Ancient Theater of Taormina

Pre-book your entry ticket to the Ancient Theater of Taormina and enjoy the added perk of skip-the-line entry privileges. Take a stirring journey through the archaeological ruins and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. After the one of Syracusa, the Ancient Theater of Taormina is the largest building for shows in the Italian Peninsula. The archaeological site offers the opportunity to step back into the past as well as enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes. The Greek building, built in a dominant position, dates back, by layout, to the III-II century B.C., but the monument you can admire today appears in the forms acquired in the roman imperial age under the emperor Trajan or Hadrian. It becomes an amphitheater under the emperor Caracalla and, in the same period, the orchestra was converted into an arena to host gladiator fights. After centuries of neglect, in 1465, part of the monument was used as a palace of residence of the Zumbo family.

Visit the Ancient Theater of Taormina with this guided tour and enjoy the added perk of skip-the-line entry privileges. Take a journey through the archaeological ruins and learn the history. Step back into the past with a visit to the Ancient Theater of Taormina. After the one of Syracusa, the Ancient Theater of Taormina is the largest building for shows in the Italian Peninsula. Learn about the Greek building that dates back to the 3rd-2nd century BCE. See how the Romans under Emperor Trajan and Hadrian changed the monument/ Discover the amphitheatre and orchestra, converted under Emperor Caracalla and hear tales of gladiator fights during this period.

Embark on a fascinating cultural adventure in Sicily and discover 3 charming towns on a day trip from Catania. Marvel at the picturesque streets if Savoca, Taormina, and Castelmola, and visit their most remarkable landmarks. Enjoy a delicious lunch of typical products. Start your experience, being picked up from your local accommodation by a comfortable 8 seat air conditioned vehicle. The first stop of your Sicilian trip will be Savoca, a characteristic medieval town. Visit one of the fascinating catacombs of the Cappuccini convent which hosts the mummified bodies of monks and nobles from Savoca. Next, visit bar Vitelli, famously known as the bar from the film "The Godfather", where you can taste delicious Sicilian granita and look at photos which were taken during the shooting of the film. Then, travel to the second town on the tour, the majestic Taormina. Visit the Greek Theatre, or one of the major ancient sites in Sicily which offers a unique panoramic view of the sea and Mount Etna. Walking along Corso Umberto, you can also visit the Cathedral and enjoy the stunning view of Capo Taormina bay. While in Taormina, enjoy a rich brunch made of a delicious products from the Sicilian culinary tradition, water and red Etna wine (included in the price). Afterwards, arrive at the final stop, Castelmola, a characteristic medieval suburb suspended between the sky and the sea. Enjoy a fantastic view of Etna on one side and the Ionian sea on the other, then, from Sant’Antonio square, begin your walk through the alleys. Around the small streets, it’s possible to see quaint shops that sell souvenirs, laces, and embroideries made by locals women.  Finally, visit Bar Turrisi for a coffee or some almond wine, a typical Sicilian dessert wine.

Speed across the Mediterranean Sea as you take a day trip from Malta to Sicily by catamaran. Once there, enjoy a bus tour to Mount Etna as you spend a day getting under the skin of the island's history and culture. Hop on board the catamaran at the terminal and enjoy a relaxing crossing to Italy. Once there, enjoy a guided bus trip to Mount Etna, the island's most quintessential sight. Be wowed by the largest and most active volcano in Europe on as climb to the crater through picturesque villages and an ever changing landscape. Admire the scenery as you travel through forests of chestnut trees which gradually give way to oak, beech, birch and pine. After the volcano, explore Taormina, a peaceful panoramic resort perched on a hilltop. Stroll on its main street, the elegant Corso Umberto, with its cafés, restaurants and boutiques.

“To a man who had to spend only one day in Sicily and asked what to visit, I would undoubtedly answer "Taormina" [...] To see the Greek theater and watch the sunset. The latter is so wonderfully located that there cannot be another place in the whole world comparable to it!” Thus wrote the writer and traveler of the Grand Tour Guy de Maupassant at the end of the 19th century. The original building of the theater dates back to the III century. BC, a period in which the ancient Taormina, called "Tauromenion" was still a Greek city, but its current appearance is that of a Roman theater. The greatest imprint was in fact left by the renovations of the II-III century. A.D. There were also numerous subsequent renovations that transformed it first into an arena and then into a noble palace. The uniqueness of the place and its incomparable beauty have preserved its vitality intact.

