Morning Tranquility in Castelmola

As the sun rises over the Sicilian landscape, Castelmola awakens to a serene morning, perfect for those who cherish the art of slow travel. The gentle warmth of the early sun invites you to explore this charming hilltop town, where every corner offers a glimpse into the past. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, where the scent of blooming flowers mingles with the aroma of freshly brewed espresso. The town’s quaint shops and cafes beckon you to pause and savor the moment, perhaps with a taste of the famous almond wine at the Turrisi bar.

For those eager to delve deeper into the region’s beauty, the Scenic Tour offers a perfect morning escape. Departing from Messina, this tour takes you on a picturesque journey to Castelmola, where you’ll have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the coastline. As you wander through the town, the cathedral stands as a testament to the area’s rich history, offering a panoramic view that is nothing short of spectacular. A review from October 29, 2024, captures the essence of this experience:

A perfect day in Messina, Caselmona and Taormina! - We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Angelo, our private driver and Oleksandra, our tour guide! Angelo was easy to communicate with before the tour and met us at our ship. We were a party of 4 and his van was clean and the perfect size. Oleksandra, our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the history of Messina, Taormina and Caselmona come to life! We stopped in Caselmona, where we were able to see Mount Etna and the beautiful coastline. They took us to a Gelato and pastry shop, Geleteria Pasticceria where we sampled homemade cannolis which were delicious! We also sampled the gelato which was homemade and incredible! The shop owner was so friendly as well! Oleksandra also showed us a bar where we sampled the almond wine.

Afternoon Adventures in Taormina

As the day progresses, the allure of Taormina calls. Just a short drive from Castelmola, this vibrant town is a treasure trove of history and culture. The Private Sicilian Journey offers an immersive experience, guiding you through the heart of Taormina’s most iconic sites. From the bustling Corso Umberto, lined with luxury boutiques and charming shops, to the awe-inspiring Greek Theater, every step is a journey through time.

The afternoon sun casts a golden glow over Piazza IX Aprile, a prime spot for capturing stunning photographs. As you stand on the terrace, the view of the azure sea below is a reminder of Sicily’s timeless beauty. A review from October 12, 2024, highlights the magic of this tour:

The ONLY Way To Tour Sicily!! - My wife and I booked a private tour a couple months before our cruise for Messina Sicily. It just seems silly to be part of a large tour group where you are crowded on a bus and restricted to time and what you can see. We had 1st class service from our driver Daniel, and tour guide Ghazal for the entire day. They took us to so many great places, and a wonderful restaurant for lunch with an unbelievable view. On top of all this we were in charge of our day and what we wanted to do. No doubt we were able to get in 2 days worth of touring vs a group tour. HIGHLY recommend booking a private tour when you are in Messini Sicily Italy!!

Evening Reflections by the Sea

As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow over the landscape, the day in Castelmola draws to a close. The evening is a time for reflection, as you find a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the sea. The gentle breeze carries the scent of the ocean, mingling with the distant sound of laughter from nearby cafes.

For those who wish to extend their day of exploration, the Scenic Tour offers a return journey to Messina, where you can savor the local delicacies of arancini, granita, or cannoli. As you make your way back, the view of Isola Bella from “the balcony” is a fitting end to a day filled with discovery and delight. A review from September 11, 2024, perfectly encapsulates the experience:

A Perfect Day Tour - Such an amazing tour! Angelo perfectly arranged everything and his communication leading up to the tour was also fantastic. While I enjoy cruising I’m not a fan of ship sponsored excursions and always arrange my own after significant research. Still some go smoother than others but this tour was smooth from start to finish. Our group of 6 was picked up at the pier and Angelo was exactly where he said he would be. He customized our tour and our group was able to experience exactly what I requested. We enjoyed a boat tour to the 3 caves passing by Isola Bella with ample time to swim. We also visited Castelmola with breathtaking views of the sea and Mt. Etna as well as Toarmina. Angelo was accompanied by an English speaking guide, Alexandra, who explained several historic landmarks to us. They treated us to cannoli in Castelmola and local granite (Sicilian ice cream) in Messina before returning us timely to the pier. His van was clean, comfortable, air conditioned and he always had cold bottles of water waiting for us which was appreciated on a hot day. We were able to experience so much of beautiful Messina and the surrounding area in a day.

In Castelmola, the beauty of slow travel is not just a concept but a way of life. As you journey through this enchanting region, the memories you create will linger long after the sun has set, leaving you with a longing to return to the serene embrace of Sicily’s springtime charm.