasts between 2-3 hours, though some may be longer or shorter depending on the specific itinerary and location. Tour lengths can vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator for exact duration details.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tours?
Most tour providers offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing customers to receive a full refund if they cancel their booking at least 24-48 hours in advance. Specific policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour company directly.
The Sum Up
Messina offers a wealth of historical sights and experiences for visitors. The guided walking tour and cultural heritage experience provide excellent opportunities to explore the city’s rich history and architectural gems. Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins, medieval cathedrals, or scenic coastal views, Messina has something to captivate every history enthusiast.