For those traveling to Sicily, Syracuse is not to be missed. Once the most important city in Magna Graecia, it defeated the mighty Athens in 413 and was home to many a great Greek, including the inimitable Archimedes. At the height of its economic, political, and military power, the city had a population of 300,000 and, according to Cicero, was "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” Join a full-day guided bus tour of this great city, which includes a visit to its archaeological sites as well as the island of Ortygia. First, visit the archaeological site, which is situated in the northwest of the town and is home to a staggering number of well-preserved Greek and Roman remains. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theater, which dates back at least until the 5th Century BC. Its cavea is amongst the largest ever built, its 59 rows could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators (there will be a theater set on the archaeological site during summer). Just over the ridge from the theater, you will see the old stone quarries where today there grows a fragrant lemon orchard. Also, visit the famous Ear of Dionysius, a 20m-high, slender pointed arch cut into the rock face about 65m deep. The rock was once used by Dionysius the Tyrant as a prison for his bitterest enemies. After stopping by the Roman amphitheater, continue on to the Archaeological Museum, which contains a great collection of exhibits from all over the Syracuse area. Spend the second half of your day wandering around the beautiful island of Ortygia. It may be a small island, but it's packed with over 2,500 years of history. Architectural styles vary widely, encompassing Greek and Roman remains, Medieval Norman buildings, and a great deal of understated Baroque visible in the main cathedral. In the afternoon, take a break to relax in one of the island's many restaurants, trattorias or bars, as you take in the sights of the lagoon.

Starting from Piazza Duomo (Catania) you will go in the direction of Taormina, making a stop in the Bay of Isola Bella ( in the summer you will have the opportunity to swim in this wonderful nature reserve) finally you can walk through the streets of the charming old town of Taormina, where there are monuments of great artistic and cultural interest: Ancient Theatre, Cathedral Fortress (dumo), Clock Tower, Palazzo Corvaja, Piazza IX Aprile etc... -Experience a complete tour through history and nature, visiting Isola Bella flagship of Taormina and the famous Ancient Theatre, architectural gem. -Enjoy freely visiting the places you love at your own pace. -Discover the disarming beauty of Isola Bella and the panoramic view from Castelmola and Taormina all over the coast. -Surprise yourself by visiting the village of Castelmola, among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

To a man who had to spend only one day in Sicily and asked what to visit, I would undoubtedly answer "Taormina" [...] To see the Greek theater and watch the sunset. The latter is so wonderfully located that there cannot be another place in the whole world comparable to it!” Thus wrote the writer and traveler of the Grand Tour Guy de Maupassant at the end of the 19th century. The original building of the theater dates back to the III century. BC, a period in which the ancient Taormina, called "Tauromenion" was still a Greek city, but its current appearance is that of a Roman theater. The greatest imprint was in fact left by the renovations of the II-III century. A.D. There were also numerous subsequent renovations that transformed it first into an arena and then into a noble palace. The uniqueness of the place and its incomparable beauty have preserved its vitality intact. A smart audio guide, directly on your cell phone, will guide you to discover the city's most important archaeological evidence.

Wander beautiful Taormina on a guided walking tour. Visit the town's sights, including Porta Catania, Public Gardens, and the ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater. Walk the smallest street in Europe on Viccolo Stretto. Stroll through picturesque Taormina high above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna looming in the distance. Walk the charming Corso Umberto I. Visit the stunning ancient amphitheater for some unforgettable views. Enjoy a walk in the Public Gardens amid a dazzling array of flourishing plant life. Discover the town's history with a knowledgeable guide.

Experience the magic of the Sicilian resort of Taormina, and discover why it is called the “Pearl of the Mediterranean” on a walking tour tailored just for you. Avoiding the crowds as much as possible, the half-day tour typically starts at Catania Gate, the main entrance to Corso Umberto, an elegant shopping street of boutique stores and chic restaurants. Continue to the 13th-century cathedral on Piazza del Duomo, and wander into the narrow streets of the Jewish Ghetto. Panoramic views are offered from IX April Square and the Clock Tower, while other enchanting sights include the 10th-century Palazzo Corvaja and the façade of the San Domenico cloister, now a beautiful 5-star hotel. Go to the Greek-Roman Theater for sweeping vistas of the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The view of Monte Tauro and Castelmola add to the charm. You will be following in the footsteps of Wagner, Oscar Wilde, Cary Grant, Ingmar Bergmann, and many more celebrities that fell in love with Taormina to help put it on the map.