Best Messina (Taormina) shore excursions
The top-rated independent excursion in Messina (Taormina) is "Messina: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour" (4.6★ from 91 reviews, from $56). The biggest saving against the ship is city / island tour: $92 per person less than NCL. Prices and ratings checked November 2026.
Ranked from real traveller ratings: each tour's star rating weighted by how many reviews it has, so a 4.9 with 3,000 reviews beats a 5.0 with 25. Only tours we matched to a tour type in Messina (Taormina) are included.
Top-rated independent excursions
| # | Tour | From | Rating | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Messina: Guided City Highlights Walking TourCity / island tour | $56 | 4.6★91 reviews | 5/5 |
| 2 | Messina: Street Food Walking Tour & Astronomical Clock ShowFood & tasting | $78 | 4.9★64 reviews | 5/5 |
| 3 | Taormina: Sicilian Full Meal & Drinks Walking Food TourFood & tasting | $99 | 4.9★52 reviews | 5/5 |
| 4 | Messina: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class at a Local's HomeFood & tasting | $99 | 4.9★55 reviews | 5/5 |
| 5 | Messina Street Food Tour - Small Group with a LocalFood & tasting | $66 | 4.9★23 reviews | 5/5 |
Best value against the ship
| Tour type | Line | Ship | Independent | Saving for 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City / island tour | NCL | $148 | $56 | $368 |
| Food & tasting | NCL | $187 | $99 | $352 |
| Beach break / beach club | NCL | $138 | $73 | $260 |
Without a tour: near the pier
- Messina Cathedral: ~5 min walk (414 m).
The terminal is in the centre of Messina. Taormina is about an hour south along the coast.
Questions
What is the best excursion in Messina (Taormina)?
On ratings, "Messina: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour" leads with 4.6 stars from 91 reviews. On value, city / island tour saves the most against the ship ($92 per person).
What is the cheapest well-rated excursion in Messina (Taormina)?
"Messina: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour" from $56 per person (4.6★, 91 reviews).
What can you do in Messina (Taormina) without booking an excursion?
Within about 20 minutes of the pier: Messina Cathedral (~5 min walk).
All Messina (Taormina) prices and pier guide · NCL in Messina (Taormina)