Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Departing from your ship, you'll board your comfortable motorcoach for your exciting narrated drive throughout the city of Messina for city orientation tour passing major sights & venues of city. Be sure to see the Statue of Neptune, Montorsoli's 16th century statue of that depicts the Roman God of the Sea, Neptune, in the act of separating Sicily from the mainland. You'll motor along northern coast to reach Cape Peloro. Continue through villages of Ganzirri & Faro & small salt water lakes used for growing mussels. After a short stop for photos return to Messina. Referred to as "the door of Sicily," this bustling town has a complex history with roots in Greek mythology. Due to an earthquake in the early 1900s, it's a relatively young city architecturally since the majority of the city has been rebuilt or refurbished within the last 100 years. Still, you'll be able to see that there is an interesting blend of new architecture and old styles as you ride through Messina's major streets.

As you travel toward Cathedral Square, you'll stop at Cristo Re to take in the breath-taking city views from this scenic overlook. Be sure to bring your camera!

There is so much to behold within the Piazza del Duomo before you take in the cathedral itself. Stroll over to the Fontana di Orione in the center of the piazza, toss in a coin and make a wish. The pre-baroque-style polygonal fountain by Montorsoli boasts a statue of Orion, one of the mythical founders of Messina and was built to commemorate Messina's aqueduct and symbolizes the four rivers: the Tiber, Nile, Ebore and Camaro.

The Cathedral itself is quite the site to explore. Built in the 12th century by order of Henry VI of Hohenstauffen, the cathedral had to be reconstructed after a 1908 earthquake, yet it still retains its medieval lines. The façade features three 16th-century entry doors and a 180-foot high bell tower that holds the world's largest astronomical clock. You'll want to stick around, and see how some of the clock's mechanical figures come to life every quarter hour, with a grand display every afternoon at the strike of twelve. Then, venture inside and visit the spectacular church treasury. You'll find the centuries worth of the gifts donated as tokens of faith by kings and peasants alike. Among the many spectacular art pieces is a superb golden mantle in honor of the Madonna.

You'll have free time to shop for mementos, including Caltagirone and Santo Stefano ceramics, before climbing back aboard your motorcoach for the relaxing ride back to your ship.