Aeolian Islands Day Trip from Taormina: Stromboli and Panarea

Explore the volcanic islands of Panarea and Stromboli in the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Archipelago, on a day trip from Taormina. After traveling by motorboat to each island, enjoy free time to swim in their crystalline waters or amble around their villages. Savor a light dinner on board the boat, and then cruise around Stromboli to see the island's volcano at its bombastic best. A crater called Sciara del Fuoco is easily visible from the water, so look out for its frequent jet-like eruptions lighting up the night sky!

Leave central Taormina by air-conditioned coach and relax on the 1-hour journey north to the Port of Milazzo, just west of Messina. Hop aboard a motorboat and speed through the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to Panarea in the Aeolian Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Small yet stunning, the island of Panarea is a picture-perfect delight boasting a tiny whitewashed village surrounded by pristine beaches. Enjoy some free time to explore, perhaps shopping in the village's quaint stores or relaxing on the beaches. You can also use the time to enjoy lunch at a local cafe; ask your host for tips!

Return to the port at the pre-arranged time and cruise across the water to Stromboli, an island named after its active volcano. Spend time at leisure in Stromboli village, admiring its black lava-sand beach and pretty houses decked with vibrant flowers. After watching the sun set over the steaming volcano, head back to port and enjoy a light dinner on board your boat.

Then, it's time for your evening's highlight: a boat ride around the island to see Stromboli's volcanic activity. Cruise until you reach a clear spot for viewing Sciara del Fuoco, where the most dramatic lava eruptions take place.

Small eruptions and detonations occur frequently (usually around every half hour), so have your camera ready to capture bright explosions of liquid lava and rocks propelled into the air, against the backdrop of the night sky.

After watching one of Sicily's best natural fireworks displays, cruise back to the Port of Milazzo, and then return to central Taormina by coach.

Please note: The listed price does not include a 1.50 euro eco tax, payable on leaving the Port of Milazzo. The fee is required by the port and is not within our control.

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Taormina Shore Excursion: Taormina and Mt Etna Day Trip

While you're in port in Taormina, your private driver will chauffeur you along the fabulous Sicilian coast to discover Taormina and Mt Etna. On this full-day private shore excursion, see one of the world's most active volcanoes -- the majestic and fascinating Mt Etna. Then, experience the charming town of Taormina and visit its ancient theater and the Palazzo Corvaja. As you travel through these exquisite coastal landscapes and explore at your own pace, you'll get to experience a taste of Southern Italy.

When your cruise ship docks in Taormina, head off on a shore excursion to see the best of the Sicilian coast. Admire the majestic Mt Etna, which was considered by the Ancient Greeks to be the realm of Vulcan -- the Italian god of fire. Unpredictable and ever changing, this mountain rises well over 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) above sea level, making it the second-highest mountain in Western Europe, after Mont Blanc in the Alps.

Next, pass through the town of Giarre before arriving at the Crateri Silvestri. Explore the strange lunar landscape and be sure to take photos of this spectacular place. Next, your driver will take you to one of Sicily's most beautiful places - Taormina. This charming town has been a world-famous resort since the end of the 19th century. Known for its unspoiled natural beauty and climate, the inhabitants have preserved their local culture and ancient history.

Enjoy a delicious lunch (own expense) at a charming outdoor cafe and taste some of the local specialties. See the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, built by the Greeks during the 3rd century BC. Look out over the magnificent Bay of Naxos and Mt Etna before visiting the Palazzo Corvaja. This palace, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, is named after one of the oldest and most famous families of Taormina, who owned it from 1538 to 1945, and represents several different architectural styles: Arab, Gothic and Norman.

At the end of your day, your driver will bring you back to your ship at the Port of Taormina.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:

We will ensure your timely return to the Taormina port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

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